Back in the 1980s there was a house fire in Tawonga South. During the firefight water was sourced from a street hydrant via a standpipe, fog nozzles were utilised on all hoses, and subsequently water flow from all nozzles started to reduce to low volumes due to becoming blocked from gravel within the water main.. The whole water supply was turned off at the standpipe.This manifold was invented enabling only one delivery instead of all deliveries. SEC employees, living in Mt Beauty, designed and built the valve. It minimised the impact damage to water mains created by rapid shutoff of nozzles.Steel white water pipe with 8 outlets each with a red handle for turning water on or off and each with an outlet that can be screwed onto a pipe / hose. The base is white with the top narrow and the bottom wide. Embossed 125 / 200 ....,2 (symbol 'and a half')manifold, mt beauty fire brigade, firefighting equipment

This water standpipe is believed to be the only one of its kind in working order. It was originally located in Warrnambool, on the hillside at the corner of Mickle Crescent and Banyan Street, providing water for the Chinese Market Gardens below, on the flats. It was removed from this location on May 2nd, 1979, with the intention to relocate it at the new Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village. The standpipe lay in storage for years until the Warrnambool Company, Chemblast, offered to restore it for use as a working display. The display was officially opened on March 31, 2014. The water from the adjacent lake is drawn out with a hand operated water pump, and goes up into the standpipe, where flows through the canvas hose and into the top of the Furphy Farm Water Cart. The display is a visual acknowledgement of the years served by Flagstaff Hill volunteer and Friends of Flagstaff Hill Chairperson, Bob Crossman. Warrnambool’s early settlers had no water supply prior to the mid-1850s. They relied on rain water tanks, domestic wells and springs. The town experienced a huge, destructive fire in William Bateman Jnr. & Co.’s large produce store in November 1856, which highlighted the need for both a fire brigade and a good supply of water. In 1863 a volunteer fire brigade was established. In August 1880 the town celebrated the installation of its first water standpipe on the corner of Liebig and Timor streets. The water was pumped from springs at Cannon Hill through the connected pipeline to the standpipe, then distributed to households via horse and cart. Each of the licenced cart drivers were compelled by Council regulations to keep their carts full from sunset to sunrise, ready to cart water to outbreaks of fire. They received a fee for this service. In 1893 the town installed a water supply, sourced from the Merri River, stored in a reservoir basin and tower in north Liebig Street, and distributed throughout the town in a system of pipes. By late 1939 a reticulated supply was installed, with the water piped in under the Otway Scheme. Standpipes are still used in modern times in rural and remote areas for homes, farms, stock, agriculture and firefighting. Many commercial or government owned standpipes are metered, charging a fee for the quantities of water supplied. This water standpipe was made by Langlands Foundry Co. Limited, Melbourne, which was establish in 1842. It was Melbourne’s first foundry and iron shipbuilder, and one of the largest employers in Victoria at the time. Langlands was known for its high quality workmanship and wide range of goods for mining, engineering, marine, railway and other industrial uses. The company made the first cast bell, the first lamp posts in the colony, and the boiler for the first Australian train. In the 1860s it produced cast iron pipes for the Board of Works, which laid the pipes for Melbourne’s first reticulated water supply. The firm was bought by Austral Otis Co. in 1897.This water standpipe is significant historically as it is believed to be the only one of its type in working condition. The standpipe is significant for being manufactured by early colonial firm Langlands Foundry of Melbourne, which was known for high quality, cast iron products. The firm made the boiler for the first Australian train, assembled the first Australian paddle steamer and made the first Australian cast bell and lamp posts. Langlands was one of the largest employers in Victoria at the time. The standpipe is significant historically as it represents the evolution of water supply services in Australia. Standpipe; vertical cast iron water pipe, painted crimson, fixed in position, tapering inward from the round base to the rectangular joint near the finial on top. A hexagonal pipe extends at right angles from the joint, with an outlet fitting and flow-controlling wheel on the end. A length of canvas hose hangs from the outlet fitting. Inscriptions are on one face of the joint. The standpipe was made by Langlands Foundry Company of Melbourne. Embossed “LANGLANDS FOUNDRY CO. / LIMITED / ENGINEERS / MELBOURNE”warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, flagstaff hill, standpipe, stand-pipe, water standpipe, fire standpipe, firefighting equipment, water supply equipment, chinese market gardens, banyan street, liebig street, water tower, bateman’s fire, working display, water supply, town water, rural water, reticulated water, cannon hill spring, merri river, otway water, water carters, horse and cart water supply, volunteer fire brigade, langlands foundry, early melbourne, iron works, bob crossman, late 19th century water supply

