General News
13 June, 2023
Bill passes on role after 30 years
AFTER 30 years as Cobden CFA brigade captain Bill Nelson is preparing to pass on the mantle.
AFTER 30 years as Cobden CFA brigade captain Bill Nelson is preparing to pass on the mantle.
He said he is stepping down from the role at the end of the month, with Dale Robertson taking on the position.
Mr Nelson said he believed it was time for a change after 30 years.
“I’m just stepping down from the captain’s role to let the next generation have a crack,” he said.
“I feel like it’s a good time, I just decided after 30 years it’s time.”
Mr Nelson’s involvement with the Cobden bridgade spans 50 years.
“I joined to be part of the competition running team in 1973,” he said.
“We’re a happy team, we get along well together – that’s the positive thing for me.”
Mr Nelson said there had been many changes within CFA in his time as a volunteer.
“Communication is the biggest thing that’s changed I think,” he said.
“We all used to be alerted to a call out by the landline and the siren.
“We all have pagers now, that’s been a big positive.
“The equipment is so much better too.”
Mr Nelson thanked the brigade for its support over the three decades as captain.
“Thank you to the volunteers for their support over the years, it is appreciated,” he said.
Mr Robertson said he was looking forward to taking on the role.
“We’re a good team, it will just follow on from what Bill’s done,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”
Mr Robertson said his own involvement with the Cobden CFA began when he started in the junior competition team at 11 years-old and progressed from there.
“The old man is a member, that’s what got me interested,” he said.
“I’ve been a lieutenant the last 10 years.”
Mr Robertson encouraged community members interested in joining the CFA to get in contact.
“Any people interested are welcome to come down to the station, we meet on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm,” he said.
