Toolern Vale marks century of community protection

The community event saw the unveiling of a new mural. Image: Uniform Photography

 

Toolern Vale Fire Brigade has celebrated a major milestone, marking 100 years of service to the local community.

 

In 1914, the Toolern Vale Progress Association agreed the area needed a fire brigade. Eleven years later, following a major fire that saw 100 volunteers work to protect local homes and assets, the Toolern Vale Bush Fire Brigade was officially formed on 10 November 1925. 

Over the following 100 years, the brigade has seen many trucks and vehicles, new station buildings, changes to training and processes and, of course, many significant fires. 

In 1965, a fire in the area destroyed a large part of the township and surrounding farmland, with the town losing 16 houses, multiple significant buildings and impacting many farms. 

Throughout its history, brigade members have also played a role in fighting fires in the area and beyond, including Ash Wednesday in 1983, the 2009 fires and many strike teams across Victoria and interstate. 

While the Toolern Vale Fire Brigade we know today may be more advanced than the original brigade, the same core mission of protecting their area remains. 

Captain Jared Watson said the brigade has always been a core part of the community. 

“We sit in a fairly high risk area, so I think that anyone who has grown up in the area or is familiar with it understands the importance of the fire brigade. It’s always been community based; it’s always been central to the town,” he said. 

“We’ve got families that have had multiple generations come through the brigade, and we keep everyone engaged where we can. From our operational and non-operational members, our newer members and our members who are in their 80s or 90s and have been a part of the brigade for many years.” 

Over the years, the brigade has also played an important role beyond emergency response, supporting local schools, assisting community groups, fundraising for charitable causes and providing help during difficult times.

Centenary celebrations began on Saturday 8 November with a formal dinner attended by past and present members, families and invited guests. Sixteen members were presented with CFA Service Awards, recognising a combined 440 years of volunteer service. Guests also previewed the brigade’s forthcoming historical book, A Centenary of Dedication, which will be completed after photographs from the weekend are added.

Around 350 people attended a community open day the following day despite wet and muddy conditions. The event included historical fire truck displays, children’s activities, live skills demonstrations and a performance of the national anthem by students from Toolern Vale and District Primary School. Visitors also viewed historic equipment and artefacts reflecting how firefighting has evolved in the district over the past century.

A key moment of the weekend was the official opening of the restored community wall, now featuring a large centenary mural acknowledging 100 years of service. The mural was created to symbolise the strong and longstanding connection between the Toolern Vale community and its volunteer brigade, and quickly became a highlight of the celebration.

The opening was attended by CFA Board Member Bryce Morden, Hon. Sam Rae MP, Steve McGhie MP, Melton Mayor Cr Lara Carli, Cr Julie Shannon, Cr Bob Turner and mural artist Colette Freund.

Jared said that he was proud to be at the helm of the brigade and looks forward to what they continue to achieve. 

“It is great to see Toolern Vale Fire Brigade in the strong position it is in going into its next 100 years. I look forward to seeing it continue to go from strength to strength in years to come.” 

 

Submitted by	CFA Media