A landmark milestone for the Country Fire Authority
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) marked a historic milestone at the District 17 Headquarters Brigade awards ceremony in Horsham, recognising the extraordinary 70 years of volunteer service contributed by one outstanding member, Max Hateley. The event brought together more than 300 volunteer years to celebrate the dedication and resilience of CFA volunteers who play a vital role in protecting communities across Victoria.
Meet Max Hateley: a lifetime of fire service
Max Hateley began his volunteer journey as a teenager, stepping into the role with curiosity and a strong sense of community responsibility. Over seven decades, his commitment has grown into a career-long dedication to fire safety, community education, and mutual aid within the CFA network. His story mirrors the broader narrative of CFA volunteers who answer the call in times of need and invest countless hours in training, readiness, and service beyond personal obligations.
The ceremony and what it signified
The District 17 Headquarters Brigade awards presentation provided a fitting stage for recognising Max Hateley alongside other long-serving volunteers. The gathering highlighted the collective impact of volunteerism, with more than 300 volunteer years acknowledged across the attendees. The ceremony underscored the CFA’s reliance on volunteers to respond to emergencies, deliver essential community safety programs, and support regional families during fires and other crises.
Why long-standing service matters
Volunteering at scale is built on consistency, mentorship, and a culture of readiness. Individuals like Max Hateley demonstrate that sustained service can inspire new volunteers, strengthen teamwork, and ensure that CFA stations remain staffed and capable when incidents occur. The appreciation shown at the Horsham event reflects a broader recognition within the CFA community that years of experience translate into smarter responses, safer communities, and enduring trust between volunteers and the public they serve.
What this milestone means for the CFA and District 17
Marking 70 years of service is not just a personal achievement; it signals the ongoing importance of volunteerism to the CFA’s mission. District 17, which covers a diverse region, benefits from the continuity and leadership that veteran volunteers bring to training programs, incident command, and community engagement. The event also serves as a catalyst for sharing best practices, inspiring younger volunteers, and reinforcing the CFA’s commitment to inclusive, community-centred fire safety education.
Looking ahead
As the CFA continues to face evolving fire-weather patterns and increasing demand for community preparedness, the knowledge and resilience of long-serving volunteers remain invaluable. Mentorship, recruitment, and retention are high priorities, with stories like Max Hateley’s helping to attract new generations of volunteers who are ready to step forward in times of need. The Horsham ceremony demonstrated that every hour donated to CFA training, planning, and response strengthens the network that protects homes, farms, and towns across Victoria.
A final note of gratitude
Max Hateley’s 70-year milestone is a powerful reminder of what dedicated service can achieve. The CFA community, local families, and partner agencies celebrate not just one individual’s years of effort, but the enduring spirit of volunteerism that makes communities safer and more resilient year after year.
