Tanjil Fire Brigade members recently celebrated 50 years service to its community.
Tanjil was formed in December 1972 and was made up of members from the local area.
Their first turn out was in local brigade member Peter Nave's Land Rover with a trailer fitted with a pump. Years later in March 1974, the CFA commissioned a pump for the brigade.
Community engagement officer for the brigade Margaret Harrison said Peter Nave was still a member of the brigade. "It's an honour to still have his Aussie spirit and commitment to Tanjil," she said
The next year Tanjil was issued with 20 knapsacks and six rake hoes to help members with their firefighting efforts.
In 1978 the brigade's first station was completed on land donated by Ron Skinner after it had been delivered in pieces with no instructions and lovingly put together by the local community over six months.
Seven years after Mr Nave had fitted out his Land Rover to serve the brigade, it was retired back to regular farm duties and Tanjil received its first tanker, an all-mighty Austin two-wheel drive.
"Not many members had their truck licence when the tanker arrived and they all made a trip down to the local police station in Yallourn North where they were asked if they could drive a truck, asked to drive around the block once and then were granted their licence," Margaret said.
The Austin served the community well until August 1985 when it was replaced with another truck, an international C1300 4x4 followed by a 1992 by a Hino FT165, which is still serving the brigade well.
"Despite its age, members from other brigades love the FT165 as it can fit into places other trucks can simply not go," Margaret said
In the 80s, safety for members was becoming more and more prevalent and members were able to purchase a helmet for $3.20 and in the following years the iconic yellow overalls became available for $25.05.
As the years went by Tanjil began to outgrow the small station which only had room to house a truck. On August 8, 2008, site work began on new land before a new station opened in 2009.
Despite having responded to hundreds of incidents in their 50-year history, in 2019/2020 members responded to the Black Summer fires, one of the worst bushfires in Australia's history and
members of Tanjil's brigade were on the front lines protecting their community.
"Tanjil brigade has faithfully served their community for 50 years and all the members that have come through our doors have made the brigade what it is today," Margaret said.
"Tanjil might be a small brigade but it is proud to carry on its Aussie spirit, integrity and values into the next 50 years and beyond."
At its recent celebration night, the brigade recognised multiple members for their service from 15 to 50 years and awarded two life memberships to Peter Nave and Arthur Aitken (posthumously).