You name it, in 150 years the Tarnagulla Fire Brigade has been called to it.
The brigade celebrated its 150th anniversary serving the town over the weekend.
House fires, grass fires, forest fires, car accidents. Anything that requires emergency assistance, Tarnagulla will turn out for it.
And it's not just emergencies. Captain George Filev said the brigade was also about getting people together.
"It’s sort of a hub for a community to have a brigade in a small town, to keep the community alive," Mr Filev said.
"It’s vital, especially in a town like ours. We only have a post office, a police station, a primary school, a pub and a public hall."
Mr Filev joked that his rise to captaincy of the brigade was "meteoric".
Formerly a city-dweller, he joined five years ago after a treechange.
Where he was once a circus performer, firefighting is now his career.
"When we moved here I thought I want to give back to the place that supports me," Mr Filev said.
"The population here is around 140 people ... I thought I’m fit, I’m ready to do something that gives back."
He's found that the CFA brigade enhances the community by building connections.
Member John Sutton may be in his 70s, but he has no plans to step down from the Tarnagulla Brigade anytime soon.
Mr Sutton is the brigade's longest standing member. He's been with the CFA for at least 55 years, the Tarnagulla Brigade more than 53.
Mr Sutton has held every role in the brigade, from foreman, right through to captain, in that time.
He's got "a lot of satisfaction" out of his membership, and the "comradeship" it affords.
"It’s just part of me, trying to help other people that are in trouble," Mr Sutton said.
"When you actually go to a fire and you see the damage it can do, it’s pretty horrific.
"You go along and you see people in shock and crying because their house is gone as well, that makes you … want to become better and stronger."
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
