Toolern Vale marks century of community protection

In 1914, the Toolern Vale Progress Association agreed the area needed a fire brigade. Eleven years later, following a major fire that saw 100 volunteers work to protect local homes and assets, the Toolern Vale Bush Fire Brigade was officially formed on 10 November 1925. 

Over the following 100 years, the brigade has seen many trucks and vehicles, new station buildings, changes to training and processes and, of course, many significant fires. 

In 1965, a fire in the area destroyed a large part of the township and surrounding farmland, with the town losing 16 houses, multiple significant buildings and impacting many farms. 

Throughout its history, brigade members have also played a role in fighting fires in the area and beyond, including Ash Wednesday in 1983, the 2009 fires and many strike teams across Victoria and interstate. 

While the Toolern Vale Fire Brigade we know today may be more advanced than the original brigade, the same core mission of protecting their area remains. 

Captain Jared Watson said the brigade has always been a core part of the community. 

“We sit in a fairly high risk area, so I think that anyone who has grown up in the area or is familiar with it understands the importance of the fire brigade. It’s always been community based; it’s always been central to the town,” he said. 

“We’ve got families that have had multiple generations come through the brigade, and we keep everyone engaged where we can. From our operational and non-operational members, our newer members and our members who are in their 80s or 90s and have been a part of the brigade for many years.” 

Since formation, the Toolern Vale community has pitched in to support the brigade through fundraisers and events, and the brigade has also given back however they can. 

Through school education programs, working with local community groups, helping to fundraise for various charitable causes and even providing a classroom for local children when fire impacted their school, community spirit has always been a key part of the brigade’s history. 

Jared said that he feels proud to be at the helm of the brigade and looks forward to what they continue to achieve. 

“It is great to see the Toolern Vale Fire Brigade in the strong position it is in going into its next 100 years. I look forward to seeing it continue to go from strength to strength in years to come.” 

Toolern Vale Fire Brigade will celebrate their anniversary this coming weekend, with a brigade dinner on Saturday 8 November and an Open Day community celebration on Sunday 9 November. 

With historical trucks and artefacts on display, activities for the kids and fire skill demonstrations, the brigade are encouraging community members to head along and celebrate alongside them. The day will also see the launch of a new historical book, looking back at the century of service from the brigade.  

The community celebration will be held on Sunday 9 November 2025 from 10am-2pm at Toolern Vale Fire Brigade, 203 Creamery Road Toolern Vale.