Station Focus: Maroubra Fire Brigade (1924-2025)

The Origins of Firefighting in Maroubra

The history of Maroubra Fire Station reflects the community spirit that has made it a beloved institution. Beyond housing a fire brigade, it has been used as a community hub, embodying the values that unite its residents.

Blue prints for Maroubra Fire Station, November 1923 [Museum of Fire Collection]

Beginning in 1912, the Randwick Municipal Council recognised the need for a new fire brigade and station to protect the rapidly developing district. After considering a few other locations, land was set aside in 1918 on the corner of Maroubra Bay Road and Flower Street to form a fire brigade in Maroubra. Although it took a few years to secure funds, finally in 1923 plans were drawn up by architects Spain and Cosh and tenders were invited shortly after. The contract was awarded to W. M. Martin in December 1923, and construction quickly commenced. On 11 July 1924, Maroubra Fire Station was completed and ready for occupation. Initially, one Sub-Station Officer and one Permanent Firefighter were assigned to the brigade, allowing them time to secure six volunteer firefighters and ensure everything was operational before the official opening took place on 24 July 1924.

A Brief Closure and Reopening

After serving as an active fire station for 21 years, Maroubra Fire Station, along with 22 other stations in NSW, were officially closed in 1945 as part of the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW (BoFC) reorganisation of the firefighting service to improve efficiency. Although the fire station was closed, the firefighters were transferred to the nearby Matraville Fire Station to continue protecting the greater Randwick area. Even though the Maroubra Fire Station building was no longer in use, it remained a community hub for many years. From 1949 to 1956, the billiards room served as a mail sorting room for the local Maroubra Post Office, and in 1955 and 1956 it was used as an election polling station.

Maroubra Fire Station, c. 1994 [Museum of Fire Collection]

During 1956, the BoFC discussed plans to close Matraville Fire Station due to its poor condition and transfer the staff to the old Maroubra Fire Station, which had been kept in great condition since its retirement as a fire station. However, Randwick Council believed the growing district would be better protected if both fire stations were operational. So, on 11 October 1957, Maroubra Fire Station was reopened as an active fire station and Matraville was kept in operation.

The Legacy of Maroubra Fire Station

Maroubra Fire Station embodies the growth, resilience, and community spirit of the district. From early council petitions to wartime closures and community use, the station has remained a constant presence in Maroubra’s history, serving as a symbol of service in various forms. Today, Maroubra Fire Brigade remain a vital part of protecting and supporting their local community, providing valuable protection and fire safety education.

B Platoon out the front of Maroubra Fire Station. L to R: Station Officer Frank Wiley, Senior Firefighter Mark Phelan, First Class Firefighter Craig Brierley and First Class Firefighter Peter Richards c. late 1980s [Museum of Fire Collection]

Historic Fleet List 

Year	Make/Model	Motor Engine Number	Type
1924	Garford Type 75	143	Pumper
1933	Dennis 350	019	Pumper
1940	Dennis Ace	264	Pumper
1957	Dennis F1	011	Pumper
1962	Commer S255	001	Pumper
1967	Ford Thames	021	Pumper
1969	Dennis D600	388	Pumper
1972	Dennis D600	451	Pumper
1981	International 1710B	637	Pumper
1985	International 1810C	280	Pumper
1986	International 1810D	163	Pumper
1994	Austral FirePac 3500	230	Pumper
2004	Varley Commander T3	853	Pumper
2018	Scania P310	863	Pumper

-Story by Museum of Fire Heritage Team