Berrigan Fire Brigade celebrated its night of nights on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. Credit: VMK Photography.
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The oldest registered rural fire brigade in Australia has celebrated a milestone in its long life, opening its doors to the public and honouring members in a special ceremony.
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Berrigan thronged with colour and activity on Saturday, September 20, as Berrigan Fire Brigade celebrated 125 years of service to the town and surrounding district.
Attendees travelled from as far as Corowa, Strathmerton and Finley to enjoy the festivities, which included face painting, a range of market stalls organised by the Berrigan & District Development Association and an exhibit of historic firefighting equipment by NSW RFS Heritage.
Berrigan Fire Brigade president Riley Nolen said the day went unbelievably well, and he and his brigade were proud of its long service.
“We’ve had a large amount of people coming from not only the local community but also the wider community, really taking it all in and wanting to know more about the NSW RFS, in Berrigan,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the community and the Berrigan brigade for what they’ve done, alongside BDDA for doing the market here today.”
An awards ceremony followed the open day, with dignitaries including NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin and NSW state Member for Murray Helen Dalton attending.
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The open day was followed by an awards ceremony later that day for brigade members at the Berrigan Soldiers Memorial Hall, attended by dignitaries like NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin and NSW state Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
Ten brigade members were awarded life membership at the ceremony, including Robert Congdon, Greyd’n Davis, Arthur Dempster, Ian Fox, Inara Fox, Ronald Jinks, James Macartney, Victor Watson, David Woodward and Brian Woodcraft.
Special recognition was made as 50-year long service medals were given to Ian Fox, James Macartney and Victor Watson, while Robert Congdon, Greyd’n Davis, Arthur Dempster and Inara Fox received 40-year long service medals.
Berrigan Fire Brigade is recognised as the first rural fire brigade in Australia to be registered.
It was formalised in 1900, and was fully equipped in 1901.
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