Blog

As we approach the conclusion of this year’s Museum of Fire Art Competition and prepare for our next temporary exhibition, it feels like an appropriate moment to pause and reflect on what this exhibition has come to represent for our museum and for the community that surrounds us. At first glance, an art competition may seem like an unexpected feature within a museum dedicated to the history of firefighting. Our collection is filled with fire engines, equipment, uniforms and

As we step into 2026, I am delighted to welcome you to another exciting year at the Museum of Fire. The beginning of a new year is always a moment to pause, to reflect on where we have come from, and to look ahead with optimism at what is still to unfold. At the Museum of Fire, this balance between reflection and forward momentum sits at the heart of everything we do, and 2026 promises to be a year full of connection, learning, and shared experiences. The Museum has long been

As I stepped into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Museum of Fire in July 2025, I did so with a deep sense of responsibility, pride, and optimism. Having worked closely with our CEO, Belinda McMartin, in my role as Curator of Heritage and Engagement, I was fortunate to already understand the rhythms, challenges, and ambitions of the Museum. Taking on this position during Belinda’s maternity leave has been both a privilege and an opportunity to continue the im

At the Museum of Fire, our mission extends beyond simply housing historic objects. We exist to preserve and share the stories, memories, and moments that define our past, especially those belonging to our emergency first responders. This is particularly important in our role as a history museum, where we document and honour the legacy of firefighting across New South Wales. Our commitment to preservation goes well beyond the museum walls. We work closely with Fire and Rescue

CEO Belinda McMartin, June 2025 It is that time of year again when we reflect on another successful year for the Museum of Fire’s online blog, which I’m incredibly pleased to announce has been read online by 28,000 people in the last twelve months alone! This year, the timing is somewhat ironic as I pay tribute to five years of the blog and five years in the role of CEO, because, at least for an extended period of time, this will be my last blog CEO blog as I embark on my nex

Museum of Fire Senior Staff, 2024. Pictured left to right: Ella Murtagh, Kate Coleman, Belinda McMartin, Cameron Stafford and Ben Dickson As the CEO of the Museum of Fire I am incredibly proud of the quality of service our team is able to provide across all aspects of the business, especially when it comes to the presentation and preservation of history. From incredibly humble beginnings, back in 2020 when I became CEO, with just one staff member employed to oversee this vast

This week, to coincide with the annual celebration of International Women’s Day, the Museum is proud to officially open our latest exhibition which pays tribute to the role women have played within firefighting in NSW. This exhibition has been produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of women being permitted to join the NSW Fire Brigade (NSWFB, today Fire and Rescue NSW, FRNSW) as firefighters. This is the first time that an exhibition has showcased this largely forgotten p

Belinda McMartin, Museum of Fire CEO (November 2024) The Constant Wheels of Change – Is That a Feasible Business Model for the Museum? Growth and development don’t happen overnight. Change takes time and adapting to this isn’t a quick task. Having said that, the global pandemic created the need for rapid adaptation and so between 2020-2022 the Museum was in a constant state of change, growth and development.   In 2023 the Museum switched our focus to consolidation, as we came

"Women's work is never done so a woman directors work is really never done" – Jahnavi Phalkey, Bengaluru Science Gallery The Australian Museum and Galleries Association (AMaGA) national conference was held in Ballarat, Victoria recently with the central theme for 2024 promoted as “(un)common ground: collisions, convergence and conversations”. As has become the norm, climate change and underrepresented voices were the topic that was woven through most sessions and conversation

“There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know” – Harry S Truman (American President 1945-1953) At the Museum of Fire our Heritage Team are kept busy every day digging through historical documents on a mission to understand what transpired in the past. Whether they are assisting the public with an inquiry, conducting research for the many projects we undertake for Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW); or working to update the displays in the Museum our team are