LPFB-History

History

On October 20th, 1943 nineteen farmers and farm workers attended a meeting in the Dalry Road School to form a Bush Fire Brigade. Two members of the Yarra Junction Bush Fire Brigade were special guests and answered questions on procedures required to form a brigade.
The Don Valley Bush Fire Brigade was formed and W. Eddy was elected Captain. Others present were H. Henry, C. Miller, A. Ingram, H. Bahns, S. Ross, R. Cutting, R. Dalman, J. Hyndes, Mr. Beaton and L. Nash. It was decided that if the Bush Fire Association would provide a bell or warning device, it should be erected at W. Eddy's residence. It was agreed that the annual subscription be 25 cents (2/6d).

At the next recorded meeting held in the home of Committee President L. Nash, it was agreed to purchase five knapsack sprays costing $22.50, an 80 gallon drum ($3.50), a tap for the drum costing 45 cents and a length of pipe for 30 cents.
The brigade affiliated at a cost of 50 cents with the then newly formed Yarra Junction Group. The group comprised of brigades from Wesburn, Yarra Junction, Powelltown, Warburton and Don Valley. The boundary was set for the D.V.B.B. "from the Doon Reserve to Darks' place and from Ockwell's to the Disprose Farm". At the next meeting held at the home of Mr Dalman on March 31, 1944, the amalgamation of the Bush Fire Brigade and the Country Fire Authority was discussed. It was decided that no harm could come from such an amalgamation. Following a request from the Upper Yarra Shire Council, Mr L. Nash was elected Fire Control Officer and in this capacity was asked to attend future Council meetings.

                    Extract from 'The Fireman' newspaper                                                           Brigade photo (taken in late 1970's)
        A general meeting was held at the school on May 5, 1944. Thirteen members were present. The Chief Constable at Warburton was appointed the new Fire Control Officer. After drawing $8 for petty cash, a balance of $26.94 was recorded. Two auditors were appointed.
        It was decided to hold a fund-raising dance at the school, with supper to be provided by the ladies. At a meeting held in September 1944, a $100 grant was applied for as the brigade needed a building to house a trailer, four knapsacks, two axes, three rakes and six water bags.
        Regional Officer G. Williams attended the brigades next meeting on September 25, 1949 and explained the operation of the CFA. Members decided to become the Don Valley Rural Fire Brigade and to operate under the rules and regulations of the CFA. It was further decided to hand over all equipment to the CFA on the provision that they maintain the equipment.
        At a meeting held on September 28, 1949 H. Bahn was elected for a two year term and third Lieutenant was J. Serpell. Other members present were C. Miller, S. Rose, F. Henry, A. Ingram and Regional Officer G. Williams. The R.O. announced that the CFA had supplied more equipment in the form of two axes, six fern hooks, two shovels and a first aid outfit. A motion was passed that all residents be asked for a donation of 50 cents towards the purchase of a radio. A. Ingram offered the use of his phone until the Captain's phone could be connected.
        On November 29, 1949, at a meeting in the school it was decided that a shed be built to house a new truck. On August 26, 1950 it was passed that Reid Brothers Sawmillers be approached for timber for the shed. Meetings were then held in the new shed on Harberts Road. Over the years a meeting room, showers and septic toilet were built on the small site. An account for $3.50 paid for a new coil for the truck. On September 26, 1951, 18 members were present when W. Wynd was elected Captain. Membership subscriptions had risen to $2.
        In 1959 Mr Jack Gaskett was elected Captain, a position he held up until his death in 1982. In this time Captain Gaskett was awarded the Queen's Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

        In 1968, the Ladies Auxiliary was officially formed. Prior to this time fireman's wives and families under the guidance of Mrs Kit Cutting were involved in all fundraising activities. Ladies worked all year for their big fund raising effort, the Annual Barbecue and Fun Day. In 1983 Mrs Cutting was made a life member of the brigade in recognition of her loyal service for over 30 years.
        In the early 1970's staunch brigade member Mr Syd Halbish negotiated on behalf of the brigade to purchase land from the Methodist Church. The CFA eventually purchased the property on the corner of Dalry Road and Estate Road and from 1977 meetings were held in the old church hall. The CFA approved money for a new station in 1976. Foundations and footings were dug. Heavy rains washed out the footings on two occasions and the CFA condemned the site. In 1978 the CFA promised to build a new fire station over a period of three to five years. Brigade members drew up plans and work began in 1982. Regional Officer David Jordan officially dedicated the new Launching Place Fire Station on September 2, 1984. Many local dignitaries were present.
        On April 27, 1983 approval was granted to change the name of the brigade to the Launching Place Fire Brigade. Captain at the time was long serving brigade member Mr Richard Greenwood.
        During the 1980's the brigade established a sub-station in the Launching Place township in order to improve response times, and funded brigade owned vehicles to supplement equipment that is provided by the CFA. In 1988 the CFA provided the brigade with a International Acco tanker which is in service to this day. Mr B. Williams has been Captain of the brigade since 1984. The brigade currently has 30 active members.

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