Awarm tribute has recently been paid in State Parliament to CFS stalwart Rex Hall who passed away in June at the age of 84.
His service to the CFS began in 1960 and he is perhaps best known for driving the creation of a South Australian firefighters’ museum and memorial in Naracoorte.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride told the House of Assembly that Mr Hall sought to honour the history of the CFS and preserve and protect memorabilia and vintage fire vehicles and this vision came to fruition in his town of Naracoorte.
Mr McBride said stage one of the museum was opened in 2020 but a second stage comprising a visitor and training centre and a conference facility is yet to be completed.
“Rex and his committee of volunteers were also the driving force behind the state’s first CFS memorial to honour volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Mr McBride said.
“This was opened in Naracoorte in 2016 and every year a memorial service is held.
“Rex was held in such high regard that dignitaries, including state and federal politicians, ministers and mayors, would attend.
“The memorial is hugely important, especially in regional communities.
“It represents the ultimate sacrifice made by enormously important volunteer CFS firefighters who dedicate their time to protect lives and infrastructure.
“Bushfires have and will continue to be a massive threat to our regions.
“I thank Rex for recognising the need for a memorial where we can pay our respects to those who, through their volunteering, paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities and our livelihoods.”
Mr McBride said the deceased had written six books since 2016 about fire-fighting and the CFS.
“His last book, Volunteer Fire Fighting in South Australia, was launched at his memorial service,” Mr McBride said.
“In 2022, his dedication to the CFS family was recognised when he received the South Australia CFS 60-year Service Medal, and in May Rex was awarded the first life membership of the South Australia Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum, a truly deserving honour.
“Over the past few years, Rex’s mobility decreased and, with that, his ability to undertake active roles in the CFS.
“However, he still loved to organise functions that brought people together.
“One of his last was a gathering in Nuriootpa for his fellow Australian Fire Service Medal recipients.
“Rex has left an enormous void in the South Australian Country Fire Service, but his legacy will live on in the South Australia Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum and in the CFS memorial.
“I thank Rex for his service to the community.”
