Illuminated by Fire
Maldon
Maldon
Illuminated by Fire A community engagement project by Artist in Residence, Deanna Neville, working with the Maldon Group Fire Brigades: Maldon, Walmer (Muckleford), Baringhup and
Regional Arts Victoria
Illuminated by Fire – Maldon
2010 saw the first stage of Regional Arts Victoria’s Illuminated by Fire project, a culmination of eleven artist residencies across Victoria. In Maldon, local community development facilitator, Deanna Neville, developed a participatory photography project with the Maldon Group Fire Brigades - Maldon, Walmer with Muckleford and Baringhup. The participating members were taught to brush up their camera skills and they captured a series of photographic portraits and stories from their brigade comrades. These images were displayed in a Marquee Gallery assembled in Maldon at the Fire Tower on Mt Tarrangower as part of the Illuminated by Fire launch, on 6th November 2010. The brigades’ trucks and volunteer members were also ‘on show’ - coming together in a sea of colour. As night fell upon the Mount, guests were treated to the unveiling of four enormous photographs taken by Deanna to honour the men and women of the Maldon Group Fire Brigades, illuminated in the night’s sky. In June 2011 we celebrate the second stage of Illuminated by Fire with a spectacular installation in Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria.
Contents Project description Alan Shepherd Neil McKnight Jack Long Bella and Jon Shanks Brendan McKnight Anna Beilharz Laurie Shanks Daniel Clarke Andrew Chapman Jill Harrison-Rogers Sean McCubbin Eddie Harvey Sean and Mark Webb Bill Davies Stephen Parson Jim Chaplin John Freemantle Julien Harrison-Rogers James Webb
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Contents Michael Grimes Perry Smythes Keith Stancombe Jason Williams Rhonda Evans Bruce Morton Lillian Long Roger Curran John Stancombe and Luke Chaplin Peter Thompson Martin & Jan Mulholland Greg Kinross Ross Dohnt Samantha Thompson Kerran and Reba Webb Pam Lyons Bush Fire Yarn Banner photos and readings Project acknowledgements
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When the fire siren is activated
hirty years ago I joined the Maldon Fire Brigade. I became T an officer and over the years worked my way to the position of Captain which I have held for 15 years.
Alan Shepherd, Captain Maldon Fire Brigade With Lieutenants John Stancombe, Jim Chapman, Peter Thompson and James Webb Jnr
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The first fire trucks I knew were the Austin tanker and Austin Front mounted pumper. Back in those days it was like having two brigades in the one station – a rural and an urban brigade which caused huge divisions amongst the two memberships. Now we are classed as one fire brigade consisting of about 32 male and 18 female members plus a very strong junior membership. I have seen a major upgrade to the fire station from a small two-bay truck area and meeting room with a very primitive kitchen and communications room. We now have three truck bays, good sized meeting room with a large modern kitchen, offices, communications room and a four-bay truck shed out the back. We have some very good up to date equipment which is supplied by the CFA or purchased and owned by the brigade. It is a constant battle to raise funds so we can supply a quality volunteer service. It is the well-trained and dedicated members that enable us to be a big part of the Maldon community. This brigade has been involved in some major fires and incidents over the years and always has been able to do the task asked of it. With such time-restricted lifestyles we live, it is nice to know that when someone dials 000 and the fire siren is activated a volunteer band of people will turn out on a fire truck to serve the community. Photo by Hayley Kinross
The adrenalin you get
nly six months after moving here from Sydney there was O a time mid-afternoon just before Christmas in 1980,when the skies were black over Maldon. Fire was threatening this
Neil McKnight, Maldon
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lovely town. Burning and falling trees over the road stopped me getting to home at the back of the Mount. Blokes on a passing fire truck heading out there saw my dilemma and stopped. As they were short on crew they asked me to hop on board and help out. “Welcome to the CFA�. From that moment I was a volunteer fire fighter. The farm house had been lost but all that mattered was that my family was safe. The adrenalin you get when the siren blows and the help you can give others is extremely rewarding. Fire can be scary and dangerous but it brings people together for a common cause. It is great to see the generations of families currently participating in the brigade, which is not uncommon throughout the CFA.
Photo by Sue McKnight
Very competitive
he Walmer Bush Fire Brigade was formed at a meeting in T the Walmer School in 1941. Office bearers were President: William Sharp, Secretary; Roy Williams, Captain;
Jack Long, Walmer
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Rupert Sharp; Lieutenants, including Ron McGregor and Harry Talbot. I joined at that meeting, age 16 – 69 years ago and I’m still a member (but not active). The only equipment was two or three 100 gal tanks with hand pumps, several knapsacks and a number of leather beaters. The tanks were used on the back of utes. The brigade area took in Sth Lockwood and Ravenswood and Walmer this side of the Highway. The first large fire was 1944, starting at Ravenswood and it burned nearly to the outskirts of Melbourne. The CFA took over the Walmer Bush Brigade and it became the Walmer Fire Brigade in the late 40’s or early 50’s. We received our first CFA tanker in the early1950’s and the Brigade started competing at the Rural Brigade Championships in 1952 at Region 21 at Marong and won the shield. We were very competitive for many years. And prior to that for two or three years we competed on Dave Pinchin’s 1936 Ford Truck.
