By Tanya Faulkner
80 years of history has been set in stone in Boronia.
Sunday 13, August, marked the official unveiling of the Boronia CFA plaque on the corner of the Woolworths carpark, so their history is never lost.
It was a small but intimate gathering of Boronia CFA members, Knox Council representatives, local SES and community members.
Boronia CFA was officially started in 1942, after the government of the day decided to put fire stations in the suburbs, in case of enemy attack during World War II.
The station stayed at its Dorset Road location until it was then moved to Boronia Road in 1957, and would then move to its current location on Scoresby Road in 1998, where it stands today.
Bill Ireland, who has been the driving force behind the plaque’s creation, said the memory of the old Boronia CFA can live on in the community.
“It’s important that this history is never lost.
“We have plaques around the community of our first school, and our first post office, so it’s fitting to have the first fire station remembered,” he said.
Mr Ireland has been a member of the Boronia CFA for over 56 years, and is a member of the Knox Historical Society, which is home to some of the CFA’s relics including an old air raid siren and air raid helmets.
Despite not being an active member these days, he is still cherished by the local CFA and the wider community, who all sang his praises at the unveiling of the plaque.
City of Knox Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch said this plaque represents the long-standing commitment of the Boronia Fire station and the volunteers it has seen over the years.
“It’s a good way to commemorate the work they do, and the risks they take every day for our community.
“The community wouldn’t be what it is without them,” she said.
The plaque has a photo image of the original CFA engraved upon it, alongside the dates and original location, which will continue to be on display outside of the Woolworths Carpark at the Dorset road entrance.
