This weekend, Willaura is celebrating the centenary of fire fighting services in the town and district.
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There will be numerous activities to which the public is invited.
A formal Commemorative Dinner will be held on Saturday evening at the Willaura Memorial Hall.
Saturday night’s dinner will include Service Award presentations and a book launch of the newly published history of fire services in Willaura: ‘From Buckets to Brigades’.
A two-DVD set including ‘Fire Yarns’ featuring an oral recording of long time members of the brigade, and a copy of the 1977 film ‘Water is the Weapon’ will also be launched. Both the book and DVD set will be available for purchase on the night.
On Sunday morning, the Willaura Fire Station will be open for inspection from 9.30am till 11am and the public is also welcome to come and have a close look at a modern CFA facility.
Everyone is also invited to Running Team Demonstrations, equipment displays and a community BBQ lunch at the Willaura Recreation Reserve. The demonstrations commence at 11am, and will be followed by lunch provided by the Willaura Lions Club.
The fire engines on display are by courtesy of Ray Carman from Horsham. Ray has quite a collection and is bringing down some significant vehicles. These include an1839 Shand-Mason horse drawn 20 man pumper, a 1905 Hose Laying Cart, a 1953 Bedford 4 wheel drive tanker, and a 1956 Austin pumper.
Everyone is welcome to the Reserve to see these vehicles and learn more about fire fighting through the ages. They are certainly a contrast to today’s tankers and fire bombing aircraft.