Rotary’s Jeanette Harris organised the event and was excited to present a cheque to Benalla CFA group officer Phil Rees on Wednesday, May 27.
Mr Rees said the funds would go towards the purchase of thermal imaging cameras.
“Those will be distributed to the 19 brigades in the group,” he said.
“In Benalla group there are 835 volunteers, 550 of them are active firefighters, who this donation will help.”
Mrs Harris said the quiz night was held at Benalla’s Lakeside Community Centre, and was filled with plenty of laughs, friendly competition and strong community spirit, with locals turning out in force to support the volunteer firefighters who give so much to the region.
“Guests enjoyed a fun and challenging trivia competition, along with raffles, auctions and great camaraderie throughout the evening,” she said.
“The support we received was simply amazing.
“Our local brigades are always there for our community — during fires, emergencies and times of need.
“This was our opportunity to give something back and acknowledge the incredible work our volunteers do.”
Mrs Harris said the Rotary club was thrilled with the final result, raising more than $10,000.
“Events like this don’t happen without community support,” she said.
“We sincerely thank everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored the night, volunteered their time and helped make it such a wonderful success.
“And special thanks are extended to the many local businesses, organisations and individuals whose sponsorships and donations helped make the event possible.
“The funds raised will directly support the Benalla and district fire brigades and their ongoing work protecting local communities.”
Mr Rees said the thermal imaging cameras that this donation would help fund played a vital, life-saving role in firefighting.
“With chimney fires, for example, wood might still be burning perhaps in behind the chimney,” he said.
“So we need that technology to be able to see hot-spots.
“And it makes the residents comfortable to go back in your house because we can show them physically on the camera that there are no hot-spots left within their home.”
Mr Rees said thermal imaging cameras had virtually unlimited uses, from house fires to car accidents and everything in between.
“We are just overwhelmed by this donation,” he said.
“We wouldn’t be able to get this sort of funding without Rotary doing this for us.
“So we’re totally indebted to Rotary.”
The successful evening highlighted the strength of the Benalla community and what can be achieved when people come together for an important local cause.
Mrs Harris presented the cheque to Mr Rees outside the Jack Harrison Benalla Local Command Facility.
Mr Rees said this was apt as Mr Harrison, who passed away in 2024, was not only one of the hardest working CFA volunteers Benalla had seen, he was also an active member of Rotary.
“Jack would be rapt by this donation,” he said.
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