Albert Parlett was one of the founding members of the Clandulla Bushfire Brigade and has been a dedicated volunteer since then, even in his later years contributing to the Catering Brigade and Communications Unit. 

Long service medals are presented to volunteers in recognition of 10 years of service, then clasps for each subsequent decade.

However for Albert a special top clasp had to be given because the medal ribbon just isn’t long enough for more clasps.

Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy said in his speech “when I read the notes and saw that there is a gentleman with 70 years of service, I thought that’s got to be a misprint”.

The Clandulla Bushfire Brigade came out of a meeting of residents in 1946, Albert was one of them and the only surviving foundation member of the brigade.

He has attended many fires during his time with the brigade, from small to large including major blazes in the 1950s one of which burned for over two weeks and involved a lucky escape for Albert and his crew when their vehicle caught fire. 

Roles he’s previously held include deputy captain, equipment officer and catering officer, the latter he was appointed to when he became unable to attend fires and still holds to this day at the age of 89.

He also joined the Communications Unit to add his skills and to become familiar with the equipment and has assisted with brigade fundraising and contributed in any capacity he can over the years including construction of the station and equipment maintenance.

Although arthritis has limited Albert’s ability to be involved as much as he would like to, he rarely misses a meeting and  is prepared to go to the shed and offer any assistance.

Outside of the RFS he has also been involved with the Clandulla Progress Assosication.

Albert said he never imagined he’d still be involved in the Brigade 70 years on but “I’ve always lived in the same area and I’ve still got the same reasons that I joined in the first place”.