Stoney Creek Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade turned 30 in 2004. Guests at the Anniversary Dinner included four of our six new Life Members, past and present members, local dignitaries and senior representatives from the Rural Fire Service. We were privileged to share the evening with fellow fire fighters from the Brindabella Brigade, who also marked the induction of a Life Member.
Over 110 guests were entertained by reminiscences of the past, and encouraged to look to the future.

Long-serving member, Graeme Clifton, reminded us of where we came from and of the people who helped to get us where we are today. His memories of the last 3 decades included the building of our fire-shed, the devastating fires that struck our own area in 1985, the human cost of what we do and the funny side of what happens when people from different backgrounds come together for a single purpose.

Local Member of Parliament, Steve Whan, congratulated the Brigade for its long history (and having managed to keep the Brigade Minutes intact for 30 years!), and thanked the volunteers for their efforts to keep the community safe. Our Keynote Speaker for the evening, Rural Fire Services Commissioner, Phil Koperburg, shared reminiscences from his early days and reminded us just how far both the Brigade and the RFS itself have come in the last 30 years. The Commissioner also recognised the Stoney Creek Brigade's focus on training, safety and community education. All through the evening, our Life Members were recognised as having contributed so much to the Brigade. It was a highlight to have the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of the Rural Fire Services present certificates to mark the occasion.

Joining our existing Life Member (Boyd Roberts) were Bill Baggett, Graeme Clifton, Bill Breen, Peter Dale, Mike Hillman and Neil Donoghue. It was a good excuse to get people together, for new members to meet their predecessors and for old friends to catch up.

As always, the evening would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of local organisations and hard work of the Committee. Our very sincere thanks goes to:

* Cash sponsors Country Energy, Caltex Queanbeyan, Amey Bros, Kentip Limousines (Carwoola Chauffeured Limousines), O'Sullivan's Waste, AAA Water Cartage, and Mr Duffy
* Sponsors of the door prizes: Fyshwick Outdoor Power Centre and Stihl Chainsaws, Sears Workwear, Tu Tu Tango Restaurant, and Magnet Mart
* Support Those who provided flair to the evening: Botanics on Jardine for the lovely flowers, The Cheesecake Shop Queanbeyan for the 30th Anniversary Cake, and the very helpful staff at the Tigers Club who put on a great dinner for us
* Behind-the-scenes our people were led by President Deirdre Smith and Vice-President Margie McComb