The Armidale Amazons: The First Women's Brigade Established in NSW

The Establishment Of The Armidale Amazons

Forming in 1901 under the guidance of Captain T. Webb from the Armidale Fire Brigade, the ‘Amazons’ as they are affectionately known as were a brigade of incredibly well trained young women. Literature at the time of the NSW Fire Brigade’s existence confirms they were established as a ‘novelty performance group’, but despite this, their skill became well known both around Australia and overseas, with American newspapers even reporting on the girls.

At this point in history, the Armidale Fire Brigade was governed by a local fire brigades board as regional NSW was not under the auspice of the state government for fire prevention and extinguishment. Thus, making the Amazons’ creation a truly grassroots undertaking.

The first Brigade consisted of nine girls under the age of 17, with Webb’s daughter Minnie named as Captain. The other original members were Lily Schmutter, Lilly Burke, Mary Maher, Dinah Watson, Lizzie Hiller, May Schmutter, Lottie Walker and Clara Madden.

The Armidale Amazons c.1902 [Museum of Fire Collection]

From Performing To Reforming

The Brigade gained notoriety for the skill of the young girls, especially as it was the only one of its type in Australia, and the fact they performed the same drills as the men, but in dresses, only gained them more publicity. The girls performed at the 1903 and 1904 Armidale Demonstrations and, in 1905, travelled to a fire brigade display at Forbes, where because of their popularity, were asked to make a stop in Bathurst to perform for the local community on their way home.

Following their 1905 tour, the Amazons largely faded from public view, likely because as the girls grew older, it was no longer considered appropriate for them to continue performing. However, over a decade later the Amazons would reform to perform at fundraising events in support of the war effort, albeit it is difficult to know whether it involved the original members of the Brigade or a new generation.

Members of the Armidale Amazons with a Shand Mason Ladder cart c.1901 [Museum of Fire Collection]

The Legacy Of The Amazons

In 1923, the New England Girls’ School in Armidale took steps to re-establish the Amazons through their school fire drill training. This saw Captain T. Webb return to train a new generation, and it was hoped that should a serious situation arise, the girls could render assistance if required. It is unclear how long this school-based Amazon Brigade remained in service or if they ever attended any incidents with the Armidale Fire Brigade.

The Amazons hold a unique place within the history of women’s firefighting. They were one of the first recorded organised fire brigades of women trained at a skill level similar to the men. Their legacy is still felt and celebrated throughout Armidale today, with a mural of Captain Minnie Webb created by international artist Sarah Hickey in 2019 featuring prominently in the town.

 -Story by Museum of Fire Heritage Team