Blog

The history of Bowral Fire Brigade, its formation and growth, reflect the grit and resilience that has long defined country towns and those who reside in them. As early as 1886, residents of Bowral began expressing their concern over the lack of a fire brigade in town. They feared that the town was ill-prepared for a large fire, especially since they had no reticulated water supply and relied solely on wells and tanks. This fear came to fruition when a disastrous fire swept t

Interest in forming a fire brigade in Taree occurred as early as 1887. Due to the increased development of the town during this period, concerns were raised regarding the safety of the newly constructed buildings and residences. In response, a manual fire engine was purchased by the council in April 1893, and in May a volunteer brigade made up of council members was formed. The fire engine was temporarily stored in a shed owned by the Apparatus Officer of the brigade, Mr Rose

Early calls for the formation of a fire brigade within Merrylands were made to the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW (BoFC) by the Prospect and Sherwood Council (now Cumberland City Council) in April 1922. Requests for a dedicated brigade would also be made by and maintained by the Loftus Park Progress Association in May 1923. The BoFC, in agreement with the concerns of the Council and the Progress Association, would acquire land on Merrylands Road in 1923, with the intentio

Establishing a Brigade in Mullumbimby  In 1911 recommendations were put forward for the extension of the Fire Brigades Act 1909 to include Mullumbimby. In November of that same year, Inspecting Officer Thomas Nance (later Chief Officer of the New South Wales Fire Brigade, NSWFB, Today FRNSW) was dispatched to determine the suitability of Mullumbimby for the establishment of a dedicated fire brigade. The application of the Fire Brigades Act was proclaimed in the Government Gaz

The NSW Fire Brigades Roll of Honour The NSW Fire Brigades Roll of Honour is displayed in an engine bay of the 1887 section at Fire and Rescue NSW, City of Sydney Fire Station. This is where the ANZAC Day Ceremony is held each year. It is dedicated to the Fire Brigades Staff who served during World War I. Unveiling the Roll of Honour The Honourable C. W. Oakes, Colonial Secretary, Minister for Public Health, and Acting Premier inaugurated the Roll of Honour on 2 May 1923 in f

*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the centenary of Lakemba Fire Brigade/Fire Station which took place on 4 November 2022, with celebrations delayed by a year due to COVID. Should you wish to use any of the information and pictures provided we ask that you please reference the Museum correctly and contact the Museum for permission where applicable. The establishment of a Fire Brigade in Lakemba