Creswick firefighter Russell Potter dies after more than 50 years of volunteering

A Central Victorian fire brigade is mourning the loss of a longtime colleague who loved a yarn and contributed much of his life to firefighting.

Creswick CFA volunteer Russell Potter died on August 30, 2023 after more than five decades in firefighting. Photo: Creswick Fire Brigade

A long-serving Central Victorian firefighter has died after more than five decades of volunteering at the CFA.
Creswick man Russell James Potter died on August 30 aged 76.

Creswick CFA captain Alicia Hand said she knew Mr Potter from a young age.

She said he was a “simple bloke” who “just got on with it” and who “loved his stories”.

Ms Hands said he was inseparable from his late wife Nonie.

“He was a beautiful man,” she said.

“He loved to have a yarn.”

Friend Suzanne Antonio, who knew Mr Potter for more than 25 years, recalled his blue panel van, which she said was “a real icon” in Creswick.

“He used to come down here for coffee all the time,” she said.

“He just loved the CFA: every time the siren went off he’d be in his blue panel van and down to the station.”

Creswick Fire Brigade wrote a tribute to Mr Potter on social media, saying he joined the CFA in 1967, first at Talbot Fire Brigade and then at Creswick.

He had pulled back from more active duties in recent years due to poor health.

“Russell dedicated over 55 years of service to the CFA, the Creswick Fire Brigade and the community,” it said.

“He will be forever missed.”