At recent CFS AGMs, a number of local CFS members from across the region were recognised with life memberships to the organisation.
Among them were, Steve Elliot, Williamstown; John Richardson, Eden Valley; Cynthia Richardson, Eden Valley; Chris Steinert, Eden Valley and Grant Kelly, Springton.
Their years of service are outlined below:

Mr. Steve Elliot, Williamstown

Life membership is an award given to those members who have served a minimum of 20 years and who have gone above and beyond in serving their brigade and community.
Although it is a CFS Life Membership, it has its origins within the Brigade and community in which it has been earned.
Back in 2003, Steve Elliott went along to a training night at Williamstown and he must have liked what he saw because he stayed!
Over the years Steve has done just about all the training courses that were available to him except of course HAZMAT! And back then it wasn't as hard to get on courses as it is now.
Due to his ability and his drive to serve his community in the best way possible, Steve put his hand up for many roles within the Brigade from committee member to cadet co-ordinator and training officer.
During this time he was rising through the ranks, spending two years as a senior, six years as a lieutenant and finally 12 years as Captain.
Over the years, he has attended over 710 call outs, which is a conservative number as his first five years are not listed.
Steve has also been on interstate deployments to Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania and was awarded the National Emergency Medal for the 2019/2020 bushfire season.
Contributed by Leigh Goodman.

WILLIAMSTOWN BRIGADE AGM AUGUST 13, 2025

John Richardson, Eden Valley
Joined Eden Valley CFS as a Fire Fighter in 1997.
Held positions of:
- Brigade Assistant Training Coordinator.
- Brigade FFU Coordinator.
- Group I&L representative.
- Chair R2 I&L committee (current).
- Group FFU Liaison (current).

Held rank of:
- Brigade Captain - 22 years

Has attended 341 incidents since 2008.
Was awarded the National Medal in 2014 for 15 years of active and dedicated service to the CFS.
Was awarded the National Emergency Medal in 2022 for active service during the 2019/2020 bushfire season.
Has accumulated a total of 28 years of dedicated service to the CFS.

Cynthia Richardson, Eden Valley
Joined Eden Valley CFS as Operational Support member in 1999.
Held positions of:
- Brigade Administrative Coordinator for 20 years.
- Brigade Finance Coordinator for four years.
- Radio operator for 20 years.

Has attended 182 incidents since 2008.
Was awarded the 20 year clasp to the CFS service medal in 2020.
Has accumulated a total of 26 years of dedicated service to the CFS.

Chris Steinert, Eden Valley
Joined Eden Valley CFS as a Fire Fighter in 1999.
Held positions of:
- Brigade Truck Driver for 26 years.

Held rank of:
- Brigade Lieutenant - 16 years
- Senior Fire Fighter - three years.

Has attended 211 incidents since 2008.
Was awarded the National Medal in 2015 for 15 years of active and dedicated service to the CFS.
Has accumulated a total of 26 years of dedicated service to the CFS.

Grant Kelly, Springton
Joined Springton CFS as a Fire Fighter in 1991.

Held positions of:
- Brigade Health and Safety Rep two years.
- Brigade Logistics Coordinator two years.

Held rank of:
Brigade Captain - 19 years.
Lieutenant – 11 years.

Has attended 477 incidents since 2008.

Was awarded the National Medal in 2006 for 15 years of active and dedicated service to the CFS.
Was awarded the National Emergency Medal in 2022 for active service during the 2019/2020 bushfire season.
Has accumulated a total of 34 years of dedicated service to the CFS.