General News
11 February, 2026
Fitting farewell for fireman Joe
VOLUNTEER firefighters joined family and community organisation representatives to farewell Joe Watts.
The Inglewood brigade member of more than 50 years who died a fortnight ago aged 80, was remembered for his contributions to the CFA and other groups in the town.
Joe was given a traditional firefighter’s farewell with his casket being placed on an open fire truck for the final journey to Inglewood cemetery. Firefirefighters formed a guard honour outside Inglewood Town Hall, the brigade’s vehicle carrying Joe’s name parked at the entrance.
Joe had been the driving force behind the brigade’s local fundraising and collections for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal and was honoured two years ago with presentation of a special award by the appeal.
He was also the man behind the Inglewood Football Club’s match day barbecue for 25 years. After starting selling snags and burgers on match days as a valuable fundraiser for the netball club in the 90s, he became a permanent fixture as barbecue Manager, rarely missing a home game until hanging up the tongs in 2022.
In recent years, Joe had resided at Inglewood and District’s Health Service hostel where he was a regular assisting with projects including the community garden in Hospital Street.