It began with a simple and faceless digital branding – station 325 – but it has since helped to give the town of Helensburgh part of its modern identity and a whole lot of community protection besides.
Helensburgh Fire and Rescue was formed in 1975 as station 325 and has maintained a close connection to the community since. Five of the original 12 members were present on Friday, August 15 to celebrate 50 years since its founding, including former captain Jim Powell, who has been an honorary member for the past 15 years.
Jim shared stories from his time at the station, remembering community Christmas parties and delivering nearly 4000 lolly bags in partnership with the Lions Club, an ongoing tradition since 1980. He reflected on the camaraderie and strength shown by the station during the 2001 Black Christmas bushfire.
“It’s good to be back with the old team today," Jim said. "It’s a great community and it’s a great fellowship. It’s a family and we’ve always been a family.”
Three retired Helensburgh station captains attended the celebration, including the inaugural captain, Dennis Foster, who travelled three and a half hours from Bourke to be there.
Current Captain Roslyn Thomas told the crowd each firefighter had contributed to the legacy of courage and professionalism that continues today.
“It's an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate 50 years of service from Fire and Rescue New South Wales,'' she said.
Zone Commander Scott Donohoe welcomed current and retired firefighters, family and friends in a speech on the day.
“What an amazing milestone – 50 years of Helensburgh Fire Station. That says a lot about dedication and community spirit,” he said.
"I can speak with all sincerity about the volunteers. I have a great affinity and respect for the retained firefighters, the on-call side of our organisation. I'm a former retained firefighter myself. My father was a captain before me, and my grandfather before that.
“Our on-call firefighters are everyday people – you’re teachers, tradies, you’re parents who’ve made a huge commitment particularly to 325 station. Being on call means you're ready to drop everything at a moment's notice any time of the day or night to help someone who needs you.
"Let's be honest, no one's in this for the money, are they? The real reward is knowing you've helped someone. You've made great friends along the way, and you can be hugely proud of what you do. Helensburgh really appreciates what you do. You've earned their trust, respect, and I know they're grateful to have you guys in their corner.”
Duty Commander Greg Purvis congratulated Captain Thomas for her leadership and issued a plaque of appreciation.
“Since Ros has come on board, things have run so smoothly here,'' he said. ''The crew are doing a really good job. We have a whole lot of new firefighters who are keeping on with the tradition that those who were here previously have set. It’s all in good hands.
"[The families of our firefighters] are really important too… supporting the firefighters so that they can drop everything and head off to look after the community.”
Captain Thomas expressed gratitude to her crew and their families, and thanked the community for supporting the station.
"I'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the firefighters, past and present who've given so much in service. Your hard work, dedication and bravery are what makes this station what it is," she said.
"I'd personally like to especially thank my crew. We have a fantastic station here. I am so grateful to have the firefighters I have. They are, as far as I'm concerned, the best crew that have been here for a long, long time.
"To our community – your support means the world to us. We are stronger because of you. And of course, we thank the families of our firefighters. Your support behind the scenes is invaluable, and we couldn't do it without you.
"As we look to the next 50 years, we know the challenges will change, but our commitment to this community will remain unwavering. Here's to continuing this incredible journey together."
To continue the success of Helensburgh station, Captain Roslyn says a new firetruck would come in handy. Their truck is 23 years old, and was received second-hand from Springwood. It struggles to navigate steep and small driveways. The crew notes that the truck is overtaken by garbage trucks on high-speed roads.
