Amy Hume
FORMER Wallan Fire Brigade captain Peter Roylance was honoured for his 20 years of leadership at a special changeover dinner on Saturday night.
Mr Roylance was joined by new brigade members, old members and many who were a part of the team when he first joined the Wallan brigade in 1988.
He was remembered for his strong leadership and achievements over the years.
Mr Roylance was responsible for getting numerous brigade projects and ideas off the ground and introduced many changes to the way the brigade operates.
He was the driving force behind the brigade’s new vehicles, new equipment and change of headquarters.
Life members Colin Prentice and Michael Jones spoke of his passion and dedication to taking the brigade forward.
“When Peter had an idea he stuck by it,” Mr Prentice said.
“He always persevered, he was probably the biggest headache for those above him but he always got what he set out to achieve.
“Peter was the person you could look up to and you knew you always had his support.”
Mr Jones said Mr Roylance was a mover and a shaker.
“After Peter joined, that’s when the brigade took off,” he said.
“I consider Peter a good friend and it is a privilege to be here and to be a member of this brigade.”
Mr Roylance started his fire journey with the Epping Fire Brigade in 1971 and transferred to the Wallan brigade in 1988.
He held several office positions and became captain of the Wallan brigade in 1991.
New Wallan Brigade captain Ken Castle said Mr Roylance has been an inspirational and motivated leader for the brigade.
“We’re lucky that Peter has decided to stay on as the first lieutenant,” he said.
“Dedication and commitment seems to come naturally to him. He’s a true leader and has stuck by the brigade through thick and thin.”
Mr Castle thanked Mr Roylance for his leadership and shaping the brigade to what it is today.
“He is a wealth of knowledge and like no other that I know,” he said.
“In the short time I have been with the Wallan brigade I have seen it grow from strength to strength.
“I hope to continue this and to follow in his footsteps.”
In honour of Mr Roylance’s impact on the brigade, the team voted to have the station’s meeting room named him.
Mr Roylance thanked the brigade for their support over the years.
“It’s not hard to be a long-term captain when you’re working with great people – and especially when they’ve become your great friends,” he said.
“Thank you to every one for their support throughout my time on the brigade and as captain.
“I am sure that Ken will lead this brigade into the future for many years to come.”
Mr Castle looks forward to leading the brigade with Mr Roylance as his first lieutenant.





