UPWEY, VIC. — Upwey Fire Brigade has been a second home for the Pancutt family for decades, and that legacy is set to continue well into the future as a third concurrent generation joins the brigade.
In total, the Pancutt family and their spouses have contributed more than 146 years of service to CFA and Upwey.
11-year-old Zoe is the third generation of the family to become involved with Upwey.
She has joined Upwey’s junior program after growing up around the station much like her family did before her.
“It was a pretty easy decision to join. I really enjoy everything about it,” Zoe said.
Cliff and his wife Jackie raised five children around the brigade, with all five spending time in Upwey’s junior program and several continuing into the senior ranks.
“They used to go to playgroup across the road at the church, and sometimes the siren would go off,” Jackie said.
“Every other kid would be bawling their eyes out because of the siren, but it didn’t faze ours whatsoever. They were so familiar with the siren going off and us being here.”
Over the years, each generation has made its own mark.
Cliff has held roles from firefighter through to Captain, while Zoe’s mother, Samara Pancutt, became Upwey’s first female officer in the brigade’s 100-year history, with both Jackie and Samara’s husband Scott also holding Lieutenant’s and other BMT positions.
Cliff and Jackie’s son Jake has been running the Juniors program for several years, while daughter Mikaela is now a Lieutenant at South Morang brigade after moving to the area.
Cliff said seeing where the family has ended up wasn’t something he imagined when he first joined after Ash Wednesday.
“I didn’t think I’d still be here 40-odd years later, but here we are,” he said.
“Now that we’ve got Zoe as well, it’s fantastic.”
And while Zoe isn’t eyeing off the Captain’s helmet just yet, she has no shortage of family members to learn from.
“It’s really fun being here, especially because my family has been part of the brigade for so long,” Zoe said.
“I hope I can keep doing it when I’m older.”
