City of Gosnell's remembers past Volunteers
The passing of long time SES volunteer member Phil Petersen ESM highlighted the need for a place of reflection/remembrance for past members of the Gosnells State and Emergency and City of Gosnells Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, without creating individual memorials. The Gosnells EOC is also located opposite Bowra & O’dea memorial groves, which has many visitors throughout the year, with limited seating options available to those visitors, so the idea of a community bench was created.
A City of Gosnells Community Arts grant was applied for and approved ($1,900), to enable the design, construction and installation of a community reflection bench. Resin Eight Natural Wood Designs (a former volunteer) was commissioned to design and construct the bench, whilst the BFB provided an old wooden ladder for the backrest.
The final bench incorporates the BFB and SES logos in the legs, helmets for both and a small plaque (still to come) in the centre of the ladder. It was unveiled at the City’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Event during National Volunteer Week with the Mayor and several Councillors in attendance and has now been installed at the front of the EOC.
