COUNTLESS hours behind the scenes made for a very rewarding afternoon at the Riggs Creek Fire Station on Sunday, 30 March with the unveiling of three honour boards to recognise the almost 120-year history of the brigade.
Over 60 people attended the event hosted by CFA Strathbogie catchment officer Commander Pete Dedman, ably assisted by current Captain Keith Dean.
Some guests travelled from as far as Tottenham and Parkes in NSW, including members from the Todd family to see Tommy Todd honoured for being captain, 2nd lieutenant and secretary/treasurer of the brigade for a number of years.
The day celebrated past and present members for their service to the brigade and the community and depicted the Bush Fire Brigade era (1906-1938), unveiled by current members who are the direct descendants of some of the founding members, and the CFA era (1939 to present), unveiled by past captains and the present captain.
A number of service awards were also presented to various members who totalled between them 410 years of combined community service.
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The gathering had read to them excerpts from The Euroa Advertiser of 30 November, 1906 which described the brigade's formation and early purchases.
"The formation of a bush fire-brigade has been successful, only one or two persons within the area respectfully declining to support the movement.
Three outfits have been ordered, officers appointed, and every preparation is being made for any emergency.
As soon as sufficient funds have been collected it is proposed to have several more fire extinguishing pumps distributed over the area."
Founding members included Messrs Harding, Clement, Dean, McBurney, Lomer, and Ralston – many of whom have descendants who are current members of the brigade.
The brigade found itself in action within the month, attending a building fire which extended to 'and acre or so' of grassland - and not without incident.
"A contingent of the newly formed brigade with full equipment of plant was hastening to the scene when the horse, unaccustomed to spring cart work – took fright and got away, capsizing tank and men.
The cart was considerably damaged, but men and brigade plant were not much the worse for their mishap."
A further fire on 27 January 1907 rounded off the summer for the brigade as it dealt with a fire at Moglonemby which burnt grassland and 'about 20 acres' of a standing crop.
The fire was attributed to a smoker's pipe, and windy conditions saw the fire cross the road four times but was still contained.
Current Riggs Creek Fire Brigade secretary-treasurer Lyndal Dean said the reception of the event was excellent.
"The atmosphere was one of anticipation by many, particularly from those who’d travelled over 600km to be at the event and from brigade and community members who had no idea what the boards would look like or depict," Ms Dean said.
"There was particularly pleasing feedback on the quality of the actual boards and sign-writing.
"Some old stories were then reminisced, about events in the past that the fire brigade members attended.
"And previous residents of the district who attended had a great time catching up with their old neighbours."
The entire project was funded by the brigade and community.