Photo by Lillian Long
The best thing that has ever happened
ella – Our whole family enjoys the running team. We are B all in the CFA and help out whenever we can. We think the running team is a good place to start when you want to help
Bella and Jon Shanks Maldon
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the community and be a part of a massive family, which is what the CFA is. We all help each other in different ways. The running team helps you learn more skills and helps you in the future. The running team is the best thing that has ever happened to us. on – We enjoy the CFA running team because we meet new people and we learn new skills. We also like the CFA because it helps out the community. With all the volunteers helping there is a big team of people helping out with protecting our community. Our family is a five-person family and we all have something to do with the CFA – Pop: a fire fighter, Nan: helps with the food supply when needed, Bianka: just started to learn junior running, Bella: junior running and me: junior running and sometimes helping out on Sunday mornings. Also, my dad and uncle are in the CFA.
J
Photo by Laurie Shanks (Pop)
Protecting lives and properties
I joined the Baringhup West Rural Fire Brigade in 1983 at the Igrandfather’s age of 17 after witnessing the destruction on both my property and neighbouring properties that were
Brendan McKnight, Captain Baringhup Fire Brigade
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burnt out during the 1980 fire and then again with the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983. At the age of 22 I was promoted to Lieutenant - a position I held for ten years after which I took on the role of Captain. This was a challenging time due to the death of volunteer fire fighters at Linton. As Captain I am aware of the need to ensure all volunteers are able to access training to ensure they are able to develop and grow as well as to make them fully prepared when they are faced with an emergency situation. I believe that all our volunteers are community minded and work hard to protect the lives and properties of those around them.
Photo by Samantha Thompson
My own unique way
I joined the CFA to contribute to my community. As a female, Iwomen able to drive a truck, I believe I present a good model for fulfilling non-traditional roles.
Anna Beilharz, Maldon
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My most memorable contribution was at a road traffic accident: a local teacher very nearly died. The changing season was cold in the early morning shade of the tall gum trees the car had crashed into. As the wounded woman was stabilised and the Jaws of Life cut her car’s roof open, CFA members stood by. Witnesses - one woman in particular - became increasingly distressed as the reality of the scene sank in. I realised that I was the only female present not actively involved in the rescue. Everyone else standing by was male. So I approached the observer and gave her a supportive hug, then fetched her a warm CFA jacket to reduce her shivering – staying beside her as her good friend was pulled from the car, then accompanying her as she saw off the helicopter, which she felt compelled to do. A male would not have been able to comfort her as closely. That is how I see my role in the CFA – bringing individual characteristics and skills to the organisation, and participating in my own unique way.
Photo by Roger Curran
Get to know the town and its people
oming to Maldon to live in retirement years, the best way C to get to know the town and its people is to volunteer and join an organisation. I chose the CFA because of the wide
Laurie Shanks, Maldon
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variety of activities you can get involved with. After completing minimum skills allowing me to turn out on vehicles, I followed this up with another course to become an FEM officer. This is for servicing fire extinguishers, hose reels, and maintaining small fire fighting equipment. This is carried out every six months in shops, factories and public buildings. This equipment can put out a small fire and save a lot of heartbreak.
Photo by Neil McKnight
Having a good time
I joined Maldon Fire Brigade at age 16 at Easter 2004 when Igood I saw all the guys setting up for the Easter Fair (and having a time doing it), and I thought “that looks like fun!� Now six
Daniel Clarke, Maldon
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years on, I still enjoy the sense of community and camaraderie that CFA offers and I look forward to many more years of service. The fire brigade is a terrific bunch of people who do a huge amount for Maldon and the surrounding district and it is a great pleasure to be associated with them.
