Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Mt Cotterell Fire Brigades G H Q and aerial was erected at No 17 - 19 First Avenue in 1974 at the home of Edna and Bon Barrie. Previously the Mt Cotterell Group VL3LY communication headquarters occupied their h ome in Ferris road at its inception in 1967. The First Avenue headquarters and map room, with radio equipment was also housed at the residence. It was operated with an additional cable connection to Fireman Wayne Sullivan (Deputy C/O) who resided at the rear in Kurrajong Cr.Section of the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial wall with brigade members who have passed away while as members. emergency services, local identities

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Total Fire Ban Flag, and six different coloured helmets. stawell

The memorial wall was constructed in 2010 to coincide with brigade's 75th anniversary. The wall represents the brigade members that have passed away while as members in the line of duty has served more than fifteen years of service to the Melton Fire Brigade. This wall is the relocation of the historic time capsule from the old fire station to to its new location in Henry Street. Relatives of Melton Fire brigade members at the unveiling of the memorial wall.emergency services, local identities

In its policy of creating smaller compact groups of fire brigades the Country Fire Authority Regional Officer Harry Rothsay in 1967 requested that the following 6 brigades surrounding Mt Cottrell transfer from their respective groups. Melton and Rockbank from Bacchus Marsh Group, Toolern Vale and Sydenham from Mt Macedon Group and Truganina and Werribee from Little River Group forming a new Group to the be named Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group. Group Headquarters was established at the Ferris road residence of Melton Captain E W Bon Barrie, who was elected Group and Communications Officer of Mt Cottrell. E W (Eddie) Gillespie and Keith Watt of the Toolern Vale brigade were appointed Deputy Group Officer and Group Secretary respectively. Documents from the Mount Cottrell Fire Brigade Group emergency services

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Various items in lighted cabinetstawell

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Various communications equipment used.stawell

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Various displays, inc Uniforms and Photgraphsstawell

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, A Model of a Poppet head and Hose nozzles.stawell

This booklet was compiled by Orbost Shire council in 1993. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.This booklet is a useful reference tool.A foolscap sized document of approximately 60 pp titled COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORY Shire of Orbost March 1993.It has a red cover with plastic binding. It contains addresses and phone numbers of community groups in the shire and includes Mallacoota, Bemm River, Marlo, Cann River and Orbost.I it also has population statistics from the 1991 census - 6562 or the Shire of Orbost.orbost-history community-groups-orbost-1993

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Various items on table inc. Photos and Trophies.stawell

Fire Brigade Memorabilia Display. There are 8 coloured photos in Album 9B of the display all taken 03.09 2003. On display are photos, trophies, equipment and uniforms of the Fire Brigade Members.Coloured photograph of Fire Brigade memorabilia display showing, Various items in a cabinet inc. Photos and Trophiesstawell

In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational positionEdna Barrie's copy of Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Aux Constitution and list of membersemergency services, local identities

This was possibly produced for an open day in the centenary year. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. On 2 December 1994, the Shire was abolished, and merged with City and Shire of Bairnsdale, Shire of Tambo, most of the Shire of Omeo and the Boole Boole Peninsula from Shire of Rosedale into the Shire of East Gippsland. This is a useful reference tool.Two stapled pages of printed information. On the front page is the logo of Orbost Shire Council. There is information on the role of the Shire Councillors for 1992/93. It has a map of the council building.orbost-shire-council

In 1893, a group of Orbost farmers formed together to initiate the Orbost Butter Factory. The first factory was built in Lochiel Street and was a wooden building. In 1916, a new building was constructed on Forest Road. This was a more substantial brick building which had its own power source. Electric power, mainly for lighting was supplied to the developing township of Orbost by the Butter Factory. This docket is an invoice for the supply of power to the household or business of C. Tomlinson in 1952. The Butter Factory power was the only power to Orbost prior to the 1962 when S E C power came to Orbost. An invoice from a major business in Orbost which supplied power to the town for the first 50 years of the 20th Century. A laminated copy of an invoice from Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd. Black print on white paper. Telephone 88 if supply defective Orbost Butter & Produce Co Ltd To Mrs C Tomlinson, 2 May 1952. Lighting15/- Power 5/3 Meter rent 1/- Account rendered 6/13/3orbost, electric power, orbost butter factory, c tomlinson

The former Ballarat West Fire Brigade is one of the oldest fire stations still standing in Victoria. Black and white photograph showing a double storey bluestone building with tower known as the Ballarat West Fire Brigade on the corner of Sturt Street and Raglan (north) Street. A number of fire carriages and uniformed men are evident in front of the fire station. ballarat west fire brigade, western fire brigade, bluestone

