A visit to The Canberra Fire Brigade Museum and Fire Brigade Historical Society

A restored 1928 Dennis 250 fire engine at The Canberra Fire Brigade Museum, operated by the Fire Brigade Historical Society. Photo: Tony Magee

by Tony Magee

What a great morning I had last Friday! I was asked to assess an old Australian made Victor piano at the Canberra Fire Brigade Museum. I was greeted by former Deputy Chief Minister and former Leader of the Opposition Wayne Berry along with former ACT Fire Officer Peter Stanley, plus five colleagues - all now retired but dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of over ten historic vehicles plus historic uniforms, helmets, hoses, switch boards, alarms and everything else imaginable (and unimaginable) associated with fire and rescue.

Located at 4 Empire Circuit, Forrest, the building once served as Canberra’s main fire station, now decommissioned.

Looking up the history of their Victor piano using its serial number 56576, I ascertained it was manufactured in 1926. Pianos bearing the Victor name were actually made at the Beale piano factory at 45 Trafalgar Street, Annandale.

Age and moths have seen deterioration of the action and some felt components. Structurally, the instrument appears sound, so it can be put back into playable condition with a day or two's work.

I asked Peter if he saw action during the 1984 destruction by fire of Manuka Village. He almost froze, then opened up: “I was fresh out of training college, just finding my feet. We got the triple zero call about 8.30am and several units were dispatched, followed by more,” he said.

“When we arrived there was smoke pouring out of the roof. The staff from the Commonwealth bank came running out onto the street, then staff from all the other shops. At that moment, the roof exploded. Total devastation as the building was engulfed. All we could do was prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings, which we did. Tragically, one person lost their life in the disaster. It was a tremendous and long battle.”

Ron Hourigan takes care of the Honour Board. It bears the names of everyone who has served as a fire fighter since inception by Percy Douglas in 1913 and also includes the Ladies Auxiliary Committee who were active during World War Two.

“Many social events were held at the Station during this time”, says Ron. “The Victor piano was well used and enjoyed. Dinner dances, luncheons and afternoon concerts were held - all organised by the Lady’s Auxiliary Committee.”

Joining the Royal Australian Navy at 16, he served for 20 years before commencing training as a fire fighter. His first posting was at Fyshwick, later transferring to Forrest where he remained until his retirement in 2013. 

“I like to keep the Honour Board regularly updated and historically accurate. I’ve already added the names of our 12 latest recruits. They started training in February this year.”

Wayne Berry commenced service as a fire fighter in 1963. 

“I was stationed at Piedmont Fire Station at first, later transferring to Balmain, then Sydney City and The Rocks. I arrived in Canberra in 1972 remaining with the Fire Service, but also becoming Union Secretary and then a member of the Labor Party, later becoming a candidate for election,” he said.

Restored historic vehicles include a 1923 Albion, a 1913 Hotchkiss with timber spoke wheels and gas headlights, a 1928 Dennis 250, a 1941 International K6, a 1955 Dennis F12, a 1984 Volvo F86 and many more.

All vehicles are on ACT Historic Registration and are fully operational and running.

The Museum is open to the public every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. It’s definitely well worth a visit!