Wonthaggi Parks Victoria ranger Bill Slade died while fighting fires in East Gippsland. By Terri Allen
BILL Slade, who died tragically while fighting fires in the Omeo region on January 11, was a kind personable man, extremely proud of his family, considerate of the public and a hard working Parks Victoria ranger in the Wonthaggi depot.
He had worked for Parks Victoria for 40 years, so knew our area intimately, from fox baiting on Phillip Island, manning controlled burns in our parks and reserves, monitoring our coastline and working on the George Bass Walk from Punchbowl to Kilcunda.
BILL Slade, who died tragically while fighting fires in the Omeo region on January 11, was a kind personable man, extremely proud of his family, considerate of the public and a hard working Parks Victoria ranger in the Wonthaggi depot.
He had worked for Parks Victoria for 40 years, so knew our area intimately, from fox baiting on Phillip Island, manning controlled burns in our parks and reserves, monitoring our coastline and working on the George Bass Walk from Punchbowl to Kilcunda.
Bill helped in revegetation projects with many groups: Friends of Wonthaggi Heathland, Wonthaggi Seedbank, Cape Paterson Coastal Plains Landcare, Urban Landcare, Friends groups.
He established a rapport with Harry Kiekebosch (Harry's Patch) and his team of workers, with difficult groups of students who reacted well to his quiet calm tutelage and with big projects like the Wonthaggi Wetlands, Baxters Wetland, Rifle Range Wetlands and Tent Town. He taught hundreds of students how to plant trees and, hopefully, their legacy lingers on.
We will miss his wry smile, sardonic humour, jaunty wave, friendly greeting, cheerful attitude.
A very gentle man, he will be greatly missed.
He established a rapport with Harry Kiekebosch (Harry's Patch) and his team of workers, with difficult groups of students who reacted well to his quiet calm tutelage and with big projects like the Wonthaggi Wetlands, Baxters Wetland, Rifle Range Wetlands and Tent Town. He taught hundreds of students how to plant trees and, hopefully, their legacy lingers on.
We will miss his wry smile, sardonic humour, jaunty wave, friendly greeting, cheerful attitude.
A very gentle man, he will be greatly missed.
*****
Bass Coast mayor Brett Tessari echoed Terri’s comments:
Bill's passing will hit the hearts of many in Bass Coast and South Gippsland. He was much loved and was actively involved in making our community a better place.
Those who knew Bill know how well respected he was, and that he always had time to help out a neighbour or a friend – indeed it was these qualities that led to his service as a firefighter and his heroic actions in East Gippsland.
In November last year, Bill was recognised for his 40 years of service to Parks Victoria. He started working for the organisation when he was 17, and over the years his care for our national parks and local environment has made them what they are today. He was instrumental in the fox eradication program on Phillip Island and helped to fight the Ash Wednesday fires in the 1980s. When we enjoy our local environment, waterways and parklands, we can do so thanks to the work of Bill.
Bill was recently made a life member of the Kilcunda-Bass Football Netball Club, another example of his dedication to our community. I know that Bill made a significant contribution to this club, through his actions as a player, coach and volunteer, and also culturally through his encouraging and friendly approach.
Bill was known as a mentor and role model to many. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the community of Bass Coast and South Gippsland, his helpful manner and capability, and his willingness to lend a hand.
Sincere thanks to all our local firefighters and volunteers who have selflessly lent their skills, time and services during the recent and current bushfires. Without you, we would simply not manage.
It was heart stopping to see the alerts coming through relating to a grass fire in Grantville last week. Thanks to the fast and thorough actions of our local emergency services and volunteers, this emergency was controlled and managed quickly and to the highest standard. Well done, and thank you for all that you do to keep our community safe and strong.
Bill's passing will hit the hearts of many in Bass Coast and South Gippsland. He was much loved and was actively involved in making our community a better place.
Those who knew Bill know how well respected he was, and that he always had time to help out a neighbour or a friend – indeed it was these qualities that led to his service as a firefighter and his heroic actions in East Gippsland.
In November last year, Bill was recognised for his 40 years of service to Parks Victoria. He started working for the organisation when he was 17, and over the years his care for our national parks and local environment has made them what they are today. He was instrumental in the fox eradication program on Phillip Island and helped to fight the Ash Wednesday fires in the 1980s. When we enjoy our local environment, waterways and parklands, we can do so thanks to the work of Bill.
Bill was recently made a life member of the Kilcunda-Bass Football Netball Club, another example of his dedication to our community. I know that Bill made a significant contribution to this club, through his actions as a player, coach and volunteer, and also culturally through his encouraging and friendly approach.
Bill was known as a mentor and role model to many. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the community of Bass Coast and South Gippsland, his helpful manner and capability, and his willingness to lend a hand.
Sincere thanks to all our local firefighters and volunteers who have selflessly lent their skills, time and services during the recent and current bushfires. Without you, we would simply not manage.
It was heart stopping to see the alerts coming through relating to a grass fire in Grantville last week. Thanks to the fast and thorough actions of our local emergency services and volunteers, this emergency was controlled and managed quickly and to the highest standard. Well done, and thank you for all that you do to keep our community safe and strong.