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To understand who the Director-General is, it is worthwhile taking a trip back in time to see how the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB; now Fire and Rescue NSW, FRNSW) operated in the past. In 1884 the Fire Brigades Act was first inaugurated which saw the volunteer and insurance brigades, which had provided fire protection across metropolitan Sydney, join under a new singular entity. This new entity was to be administered and managed by a Fire Brigades Board which was made up of six

This year marks 140 years of continual service to the community by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). In highlighting this milestone, let’s go back in time to one of its first leaders. In 1884 FRNSW was known as the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and whilst it was governed by a board, the chief firefighter in charge was known as the Superintendent and the first Superintendent was William Bear (1884-1898). Let’s take a look back at his history and his pivotal leadership which has s

*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the history of Warrawong Fire Brigade. 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 Port Kembla/Warrawong The present-day area of Port Kembla and Warrawong historically remained largely un-develo

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

*This information is an extract from the colour-book produced by the Museum of Fire's Heritage Team to celebrate the history of Singleton Fire Station. 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 Singleton Volunteer Fire Brigade On Friday 16 April 1886, a public meeting was held at the Singleton Municipal Council Chambers to discuss taking

On the 20 November 1973 at 3:42pm, control received the call to a fire which had engulfed the multistorey Woolworths located at Warringah Mall in Brookvale in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Dee Why was the first to respond on site with Manly’s motor and ladder unit closely following by and arriving as the second on scene. The severity of the blaze was not to be underestimated and the building was tremendously consumed by the fire with the unfortunate situation of two women trappe

What is a chaplain? Fire and Rescue NSW employs two Chaplains to support and counsel firefighters, other staff, retired personnel and their families, who are facing a personal or family crisis or are having problems dealing with a difficult incident. What do they do? Chaplains provide counselling and referral services to firefighters throughout NSW, and, in some cases, to members of the public who are affected by major incidents. During and after serious incidents, the Chapla

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 commemorate the centenary of Casino Fire Station at a ceremony held on Saturday 6th April 2019. 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 Formation of the Casino Fire Brigade In mid-August 1883 it was reported that a fire brigade had bee