Berrigan RFS life members, long service recipients and dignitaries at the anniversary dinner. Photo by VMK Photography.
It was the first bushfire brigade to be established in NSW, and Berrigan Rural Fire Service’s 125th anniversary was celebrated in style at the weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The extraordinary years of service were celebrated with a vibrant community open day and a heartfelt anniversary dinner, drawing strong support from locals and visitors across the region.
Held on Saturday, the open day ran from 11am to 2.30pm at the fire station and Apex Park, transforming the heart of Berrigan into a celebration of firefighting history and community spirit.
The entire brigade and community pitched in to make the event a success, with support from the Berrigan & District Development Association and contributions from the NSW RFS Heritage Fleet, Shepparton Motor Museum’s Furphy water cart, and Mudgee Heritage.
Crowds turned out in large numbers to enjoy community market stalls, vintage fire trucks, and interactive activities for children, including face painting, goody bags, and the chance to spray a real fire hose.
Brigade president Riley Nolen said the turnout was a testament to the town’s spirit.
“It was great to see it all come together,” he said.
“We definitely got people out and about to enjoy the day, and we really appreciate the community support.”
The celebrations continued into the evening with an official anniversary dinner and awards night.
It was attended by 130 guests, including NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin and Assistant Commissioner Viki Campbell, local dignitaries, and sponsors such as RFSA, RFS Southern Border, and the Strawberry Fields Music Group.
Catering was provided by the Finley High School P&C, with bar service from the Berrigan Community Club.
The night honoured more than 440 years of combined service, with 10 life membership awards presented to Robert Congdon, Ronald Jinks, Greyd’n Davis, James Macartney, Arthur Dempster, Victor Watson, Ian Fox, David Woodward and Inara Fox.
Brian Woodcraft was also honoured for his service posthumously, with a plaque featuring his original helmet presented to his family.
Guests were treated to video interviews with past members, reflecting on the brigade’s legacy and evolution since its founding.
The brigade was also presented with a trophy by the Commissioner, recognising its 125 years of dedicated service.
Mr Nolen described the evening as “a really well received night, recognising the volunteers both past and present”.
According to the Berrigan Advocate newspaper, the Berrigan brigade was formally recorded in November 1900 at a meeting at the Royal Hotel.
It is the first official record of a formal bushfire brigade in NSW, and was formed in response to bush fires which swept across the state in the late 1890s.
Before then, during the 19th century, coordinated firefighting was non-existent, with many landowners forced to defend their own properties.
By the beginning of the 20th century, in response to those particularly serious fires at the end of the previous century, the NSW Government formalised control of fire prevention, which led to the creation of the Berrigan organisation.
The RFS now has jurisdiction over 99 per cent of the state's land area.
Riley Nolen, Greyd'n Davis and Nathan Cranston.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin and Berrigan RFS Captain Tamara Graham presenting Jennifer Tucker and Katrina Leach with a posthumous life membership for their father Brian Woodcraft.
The Open Day at the station was a huge success.
NSW RFS Heritage had a stall and a number of heritage vehicles on display.
17°C