Photo by Daryl Walker
A proud history
the Walmer Rural Fire Brigade in the late 70’s. I’ve had my IthejIupsjoined and downs. As a child I saw the devastation of the 1969 fires in area. The largest fire I’ve fought around here was in December
Andrew Chapman, Captain Walmer Fire Brigade
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1980. It started out near Fitzpatricks place close to the Maldon/Bridgewater Road. It was a very hot north-westerly wind. We got the callout and I took the Brigade-owned tanker, a 1967 J3 Bedford. It was quite simple with an 800 gal tank (3,600 litres – probably overloaded) and had a Briggs & Stratton pump, bigger than most CFA tankers at the time. We had no radio, not like today, and there we were - Ray Smart, Jack Long and myself at the fireline by ourselves. There was fire both ways as far as you could see and we worked for hours without another truck. We had contained miles of fire when the wind dropped. A fellow came along and I asked how far it had gone and he said the whole of Muckleford had gone. Your heart sinks - what do you do - stay or go? We were still out the other side of Maldon and we found out later it was an incorrect report, that in fact it had burnt into the Muckleford Forest and Smith Reef Forest (now called Maldon Historic Reserve - some idiot changed the name). Then all hell broke loose - the wind did a 180 degree turn, we didn’t know it was coming, and no water in the tank. it rolled logs 250 yds into unburnt grass and took off . By this stage most trucks were at the other end or in Maldon. It stopped at Shelbourne but burnt out Mt Tarrangower and the first two levels of the fire tower and threatened the Maldon township. The brigade has a proud history of going to fires and over the years has built up four Brigade-owned tankers since about 1980, and this year we took delivery of a 4WD Hino Twincab - brand new! Walmer was also at the forefront with Class A foam units which the CFA finally caught onto. I’ve been Captain more than 21 years, we’ve saved many farms, houses and forests and had our say when needed. Photo by Renee Thompson
Something really worthwhile
hat I love about the fire brigade is the sense of W community; being part of the friendly and supportive CFA community while doing something positive and contributing to
Jill Harrison-Rogers, Maldon
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the broader community. There are all types of people in the fire brigade; men, women, young, old, people with professional backgrounds and people with trade backgrounds, single people and generations of families. It makes no difference what you do or where you come from, being in the fire brigade brings everyone together. And it is essential, when fighting fires together, that you all get on well and work as a team. Having just completed my training in November 2008, Black Saturday was my first experience with a big fire and what I remember most is the feeling of everyone working together, looking out for one another and fighting to save as many homes as possible. I am sure some people returned to their homes thinking they were really lucky, the fire seemed to have gone around them, not realising a team of firefighters had saved their house! I really enjoy being a firefighter, and when we have fires, I would much rather be fighting the fires than just watching them, feeling helpless.
Jill Harrison-Rogers, Maldon
A passion
as such, everyone looks after one another and Ioft’syouthea getfamily treated as a son. Why I joined is that we live on one driest continents in the world. I was only about 12 or 13
Sean McCubbin, Maldon
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the last time we had a big fire through Maldon and I saw all these people I knew, waving from the back of the fire truck. I still remember one particular time when I first had my licence, one of the blokes said to me “get in and drive – if you make a mistake I’ll talk you through it”. So that was my first incident control. I’ve had a lot of rich experience with the Chairman’s Challenge, going away for fire fighting training and team building, conquering fears like my fear of water. Doing white water rafting was priceless! Fire fighting is a passion and you can potentially save lives.
It makes me very proud
y name is Eddie Harvey, 2nd Lieutenant and Training M Officer with the Walmer Fire Brigade. I have been a CFA Volunteer for 38 years and have enjoyed serving my
Eddie Harvey, Walmer
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community very much. I first became a CFA volunteer joining the Springvale Urban Fire Brigade in 1972, a very active brigade called out many times all hours of the day and night. But you gained lots of experience from a range of jobs from major structure fires such as factory fires, shops, school complexes, many houses, road accidents and alarm calls, grass fires and lots of hoax calls. Training was intense, doing many courses at the CFA College Fiskville and also weekly training on Station. Some of the jobs saw some interesting things happen, such as a backdraft whilst fighting a house fire when the back door flew open and forced a huge fire eruption with such fury, another when working a grass and scrub fire which we had under control until a News helicopter flew in low and spread the fire all around us. The fire took off, making a large fire that we had to work on for 17 hours to sort it all out. In 1982 we purchased our small farm at Walmer then transferred to the Walmer Fire Brigade, a much quieter Brigade. It’s good to learn about rural fires and you become a lot more involved in the community which is great. As the Training Officer it gives me great pleasure teaching the young recruits, especially the ones I’ve known since they were babies. To see them perform at their first fire and perform well makes me very proud, as applies to the more mature members. Photo by Renee Thompson
Help people, help the community
ark: I joined the running team first at the age of 11 then M at 16 I became a volunteer fire fighter when I passed my minimum skills. I wanted to do something to help the
community and help people. ean: I joined as a junior member at the age of ten. I joined because I wanted to help the community. The first fire I went to was on the Bridgewater Road with my dad. A motorbike had started the fire. The first big fire I went to was the one at Daylesford in 2009.
S Mark and Sean Webb Maldon
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Photo by Daryl Walker
Tradition of community involvement
vividly remember attending my first wild fire, full of Idirected enthusiasm and youthful exuberance. On arrival I was to help attend the horses while their owners fought
Bill Davies, pictured with Jack Long (L), Walmer
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the fire with bags, shovels and tree branches; my first lesson in being part of a team. How things have changed. The Walmer Fire Brigade was formed in 1942 and everybody in the district was encouraged to join up. The tradition of community involvement is encouraged and practiced to the present day, ensuring a strong and dedicated membership. I became a registered member in 1950 and was encouraged to become involved in competition, fire prevention and training activities to gain experience and knowledge of fire behaviour. The Fire Service has given me many opportunities. I was Captain of Walmer Brigade for 26 years, I served on numerous committees, was the first elected at Regional Level to represent Rural Volunteer Fire Fighters in 1976 and continued on to represent at State level for 15 years, nationally for five years, appointed to the CFA Board for nine years and honoured with an AFSM in 1990. I have been very privileged to be involved in a community based fire brigade at Walmer.
