MARYSVILLE, VIC. — After the 2009 fires, the community surrounding Marysville significantly changed and brigade membership at Marysville, Narbethong and Buxton dropped.
But thanks to the launch of combined training and support for each other, this triangle in District 12 is now stronger than ever.
The three brigades cover a large area that includes dry bushfire conditions and cool climate rainforest conditions.
“We haven’t been a team in the past,” Marysville Fire Brigade Captain Travis Gleeson said, “and it was time to change.
“A Buxton brigade member asked me if the three brigades could work together a bit more, and I thought yes, why can’t we?”
Travis spoke with the Narbethong and Buxton brigades to try to improve their teamwork.
“Sometimes you need more than one brigade for a training session to work properly, so combining training between the three brigade[s] works better,” Narbethong Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Stephen Schulz said.
Each brigade still conducts its own training sessions, but they also train together approximately once a month, with brigades taking turns to host.
“The dynamic has changed with our new training program,” Buxton Fire Brigade 3rd Lieutenant Brian Denham said. “We wanted to focus on combined training. There has definitely been a shift to working together more, which leads to a better understanding on the fireground.
“The joint training has absolutely improved things. It creates better working relationships and a better understanding of each brigade’s issues.”
“The three captains are quite different and they share their knowledge,” Stephen said.
“Members from Marysville and Buxton have a lot of structural background and they can teach us things we don’t learn at our brigade.
“It’s good to have the support from surrounding brigades, especially as there isn’t a lot of experience at our brigade. It gives our members confidence.”
“We turn out as one bigger brigade and that’s normal for us.”
District 12 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Keating is full of praise for what these three brigades have achieved.
“These three brigades are isolated from their district office at Seymour. Being at the far end of the district, their nearest support is a long way away,” Steve said.
“Narbethong’s existence today has a lot to do with the support they received from neighbouring brigades to re-engage their community and lift their profile,” Steve said.
“It really solidifies that community connection is so important.
“The brigades have really shone in the community safety and training space and operationally. I’m proud of their efforts.”
