YARRAMBAT VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

It was on Wednesday evening 14th June 1944 at a public meeting that three branch brigades of Diamond Creek fire brigade, Yarrambat, Plenty and Wattle Glen were formed. It was Diamond Creek Fire Brigade Captain C.T.N Stone who had the foresight to lay the foundation for these branch brigades.
 Captain Stone said “After perusing the map of the area, and knowing of the rugged area along the river and the Plenty gorge, I decided that we would be hard pushed if we had fires near Janefield and Hurstbridge at the same time. Each branch brigade had a lieutenant as leader and local residents were recruited as firemen. Diamond Creek provided some equipment to each branch, and it was left to them to raise funds for more.”
 The Brigade's first fire station was a small building of fibro' and timber construction and was located a the rear of the Yarrambat hall. This building was erected through the sweat of local people and brigade members and served well for a number of years.

Nov 22nd 1944 – Capt. Stone purchased the brigade's first siren  at the ‘very satisfactory’ cost of 3 pounds 15 shillings. Mr Clayton gave permission for the siren to be erected on his air reservoir.

Feb. 9th 1945 – The first running team were training for competition at Diamond Creek and were successful in the Hydrant event.

Sept. 23rd 1947 – Captain Stone gave a demonstration of radio communications and equipment installed in his car, one of the first in the state.

May 15th 1957 – It was decide to hold a ball to celebrate the switching on of electricity.

Nov 20th 1957 – The brigade decide to purchase an Austin 2-3 ton truck at a cost of 210 pounds and this was done and the CFA provided new equipment.

1961 – The Yarrambat Hall Trustees gave the site of the present Fire Station to the CFA for the purpose of erecting a permanent home for the brigade.

August 7th 1963 – Ladies Auxiliary formed to assist in raising much needed funds for the purchase of equipment and to support the brigade. Originally 19 people attended. There was an Auxiliary prior to 1963 but no records have been located.

September 1962 – The brigade was approached to erect a galvanized shed on the site. The materials were subsequently provided by the CFA and brigade members erected the new station.

Feb 9th 1967 – The truck was turned out to a fire in the direction of Diamond Creek, and was involved in an accident on a turn in the old road. The truck ran up an embankment while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle, and rolled down onto the road. The crew on the back were thrown off and fire-fighter John Greenwood died as a result.

March 14th 1968 – Official opening of the building extension and unveiling of the John Greenwood memorial.

February 13th 1969 – Membership stood in excess of 100 which justified a 4th lieutenant.

October 1970 – Opening of new shed at a cost of $2100 Most of the shed had a dirt floor as concrete floor could not be afforded due to the brigade purchase of an International 2wd 600 gallon tanker. The cost of this vehicle was partly met by the brigade with the funds raised from the raffle of a motor car.

1974 – Breathing apparatus purchased at a cost of $330.
-Junior Fire Brigade formed formed on 4th Aug. with 21 members in attendance.

June 21st 1977 – FRS phone system installed. Most unusual FRS call: A woman called our FRS number and said, “My house is on fire” and hung up. Fortunately FRS operators recognized the voice and the brigade was despatched to the correct address in time to do its job well.

May 15th 1979 – Fire tower arrived and siren to be fitted.

December 21st 1982 – Moved that Brigade enlist the services of Father Christmas to distribute lollies throughout the area.

January 21st 1986 – Moved that brigade go ahead with alterations to station.  The old galvanized station was re-erected at the rear of the engine bay and to the Eastern side of the meeting room.

1987 – After 22 years as Captain, Wal Stuchbery stood down and Lex de Man was elected Captain.

September 1987 – The brigade saw the need for the fire station to be rebuilt and began the process of approval from the CFA.

1988 – The Brigade Competition team gained its first ever win in an event at the Bicentennial State Championships at Werribee.
The Auxiliary hosted and catered for a dog show. The event was rained out, and the auxiliary decided that a catering caravan would not only prevent being rained out, but would provide a fund raising facility. A caravan was purchased and fitted out for catering. It was housed at Lex de Man's from 1989.
A function celebrating the brigade's 44 years of service to the community was held in September where the brigade's honour boards were unveiled by then Chief Officer Harry Rothsay. The honour boards were donated at a cost of $3200 by the Shire of Diamond Valley.
Mr Alf Spry was made the Brigade's first life member.
Wal Stuchbury and Max Turner were awarded National medals.
The brigade saw a need for a brigade car which would be used as a command vehicle, towing the caravan and transport of personnel etc. A Ford Maverick 4x4 was purchased. After two years, the car was changed to a Nissan Patrol and has been upgraded every two years since.

1993 – The brigade's junior competition team won the State Championship aggregate for the first time.
Brigade Life Membership was awarded to Laurie McQuade and Wal Stuchbury.

1994 – The brigade received a new tanker. The new 3000 lt 2 wheel drive Hino replaced the International 600 gallon tanker.
        - CFA purchased the block of land next to the fire station for $8000 for the purpose of extending the fire station.
- A dinner dance was held at LaTrobe University to celebrate the brigade's 50th anniversary. The dinner was attended by over 200 past and present members.

1995 – The brigade's junior competition team won the State Championship aggregate for the second time.
- CFA’s strategic plan allocates $100000 for an extension to the fire station.
- An equipment trailer is built to assist the brigade in its role of servicing portable fire appliances as well as housing portable pumps and equipment. It was housed at Lex de Man's.

1996 – The brigade's senior competition team wins the State Championship aggregate for the first time.

1997 – Following his appointment to the CFA as a member of staff and after 10 years as Captain, Lex de Man stood down and Darren McQuade was elected Captain.
- The brigade's senior competition team wins the State Championship aggregate for the second time.
- Concept drawings were produced for a new fire station and the brigade set a target of $70000 to contribute to the total funding.
- Life membership of the brigade was awarded to Keith Collins, Bob McKenzie and Max Turner.
- CFA life membership was awarded to Wal Stuchbury and Laurie McQuade.

1999 – The brigade's senior competition team wins the State Championship aggregate for the third time.
- The brigade settles on a layout for the new fire station.

2000 – May 3rd The old fire station is demolished and construction begins on the new station.
- The brigade's senior competition team wins the State Championship aggregate for the fourth time.
- Laurie McQuade carries the Olympic torch through Ivanhoe. He was selected partly due to his CFA involvement.
- October, Whilst the station is not 100% complete, we begin to move in.
- The auxiliary have contributed a total of $41000 to the building fund over the past four years.

January 15th 2001 – Paul Elso commences training as a career fire-fighter with the CFA. Paul is the first Yarrambat member to be appointed as a career fire-fighter with the CFA.

2001, February 11th – Official opening of the fire station performed by the Hon. Andre Haermeyer MLA. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services.