Fire brigade rises from the ashes

By Kath Gannaway
“THE smoke had not yet cleared. There were smouldering logs and trees down everywhere. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris, which would take many weeks to clear. It would also take many weeks to assess the damage to outlying farms and guesthouses in the Mt Toolebewong area.”
That sobering recollection of the aftermath of the 1939 bushfires set the scene for the formation of the Badger Creek Bushfire Brigade, and for From The Ashes, a history of the brigade by secretary Peter Broman.
The 100-page book documents nearly 70 years of dedicated service to the community and includes a history of the early settlement of Badger Creek by local historian Les Harsant.
Badger Creek CFA captain Nic Rodway said the history of Badger Creek and the volunteer fire brigade was typical of many rural communities throughout Victoria.
“The brigade had changed over the years but the principles on which it was founded, helping the community in times of need, still exist today,” he said.
Mr Broman started documenting the early history of the brigade in 1989.
“We have included many old photos of local events and incidents, the development of the Healesville Sanctuary, which was an integral part of Badger Creek and the close relationship with the Badger Creek community and its residents,” he said.
It is appropriate that the chapter The New Millennium is written by the brigade’s longest serving female firefighter Debra Wheaton, who, Mr Broman said, had been at the forefront of promoting the position of women in the brigade.
While From the Ashes has a particular focus on Badger Creek Mr Broman said he believes it will be of interest not only to Badger Creek locals, but also to the broader Healesville community.
The book is available from The Judith Eardley Wildlife Shop and the Healesville Newsagency in the main street of Healesville or by writing to The Secretary, Badger Creek Fire Brigade, 360 Badger Creek Road, Badger Creek, 3777. The cost is $15 plus $6 if posted.