Made his Marke

By CASEY NEILL
UPWEY Fire Brigade stalwart Peter Marke was “extremely honoured” to receive one of 34 Australian Fire Service Medals in yesterday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List – and was quick to share the accolade around.
“It’s not only recognition of my efforts but everyone who’s supported me over the past 53 years,” he said. “It’s great for the brigade.”
The 69-year-old was shocked when told he’d receive the honour and doesn’t yet know who nominated him.
“It’s on the job list for next week,” he laughed.
Mr Marke’s award citation said he’d been an “outstanding leader and volunteer firefighter” with the brigade and CFA and had served the Victorian community and CFA with distinction.
It said he’d used his “exceptional and practical zeal” to advance his crew’s skills and emergency response capacity, and his “exceptional leadership qualities” had directly and positively influenced his brigade and others to help build resilient communities.
Mr Marke was born and bred in Upwey and officially joined his older brothers in the brigade on his 16th birthday, but his involvement dated back much further.
“I was the mascot for the fire brigade when I was a toddler,” he said.
“I used to ride down there on my three-wheeler.
“Having lived here all of your life you develop a strong sense of community and pride in your town.”
The man known as Mr Upwey served as the brigade’s captain for 35 years before stepping down in November 2008. But he remains a significant part of the crew through mentoring and publicity roles, and attending daytime callouts when he can.
“I’ll be a bit of the furniture for some time yet,” he said.
He’s seen the brigade undergo significant changes during his five decade-involvement.
The biggest and hardest to manage was improvements to safety and skills training following the deaths of five firefighters battling a blaze in Linton in 1998.
“It was a difficult process for the older heads like myself,” he said.
“But that goes with the territory. You’ve got to accept change.”
Mr Marke said his time with the brigade was “tremendously rewarding” and he was particularly proud to see a new generation of CFA volunteers stepping up to secure the brigade’s future.
He said the brigade had excellent resources, equipment, and members, and support from its community.
“We’re recognised as a prominent brigade,” he said.
In September 2009 Upwey Fire Brigade members presented him with an honour board outlining his 50-year contribution and service to their team and the community.
This followed an Upwey Township Group accolade in April 2008. The group – one of three township groups he started in 1992 during his time as a Shire of Sherbrooke councillor – installed a plaque in the town centre to acknowledge his work for the community.
Mr Marke has also received the Australian Government Centenary Medal, Queens Medal, National Medal, and an Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce said those individuals on this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List represented what was most important and unifying in Australian life.
“These awards recognise shining examples of men and women who display the finest community values of respect and giving, dedication and commitment,” she said.