This photograph was taken when the Sunbury Fire Brigade attended the Fire Brigade Demonstration Day in Geelong in 1936. Demonstration Days were a regular event.A black and white photograph the Sunbury Fire Brigade at the Demonstration Day in 1936 in Geelong.written on back: Geelong 1936country fire authority, firefighters, sunbury fire brigade, sunbury, boardman, eric, reilly, jim, firefighting equipment, uniforms, george evans collection

This photo was taken at the Fireman's Contest in Ballarat , March 1935. Edithvale won the C Class hose fours. Bill Broothwell (pole), Ron Flanagan (hydrant) Perc Steele (coupling) and Gill Joy (branch)Black and White Photo that has been hand coloured of four members of the Edithvale Fire Station with their fire equipmentfire brigade, contest, fireman, edithvale, chelsea, fire equipment, firefighting, emergency services

Coloured certificate from 1900 Country Fire Brigades Board Castlemaine Demonstration for 1st prize in the discipline event for brigades of 30 men. Certificate has various pictures of fire activities, a horse drawn steam pumper, a mannual pump at a multi story building fire, a multi story building fire with a fireman up a ladder, a number of brigades marching and a bell ringing. There are various pieces of firefighting equipment around the border of the picture. Certificate is signed by the President, Chief officer and Secretary of the CFBBTHE COUNTRY FIRE BRIGADES BOARD, VICTORIA / CASTLEMAINE / DEMONSTRATION / 1900 / Discipline Certificate / FOR BRIGADES OF 30 MEN / FIRST PRIZE / Awarded to / Ballarat Fire Brigade / President / Chief Officer / Secretary

The original replica Fire Station at Flagstaff Hill was constructed in 2006 by members of the CVA Warrnambool Fire Brigade. It was rebuilt in 2015, ironically due to damage from fire in the adjacent building, and now includes a locked display. The fire station faithfully replicates the designs of the late 1800s fire stations found across Victoria. Every detail, including the type of nails used, adheres to period-correct specifications. The objects on display are on loan from the CFA. They provide a glimpse into the history and evolution of firefighting in Victoria, preserving the heritage and legacy of the brave men and women who have served their communities. Fire Brigade Collection highlights: . Hose reels and equipment: essential firefighting equipment used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. . Brass helmets: symbolic headgear worn by firefighters for protection and identification. . Photographs: historical images capturing the evolution of firefighting in the region. . Certificates: awards highlighting the skill and dedication of firefighters. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WARRNAMBOOL FIRE BRIGADE - [Ref: Quarrell, A, 2013, The Warrnambool Fire Brigade: 1863-2013, Amazon Printing, Warrnambool]: “Since the township of Warrnambool was established in the 1840s, there were several attempts at forming a Fire Brigade. However, many issues hindered progress. Firstly, minimal fires were recorded. Secondly, the town had no money to purchase expensive equipment, including a fire engine, and thirdly and most importantly, there was no infrastructure for accessible running water from pipes, as we know today. But after the expansion and growth of the township, it was time for action. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade was formed in 1863. The Brigade has served Warrnambool on a daily basis ever since. The volunteers of the Brigade were required to fill their water carts each evening from a spring on Cannon Hill and be on standby to deliver water to fire scenes. In 1889, the Warrnambool Council built a new Fire Station at 25 Liebig Street. Today, the Civic Centre is located on this site.” The objects on loan from the Warrnambool Fire Brigade are significant to local history since its establishment in 1863. They tell the story of the Brigade’s history, which is part of Warrnambool and the district’s history.Warrnambool Fire Brigade Collection: a variety of historic objects and equipment used by the firemen of the brigade since 1863. The items are kindly on loan from the Warrnambool Fire Brigade in a building originally erected in the Village by the Fire Brigade to house their historic collection. The items include: EQUIPMENT: 2 fire reels, 3 leather buckets, 1 wooden ladder, 2 old pumps, 2 fire extinguishers, 1 foam nozzle, 2 hydrants, 1 red chest with breathing apparatus, 1 large grey chest, 1 red metal thread gauges box, 2 copper and brass extinguishers, 3 copper and brass branches, 1 canvas bucket, assorted reels of hose, assorted couplings and branches, PHOTOGRAPHS/CERTIFICATES: 3 Discipline Certificates dated 1894, 1893, 1911, Mounted photo of members of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade Football Club, Mounted photos of members of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade in uniform, framed photo of LC Marshall UNIFORMS: 1 Officer’s jacket, 1 blazer, 1 turnout jacket, 1 harness belt, 1 leather helmet, 1 pair of boots, 1 brass helmet, 1 axe belt with axe and plug spanner TROPHIES: 1 clock flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, cfa, fire brigade, warrnambool fire brigade, fire reel, leather bucket, wooden ladder, pump, fire extinguisher, foam nozzle, fireman’s hydrant, breathing apparatus, copper and brass extinguishers, copper and brass branches, canvas bucket, discipline certificates, warrnambool fire brigade football club, l c marshall, officer’s jacket, blazer, turnout jacket, harness belt, leather helmet, pair of boots, brass helmet, axe belt with axe and plug spanner, clock, mantle clock

