Blog

The Museum of Fire is an iconic staple of the Penrith landscape and that is mostly due to the wonderful building that we are housed in today. The large grey building that we call home was once upon a time Penrith Power Station and has an intriguing history of its own, so let’s take a look at what is so special about our building! Firstly, lets step back in time and make it clear as to when the Museum of Fire got involved. We come into the picture in 1985, where after the buil

Did you know that it has been a decade since the Hon. Robyn Parker, Minister for the Environment and heritage attended the Museum to announce the listing of several of the Museum’s collection items onto the NSW State Heritage Register.   What is the heritage register? The NSW State Heritage Register was created to identify places and objects that are of significance to the state of New South Wales. These places and objects help provide us with insight to previous generations

We are excited to bring you our most recent update to our New and Noteworthy exhibit. To showcase the vast collection we have at the Museum of Fire, this exhibit gives us a chance to showcase new donations or noteworthy objects in our collection. The objects chosen for this display highlight Australia’s bushfire history, ranging from board games and education kits to collectable limited-edition figurines. The exhibit is on display for a limited time only so be sure to catch i

On Sunday 8th September 2024 the Museum hosted our annual History Week Keynote Presentation with this years theme being "Marking Time". As the official heritage partner to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) the Museum is in the habit of commemorating and remembering the role of firefighters and the history of firefighting each and every day. This year marks 140 years since the establishment of FRNSW with the passing of the Fire Brigades Act 1884. We remember this milestone with spec

The Formation of the Community Fire Unit Following the devastating January 1994 bushfires residents were left feeling frustrated as they wanted to help protect their community but didn’t know how to. They watched, helpless, as their homes were destroyed by fire often only being armed with a garden hose ad buckets of water. This was the catalyst for Terry Munsey of the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB, now Fire and Rescue NSW; FRNSW) to upgrade former hose posts to Community Fire Unit

The Medal for Conspicuous Bravery was instituted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of New South Wales on 15 September 1932 and is awarded for deeds of conspicuous bravery and gallantry performed on active firefighting service by members of the NSW Fire Brigades (now Fire & Rescue NSW) by saving or endeavouring to save life and property. F. Braund and Co. Fire Armidale, 18 May 1932. The medal was instituted in response to actions taken during a fire at Armidale, NSW. The Meda

This year for 2024 our Vehicle of the Year is the 1984 Centenary Vehicle, an International 1810C pumper more colloquially and favourably known as the ‘White Knight’. As the name suggests this fire engine was originally commissioned and installed in 1984 to celebrate the centenary of the Fire Brigade (known as the New South Wales Fire Brigade, NSWFB, now better known as Fire and Rescue NSW, FRNSW). This pumper stood out for one major reason, that being its colour! The White Kn

A major role of our emergency services is the rescuing of those in need, whether that be in a one-off incident or in a major disaster, the ability of firefighters, with the aid and sometimes guidance of other agencies to undertake rescue procedures is an essential part of what they do. For the theme of our 2023 art competition, we wanted to pay tribute to this role firefighters undertake, emphasising the latter half of our state’s fire service name “Fire AND Rescue NSW”. Stat

By the 1930s the automobile market witnessed a shift with ‘small’ trucks being desired and possessing more power. Dennis, a prominent vehicle manufacturer ran the risk of falling behinds its opposition until it developed a revolutionary chassis that was 2 tonne capacity and offered unusual features for the time such as a setback front axle and hydraulic brakes. Reports of the time touted this as a “funny looking truck” and as a “courageous disregard of recognised practices” b

The approval of The Fire Brigades Act by the Parliament of NSW, established the Sydney Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), giving it the responsibility for providing fire protection to the Greater Sydney area. In time there came the need to recognize Long Service and Good Conduct of its members, in a manner fitting for a uniformed service. The London Metropolitan Fire Brigade (LFB), from which much of the early training, techniques and traditions had been sourced for the Sydney