Celebrating 140 years

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presents a 20-year medal to Captain Greg McIntyre. Photo: Blair Dellemijn, Uniform Photography

Members of Kyneton Fire Brigade celebrated 140 years of service to the community at a dinner held at the Shamrock Hotel on Saturday evening.


The dinner was attended by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Commander Michael Hembrow, deputy mayor Janet Pearce, Cr Jennifer Anderson, and Mary-Anne Thomas MP, as well as members of Kyneton Brigade and their families.


Officers of Coliban Group of Fire Brigades, representatives of neighboring brigades, and past members of the brigade were also present.


In a toast to the CFA, Cr Pearce said “CFA is about ordinary people serving in extraordinary ways, to protect the community”.


Kyneton Fire Brigade was founded in 1884. After four shops in Mollison Street were badly damaged by fire in January of that year, a public meeting resolved to form a fire brigade. By July 1884, 140 years ago, the new brigade had 30 members. Today the brigade has a total of 74 members, including eight junior members.


In congratulating the brigade, Chief Officer Heffernan said “In 2024, the members of today’s brigade carry the pride and tradition of the founding members, in their service to Kyneton district and surrounding areas”.


A number of service awards were presented at the dinner, including a 20-year medal awarded to Captain Greg McIntrye.


Stuart Kelson was awarded CFA life membership, and received a medal recognising 40 years with CFA.

Life membership of Kyneton Fire Brigade was awarded to long-serving brigade treasurer Emma Magrath, and also to John Pearce, who has held a number of positions in the brigade through his 28 years as a member.


Annual brigade awards that recognise outstanding service to the brigade were presented to Cathryn Portelli, Luke Tracey, Stephanie Sharp, Brian Wilson, Blake Dickens, Tristian Smith and Wendy Pearce.


A surprise announcement during the evening was the naming of the most recent extension to Kyneton Fire Station as ‘The RB & RG Walker Extension’ and the unveiling of a plaque honouring the service of Ronda and Roger Walker.


Captain Greg McIntyre thanked them for their service, and said: “Their example to the brigade is valued by members and will continue to influence the brigade for many years to come”.

Towards the end of the evening, one of the youngest guests, Alex, helped Chief Officer Heffernan and firefighter Riley Howarth to cut the brigade’s birthday cake.