Photo by Renee Thompson
Great things can be achieved
I joined the Castlemaine fire brigade about 20 years ago Ijoining when my now brother-in-law Peter Thompson talked me into to help out with the Castlemaine competition running
Stephen Parson, Maldon
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team. After learning a few new skills the running team went on to win the C section aggregate at the 107th annual state championships held at Warrnambool. Over the next few years the team went through B section to A section with a small amount of success. As I slowed down I stopped competing and concentrated on my other sport, sailing. In about 1997 after meeting Peter’s sister Faye we moved to Maldon, built a house and got married in 2005. During this time I have learnt a lot of new skills, met and made a lot of new friends and attended numerous fires and incidents, some with happy outcomes and some not. Being in the CFA gives me a sense of belonging in the community. I get a good feeling when we can help someone out of a difficult situation. I think great things can be achieved when a community works together.
Photo by Roger Curran
A good service
the Maldon CFA when I was 16 years of age. I began IDadIatjoined a grass fire off Oswald Street in Maldon. I went along with because it was down our way, and got my first job when
Jim Chaplin, Maldon
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they put a knapsack on my back! I remember it cost 1 shilling 6 pence to join. And I’m still a member, actually a life member, awarded after 45 years of service. Why do I volunteer? To help the public when in need, to get to know people and make new friends, and knowing you have done a good service to the town.
Photo by Neil McKnight
A big asset to the community
t 16 I joined the local brigade. It was the done thing to do, we A all pitch in when there’s a crisis. If you didn’t join, you were certainly in a minority in a farming/rural community. A lot has
John Freemantle, Baringhup
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changed in those 27 years. The CFA is about all that’s left out our way - schools have closed, other groups have folded, everyone seems busier than ever and it’s a lot harder to keep members and get new ones. But someone has to do it and I know that all my fellow volunteer fire fighters make Victoria a much safer place each and every fire season. Our brigade is fairly casual, we don’t get too excited about the ‘being a firey’ thing, but when it matters we all come together to do our bit, old and young alike, from different occupations, religions, completely different backgrounds, and even different countries. And when we’ve done our part it’s a good feeling to know that we have helped someone and achieved something worthwhile. Big fires, ones that you have to stay away from home for, and take days off work for, are the hardest. You work long days and miss your family, and they worry constantly about you. There is always an element of danger, and there are times when all you see is smoke and you sit on your backside all day. But they are the milestones - the ones you remember, and the ones you have the most stories to tell about. Sleeping rough, the physical exertion - you wouldn’t miss it for quids. Getting new brigade-owned tankers are a another highlight. Working hard fundraising for something the community owns and that makes the community safer is a great thing. The brigade-owned tankers are a real asset to the Maldon Group. The Maldon Group is also a big asset to the community. We all work well together for a common goal - to help each other and make the community safer. Photo by Samantha Thompson
They become your mates
hat’s what you do in the country – join the local Brigade. T The members are first your trainers and mentors. You fight fires together, they become your mates.
Julien Harrison-Rogers, pictured with Jill Harrison-Rogers, Maldon
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Fire is what gets us together. Fire in the bush alone isn’t dangerous. It’s a combination of wind, terrain and fuel loads with fire that causes the problems, giving us a healthy respect of fire. Fire suppression is our second priority, but only after safety. Some fire callouts are just plain hard work. We’re all working hard, knowing what to do, working as a well oiled wheel. Knowing where to direct our limited water supplies; directing at where it will be most effective. Some fires that are smaller or pose less of a threat are treated equally seriously, but there is more of an air of relaxed feeling in the crew. We can catch up what has happened in a mate’s life since we last saw them whilst still knocking the head of the fire down. And yes, after a fire you have a beer with them.
Photo by Hayley Kinross
Comradeship
I j joined the CFA at the age of 14 because I wanted to help IBrigade. the community and I like the comradeship of the Fire
James L Webb, pictured with James K Webb Jnr, Maldon
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The first fire I went to was in 1980. It was the one that came over the Mount and I was on the truck with Robert James, Philip Tatt and my dad, Kerran Webb on the new tanker. The CFA protects the community in ways that includes members educating the community on how to protect themselves against fire. The Fire Brigade is made up of many people of different backgrounds and jobs but we all pull together and work as a team when needed.
Photo by Daryl Walker
The odd fast trip in a red truck
was a late starter with the CFA. I’d ‘retired’ and moved Imeeting. to Maldon when friends said I should join them at a CFA
Michael Grimes, Maldon
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I was hooked. I completed minimum skills, was issued with a fire-fighters’ kit, and was in. I met the most practical ‘can do’ people in Australia. They welcomed me, fumble fingers and all! I found my niche in Community Safety as a volunteer fire safe presenter and the odd fast trip in a red truck (usually during the day when the younger members are at work). To me the CFA presents friendship, camaraderie and knowing you are involved in a worthwhile and necessary community service.
Photo by Pam Lyons
A sense of community
he Maldon Junior running team is a place where I can T escape from the chaos of everyday life and into the chaos of fire running.
