SPENCELEY, Mark

 

 

Mark Spenceley

 

Mark Spenceley, second son of Douglas Paul Spenceley and Mary Betty, nee Ridgewell, was born on 30^th October 1959 in Brixworth, Northampton, UK.  The Spenceley family took advantage of the £10 GBP Assisted Migration Scheme, travelling on the TV Fairsky and arriving in Australia on 5^th January, 1963.  His early education from 1966 to 1969 was at Creswick Primary School.  The family briefly returned to England in 1969 and Mark continued his education at the New Romney primary school in Kent.

Returning to Creswick in October, 1970 Mark resumed his education at Creswick Primary School for a further year then enrolled at Ballarat East High School, remaining there until 1975.  Mark was a long serving member of the North Creswick Primary School Committee, always available for working bees and school sports days.  In 1980 Mark married Kerrie Neil and the couple had three children; Erin, Gemma and Tynan, and nine grandchildren

The John Curtin Memorial Hostel was formed in 1983.  The Committee members were very pleased to have a young man like Mark join the Committee in 1985, at the ripe old age of 26.  With his working background in finance, he was appointed to the Finance committee in 1986 and was a dedicated member until, due to employment as a shift worker, he did not seek re-election in 1994. The Committee of Management presented Mark with a Certificate in November 1995 in recognition of his service to the Hostel.

All through his working life in finance, sales, nursing and planning, the one occupation that he really enjoyed was his employment with the Country Fire Authority Region 15 staff.  Joining in 2001 as a wildfire instructor he remained with the Authority up to his untimely death in 2019.  Mark joined the Creswick Fire Brigade in February 1982 and during his 37 years he held the following positions.

                   Apparatus Officer                               1991 – 1992

                   3^rd Lieutenant                                     1992 – 1993

                   1^st Lieutenant                                     1993 – 1999

                   Captain                                              1999 – 2009

                   Secretary                                            2015 – 2017

                   2^nd Lieutenant & Training Officer       2017 – 2019

                   Creswick Group Delegate                   2005 – 2011

                   Delegate to Volunteer Fire Brigades

                     Victoria                                            2011 – 2019

During his time as Captain, he was the driving force behind the purchase of the Creswick Water Board buildings, later to become the fire station in 2005.

He was very innovative in his approach to training members of the Brigade, he

instigated training for volunteer drivers and played an instrumental role in the development and delivery of leadership activities both in Creswick and Region 15.  He introduced the Fireline Leadership Program from the USA, a world class program which he delivered, training people in Victoria, interstate and in the USA. 

He was trained and qualified as a Strike Team Leader, Sector and Divisional Commander.  He monitored members coming through the ranks, both within Creswick Brigade, Creswick Group and district.  Mark had a commitment towards the sporting events of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Board, and was a very active member of the Creswick Brigade running team, who won the State C Class Championships at Bendigo in 1985 and B Class in Mildura in 1994.

With regard to the CFA, he was the “go-to” man for advice and training. Mark’s dedication to the Fire Brigade, serving the citizens of Creswick District and their properties, was rewarded with the following awards:

 

                   CFA Service Medals 20, 25, 30 and 35 years

                   Life Membership of CFA                             2012

                   National Medal                                            August 30, 1999

                   National Medal 1^st Clasp                              July 10, 2012

                   National Medal 2^nd Clasp                             due July 1, 2017

                   Life Membership Creswick Fire Brigade      2012

                   Volunteer Fire Brigade Victoria Gold Star     2016

Mark was a Life Member of the Creswick Football Netball Club, playing over two hundred games, including three Reserve premierships.  He was a tireless worker for the Club, whether working as Secretary, Umpire or working on the entry gate.  He was deeply involved in promoting and working with the children on the Auskick program.  Mark provided support and guidance to the committee for forty years