Last month, the Broadford Fire Brigade celebrated a century of devoted service to the community.
Though the date of the brigade’s formation has been recently debated, with the 1934 date now thought to be incorrect after local historian Sally Wearmouth uncovered information that detailed that the Broadford Bush Fire League was formed 32 years earlier, the festivities were nevertheless a celebration of the brigade’s unwavering commitment to its community.
Ms Wearmouth’s investigations found that the brigade, like many others, had come from humble beginnings when on January 8, 1902, a well-attended gathering of landowners declared the need to address the lack of fire safety education in the community, and monitor the disposal of cigarette butts, campfires, and fire breaks—all which, if not managed safely, could cause fires.
For the next three decades, the Broadford Bush Fire League serviced the surrounding area, before becoming officially registered with the state in 1934.
Broadford Fire Brigade Captain Luke Crampton said the centennial celebration was a surprise addition to the bi-annual awards night.
“The event was part of our bi-annual awards dinner, but this year we surprised our members with a greater spectacle to acknowledge the 100-year milestone,” he said.
“It was a great night to come together and recognise over a century of service.”
The brigade currently boasts 67 members, with many recent recruits seeing the younger generation step up to give back.
“Our Brigade Management Team are almost all under 50, with a few in their twenties,” Mr Crampton said.
“We’ve recently reinvigorated our juniors program, with 11 very keen youngsters coming through the ranks.
“We’re really looking forward to increasing the skills and our support to the community over the next number of years.”
This year, the brigade has responded to over 170 incidents, including structure fires, bushfires, fires, and other explosions and motor vehicle accidents.
“We regularly support response in Kilmore, Glenaroua, Strath Creek, Reedy Creek, Tallarook, Clonbinane, and elsewhere as required on top of our primary support area,” Mr Crampton said.
“Within our facilities we now have a [Breathing Air (BA)] Compressor Room and recharge station to charge the BA cylinders. We’ve all been quite excited about this addition and what it will allow us to do.”
VESEP grants recipients announced
In other Country Fire Authority news, the Beveridge and Wallan brigades have recently been named as recipients of the State Government’s $11 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants.
Beveridge will receive $3510 for a new Thermal Imaging Camera and Wallan Fire Brigade will receive $140,833 towards an Ultra-Light Tanker.
