Wins forged in fire

By Paul Pickering
A FOOTHILLS fireman and a trailblazing dispute settlement mediator have been recognised in the latest round of Queen’s Birthday honours announced last week.
Having dedicated the past 40 years of his life to his work with the Country Fire Authority, a Fire Service Medal was humbling recognition for Upwey’s Brian Neal.
In his time as a career firefighter, Mr Neal has been at the forefront of developments in fire investigation, hazardous materials management and brigade training procedures.
After volunteering with Springvale Fire Brigade in 1967, he has found himself stationed all over Victoria – including Geelong, Dandenong, Bendigo, Belgrave and now Boronia.
Throughout the past 17 years, Mr Neal has continued to volunteer for the Upwey Fire Brigade despite his career commitments.
Mr Neal says that cutting his teeth as an investigator during the Ash Wednesday fires is one of his most vivid memories, yet it is the people that he meets in the job that he treasures most.
“In the fire brigade you see all types of people and that’s what makes it so good,” he said.
In recent years, Mr Neal’s focus has turned to teaching and procedure development, coordinating increasingly professional education and awareness programs.
While he is grateful for the recognition, Mr Neal says the real reward is in the knowledge that his work can protect his fellow firefighters and the broader community.
“If it saves one life down the track then it’s all worthwhile,” he said.
Ferntree Gully’s Teresa Zerella, on the other hand, has spent the past 20 years dousing the flames of conflict.
Ms Zerella’s Public Service Award is recognition for her role in the development and management of the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria in Lonsdale Street.
The government-run centre provides free mediation on a range of community disputes, such as conflicts between neighbours, clubs, companies and unions.
Ms Zerella, who is now the manager of the centre, said: “Rather than letting matters escalate into the court system, this is a mechanism to resolve disputes.
“Conflict is inevitable, but if you can get someone who is not emotionally involved it can be a bit of a clearing house.”
While Ms Zerella is keen to see more disputes diverted to mediation, she admits that her own family is sometimes reluctant to acknowledge her go-between skills.
“My kids always say: ‘Stop being the mediator mum’,” she says.
Ms Zerella has recently taken-up a position on the board of Knox Community Health Service, and is looking forward to serving her local community again.
She says the award is a great honour.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, and almost in awe of the thing.”