Perry Smythes, pictured with Anna Beilharz, Maldon
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“Up to your marks. Set. Go.” Right. Hydrant in. Break this connection. Connect this hose. Connect it to this branch. Shoot water at disc. Win. Yes! Second Place! The running team provides a sense that I am part of another family. I have lots of friends there. Everyone is nice. When we are not running we chat about stuff. James (the coach) always gives us tips on how to improve. We have four new people this year. It is fun watching them and thinking I was making the same mistakes only a year ago. Once it is proper running season we have a demo every two or three weeks. Sometimes people can’t make it and one of us will volunteer to take their place, therefore running two of the same runs. The Maldon running team provides a sense of community away from home and school. I would encourage other people to join as it is a great experience for all, and it sets a path to becoming a volunteer fire-fighter, which is highly respected.
Photo by Roger Curran
I still like to volunteer
in 1966 and been a member ever since except for IItwojoined years of national service.
Keith Stancombe, (centre), with Michael Grimes and Alan Shepherd, Maldon
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We started with the old Austin tanks. Our demos were different back then, there’d be bales of straw and knapsacks and they’d light them and you’d have to put them out in a set amount of time; they were run by the clock. The knapsacks we started off with were hessian bags, about 18 inches square. They’d be soaked in kerosene and lit and we’d have to put them out before we crossed the line. Later on the tipping targets came in. They were like a cone and we’d fire water into the back of the cone and the weight of the water would tip the thing over, again in set time that went by the stopwatch. It’s had its ups and downs. There’s more schooling than we ever had. I just let the young ones get out and do that now. But I still like to volunteer. I like coming to the meetings. I still do Father Christmas for the break-up and I still front up a fair bit!
Photo by Renee Thompson
The support of other brigades
t all started at the Walmer Christmas party one year, when I Iaway. looked around and saw the Walmer Brigade members aging So I decided to join and help out our community. Not
Jason Williams, Walmer
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knowing the full extent of what was involved, I signed up. I sat my minimum skills and met with Brigade members. I was welcomed in but had a lot to learn. I did a few more courses - crew leader, first aid, low structure fire. At the same time I got some first hand experience on the truck. A fire broke along the Maldon railway line and I was put in the hot seat so to speak, to drive Tanker 1. All crewed up we tackled the fire, with15 or 16 tankers involved. It wasn’t till we stopped to have a break that I realized how bad it was. It felt good helping out. I was overwhelmed by the support of other brigades. That was when I had the confidence to go away when needed on strike teams. I did find that with my lack of experience Black Saturday over at Redesdale and then Daylesford were all a bit scary. Driving into thick smoke where you couldn’t see 20ft in front and working in the dark makes it harder to fight fires. Being voted in as 1st Lieutenant for Walmer Fire Brigade made me proud. I hope I still have plenty of years and skills to offer the community of Walmer.
Photo by Renee Thompson
All walks of life
’ve been in the CFA for about seven years. I joined for the Ienjoying Discipline Marching then broadened out a bit, really it. We’d go away most weekends to state demos, just
Rhonda Evans pictured with Jim Chaplin, Maldon
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the adults, to Mildura, Shepparton etc. You do a bit of everything, it’s like a family really, there’s no-one that doesn’t fit in. it’s all good! And you get pretty close to some ... we’re just normal from all walks of life ... most have grown up in the CFA. And if someone has a birthday everyone’s there!
Photo by Daryl Walker
We took off like a pair of jack rabbits
n 1961 there were fires in the Dandenongs and all over and Ipolice they were calling for volunteers. We signed on at the Lilydale station. We were assigned a tip truck to jump in the back
Bruce Morton, Maldon
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of and went off to a fire. Then me and my mate were putting a fire out around the side of a house and when we came out from behind the house there was not truck, no men; just us. And we could hear the fire coming! They obviously heard it before us! Then we took off like a pair of jack rabbits and we came across the Heidleberg water tanker running from the fire too. The truck was full so the only place was for me and Frank to get on the top. And hang onto the lids! Then the fire came over the top of us and they just kept on driving. The shirts were burnt off our backs. When we were out of danger someone stuck his head out the window and said, ‘you blokes still there?!’ But they weren’t stoppin’ if we’d fallen off - you’re not going to stop in the middle of a fire to pick someone up.
Self portrait with Mark and Sean Webb
A real highlight
ack in the 1950’s the Country Fire Authority provided an B Austin fire truck to the Walmer Brigade. Later when competitions between area brigades began the ladies always
Lillian Long, with the Walmer Ladies’ Auxiliary
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backed the firemen at competitions as well as preparing food and drink if they were called to fight fires in the local areas. To coordinate efforts - especially later when the purchase of a fire truck for the local fire brigade was considered - a Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed. Loris Davies was President and I was Secretary. We ladies - the wives and friends of local firemen - organised catering and functions for fundraising. The outstanding one was the annual Christmas barbecue and Dutch Auction, which still happens today. Trips away to annual State competitions were always looked forward to.
