Wyong State Championship, 27-29 October 2016 [Photo courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW] The Firefighter Championships began as ‘Demonstrations’ or ‘Demos’, where fire brigades exhibited their skills to the local community. Events in the Demos were based on real situations firefighters faced daily and were designed to highlight their talent and expertise whilst having the extra benefit of being a form of training. This week, our Championship historian and guest blogger John Hand,

Wentworth Falls' Third Fire Station [Image courtesy of Wentworth Falls Fire Brigade] Establishment of a Wentworth Falls Sub-Station and Brigade In 1937 suggestions were made for the establishment of a sub-station in Wentworth Falls. The sub-station would be equipped with a hose cart, and other necessary equipment for the fighting of bushfires. This would eventuate in 1943 with the establishment of the sub-station comprised originally of 10 Auxiliary Reserve Corps members, wh

The first Moss Vale Fire Station, c.1895 [Image courtesy of Moss Vale Fire Brigade] The question of fire protection in Moss Vale was brought to the forefront of the town’s consciousness after a fire in April 1893, which nearly destroyed several properties near Aland’s Hotel on the corner of Argle Street and Lackey Road. The incident highlighted the town’s acute lack of fire protection, which led to successful discussions within the Moss Vale Council to form a local volunteer