Serving our communities for the past 90 years

By Pip Turton

Apr 14, 2025

Arcadia Fire Brigade’s John Kennedy with his 70 years of service medal. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Arcadia Fire Brigade marked a major milestone on Saturday, April 5, celebrating 90 years of dedicated service to the community at a special gathering held at the Arcadia Fire Station.

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Many milestones were celebrated at the 90th anniversary, with Alan Spence, Ray McManus, Rowan Gribben, Des Quirk, Bernard Kennedy, Gavin Doyle, Francis Kennedy, and Rohan Taylor receiving 30-year service medals.

But most notably, John Kennedy was honoured for 70 years of service.

“It’s good to be recognised,” he said.

“I believe I’ve gotten more out of it than what I’ve put into it.”

Founded in 1935, the brigade began with the most basic equipment — knapsacks and fire beaters.

“I can distinctly remember one of the senior members lining up three or four of us young fellas with knapsacks to cross the fire line and put out the flames,” John Kennedy said.

The brigade saw its first major upgrade in 1955 with the addition of a large water tank and firefighting pump.

In 1977, it acquired its first fire truck — an Austin.

The brigade officially joined the CFA in 1954, following its establishment after the catastrophic 1939 Black Friday bushfires.

One of the most significant moments in the brigade’s history came during the devastating 1965 Longwood bushfires, which destroyed 12 homes, claimed seven lives, killed 44,000 livestock and scorched 40,000 acres of farmland.

“The brigade is made up of all sorts of people who contribute in different ways,” brigade member John Gribben said.

“Some contribute a lot and others a bit less, but it all matters.”

John Kennedy reflected on his early days.

“I didn’t really volunteer — it was just the done thing,” he said.

“Most farmers joined the brigade, I was fresh out of high school, just 16 years old.”

Back then, in the 1950s, joining the brigade was common among farmers, especially given the limited access to fire trucks in rural areas.

Today, the Arcadia brigade responds to around 40 incidents each year, including bushfires, chemical spills and other emergencies.

The brigade has long been a central part of Arcadia’s identity.

What started as a humble fire shed eventually evolved into a broader community space, with the establishment of a community centre in 1997.

“We only had the fire shed at the start, and now that’s become the community centre,” John Kennedy said.

“I was born here and grew up here, so it’s just a part of my life.”

The brigade continues to play an active role in local fundraising through events like the Arcadia Market and firewood collection drives — proving that after 90 years, its dedication to community service is as strong as ever.