Remembering Reg Varley: A Life of Service, Skill and Generosity

Reg Varley at the opening of the M12 Motorway on 14 March 2026.

The Museum of Fire community is deeply saddened by the passing of Reg Varley, a long-time volunteer, supporter and friend whose contribution to the Museum and the wider firefighting community spans decades.

Reg’s connection to firefighting began in 1974, when he joined the New South Wales Fire Brigades at No. 79 Ingleburn Fire Station. Over a 23-year career, he rose to the rank of Deputy Captain, a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 1997. His commitment to the brigade was marked not only by leadership, but by a practical, hands-on approach that would come to define much of his life.

Outside of the brigade, Reg’s talents and interests were as diverse as they were impressive. He ran his own engineering business, designing and building amusement rides and lighting towers. At the same time, he spent over six years as a skipper on Sydney Harbour and worked as a race car mechanic for 25 years. Whether on land or water, in workshops or behind the wheel, Reg brought skill, curiosity and determination to everything he did.

It was this same passion that led him to the Museum of Fire. Reg first became involved in the late 1980s through his participation in the Variety Bash, a charity event supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity. Driving a fire engine across regional Australia, Reg helped raise funds while connecting with communities along the way. Reg would go on to run both historic and in-service fire engines in the Bash, even modifying and maintaining them himself. His ingenuity and mechanical expertise ensured not only that the vehicles performed, but that they did so reliably over long and challenging distances. His dedication to the Variety Bash was recognised in 2024 when he was inducted into the Variety Bash Hall of Fame, an honour that reflected years of commitment, fundraising and community engagement.

Reg Varley with his 1989 Variety Bash vehicle and scale model, 11 May 1989 [Museum of Fire Collection]

Reg began volunteering more regularly at the Museum of Fire around 10 years ago, and in the workshop, he was in his element. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge about fire engines, mechanics and the history of the brigade. His practical skills, problem-solving ability and willingness to share what he knew made him an invaluable member of the team. This led to several of the fire engines receiving accolades and recognition with award nominations from the National Trust Heritage Awards. His heart and passion for the Museum was then recognised in 2024, when he received a Museum of Fire Life Membership for his dedicated service.

Below are just a few of the restoration projects Reg contributed to over the years including, the NSW Fire Brigades Centenary Vehicle, the Mercedes 911 Water Tanker, the Merryweather Turntable Ladders, the Ford D200, the Mack Salvage, and a brass standpipe that was made by Reg's relative G. H. Varley.

Reg’s legacy at the Museum is not only found in the vehicles he helped restore, but in the stories, knowledge and camaraderie he shared so freely. He was someone who got things done, who found solutions where others saw obstacles, and who never lost his enthusiasm for the work.

-Story by the Museum of Fire Team