GLASSES were raised as family and friends gave cheers at a special get together on September 23 to celebrate Ben Abrahams’ 40th birthday.
Ben and his wife Tess, together with their children Chloe, Branden, Sophie and Shane, have called Rosewood home for 15 years.
Ben is involved in the community, particularly through the Rosewood Auxiliary Fire Brigade where he joined as a fire fighter 13 years ago.
“My service with the brigade started when I was 16 years of age when I joined the Pine Mountain Fire Brigade as a fireman, now 24 years on I am a Lieutenant at the Rosewood station,” he said.
From fireman to Lieutenant, Ben has seen and responded to many emergency situations, from road accidents to house fires, the experience has provided him with many life changing skills.
“This type of job does open your eyes to the reality of how life can change within an instant and I think that it has definitely made me a stronger person,” he said.
“It is not all challenging though as the service has provided me with an avenue to make many lifelong friendships that has provided comradery and memorable times.
“In particular there have been many highlights here in Rosewood, such as taking part through the fire brigade in street carnivals and the annual Santa on the Fire Truck run which is a really exciting time that families look forward to each year.
“Other times where I have been part of connecting with the community are at street parades and with cooking up the gunfire breakfast for the Rosewood RSL on Anzac Day.”
Sharing Fire and Rescue education at local schools and at the Rosewood Show is also something that Ben has enjoyed.
Life out of emergency situations involves sport.
Ben is a huge fan of football and cricket, Sir Donald Bradman, Brett Lee and James Tedesco are just a few of his icons.
“My sons Branden and Shane have followed in my steps finding their own competitive spirit for sport and as a family we love to play cricket, and watch the football as I cheer on my favourite team the Sydney Roosters,” he said.
“Family is everything to me and we really enjoy hanging out and catching up with our extended family and friends.”
At his 40th birthday party speeches were given, finger food and cold drinks were enjoyed and Ben shared his gratitude to everyone who made the effort to celebrate with him.
