Charles has seen many changes across the years from the days when the brigade fought fires with a Cat 9, a Studebaker Truck and a Wallaby pump on a trailer through to today's modern appliances and equipment. 

He was also keen to raise the profile of the brigade within the area, welcoming newcomers and encouraging effective community liaison and was always pleased for his property to be used for training purposes.

Charles' passion for bushfire protection didn't stop at the brigade level. 

He was instrumental in getting Lithgow District's first Fire Control Officer (FCO), Andy Heatley elected and had an amicable working relationship with subsequent FCOs.

Within the Lithgow District of the Rural Fire Service Charles has played an active role since the mid 1970s and he was at one time Chairman of the Bushfire Advisory Committee. 

He has worked wholeheartedly on several committees including Bushfire Management,  Hazard Reduction and Fire Trail, and District Liaison. 

Charles held the position of Deputy Group Captain East for a number of years, working along with Dave Peters, Group Captain East and also former Senior Group Captain Alan Dickson.

Charles' dedication to volunteers was clearly demonstrated when, following the tragic death of two volunteers in the 1997 fires near Lithgow, he took two months off work to prepare material to be presented at  the Coronial Inquest. 

More recently Charles made a tremendous contribution to updating the Fire Trails Register working alongside RFS staff member, Ian Jackson and volunteer Chris Ward, resulting in the Fire Trail System as it is today.

For several years now Charles has suffered ill health. 

He continued to play an active role at both Brigade and District level until declining health resulted in him being unable to continue. 

Charles still continues his interest in the Brigade and welcomes news of its activities.