Located at 909 Main Road, Eltham. Opened 7 October 1966 Eltham's Fire Stations by Peter Pidgeon Article published EDHS Newsletter No.287 April 2026 Where was Eltham’s first fire station and how many have there been? Following the formation of the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade in March 1926, firefighting equipment was initially housed in a shed on Captain H. Warren’s property. A more permanent solution was required. In May 1927 a proposal was made to build a fire station and meeting hall at the corner of Luck Street and Main Road where the present railway station carpark is located. An application was approved by Council in September to build the fire station consisting of a galvanised iron shed on the land in Luck Street, However, in April 1928 when E.O. Egan, Secretary, Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade sought permission to erect a fire station on the continuation of Luck Street, Council advised they had no power to act on this as they did not own the land. Cr. Ernie Andrew offered to loan a site on his own land in Arthur Street (where the entrance to the carpark under Woolworths is situated) and by September 1928 the new fire station was being erected consisting of a building to house the reel and other equipment as well as a meeting room. It was constructed with a concrete floor and painted. A purpose-built cupboard had been constructed for the hose by local carpenter, Mr. Fraser and Mr. Frank Jones arranged for electric lighting to be installed. Many donations were made by the community to assist in paying off the debt on the station. The first meeting in the new fire station was held November 12, 1928, with a large attendance of members. The official opening was to be held in the New Year on January 8, 1929. In February 1930, Eltham Council agreed to place the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade under the control of the Country Fire Brigades’ Board. Further discussions were held in May regarding their area of responsibility to cover as well as questions about a suitable block of land and relocation of the brigade’s buildings. In August 1930, the Chief Officer of Country Fire Board visited Council to select a suitable site. He did not approve of any that Council suggested but encouraged Council to buy land for the purpose. Enquiries were made about a block in Henry Street adjacent to the Public Hall which the Chief Officer favoured. Cr Price investigated and learned the block could be purchased, £10 would secure it if the people of Eltham were willing to raise a further £30-40. All were in favour of proceeding. By February 1931, £40 had been raised by the community, in addition to £20 added by Council and £20 by the Fire Brigades’ Board making £80 total to purchase the site. Several working bees were held between May and July 1931 to level the ground in preparation for relocation of the station building from Arthur Street to the new site in Henry Street. It was not long before the Henry Street site had proven to be not all that was desired. Access to the Henry Street site from Main Road was steep and not suited for man handling a heavy hose reel. By November 1933 the Country Fire Brigades’ Board advised it was considering the matter of a new cation and fire station for Eltham. On February 23, 1934, the Advertiser reported a new Fire Station was to be built on an alternate site at a cost of £600. In August, the Country Fire Brigades’ Board notified it intended to build a new fire station at no cost to Eltham if the brigade could purchase a block of land. An appeal was established by the brigade to raise funds for the purchase of the new site between the residence and confectionery shop owned by Mr. G.H. Browne and Ryan Bros. butchers on the eastern side of Main Road between Arthur and Dudley streets. An inspection of the site by the Chief Officer of Country Fire Brigades' Board was undertaken September 28. It was directed that tenders for the erection of the building were to be called immediately and construction to start the next month. By New Year 1935 the erection of the third station building was well in progress and was completed by mid-February. The station was officially opened April 26, 1935, and a new 35 feet high bell tower was erected in December 1935. This fire station, the third erected in six years, served the community for the next thirty years. In 1962, land for a new (fourth) Eltham Fire Station on the opposite (western) side of Main Road was acquired from the Eltham War Memorial Trust. The new station was opened October 7, 1966. In 1970 the former fire station building on the eastern side of Main Road was relocated to Research Park for use by the 1st Research Scout group. The site is now part of the current Coles supermarket and Eltham Village complex. A new fifth fire station was erected in Brougham Street at a cost of $9.6m and officially opened December 2015. It was intended for use by both career and volunteer firefighters. The former site was to be made available for community access. However, the mixed functional role presented operational difficulties at the new station and after three years, the Eltham CFA volunteers moved back to the former site towards the end of 2018 following a $500,000 upgrade to the facility. So nowadays the career Fire Rescue Victoria members of Eltham Fire Brigade operate out of Eltham’s fifth fire station in Brougham Street and the volunteer Eltham CFA Brigade operate out of Eltham’s fourth station, or could it be considered the sixth?Colour photograph of Eltham Fire Station, Main Road, July 1986eltham fire brigade, eltham fire station, eltham shops, main road eltham

