The City of Busselton has announced the reappointment of Allan Guthrie OAM as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
Mr Guthrie has served as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer for 35 years and has been a member of the Wilyabrup Bush Fire Brigade for 54 years. His experience, leadership and local knowledge continue to strengthen the City’s bushfire response and emergency management capability, the Council said in a statement.
The Council also supported the reappointment of Todd Johnson as Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and recognised outgoing Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Oscar Negus for his leadership and dedicated service.
The appointments coincide with the introduction of Senior Bush Fire Control Officer positions across the City’s volunteer Bush Fire Brigade network. The new roles are set to strengthen operational leadership and support succession planning for future generations of volunteer firefighters.
Mayor, Phill Cronin said Mr Guthrie’s long-standing service reflected an exceptional commitment to the safety and resilience of the community.
“Providing 54 years of service, including 35 years as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, is an extraordinary contribution to the community,” he said.
“The City is equally fortunate to have experienced leaders such as Todd continuing in key roles, and the City thanks Oscar for his invaluable service as Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
“Introducing Senior Bush Fire Control Officer positions is an important investment in developing future leaders and ensuring our volunteer brigades remain strong, capable and prepared.”
Mr Guthrie leads a volunteer network of 13 Bush Fire Brigades comprising around 380 active and auxiliary members, who provide critical firefighting capability across the City and throughout Western Australia.
With support from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Residents of Eagle Bay Association, the Council will host its next Community Emergency Preparedness Open Day, Bushfire Ready Together, on Sunday 25 October, from 1pm to 3pm at the Eagle Bay Bush Fire Brigade on Fern Road, Eagle Bay.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. I encourage residents to come along, meet their local volunteers and emergency services personnel, and learn practical steps they can take to be bushfire ready,” Mayor Cronin said.
