Elliot Tohver-Kirby

A LOCAL volunteer firefighter has won a new Holden SV6 VS Commodore in a raffle.

Sam Brighurst, a CFS volunteer at the Lyndoch station, found out he won the car while he was at his mate’s house helping him move in.

“I was sitting down having a quick breather on the couch when an unknown number called me and I got the news,” Mr Brighurst said.

The prize was rewarded for a raffle, with proceeds going to bushfire relief.

Troy Williams of Eye Candy Motorsport, and Matt Gollan of Flash Market also donated $5000 to the Lyndoch CFS as part of last Monday night’s surprise.

Meanwhile, Mr Brighurst had recently been fighting the bushfires in South Australia.

“I spent probably around three nights and a few days out at Cudlee Creek and the surrounding areas,” he said.

Mr Brighurst has been a CFS volunteer for the past two years. He said he had wanted to join for a long time, but it wasn’t until recently that he got around to it.

“It’s a little thing to give back to the community,” he said.

When he’s not volunteering for the CFS, Mr Brighurst is a sub-contractor for his family business in grass maintenance.

Four years ago he and his ex-partner lost their house to another bushfire.

“We lost everything,” Mr Brighurst said.

Mr Brighurst said it was the first time he’s ever won a prize like this before.

When asked about his plans for the car, he said, “I’ve never really driven a car that new before, I’ll definitely keep it.

“I love my cars, I’ll probably get attached to it no doubt.”