Buninyong Fire Brigade in uniform shown in front of new Headquarters possibly shown at an opening ceremony c1899. The original Merryweather can be seen at the right of the photograph.Possibly shows the opening of the new Headquarters with the members of the brigade in uniformBlack and white photograph of Old Buninyong Fire Brigade in uniform in front of Headquarters c1899 fire brigade, fire station, merryweather

This blazer was worn by a Warrnambool Fire Brigade member (Jack Sizeland). It was part of the dress uniform for fire brigade members in the 1960s and 70s. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade was established in the early 1860s after a fire at the Flying Buck Hotel in Liebig Street prompted a public meeting to establish a permanent fire authority in the town. There had been a couple of attempts previously to set up a local fire brigade. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade actively participates in Country Fire Authority Championships and competitions and has been very successful, particularly in the 19th century. John (Jack) Sizeland retired when he was 65 in 1977 (37 years of service).This blazer is of interest as it shows us what fire fighters in Warrnambool were wearing in the mid 20th century (dress uniform). It is also a memento of one long-serving firefighter, Jack SizelandThis is a man’s black blazer with three large black buttons. The sleeve ends and the three pockets have a diagonal red and black patterned braid stitched on. The upper portion of the blazer and the sleeves are lined with black material. The top pocket has the badge of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade in red and yellow stitched on. The badge features a Fire Brigade helmet, a ladder and two axes set in two concentric circles. A printed label with the owner’s name (Sizeland) is stitched inside the collar areaName ‘Sizeland’ stitched inside collar areawarrnambool fire brigade, country fire authority, john sizeland, history of warrnambool

Group Portrait of Stawell Fire Brigade First Hose Six Team Warrnambool 1905 FramedSepia photograph in a mount. Six males dressed in uniform, four at the back and two at the front. The two men at the front are seated on cane chairs, beside a table covered with a cloth. A silver tray (trophy) rests on the table.Stawell Fire Brigade FIRST HOSE SIX Warrnambool Demonstration 1905 Writing on the back is illegiblestawell, fire brigade

Communications (Telephone) Fire calls over a number years the following people monitored the Fire Call Jack and Lila Gilliland-Postmasters Vera Radford Ernie and Betty Abraham Ken and Lil YoungThese documents belonged to Melton Fire Brigadeemergency services, local identies

Fire Brigade Members of the Running Team 1930's. The group consists of males and females both members and supporters.Small black & white photograph of a group of people from the Stawell Fire Brigade. The group consisting of around 16 people some in uniforms others not.stawell uniform

Group Portrait of Stawell Fire Brigade Members in Dress Uniform 1955 Framed: Back Row: (L to R) E. Walsh, E. Dickens, A. Smith, J. Miatke, A. Oliver, J.Hall, H. Dunn, C. Prosser, A. Parsons. Centre Row: J. Grainger, C. Richardson, F. Crouch, H. Chapman, R. Maddocks, R. Ledgar, A. Dunn, K. Floyd. Front Row: R. Phillips, S. WHelan, F.Court, G. Huse, R.Chapman, P. Fenwick, I. O'Neil, R. Rickard B.Thompson.B/W Photo: Three rows of males in dress uniforms; mix of navy and red uniforms with caps: Backrow standing in front of curtain and end wall, remaining two rows seatedStawell Fire Brigade 1955 Chapman's Studios Stawellstawell

Gratitude for contribution letters Dear Bon and Edna, The members of the Mount Cottrell Group wish to extend to you both their sincere gratitude for the dedicated service you have both provided to the Group Brigades whilst you operated the radio and phone from your home. It is thanks to people such as yourselves who, with foresight, pioneered the Group system and the communications that went with it, that has made the Country Fire Authority what it is today. Words can never express the sacrifices we know you have both made over the years to keep the radio and phone manned. We did try to leave your remote but the Authority would only allow one to Wayne’s residence. Once again many, many thanks to you Bon and Edna for your contribution to the Group, but know we can still look forward to your support in the future, Bon is still a deputy communications officer. Incidently our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th December at the Melton Fire Station, you are both most welcome to attend, our guest that evening will be Ken Coghill M. L. A. Yours Sincerely Darryl Wells Typed letter dated 17th September 1976, Group Secretary  Melton South Dear Mrs. Barrie, The members of the Group wish to extend to you their sincere appreciation for the magnificent job carried out by you in the diligent task of radio operations. It gives confidence and morale to all firemen to know that an any time the pressure’s on, and effective back-up force is readily available via Group Base, and your role in this respect is acknowledged with the highest the highest esteem. Yours sincerely A.J.Morris Group Secretary Copied June 2013 Note MOUNT COTTRELL FIRE BRIDAGES’ GROUP Incorporating the Brigades of Diggers Rest, Melton Rural, Melton Urban Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Werribee Rural, Werribee Urban.Edna and Bon Barrie's collection of invitations to fire brigade's eventsemergency services, local identities