04/08/2026
On Saturday evening, the Tooradin Fire Brigade celebrated 80 years of serving our community. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history, recognise the dedication of our members, and celebrate those who continue to make our brigade what it is today.
A heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Every milestone represents countless hours of volunteering, training, fundraising, and being there when our community needed you most. Thank you also to everyone involved in organising such a memorable evening.
Among the many achievements recognised, one stands above all others.
70 years of service – Mr Ted Clay.
There are very few people who dedicate seven decades of their life to serving others. Ted joined the CFA as a young man, not long after the Tooradin Fire Brigade was established, and has remained a constant presence throughout generations of firefighters.
Over those 70 years, Ted has answered the call at many of Victoria’s most significant emergencies, including Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday, and countless other fires, storms and incidents that have shaped our state’s history.
His leadership extends far beyond Tooradin. Ted served as Group Officer for the former Cranbourne Group and became the inaugural Group Officer of what is now the Casey Group. As Captain of Tooradin Fire Brigade for more than two decades, he helped shape not only the brigade, but the culture of volunteer service that continues today.
Perhaps Ted’s greatest legacy isn’t measured in years, positions held or fires attended. It is the people he has influenced. Generations of firefighters, young community members and volunteers have benefited from his quiet guidance, steady leadership and willingness to share his knowledge.
The phrase “local legend” is often overused. In Ted’s case, it barely scratches the surface.
Across seven decades, there are families who returned home safely, communities that recovered, and volunteers who became leaders because Ted Clay was there. Many people—whether they realise it or not—owe a debt of gratitude to his service.
Despite everything he has achieved, Ted remains one of the most humble people you could ever hope to meet.
From everyone at Tooradin Fire Brigade, congratulations Ted on an extraordinary 70 years of dedicated volunteer service.
Thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our community.
What an incredible legacy.