Events in 2021
For over 60 years, Warracknabeal Fire Brigade has been supporting the Good Friday Appeal with the help of their dedicated community, and their generosity stems much broader than a door knock.
Having raised over $523,000 since 1964, the brigade has been a strong contributor across CFA's 75-year connection to the Appeal.
Brigade members rattling tins in their yellows has become an iconic tradition within the town. This year they are hoping to grow their annual tally toward such a worthy cause beyond the $31,000 they raised last year. It is a cause that hits particularly close to home.
Warracknabeal firefighter and Appeal Area Manager Tennille Jonasson has been part of the brigade's fundraising efforts for 10 years, and said she looks forward to Good Friday for the collection activities more than the easter bunny.
"I really love getting together with the community to get behind the Good Friday Appeal and raise money for the kids," Tennille said.
"The community are great, and it's very rewarding. We've all had family members or friends' children who have used the services of the Royal Children's Hospital.
"My nephews have been in there and there are many kids we interact with out in the community who have too."
Because there are no traffic lights in the town, with no safe spot for traffic to stop, they have had to get creative.
Leading from the front, Tennille aims to mix things up each year – holding different activities to raise funds and awareness.
"Last year I organised an auction and we raised nearly $10,000 and we've also done an easter egg hunt based off the Amazing Race, called Beat the Bunny," Tennille said.
"We don't do any door knocking, but we do a lot of raffles and street collection.
"The trucks usually go around the streets in the afternoon of Good Friday, and we used to have members at certain street corners.
"In 2019, we raised more than $5,000 at one particular corner which was amazing."
As a passionate advocate for both the cause and the interaction the collection provides, Tennille said she keeps a tally of every total raised on each activity and every street.
While the brigade is gearing up for a big presence at the 2026 State Firefighter Championships in March, they are still finding the time to give their efforts to both events.
"It's been a busy start to the year, so although there won't be an auction this year, we will still have our annual raffle," Tennille said.
"We'll have the trucks out and have our members based at the Werrigar Roadhouse."
