They’re farmers, husbands, dads and just regular blokes, but when all hell breaks loose, they’re superheroes.
They’re the Campbell Town Volunteer Fire Brigade members who have given their all for decades to keep their community safe, and on October 28 the best of the best were recognised with long service awards at a special ceremony at the Campbell Town Fire Station.
Deputy regional chief Steven Richardson and acting South Esk District Officer David Castella presented long service awards to Warren Clarke and David Oakley, both for 60 years, Gordon Maxfield, 50 years, Graeme McGee, for 40 years, and Roelof Methurst, for 25 years plus his National Medal and Bar for 25 years.
Incredibly Gordon, David and Roelof (known as Roly) are all still active members and also members of the Northern Midlands SES.
Robert Thomas also proudly accepted a National Emergency Medal for his work during the 2019/20 NSW bushfires, having undertaken two tours of duty to help fight the fires, also as a volunteer.
For the two incredible 60-year recipients, it was also acknowledgement of being founding members, with the brigade itself celebrating its 60th birthday.
They recalled when they started out they used a pull cart – a trailer with a handle on the front – to move water to a fire.
Now they are part of a three-truck unit, with the most up to date equipment and technology.
They are also thrilled to be working alongside a growing number of female members, who they say make outstanding fire fighters.
Graeme McGee recalled the story of when the unit was called to a fire in a Campbell Town main street business, and at one stage the parapet collapsed on top of him and fire fighter from Launceston.
They both came out relatively unscathed, but spotted a helmet in the rubble, and feared a third fireman had come to grief.
Then Graeme realised he wasn’t wearing his helmet, and he must have accidentally grabbed someone else’s so there was no one missing.
Campbell Town Fire Brigade chief Brad McDonald said the longevity of the award recipients was inspiring.
“Really, you don’t often see anyone clock up 20 years let alone up to 60 years,” he said.
“We need more people to follow in their footsteps and stick with it – without the volunteers I fear there will be holes in areas that won’t be obvious until there’s a devastating incident.
“Just in my time I’ve witness several brigades close due to lack of numbers, so I encourage everyone to considering joining.”
With only three main stations with paid fire fighters, it’s the work of nearly 400 volunteer brigades around the state who fulfill the growing need as the bushfire season becomes longer and hotter, as well as the crucial, life-saving work as road accident first responders.
Volunteer numbers at Campbell Town are strong in general terms with 20 on the books, but the brigade struggles to get anyone to turn out on weekdays when most people are at work outside the district.
From Tunbridge to Symmons Plains to Avoca, and sometimes even further afield, the Campbell Town brigade has a huge area to cover, with most other small brigades in the region not able to respond to structure fires because they don’t have breathing apparatus qualification.
Training is held every second Wednesday 7pm-9.30pm and the unit would love to see some more people consider joining up.
There are three basic courses to complete, covering pumps, mobile structures and bushfire training which give a volunteer a level one qualification.