By REBECCA BILLS
FIREFIGHTERS at Belgrave CFA are gearing up for their 31st annual art show.
With more than 350 pieces from local and national artists from around Victoria on show and for sale at the event, the community is being welcomed to come and participate in supporting the brigade.
The brigade uses the art show as its major fundraising event of the year.
Belgrave firefighter George Harmon said this year’s raised funds will go towards purchasing an additional tanker and other essential equipment to benefit the local community.
“The CFA recently replaced our 18-year-old tanker with a new one due to the risk and exposure that we have in the Dandenongs,” he said.
“However, the way firefighting goes these days is that they use strike teams and, for example, any tanker can be pulled out to be used in fighting a fire at any time across Victoria.
“This only leaves us with a littler vehicle that holds 500 litres of water to use if something happens close to us so that is why we are raising money for an additional tanker that will always remain in the Belgrave area.”
Mr Harmon said the annual art show has created a very reputable name within the arts world.
“We have works by famous and not so famous artists with the art covering a wide range of mediums,” he said.
“There are a few that sell for two to three thousand dollars however most are very affordable and of excellent quality.
“We now have works from artists that have been shown here for 10 to 20 years – it’s really wonderful.”
The Belgrave Fire Brigade Art Show will commence with a Champagne opening on Friday 6 June from 7.30pm which also includes a presentation of awards to various artist.
The opening costs $12, however its free entry to the show from the rest of the show running from 10am to 4pm from 7 to 9 June at Belgrave Fire Station, Bayview Road, Belgrave.
