Berrigan Rural Fire Service Brigade captain Tamara Graham and president Riley Nolen say community spirit has continued to drive the brigade throughout its proud 125-year history.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
The Berrigan Rural Fire Brigade is proudly celebrating 125 years of service this year, with a special community event and activities for young and old alike.
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Coinciding with the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Get Ready Weekend ahead of fire season, the brigade is flinging open its station doors and welcoming the community to an open day on Saturday, September 20.
Brigade captain Tamara Graham said her fellow members were incredibly proud to be part of a brigade that had served the community for such a long time.
“I think everyone’s got pride there,” she said.
The Berrigan Rural Fire Brigade is recognised to be the oldest registered rural brigade in Australia.
It was formed in 1896 following a meeting at the Royal Hotel off the back of years of deadly bushfires.
Its official formalisation came in 1900, and it was fully equipped in 1901.
At the time, the brigade had about 60 members, many drawn from the local farming community.
Now, the brigade fields over a dozen active members who respond to calls for assistance across an area as wide as from Tocumwal to Mt Gwynne outside Boomanoomana.
Where it all began: a mural on the wall of the Royal Hotel pays homage to the long history of the Berrigan Rural Fire Brigade.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
While it has fewer farming members today, the brigade has maintained strong ties to the district’s farming community.
It is responsible for responding to a range of incidents, from motor-vehicle accidents to haystack fires.
Brigade president Riley Nolen said recognising the brigade’s long history was special to the community.
“Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t have a brigade,” he said.
“It’s the volunteers and community that keep it going.”
The open day will be held on Saturday, September 20, with festivities including a barbecue, face-painting and fire truck display running from 11am until 3pm.
Cobram St between Chanter St and Davis St will be closed off for the celebrations.
It will be followed up with a private award ceremony and dinner, attended by senior members of the RFS.
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