Photo by Daryl Walker
A welcome part of the team
he summer of 2008/9 was my first in the bush since I was T a boy, and my English wife’s first in Australia. We had spent considerable time preparing our house for bushfire in early
Roger Curran, Maldon
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summer but we were certainly not prepared for the fire storms we saw on the news in February of that year. Although I had already been considering joining the CFA (but was dragging my heels), seeing those tragic events and the determined work of the CFA volunteers motivated me to get involved sooner. I started turning up to the Maldon fire station on Sunday mornings where the captain and other brigade members began showing me around the trucks, hoses, radios and so on. After completing the CFA’s minimum skills training program I was given protective equipment and a pager and then I started turning out to fires. The members of the brigade have been fantastic in training and coaching me, both on and off the fire ground, and I have really appreciated how quickly they made me feel a welcome part of the team. Being a member of the brigade has also helped my family and me to feel more a part of the local community.
Photo by Anna Beilharz
A commitment to community
uke: I joined the Maldon CFA when I was 16 after going L along with my father on Sunday mornings. I took an interest in the Brigade’s competition teams, first competing
with the junior team and then moving up to the senior team. Being in the Brigade you get to meet lots of new people and learn new things. I enjoy helping the Brigade around town, setting up for and running the local events throughout the year. I look forward to a long future with the Fire Brigade.
Luke Chaplin and John Stancombe, Maldon
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I was born in Maldon. My interest in the community J1987ohn: started as a junior member of the Maldon Fire Brigade in at age 13. This commitment comes from my family’s influence because my father, Keith is a member of what was then the Maldon Rural Fire Brigade and my mother, Pat a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. There are many years of dedicated service between them along with other community interests; this was the way of country life. I have held many Officer positions with the Maldon Fire Brigade over the years, currently 5th Lieutenant, a position I hold with great pride. I always like to be there to help and to offer assistance and help to anyone who needs it. I’ve been involved in training new members to setting up at the Easter Fair and the Folk Festival. I was awarded the Junior Citizen of the Year Award in 1992 for commitment to the community. I always try to make it a better place. Photo by Daryl Walker
Safe beside my father
first joined the CFA at 11, as a junior with the Castlemaine II have Brigade running team, being a third generation firefighter. competed and still compete at the State Firefighters
Peter Thompson, Maldon
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Championships and still manage to win a few trophies after 35 years on the track. Today, I still have the vision of my first fire, the fire at the Castlemaine Woollen Mill in 1981. I had just turned 17 and remember the huge flames as we approached the building. It was in the early hours, at first light, and I could hear the terrifying sound of exploding gas cylinders as they burst and rocketed up into the sky. My father and I approached from the rear of the mill, and with only one length of hose we entered the building. It was extremely hot - no breathing apparatus in those days and not much protective equipment available. We stood together and held the flames at bay, watching a fire extinguisher explode as it boiled beside us. I felt safe beside my father, who was a very experienced firefighter. Today my own children are CFA members and I have been able to teach them from what I learnt on that day from my own Dad.
Photo by Renee Thompson
Some memorable moments
e both have been involved in the local Brigade for about W 20 years, Martin as an active member and I joined as an Auxilary member until about eight years ago and became an
Martin and Jan Mulholland Maldon
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active member. Our involvement is not as much as others in the Brigade but our efforts are definately appreciated. The main reason for joining was because we would witness ordinary, everyday people going out of their way to benefit others in an extraordinary way and we felt that maybe we could contribute some of our time as well. Being members of the CFA we get to experience quite an array of incidents, from false alarms, small grass and scrub fires, searches, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires and on strike teams in other parts of the state. There is often an adrenalin rush when you jump on the truck as you don’t know what you will be confronted with. It certainly has its share of good and bad times. We find it rewarding when communities that you have been sent to help simply give thanks for our efforts. The tough times can be when we witness the destruction a fire has caused or being called to assist in motor vehicle accidents sometimes involving fatalities. The CFA has a great support network to help deal with those situations. We have both enjoyed the past 20 years in the CFA we have learnt many skills, made lots of friends and experienced some memorable moments. The CFA do alot for the community and we are happy to be able to do our little bit. Photo by Roger Curran
Extension of family
hat made me join the CFA? What makes me stay? The W CFA Fire Star certainly gives you a sense of direction and purpose to fulfil the qualities required to be a firefighter.
Greg Kinross, Maldon
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Tact. Loyalty. Dexterity. Observation. Sympathy. Explicitness. Gallantry. And Perseverance. But along with this and importantly is family and community. Support comes from your family to do what we do and to be away for periods of time without question. It means supporting your family to follow their endeavours and the sense of family coming together at functions and social events where all help out in times of great need. Then there is the extension of family, where you become a member of the greater CFA family, with all its tradition, support, arguments and squabbles. From a young age my parents (through their participation and support of the community) instilled in me a great sense of community; to give back, to make it a better place to live and to help protect the way of life we all love. We do not do this for accolades or medals – we do this for the community, and our reward is knowing we have helped some member of our community in their greatest time of need.
