Jim’s spectacular farewell with 26 CFA vehicles marking his 26 years at the top

By Simon Ruppert

Jun 26, 2023

Celebrated: Brigades from across the region were at Winton Motor Raceway on Sunday, June 25, to honour Benalla CFA Group Officer Jim Renkin who is retiring from the role after 26 years. Photo: Alan Neander Photo by Alan Neander

When Jim Renkin stepped in to the role of Benalla CFA Group Officer in 1997 he could not have imagined his farewell from the role 26 years later.

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When colleagues found out he planned to step aside this year they decided a fitting send-off was called for.

So, on Sunday, June 25, members from across the region got out of bed and faced the cold, alongside 26 CFA vehicles, at Winton Motor Raceway.

Each vehicle representing one year of service in the role — the top job in Benalla’s CFA.

However Jim’s service to CFA began well before the late 90s, starting out with Swanpool CFA as a 17-year-old, following in his father’s footsteps many years before.

His replacement, with just 24 years service to CFA, is Phil Rees, who said he was pleased to hear that Jim would be staying on as Deputy Group Officer.

“It does not seem like 26 years,” Jim said.

“I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”

Jim said he had loved every day, and puts that down to the CFA members he worked with.

“It’s all these people here today. They’re the CFA. I’m just the one who takes all the credit,” he said.

He said his dad was actually the first Captain of Swanpool CFA which made him and his brother very keen to join.

“I’m handing the reins to Phil Rees. He’ll do a very good job. He’s a people’s person, a good operator and I’ll be there to support him,” he said.

Jim also confirmed that he would be joined in his role of Benalla Deputy Group Officer by the first woman to hold the position.

“That’s Helen Bromley, and she’ll do a great job,” he said.

“One of the things I’m most proud about, that happened on my watch, is the amount of female members we now have.

“When I first started there wouldn’t have been one woman in CFA.”

Show of respect: There were 26 CFA vehicles at Winton Motor Raceway on June 25, one for every year Jim Renkin has been Benalla Group Officer. Photo Alan Neander Photo by Contributed

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was also in attendance and spoke to the garthered CFA members about Jim’s service.

“Jim Renkin is a remarkable individual who has dedicated the vast majority of his life to this community, particularly through his incredible 50-plus years of service to CFA,” Ms Cleeland told the crowd.

“The turn-out today is a representation of that — and I thank everyone that has made the journey here today, be it from Mansfield, Wangaratta, or Moyhu, will agree.

“Your expertise, acquired through years of experience and a tireless pursuit of excellence, has been instrumental in shaping the success and growth of our local fire brigades.

“Jim, your retirement as group officer marks the end of an era, but I have no doubt you will continue to be an enormous presence in so many of our lives.”

VFBV District 23 State Councillor Mary-Anne Egan, who is planning her own retirement, said her job had been made much easier by having Jim in Benalla’s top job.

“Our volunteer charter, talks about the five CFA values which are safety, respect together, integrity and adaptive,” she said.

“Jim epitomises every one. He lives these out in his daily dedication to CFA and his community.”