This compressor was part of the E.G. Ward Collection. It is connected to the diving suit and boots, also in our collection. Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years, from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe's at 145 High Street, Holborn, London, but in 1828, new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods, including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water-pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on, and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy, and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis, and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family, and a new company, Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924, Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished, and in time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunnelling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company's products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an ageing Sir Robert Davis failed to invest or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed, and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on firefighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998).The diving compressor, along with associated equipment in the Flagstaff Hill collection, represents a highly significant snapshot of marine history. These items are particularly important in understanding the evolution of diving equipment, with a special focus on their use in salvage operations before and throughout the Second World War. Manufactured by a company renowned for its inventions, development, and innovation in marine engineering, the equipment demonstrates the progression of technology in deep-sea diving. Early helmets and related items produced by this company remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide, highlighting their historical and technological value. The presence of these items within the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum allows for a unique insight into the working conditions and methods employed by divers. It also illustrates the considerable dangers they faced while performing such essential and hazardous work, underscoring the critical role played by these professionals in maritime history.A single cylinder divers' pump by Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd, London, eccentric hand cranked in brass, brass-mounted mahogany case with instructions to the underside of the lid, brass-covered pressure gauge and air outlet, brass maker's plaque to the front, water inlet and outlet to the rear, green-painted lifting rings. Machinery has some blue-painted areas on the metal. This compressor is part of the E.G. Ward Collection.Plate on the back 'WATER SUPPLY" "WATER OVERFLOW" "WATER DRAIN-IN" Pressure gauge dial "BOURDON'S PRESSURE GAUGE" STEBE GORMAN & CO. LONDON", "LBS PRESSURE" "FEET OF SALT WATER" Plate on the front " PATENT, Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd Submarine Engineers" below emblem (Lion, Crown, Horse)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, maritime-museum, diving compressor, london, siebe gorman & co ltd, marine technology, life saving, deep sea diving, maritime museum, maritime village, manine history, maritime history, marine engineers, marine diving, deep-sea diving, e g ward, vintage diving compressor, e. g. ward, e.g. ward, edward ward, ted ward

