IT WAS sad to hear about Chris Firns’ passing.
He was someone who always had Toodyay’s interests at heart.
I would like to record the following and express thanks for Chris’s actions on the first and following days of our catastrophic bushfire in 2009.
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As Toodyay Shire President, Chris played a leading role in the emergency recovery process working as the shire representative liaising with Julie Brown, the Emergency Welfare Officer with the Northam-based Department of Child Protection.
Chris worked tirelessly helping to organise food and emergency accommodation for evacuees and supported the volunteers during the long days that followed.
Those early days were crucial for providing immediate assistance.
Subsequently, the official Toodyay Bushfire Recovery Committee was set up with representatives of local and state government agencies, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and other groups.
As part of this, the Toodyay Bushfire Recovery Team was established, and co-ordinated by former shire councillor Charlie Wroth.
We owe a lot to Chris, Charlie, and all the volunteers, for the part they played in Toodyay’s ongoing recovery.
Dr Robyn Taylor
Professional Historian (MPHA)
Toodyay
