By Jessica Anstice
This year is the 75th anniversary of the formation of Narre Warren North Fire Brigade.
There have been a lot of changes in the brigade since opening in 1944 as the Narre Warren Bush Fire Brigade.
“We were a farming community 75 years ago,” Narre Warren North Fire Brigade secretary and volunteer fire-fighter Michael Presta said.
“We are now doing 300 calls a year, supporting the local community and across the state and broader Australian community.”
The brigade now has about 50 members, including operation and non-operational members.
Non-operational members assist with fundraising, social events and the junior members aged between 11 and 16 years old.
The junior members train on the appliances under the supervision of a senior member.
Unfortunately, there are no original Narre Warren North Fire Brigade members; however the two longest members John Sonogan and Kevin Ridd have 90 years of service between them.
Past and present members will celebrate with an afternoon tea on April 6 at the station.
For more information contact Mr Presta on michael.presta@members.cfa.vic.gov.au