Firefighting often requires walking through the rough bush with handtools to construct control likens. This carry pack was designed in-house to enable the safe transport of a small chainsaw See FIRE EQUIPMENT NOTE - 35 [ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CKtcH-3rUlrtbE9dkNP27PYT2-raVVhF/view ] A fibreglass-moulded backpack to enable chainsaw operators to safely carry saws in rough or steep terrain. Weighing just 3 kg the backpack is fitted with a padded shoulder harness, waist strap and includes two 1lt Sig Bottles for storage of a small quantity of fuel and oil. A separate storage compartment is also provided for accessories such as spare chain, sharpener and tool kit. Stihl 034 and 038 size chainsaws will fit into the backpack quite comfortably.Fibreglass carry pack for small chainsawCFLforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, hand tools

Among the many pressing priorities for Alf Lawrence, the Forests Commission's new Chief Fire Officer, in rebuilding the firefighting capacity after the catastrophic 1939 bushfires was to invest heavily in modern vehicles and equipment. Powered pumps like the trailer-mounted Coventry Climax (Godiva) gave firefighters a much greater capacity than ever before to put the “wet stuff on the red stuff”. Its four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled, petrol motor produced 38Hp and was connected with either 1½ inch or 2½ inch canvas hose for direct attack, or as a filler pump it could deliver 300 gallons per minute at 120 psi. Some of the first acquisitions included this war surplus veteran shipped over from the London after the blitz bombings of WW2. Fire pump mounted on trailer Two lengths of suction hose, nozzles and some tools.Coventry Climax Serial 3844 FCV No 24fire pump, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Among the many pressing priorities for Alf Lawrence, the Forests Commission's new Chief Fire Officer, in rebuilding the firefighting capacity after the catastrophic 1939 bushfires was to invest heavily in modern vehicles and equipment. Powered pumps like the trailer-mounted Coventry Climax (Godiva) gave firefighters a much greater capacity than ever before to put the “wet stuff on the red stuff”. Its four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled, petrol motor produced 38Hp and was connected with either 1½ inch or 2½ inch canvas hose for direct attack, or as a filler pump it could deliver 300 gallons per minute at 120 psi. Some of the first acquisitions included this war surplus veteran shipped over from the London after the blitz bombings of WW2. Fire pump mounted on trailer Two lengths of suction hose, nozzles and some tools. Modified from original design at Altona to include recoil battery starterCoventry Climax fire pump, forests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire

Ash Wednesday Veteran This Bedford M Series tanker spent its working days at the Forests Commission depot at Gembrook, and among its many forays, fought the deadly Ash Wednesday bushfires at nearby Upper Beaconsfield and Cockatoo on 16 February 1983. Earlier in 1975, the M Series tankers underwent a design change at the Altona North workshops, replacing the cylindrical water tank with a “V” bottom 4090 litre water tank that sat low between the chassis rails to reduce its centre of gravity. Aluminium heat shields were also added to protect the pump operators on the back. While generally considered "bulletproof" the petrol fuel lines on this particular model were very prone to vaporise in the heat causing the motor to stall, often at the most dangerous moment.... in this case frightening the hell out of its driver, affable knockabout bloke, and firefighting legend Lex Wade. Some jokingly said this design quirk was an inbuilt safety feature to stop crews getting too close to the fire in the first place. The Gembrook tanker was later sent into the workshop and all its brake and fuel lines fitted with heat resistant lagging. Fortunately, this remarkable bushfire survivor was rescued from the scrap heap by Lex and fire equipment wizard Barry Marsden upon its retirement from a loyal and lengthy service. After a lick of fresh paint and most of its battle scars "buffed out", this time-honoured veteran now takes pride of place at the Altona North workshop.Bedford M series fire tankerMZF 347fire pump, fire tanker, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Fire Fighting Extingusher Tank Old style firefighting extinguisher, for use on very small firesHistoric - Railways Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Fire Fighting Extingusher TankMetal Fire Fighting Extingusher Tank with rubber hosepuffing billy, fire fighting extingusher tank