Photo by Hayley Kinross
A real honour
I joined Baringhup West Rural Fire Brigade in 1971, aged IBushfire 19. The inducement to join was probably the 1969 Maldon in which our farm was burnt out, but the house, sheds
Ross Dohnt, Baringhup
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and stock saved by some hard and excellent fire fighting done by volunteers. Also some encouragement by the then Brigade Secretary and Maldon Fire Brigades Group Officer, the late Mr Les Kaye B.E.M. (British Empire Medal). I became a Brigade Lieutenant in 1976 until 1981 when I became Secretary for 10 years. In 1987 I became a Deputy Group Officer in the Maldon Fire Brigades Group, a position I held until our most recent meeting when I was elected to the position of Group Officer. I also had the position of Group Communications Officer for a period during my time as a Deputy Group Officer. I first joined to put out fires on the end of a hose but there’s so much more involved. As time has progressed it’s almost the last thing I do. I’m either on the end of a radio or pen. For instance at the campaign fires in 2003, as a Deputy strike team leader I filled in over 50 pages of log. I’ve seen some fairly horrific experiences in my time that stick with you, but there’s a great sense of comradeship in the Brigade and the Maldon Group in particular. It’s a real honour to be part of it.
Photo by Ian Pollard
A career
have been involved in the Maldon Fire Brigade all of my life, IMaldon. with my Mum in the Walmer Fire Brigade and Dad in the I became a member of the Maldon Junior Fire
Samantha Thompson Maldon
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Brigade when I was 12, as a junior competing in the running team and junior development. As soon as I turned 16 I became a senior and went on to fighting fires and joined the senior running team. My first big fire I attended with the Walmer Fire Brigade crew was with Eddie Harvey, Mitch Chapman, Macca and Clarky. In 2009 I attended the Black Saturday bush fires. This was an experience of a lifetime. I was sent in a strike team with a crew of five working all day and night to put the fire out. I remember how hot it was and all the animals that were burnt and still trying to run around. Being involved in the Fire Brigade means a lot to me. The Maldon Fire Brigade is like a big family; everyone is looking out for each other and is a joy to be with. When I turn 21, I am hoping to become a permanent fire fighter and put fires out as a career.
Photo by Hayley Kinross
Friendship and working together as a team
n being assigned to manage a property at Baringhup, O Reba and I and four children at the time were welcomed to Baringhup School and community in 1974. It was not long
Reba and Kerran Webb Maldon
72
before I was asked to join the Baringhup Fire Brigade and given a brigade furfy tank and pump. Roy Pickering encouraged me to learn radio procedure doing Sunday Sched’s. On moving to Maldon Rural Fire Brigade I became Comms Officer, having Remote 2 installed in the newsagency and at home. In 1981 the Ladies Auxiliary was formed where Reba was a foundation member, becoming secretary and treasurer at some stage while I became Lieutenant, Forman and Captain over a period. Reba eventually became Group Department Communications Officer. Fire meant a lot to our family, radio going day and night, 365 days of the year. All five children knew how to use it. We were listening to all traffic in Region 2, also taking fire calls from distressed people and sending help where needed. Reba and I have met a lot of people over 35 years. We joined the CFA to help the community and in return expect a little help if required and enjoy the friendship and working together as a team.
Photo by Stuart McCubbin
Protecting lives and properties
ithin itself, the Fire Brigade is a family and community but W we are also an integral part of the wider community. We are involved in the various festivals, functions and community
Pam Lyons, Maldon
74
events held in Maldon throughout the year. Putting tents up and tables out for various food festivals, marching and games and cleaning up at Easter, manning the gate at the Butts for the Folk Festival, Easter Bunny and Santa duties, and even singing at Christmas Carols!! Every year at the beginning of the fire season there is a combined Churches’ blessing of the trucks and fire fighters where most of the members attend in full dress uniform (except me this time). A blessing for the coming season and thanks for the past. It is an honour to be associated with such a wonderful group of people.
Maldon Fire Brigade Bush Fire Yarn by Martin Mulholland, Maldon
was just past the middle of Summer IYoutSizzling hot and dry could smell the vapours of eucalypt
From those forest gums in the bush Now the farmers, they hadn’t had many good days The drought was long and harsh It was difficult to see because the dust was all around That powder from a long standing drought But when the tower spotted smoke Through the haze in the distance The word was soon broadcast about Fire sirens sounded, tankers started to roll Volunteers were on call to be turned out It was already 30 acres raging out of control And that fire was spotting way out By the time the first truck got there The front was 1km wide The call came back, ‘you’d better say a prayer’ And attack it from the side
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Well the brigades were set and ready To close in from sides and rear But almost every one of them Just briefly paused with fear When a flame two footy fields long and half as high And with a roar you’d rarely hear Leapt out of those pines at a rate of knots It’s a worry to be near Of dousing the flames and cooling hot spots Heaps of them worked hard and fast Backed by men, women and youth behind the scenes Willing to support the large task Well let’s spare a thought for the life that’s been lost It doesn’t hurt to even shed a tear And the flora, fauna, the livestock and crop Seems to battle on year after year And every now and then we get a time like this When the day’s events don’t bring much cheer But there’s a spirit throughout the land That’s willing to lend a hand
Photo by Deanna Neville
Greg Kinross Maldon Fire Brigade It takes some skill to be a fire fighter. But we’re trained by the professionals and by the people we know and trust – the other men and women of the brigade. It’s exhilarating, and challenging, fulfilling and charging. We stay fit because of it, physically, mentally and emotionally. Fighting fires can be intense, frightening, but the mates with you and your own confidence and experience makes you respond in the way you need. We aim for great achievements. Not just at the fire front but in our brigade family and within our community. For this we are very proud. So we strive for excellence, to be the very best we can. Like Greg Kinross. And people like me.
