Kyneton Fire Brigade celebrated an anniversary event, marking 140 years since the brigade began serving the community.
The milestone was celebrated with a dinner and awards night on Saturday, July 27, attended by Kyneton Fire Brigade members, CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan, Macedon Ranges deputy mayor Janet Pearce, and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.
Kyneton Fire Brigade captain Greg McIntyre said that the brigade has been operating continuously since it formed in 1884 – where it was located near the former bluestone police stables.
“We have about 70 members at the moment, and over half of them are active firefighters. We also have close to 30 per cent female firefighters,” Mr McIntyre said.
He said the brigade is proud of its 140-year history.
“We certainly had a lot of people involved, before my time, in the Ash Wednesday bushfires and we were heavily involved in Black Saturday as well as Black Summer,” he said.
“They’ve contributed a lot to the culture and learning at the brigade.”
He said that Kyneton Fire Brigade members show strong commitment to working together to serve their region.
“To see the members working with one another – even though we’re immensely different people, and we come from different backgrounds – we’re all there to carry out the functions of the brigade and help save lives and property.”
A new plaque was also unveiled to members at the event, recognising the official naming of an extension of the station completed in 2016.
The extension was named ‘The RG & RB Walker Extension’ – in recognition of members Ronda Beckley Walker and ex-captain Roger Gordon Walker.
Mr McIntyre said he felt “honoured” to work with the CFA chief officer in naming the facility after “two members … who have contributed so much to the culture and development of the brigade for many years.”
“This commemorative plaque will serve as a reminder to the future brigade members of the heritage of service on which we build.”
