Tanjil Fire Brigade celebrating 50 years
Tanjil Fire Brigade has proudly served its community for half a century and came together recently to celebrate.
On Thursday 6 February, members of Tanjil brigade gathered for the momentous occasion and also recognised some members who have given decades of service.
Tanjil was formed in December 1972 and was made up of members from the local area.
Their first turn out was in local brigade member Peter Nave's Land Rover with a trailer fitted with a pump, years later in March 1974, CFA commissioned a pump for the brigade.
Community Engagement Officer for the brigade Margaret Harrison said Peter Nave is still a member of the Brigade today.
"It's an honour to still have his Aussie spirit and commitment to Tanjil," she said
The next year Tanjil was issued with 20 knapsacks and six rake hoes to help the members with their firefighting efforts.
In 1978 the brigade's first station was completed on land donated by Ron Skinner after it had been delivered in pieces with no instructions and lovingly put together by the local community over six months.
Seven years after Mr Nave had fitted out his Land Rover to serve the brigade, it was retired back to regular farm duties and Tanjil received their very first tanker, an all-mighty Austin two-wheel drive.
"Not many members had their truck license when the tanker arrived and they all made a trip down to the local Police station in Yallourn North where they were asked if they could drive a truck, asked to drive around the block once and then were granted their license," Margaret said.
The Austin served the community well until 30 August 1985 when it was replaced with another truck, an international C1300 4x4 which was then replaced in 1992 by a Hino FT165, which is still serving the brigade well.
"Despite its age, members from other brigades love the FT165 as it can fit into places other trucks can simply not go," Margaret said
In the 80s, safety for members was becoming more and more prevalent and members were able to purchase a helmet for $3.20 and in the following years the iconic yellow overalls would become available for $25.05.
As the years went by Tanjil began to outgrow their small station which only had room to house a truck and on 8 August 2008, site work began on new land before a new station opened in 2009.
Despite having responded to hundreds of incidents in their 50-year history, in 2019/2020 members responded to the Black Summer fires, one of the worst bushfires in Australia's history and members of Tanjil's brigade were on the front lines protecting their community.
"Tanjil brigade has faithfully served their community for 50 years and all the members that have come through our doors have made the brigade what it is today," Margaret said.
"Tanjil might be a small brigade but it is proud to carry on its Aussie spirit, integrity and values into the next 50 years and beyond."
On the night the brigade also recognised multiple members for their service from 15 to 50 years and awarded two members with life memberships.
"Thank you to our secretary Beck Madyblu, Captain John Zeicki, Lieutenant Lorianne Foot, and all the Tanjil members. We all love Tanjil Fire Brigade and are extremely proud," Margaret said.
*Featured image:
On the truck: Jeff Evenden and Melina StewartNorth.
Back Row-(L-R) Bryan Russell,Peter Nave, Peter North, Lucas Rogers, Bernie Weigbenga.
Second row (L-R) Beck Madyblu, Margaret Harrison ,Ruth Rogers, Peter Rogers, Lorianne Foot, Chris Read and John Zecki.
Front row: Matilda, Maddilyn and Malachi Harrison
Peter North, Chris Read, Peter Rogers, Ruth Rogers, Lucas Rogers, Bernie Weigbenga, Peter Nave, and Captain John Zekic-
Lucas Rogers and mentor Jeff Evenden
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Peter Nave 50 year medal and CFA life member, original member and first captain
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