Community
21 November, 2025
Birthday celebrations for auxiliary
THE Warrnambool Fire Brigade Auxiliary has celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Auxiliary members enjoyed a special luncheon at Panmure’s Commercial Hotel last Saturday to mark the special milestone.
“While we currently have 11 members of the auxiliary, over the years about 108 ladies have been auxiliary members; some have been for a brief time while for others, it has been a very long association,” auxiliary president Heather Love said.
“Our role tends to be more social as the years go by but our objective remains the same – to raise money to provide equipment for the brigade and for auxiliary activities.
“Our origins date back 70 years to when the Fire Brigade Badminton Club, which played at the fire station, suggested the two group should hold a joint Christmas party and from there it was suggested a fire brigade auxiliary be formed to raise money for the brigade.”
While some fundraising events, such as the state championships in Warrnambool, resulted in some very early rises for members, all agreed that it was an honour to be a part of the auxiliary.
“Back in November 1955, meetings were held on the first Monday of each month; nowadays the group meets mainly bi-monthly,” Heather said.
“We have moved with the brigade to its sixth fire station, and our fourth; each one bigger and better than the last.
“While we aren’t as active as we once were, we still have a bond that has kept us together all these years, and friendships which can hold us together into the future.”
A special cake was cut by two of the longest serving members of the auxiliary, Kathy Lane (65 years’ service) and Maree Rayner (60 years’ service).
