Eulomogo Rural Fire brigade celebrate 100 years service to the community

Past and present members of the brigade, along with special guests, gathered at the RFS training academy in Dubbo on May 22 to congratulate the dedication, commitment and service these volunteers have given.

NSW Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Rebel Talbert was among the guests and praised the brigade's "proud history" and commended the passion and impact of the members.

"For a brigade to have withstand everything over that 100 years," she said.

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"Starting with the war, moving through all of the changes in our communities, going through some of the worst fire seasons we've ever seen such as drought, followed by a pandemic.

"To be here to celebrate a brigade that's stuck together and has more members now than it's had for some time, I think that's a huge testament to captain Trevor Munro and the brigade keeping it going after such hard times."

The Eulomogo brigade was formed in November 1920, and bordered the Eschol and Talbragar bridges, it's role to assist the Dubbo brigade at the time. The fire station was built on H.R Batten's property 'Bonniefield' in 1921.

Newspapers at the time described the village bushfire brigade as very active and stated "the Eulomogo men will go anywhere and do anything" and should be congratulated on its enterprise.

Today the brigade has continued to thrive with 58 members.

In the last 10 years they've attended numerous state of emergency fires and natural disasters and also regularly attend motor vehicle accidents and support Fire and Rescue NSW at structure fires within their brigade area.

They are also heavily involved in the community assisting local events such as parking at the 4x4 show and supervising the New Years Eve fireworks.

Assistant Commissioner Talbert commended the brigade's work, which she witnessed during many Goonoo state conservation area bushfires.

"I saw some of the most incredible fire behaviour I've ever seen in my career out in that area," she said.

"This was a very new experience [for me] to come out and experience a fast running grass fire, that was going through pine.

"To see the fire move about 20,000 hectares in one day blew my mind, and to know that was what you were dealing with was a complete reset for me, about what it takes to keep protecting families, communities, and yourselves during those type of fires."

"I can't thank you enough for coming on board and doing something that is dangerous, taxing and sometimes terrifying, but with the training and equipment we have we can do this and are doing this."

Orana RFS district officer Bronwyn Waters also praised the volunteers for their "exceptional" work in the community.

"I've only been out here for 18 months, and I have to say the Eulomogo brigade is one of the most dedicated and welcoming bunch of people and great contributors to their community," she said.

On Saturday, 10 brigade members were awarded the NSW Premier's bushfire emergency citation.

Senior Deputy Captain Barry Whalan was also presented the Commissioner's Commendation for Service and Deputy Captain Victor (Paul) Vaughan was awarded the Commissioner's certificate of Commendation for exceptional service and bravery.

Eight people were also presented with long-service medals and or clasps, with a combined total of 222 years of service to the community.

Deborah Robinson received the long-service medal for 10 years service. Ms Robinson joined in 2010 and has been described as a "calm and effective" stalwart of the brigade. She regularly attends callouts, and during her time has been deployed to the Wuuluman and Goonoo fire grounds. During the 2019/20 fire season Ms Robinson was deployed to the Rylstone and Tumbarumba areas.

Peter Rootes received the long-service medal for 11 years service. Mr Rootes joined the brigade in 2009, and has been deployed on many section 44 fires, including a stint as a deputy communications officer with the Orana team. He has held the role of treasurer, equipment and training officer and attends callouts regularly, often as the driver or crew leader.

Gordon Cowen received the long-service medal for 12 years service to the brigade. Mr Cowen also joined in 2009, and has contributed invaluable chainsaw experience to the RFS, and was deputy captain for over three years. He regularly volunteers to deploy to fires which have occurred at the Warrumbungles, the Goonoo, Wuuluman, Tamworth, Rylestone and the Snowy Mountains.

Captain Trevor Munro received a long-service medal first clasp for 20 years service with the RFS. Captain Munro was a foundation member of the Gollan brigade in 1978 and as a teenager spend three years with the RFS before joining the Australian Army. Since 2010 he has been an active member of the Eulomogo brigade, regularly attending callouts. He has served as secretary, deputy captain and is currently the brigade's captain. He has been on deployments to the Goonoo as well as Wuuluman and Rylstone fire events.

Richard Wheatley was also presented a long-service medal first clasp for 22 years service with the RFS.Mr Wheatley formally joined the RFS in 1999, but like many teenagers on the land he would regularly accompany his parents to meetings and callouts with the Bearbung brigade near Gilgandra. In 2018 he joined the Eulomogo brigade.

Peter Leslie was presented a long-service medal along with a first, second and third clasp for 41 years service to the RFS. Mr Leslie joined the RFS in 1971 with the Nevertire brigade. During his time at Nevertire he was involved in a large blaze that burnt from Narromine to Trangie. He was appointed deputy captain and permit officer at Nevertire West from 2004-2009. As a regular at the Eulomogo station, he is a valuable conduit for the fire preparedness within the Firgrove community.

Ron Anderson was presented with a long-service medal fourth clasp for 55 years service to the RFS. Mr Anderson came to the Eulomogo brigade after a long history of service from 1967 in the Binnaway area. He was secretary and treasurer for the Ulinda brigade from 1990 until 2008. In 1992 he completed two instructional courses, which allowed him to impart his knowledge on other members of his brigades. He is an active member of the Eulomogo brigade who regularly participated in training and attends callouts.

David Pattinson was awarded a long-service medal fifth clasp for 61 years service with the RFS. Mr Pattinson joined the Burrabadine bushfire brigade in 1959 before moving to the Benalong area in 1971, where he held the roles of deputy captain and senior deputy captain. He later joined the Eulomogo brigade where he's been an active member. He has been described for his enthusiasm and "fine work ethic" which is a wonderful example to the newer members of the brigade.