Community
21 November, 2025
Remembering Chris Winsall
TRIBUTES are flowing for a dedicated Camperdown stalwart who was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way he could.
Chris Winsall died last Wednesday (November 12), with the Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade lowering their flag to half mast last Thursday in his memory.
Son Mark Winsall said his father was a hands-on and practical person who was always willing to help.
“From a personal point of view – he’d been retired for quite a while – he was always very helpful with the family,” he said.
“Whenever we had a problem or a question, you could give him a call and about ten or so minutes later he’d arrive to lend a hand or offer advice.
“As soon as you’d ask him, he’d appear pretty quickly.
“His ability to call him whenever you needed a hand with something or help he could will be sorely missed – both from family and friends.”
Mark said Chris was always the first to offer support whenever needed and was quite the handyman.
“He was always able to fix things – whether it was metalwork or something else,” he said.
“A lot of people dropped things off they weren’t sure about, and he’d tinker about with it for a week or so before he’d either fix it or find a solution.
“He was always pretty lively.
“I do shift work – he’d pop up every day, even if it was only for five minutes, and have a coffee and say hello, come and have a look at a project car I’ve been working on or give me some advice on the garden.
“He’ll be greatly missed by the family – my stepmother (Chris’ wife) Carla and all the grandkids are going to miss him deeply.”
Chris’ dedication to helping others was best seen in his dedication to the CFA, where he served for 44 years as a volunteer.
He was a life member of both the wider CFA organisation and the Camperdown brigade and was an active volunteer up until his passing, regularly assisting with CFA training days.
Camperdown CFA Brigade secretary, treasurer and communications officer Bernie Sinnott said Chris would be sorely missed by the brigade.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a true pillar of the Camperdown Fire Brigade and the broader CFA community, Chris Winsall,” he said.
“Chris dedicated over 44 years of his life to protecting his community and supporting his fellow volunteers, joining the brigade on June 29, 1981.
“Chris served an impressive 22 years as an officer, holding key roles within the brigade management team, including foreman, apparatus officer and lieutenant.
“He also shared his invaluable knowledge as the group training co-ordinator for three years.
“Chris’ dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
Among Chris’ achievements during his time at the CFA are receiving the National Service Medal in 2002, being presented with a National Emergency Medal for his service during the 2009 Black Friday fires and being named as Fireman of the Year at the Camperdown brigade in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992, 1996 and 1997.
“Chris was not only a great firefighter – he became one of the great mentors and leaders to many at the fire station, myself included,” Mr Sinnott said.
“Those who served under Chris did so with pride and we’re all better firefighters – and individuals – for the positive influence Chris has had at the fire station.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
In recent years, Chris Winsall has enjoyed gold-detecting with his other son, Glenn, who said they would go up to the goldfields area at least once a week.
“Sometimes we’d stay overnight and other times it was just a day trip,” he said.
“We had a friendly rivalry between us to see who could outdo the other.
“He was always reasonably successful doing it, so it was always a good trip out.
“He didn’t speak much of his affection, but he showed it through his actions to his family.
“If anyone asked him for a favour, he’d definitely do it or, if he couldn’t do it himself, he’d find someone who could.”
Chris Winsall is survived by wife Carla, his two sons, a stepdaughter, two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.
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