News
18 September, 2023
Hazeldean fire brigade marks 50-year milestone
MORE than 100 guests converged at the Hazeldean Rural Fire Brigade on Sunday August 27 as this fire brigade had a 50-year birthday celebration.
The occasion provided the chance for many people to catch up for the first time in a long time, and many stories were shared while ample history of the Hazeldean-based fire brigade was on show.
A vintage display included old fire brigade signs, hoses, knapsacks and slip-on firefighting units.
There were also nine cork boards containing photos and newspaper clippings, historical notes, uniforms, certificates and other items of interest to generate an eye-catching trip down memory lane.
Attendees included local residents, past and present Hazeldean fire brigade members, and members of emergency services and neighbouring fire brigades.
There were also 15 members from the Redcliffe and Glasshouse Mountains Ulysses Motorcycle Club, with the Hazeldean Rural Fire Brigade having previously catered for groups like these at meetings while the brigade would receive donations in return.
Members of the Kunde and Bryers families attended the 50-year celebration to honour their ancestors, with members of the Kunde clan still actively involved in the brigade.
Bernard Kunde was in charge of the PA system throughout the official opening of the 50-year celebration, and current president Rodney Kunde was among those to deliver a speech.
Rodney recalled there was a lot of fundraising in the early years in particular.
Others to give speeches were Kym Modistach, Denise Modistach, Jack Burford, Graham King, Tyson Purdie and Mark Saunders, while another speaker was Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann.
Rhonda Prior and Sue Bidgood worked hard in the kitchen to ensure food supplies were sufficient, and the Kilcoy Lions Club cooked a barbecue lunch.
Coff & Co Bakery made the celebration cake before firefighter widows Desley Cobbin, Lesley Scott, Grace Carseldine and Zandra Hollworth did the cutting.
