Matcham / Holgate Rural Fire Brigade celebrates 65 years

RFS District Manager, Superintendent Viki Campbell will join special guests this morning to celebrate the Brigade’s 65th anniversary at an event to be held at the Matcham / Holgate Brigade Station on Wattle Tree Road in Matcham.

Superintendent Campbell said the Matcham / Holgate Brigade was established in the 1950s by local farmers, who originally kept equipment on their properties in sheds, until Gosford Shire Council built the first station in 1968.

“It is humbling to celebrate how far this Brigade has come in 65 years as well as the incredible work the members do to protect not only the local community, but communities right across the state,” she said.

“The brigade’s current station was built in 2011 replacing that original structure, and now the members have two trucks, far more advanced than their first – an ex-World War II Blitz Wagon.”

Matcham / Holgate Brigade assisted other brigades and communities across NSW during the devastating 2019-20 fire season, helping in the Blue Mountains, south and north coast areas.

“While today we recognise all brigade members, I acknowledge the 12 members of Matcham / Holgate Brigade who received the National Emergency Medal in response to their efforts during that time.

“Also attending motor vehicle accidents, over recent years the brigade has assisted with the flood response nearby and along the north coast,” she said.

“Today is a great opportunity for the members of Matcham / Holgate to reflect on the brigade’s rich history, which is something that every one of them should be incredibly proud of.

“Matcham / Holgate Brigade has been an integral part of the local community for 65 years. The strong membership of 30 participate in training, mentoring new members, engagement with the community as well as responding to incident calls.

“I would like to take this time to also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”