Mannum salutes Barry Burdett for 50 years of CFS service
A local legend has been awarded a half-century service medal by the SA Country Fire Service.
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For more than half a century, Barry Burdett has been the steady heartbeat of the SA Country Fire Service community, including 20 years serving the Mannum area.
On September 13, the town celebrated his extraordinary dedication as the CFS awarded him the 50-Year Service Medal for his unwavering commitment to the Mannum CFS, having already given him life membership in 2012.
Barry’s volunteer journey began with the CFS at Bowhill 51 years ago, when he was 29.
Over the decades, he has responded to more than 600 callouts, including major bushfires across Australia.
In Sydney in 1990 and 1992, he assisted firefighting efforts during devastating fires, returning with 25 fire trucks to assist containment efforts.
In 2015 he was part of the response near Port Lincoln and, more recently, he contributed to fighting the 2019-20 Kangaroo Island bushfires, which caused widespread damage to communities, wildlife and the death of explorer Dick Lang.
When asked what inspired him to start volunteering in the CFS, Mr Burdett said that was how he had grown up.
“My parents were the same: they always helped with the tennis club, cricket club…” he said.
“We were brought up on the farm — it’s the way we all were back then.”
Mannum CFS Lieutenant Jacob Strauss said Mr Burdett had a wealth of knowledge to share.
“I remember when I was a new member at Mannum, Barry would always try to share his intricate understanding of fire behaviour and traditional firefighting methods with us young members,” he said.
“His service to the community is truly commendable, not just through the fire service but also through organisations like the Mannum Lions Club.
“Barry is dedicated to helping grow and strengthen his community, leaving it better for future generations.”
Mannum resident Bev Krollig said it was an incredible milestone he had reached.
“Fifty years of service is a remarkable achievement,” she said.
“Your dedication to the community is inspiring, and your legacy will live on through the countless lives you've touched.
“Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
Servant meets his community’s needs on many fronts
Mr Burdett’s dedication extends far beyond firefighting.
He is actively involved in at least seven other major organisations in Mannum: the Lutheran Church, Shed Men, Blaze Aid, the Lions Club, the hospital auxiliary and its health advisory council, and Mannum History Group.
As president of the Lions Club for four terms, Mr Burdett helped double the size of its community shed and oversaw projects raising funds in the area of $10,000 annually through bottle and can recycling.
These funds supported local initiatives, from gardening in aged care facilities and the police and fire station to roadside clean-ups and community improvements.
During the 2025 drought, he coordinated stock feed for 29 farmers, raising $30,000 through the Lions Club – matched by the Australian Lions Foundation – to deliver 44 tons of processed barley.
“It wasn’t easy,” Mr Burdett recalled, “but it was important to make sure the farmers got the support they needed.”
He understood this need deeply from the heart as he was born and bred in a farming community.
He often links organisations to help each other.
For example, the Lions Club assisted the CFS in acquiring laptops for fire truck navigation and a Stokes stretcher lifter for safer patient transport.
Through Blaze Aid, he has aided disaster recovery such as the Eden Valley fire in 2014 and Rockleigh fire in the same year, showing his commitment to supporting communities beyond Mannum.
His leadership in the hospital auxiliary and health advisory council demonstrates his dedication to local health services.
“Everyone putting their hand up makes it so much easier to get things done,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of young volunteers in sustaining these organisations.
There’s always time for personal passions
Despite his busy schedule, Mr Burdett still pursues personal interests.
He enjoys gardening, history, classic cars, and collecting historic tools and heritage implements from around the world.
He proudly showed Murray Bridge News a meticulously organised shed filled with many of these rare items, each with its own story and history.
His dedication is shared by his wife, Joy, who also volunteered in the community.
“He’s always helping others, and I’m so proud of him,” she said.
“Our time together has often been limited, but now we hope to spend more of it with family.”
Together, they enjoy gardening and supporting Mannum’s community initiatives.
Mr and Mrs Burdett will join with family from across Australia to celebrate his 80th birthday this Sunday, at a special gathering at the Lions’ Den.
More volunteers are always needed
Asked what message he would like to share with the community, he said more volunteers were always needed, “especially young ones”.
“The CFS, the hospital auxiliary … all these groups rely on people stepping up,” he said.
“Without them, the community can’t function at its best.”
Barry Burdett’s lifetime of service stands as a testament to dedication, leadership, and community spirit.
Through his tireless efforts, Mannum is not only stronger and safer but also more united; and his example will continue to ignite the passion of volunteers and community members for generations to come.