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Read by Julien Harrison-Rogers, Maldon Fire Brigade Illuminated by Fire, Maldon Fire Tower, 6th November 2010 Photographer: Deanna Neville
Samantha Thompson Maldon Fire Brigade Our brigades are like a family, and they are made up from our family, our community. For some it was our Grandfathers who began our local Rural Fire Brigades and our Grandmothers who stood beside and supported their men. They saw their own sons and daughters commit to the family Brigades, families from farms and within townships. They saw their children become second and third generations of fire fighters. With cousins and sisters and brothers an integral part of the Fire Brigade, each event a family connection of trust and loyalty. And love. Our own children will no doubt join the Fire Brigade and be a continued part of the family life shared with the community. We are strong Fire Brigade families, committed to this way of life. People like Samantha Thompson. And people like me. Read by Mitch Chapman, Walmer Fire Brigade
Illuminated by Fire, Maldon Fire Tower, 6th November 2010 Photographer: Deanna Neville
Rhonda Evans Maldon Fire Brigade People who join their local Fire Brigade come from all corners of the community. They are people who join because it suits that time of their life. Like retirees, moving to a new place or a tree-change from the fast pace of the city to a quiet rural town. Some are students, beginning early in their childhood because of the training and team building and a fun, social activity with friends. Or coming back from Uni during the fire season. Husbands and wives join the CFA, as a team; it may suit their similar interests or the possibilities of different tasks and duties. Single parents join the Brigade, their kids join in with the running competitions. Our teams are made up of professionals, and teachers, and tradies Some are businesspeople by day, all are fire fighters when the call comes. We are from the land, farmers, protecting our stock and pastures, our farms, and our families. Protecting the community Our Brigade is made up of people from all corners of the community. People like Rhonda Evans. And people like me. 6WXGHQW UHWLUHH KXVEDQG IDFWRU\ ZRUNHU ZLIH IDUPHU SURIHVVLRQDO VLQJOH SDUHQW E X V L Q H V V S H U V R Q W U D G L H P H
Read by Jill Harrison-Rogers, Maldon Fire Brigade Illuminated by Fire, Maldon Fire Tower, 6th November 2010 Photographer: Deanna Neville
Laurie Shanks Maldon Fire Brigade I’d like to tell you about the mateship in our Brigade. It’s different in the more remote Brigades like ours because we don’t get together as often as they do in Maldon. But the mateship is a strong bond with people you’ve know all your life. Or friends new and willing. Our connection with the community is a broad spectrum made up of links through our kids and their school, and the local businesses and neighbours and families. We are there to provide a service to the community – not just to fight fires and protect lives and property, but to support the events and fundraisers and to give back to those who support us. For many of us we made a commitment long ago, for some in our youth, others are new and just as passionate. And we are all volunteers, giving of our time and energy. People like Laurie Shanks. And people like me.
Read by Brendan McKnight, Baringhup Fire Brigade
Illuminated by Fire, Maldon Fire Tower, 6th November 2010 Photographer: Deanna Neville
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Andrew Chapman, Walmer Fire Brigade Our memories of earlier bushfires are strong. We formed small local Brigades as a line of defence, to protect our land, our families, our stock and our country. There’s a proud history of going to fires and we’ve saved many farms, houses and forests. But there have been such devastating events, frightening experiences, that threaten our towns, our farms, our community. In turn it can rip at your livelihood, generations having lived on the land, crops, running stock, a family tradition - should we stay or go? The changing face of our community. New families, retirees, tree-changers, increasing the life-force of the Brigades. We are neighbours new and old, we are rural-living neighbours, we are a community, bush living or farmers. We are people like Andrew Chapman. And people like me.
Read by members of the Maldon Group Fire Brigades Illuminated by Fire, Fed Square, Melbourne, June 2011 Photographer: Deanna Neville
Project acknowledgements and thanks It is with enormous gratitude that thanks are expressed to the following individuals and organisations for their assistance in making this project possible: Maldon Fire Brigade (Captain Alan Shepherd, Deputy Group Officer Peter Thompson, Lieutenants and Members) Walmer-Muckleford Fire Brigade (Captain Andrew Chapman, Lieutenants and Members) Baringhup Fire Brigade (Captain Brendan McKnight, Lieutenants and Members) Photographers, subjects, readers, development team, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, Parks Victoria, Maldon Brass Band, Welshmans Reef Winery, Mount Alexander Shire Council, CFA Regional Arts Victoria Director - Lindy Allen, Artistic Director - Donna Jackson