First responders to last year’s devastating Daylesford crash have been honoured one year after the horrific accident that claimed five lives on November 5, 2023.

Last Sunday, November 23 CFA dignitaries, including CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and board member Rosemary Martin, presented the distinguished unit citation for service to the Daylesford, Hepburn, Franklinford, and Musk fire brigades during a commemoration service marking the tragedy’s first anniversary.

Nineteen members of the Daylesford Fire Brigade, nine from Hepburn, one from Franklinford, and one from Musk also each received Individual unit citations for service recognising their outstanding service.

“This award honours not only the bravery and professionalism of our CFA volunteers during such a harrowing event but also their unwavering commitment to their communities,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.

“These volunteers worked under unimaginable conditions, demonstrating the very best of CFA’s values.

“This award is about appreciating the service of our members while also acknowledging the profound loss felt by the families and loved ones affected. We stand with you, as does this community.”

Daylesford Captain Glenn Webster, who also received a commendation for service alongside his citation, expressed immense pride in his fellow brigade members and the emergency responders who assisted.

“I’m in awe of what they did that day. They responded without hesitation and faced the most horrific scene you could imagine,” Mr Webster said.

“They worked professionally, did everything they could to assist the injured, and supported paramedics when they arrived. They were just outstanding.”

Reflecting on the wider impact, Mr Webster highlighted how the community rallied in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“On that terrible day one year ago, and in the days that followed, community was everything,” he said.

“They were fantastic – dropping off flowers to the brigade and even bringing meals on the night of the event because they knew we were exhausted.

“There was a great deal of kindness shown to us, and it’s a privilege to serve such a compassionate community.”

Turning his thoughts to the families impacted by the tragedy, Mr Webster offered a heartfelt message of support.

“They were not alone. They and you will forever remain a part of the extended family of this community.”

This story based on a media release from the CFA

Daylesford and Hepburn brigade members have met with CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan in recent days to highlight the importance of road crash rescue brigades and the vital work they do in the community.

This comes just four months after members attended a horrific incident where five people were killed outside a Daylesford pub.   

Recently the brigades did a road crash rescue demonstration, the extraction of a patient, and stepped the CFA Chief Officer through the process.  

Daylesford Fire Brigade Captain Glenn Webster said having a rescue unit adds a lot of pressure. 

“We do a lot of training, last month the brigade turned out to six serious car accidents, far more than usual,” he said. 

“Some years are busier than others. We have had a particularly busy year due to potholes in the road that have caused some driver distraction.” 

Speaking about the events of 5 November 2023, Glenn said they don’t generally train for mass casualty events like that one.   

“I was the officer in charge and tasked the team to split up, find someone who was conscious or was at least breathing and stay with them and keep them alive. Do what they could until more paramedics arrived. The team performed amazingly.” 

He said the days after were extremely difficult. 

“The team was wonderful. They attended public vigils, they attended church services, they held each other up. They held me up when I was struggling. I couldn’t ask for a better response from the brigade. They were amazing.” 

And the community rallied, even leaving the brigade flowers at the station and cooking for them.  

“It did take a while for the shock and pain to start to settle down, but I think the community is pretty much back to where it should be now.” 

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said rescue units play a vital part in keeping Victorians safe. 

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of road crashes and fatalities in Victoria. We are fortunate to have such dedicated rescue units like Daylesford, volunteers available day and night, to render assistance to anyone in a road crash,” he said. 

“I feel safe in the knowledge we have some of the best trained rescue operatives in this state should we ever need them.” 

CO Heffernan said he wanted to meet up with the brigades to share his gratitude for the hard work and dedication they perform for the community.  

“I also wanted to recognise the horrific accident that happened in the town that touched so many in the community. 

“The members have been doing it tough. It’s an opportunity for me to come along and say thank you on behalf of the community and also listen to them and continue to support them in their recovery.” 

The CFA has 21 road crash rescue brigades including Daylesford.