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The Korumburra Fire Brigade celebrated 125 years of service alongside members, leaders and the local community.
The milestone event was held at the fire station on Sunday 21 April, which saw an informal lunch catered by Longwarry and District Fire Brigade and a number of speeches from current Captain Shane Maskell, former Captain Bill Rodda AFSM and CFA Board member Tony Peake.
Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen had the honour of presenting the 125-year plaque before Life Member Kevin McPherson concluded the event alongside Shane by cutting the cake.
As a Korumburra CFA volunteer of 24 years, Shane is rightfully proud of the brigade’s history and thoroughly enjoyed the celebration, praising the hard work of the tight knit community who got it up and running.
“It was great to have locals take a look around the station and learn more about the significant history behind the brigade,” Shane said.
“It’s not about patting ourselves or CFA on the back, it’s about what we can do to help, but occasions like this are really important to bring everyone together and acknowledge the work that we do.
“At the end of the day, we’re volunteers, and we’re there to help our community and I think that’s appreciated.”
Founded with around 14 men back in 1897, led by Captain G Morrison, the Korumburra Fire Brigade who are now 28 members strong, turn out to over 50 significant fire calls each year.
Their current site on Mine Road has been their home for 61 years, while the top service station on Commercial Road was where they operated for the first 64.
“CFA is like another family to us, and we are a very social and welcoming brigade. I believe that is one of the reasons we’re able to retain and hopefully continue attracting new members,’ Shane said.
“We really pride ourselves on our representation in strike teams. We consistently have members putting their hands up to go away and help, both in Victoria and interstate, which we saw most recently in Queensland.”
Over the last 125 years, the brigade has continued to etch their name in history on a number of impressive occasions, one being their successful State Championship running team that had over 80 years of longevity before coming to an end in 1986. While in 2011, the brigade’s longest serving Captain Bill Rodda was presented the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
“To gather with our long serving members is always invaluable, and we couldn’t have put on an event like this without their input,” Shane said.
“Their knowledge is extremely beneficial, and although they are no longer active firefighters we really try and tap into them as much as we can to grow as a brigade.”
Operating with four vehicles, the tanker and pumper reside in the two-bay station, while the brigade owned support and salvage vehicles are also on-site.
The community driven brigade also holds a close relationship with their neighbouring counterparts at Ruby Fire Brigade, with many future members currently training with Loch & District Fire Brigade before they make their way across in their senior years.