This model of knapsack sprayer was used for both agricultural and firefighting purposes throughout Australia. The manufacturer, A. Simpson & Son who had a long history as a prominent metals manufacturer in Adelaide, South Australia. Alfred Simpson arrived in South Australia in 1849 and by the mid 1950s had established himself as a tinsmith. His son, also Alfred, joined the business in 1864. By the time of Alfred senior's death in 1891, A. Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. The business was incorporated in 1910, with Alfred as chairman, and his sons Allen and Frederick as directors. During World War I the company also manufactured munitions as well as ordnance. In the 1920s the company expanded into the production of tools for use in agriculture and in the 1940s they began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings.This item is representative of agricultural equipment used throughout Australia by a major Australian manufacturer. They were used extensively in the Wodonga district. A Backpack Sprayer unit made from galvanised iron used for agricultural and fire-fighting purposes. It has a nozzle spray attachment and originally had leather straps.On side: SIMPSON PAT. 11?472 23/7/39fire equipment, a. simpson & son, agricultural tools

The spraying units were manufactured in Australia by REGA Products. Ltd. in 1926. They established themselves as leaders in the production of agricultural and horticultural spraying machines, including smaller knapsacks. Knapsacks were quickly adapted to a range of applications and were widely used by the C.F.A (Country Fire Authority). They were also widely used for defence during World War II. REGA was later purchased by the Garrard family and still operate as part of Garrads Pty Ltd. This sprayer was one of the units used by the C.F. A. in Wodonga. The Country FIre Authority was established in 1945 following a Royal Commission into the 1939 Black Friday fires which recommended a single firefighting authority for country Victoria, bringing together the Bush Fire Brigades, Country Fire Brigades and Forest Commission. The first fire brigade, the Wodonga Urban Fire Brigade was formed in 1891 and registered in May 1893. Since that time its volunteers have provided ongoing support to the Wodonga and District communities through events such as urban fires, bushfires and other emergency situations. This item is representative of the Wodonga Country Fire Authority and its many volunteers.A knapsack sprayer designed to be used for spraying insects. The unit includes brass fittings, leather straps and a spray arm and nozzle attached. It was also adapted to be widely used by firefighters.On front: REGA / C.F.A. Around lid: REGA SPRAYERSrega sprayers, cfa region 24, cfa volunteers, cfa wodonga, wodonga urban fire brigade, fire fighting equipment

Firefighting pump No.2. Wisconsin pump, made in Australia under licence by Ronadlson Bros and Tippett Ltd. Petrol motor.Fire fighting equipment

Metal firefighting knapsack.Fire fighting equipment

Brigade Magazine is issued to members of the Victorian CFA. The Spring edition of 2016 includes an article to acknowledge 21 years of service by the Falls Creek CFA. The article was written by Joy Nowakowski on behalf of the Falls Creek CFA with information provided by the Falls Creek Historical Society. Falls Creek Fire Brigade protects Falls Creek Village from fires throughout the year and supports other brigades to fight bushfires nearby and further away. In 2016 the brigade had 23 year-round volunteers. At a celebratory function at Falls Creek in June 2016, alpine pumper and brigade snowmobiles were on display. Falls Creek’s alpine pumper was the first of its kind in Australia. It had a pumping capacity of 4,000 litres a minute and its tracks enabled it to access areas of the village and ski fields. Until 2016 Falls Creek Village has been threatened by two major fires, the worst being in 2003 when CFA crews saved the village and the adjoining ski field infrastructure right at the boundaries. Snow making equipment was used to create a water/fog barrier that helped stop the fires from taking the village. The team that saved the village was considered heroic Support for fighting fires at Falls Creek dates back to 1956 but this support came from Mount Beauty, 30 kilometres down the mountain. Falls Creek locals were concerned by this, so used six available hydrants and a canvas hose to fight any fires on the mountain. In 1964 the SECV gave the village a trailer which could be used with both wheels and skis for summer and winter operations. But this trailer only lasted two years. In the early 1970s, the village was given a 2,000-gallon Ford Blitz 4WD truck, and additional equipment was quickly acquired by the village including a new locally-constructed trailer with a pumper unit. In the 1990s, a change in land status meant the Falls Creek area became the responsibility of CFA. This status was formalised in 1995 by a public meeting that formed Falls Creek Fire Brigade.This magazine is significant because it contains an article celebrating 21 years of Falls Creek CFA.A publication for CFA members which includes stories about recent incidents, brigades, training, events, community safety, health and safety and general CFA news. falls creek cfa, alpine firefighting, falls creek cfa 21 years