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Andrew Padbury
| Current roles: |
Captain, Community Safety Coordinator |
| Previous roles: |
1st Lieutenant, 3rd Lieutenant, Equipment Maintenance Officer |
| Years of service: |
Joined the Brigade as a junior member in 1999 |
| Occupation: |
Electrician |
| Hobbies/interests: |
4WD driving, camping, hunting, local mining history |
“Becoming a member of the Brigade and CFAs process and procedures can be daunting. I’m committed to the longevity of the brigade and want to help as many members as I can to feel confident and valued, no matter their experience. No question is ever a dumb one. As a buddy, I’m a friendly face that is here to help in whatever ways I can.” |
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Lauren Padbury
| Current role: |
Deputy Group Officer (DGO), Junior Leader |
| Previous roles: |
3rd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, 5th Lieutenant |
| Years of service: |
Joined the Brigade as a junior member in 2001 |
| Occupation: |
District forester |
| Hobbies/interests: |
Travelling, gardening, spending time outdoors, and being actively involved in the community through volunteering. |
“Having progressed through a range of roles, I understand how challenging it can feel to be new, find your place, and know who to turn to for support.”
As a mentor, I aim to be approachable, supportive, and practical, helping members develop their skills, confidence, and sense of belonging within Yackandandah Brigade and the wider CFA.” |
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Margrit Beemster
| Current roles: |
Fourth Lieutenant (2019 -2023); Fifth Lieutenant (2023- 2025); Community Education and Information Officer (2015-2021); Publicity and Promotions Officer (2019 -2025) |
| Previous roles: |
Community Education and Information Officer (2015-2019) |
| Years of service: |
Joined the Brigade in 2013 |
| Occupation: |
Retired, background in journalism, communications and teaching. |
| Hobbies/interests: |
Gardening, swimming, pilates, coffee with friends.
Community representative on Indigo Shire’s Municipal Emergency Management Planning committee (2025 – ) |
“Being a new member of the Brigade can be a little daunting but that’s where ‘having a buddy’ comes in. I’m happy to help new members become part of the ‘CFA family”. |
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Neil Padbury
| Previous roles: |
Captain (2001-2007); First then fourth Lieutenant (2007-2015) |
| Years of service: |
Joined the CFA in 1976 (Kerang Urban), Yackandandah Fire brigade in 1994
Honorary Life Member |
| Occupation: |
Bonsai nursery, Garden maintenance |
| Hobbies/interests: |
Bonsai, working with wood, Plants of all sorts, Landcare, Yackandandah Community garden, Mens’ shed. |
“I’m keen to assist new members find their way at CFA and Yackandandah brigade.” |
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Gavin Mascas
| Current role: |
5th Lieutenant, Health & Safety Officer |
| Previous roles: |
|
| Years of service: |
Joined the Brigade in 2018 |
| Occupation: |
Electrician |
| Hobbies/Interests: |
Skiing, camping/caravan, cycling |
“When I joined the brigade, I was welcomed by the existing members and was taught many new skills. Since then, I have become part of the community and brigade valuing the friendships I have developed. I would like to pass that welcome to new brigade members and assist them to become members of this great brigade” |
