As the saying goes — behind every great man, there is a great woman.
In the case of the Shepparton Fire Brigade Ladies’ Auxiliary, the group of women have been holding the fort at Shepparton Fire Brigade for 60 years.
Since its inception in 1962, the auxiliary has worked tirelessly in the background to keep the fires out.
The group has provided equipment and necessities through fundraising, purely for the improvement of the brigade.
Beginning with cups and saucers, as the years went on the donations steadily became bigger — curtains and crockery were followed by an airconditioner, a station photocopier and even boom gates.
But the faces behind the contributions remain humble, joined together by decades of hard work and friendship.
The group is headed by president Loretta Cobbledick, a member for 33 years, along with treasurer Maureen Mansfield, the current longest member at 53 years, and secretary Caroline Mansfield (30 years).
Many of the nine current members have spent decades as part of the group, dedicating their time by juggling work or childcare.
“I had a husband that was a volunteer, so it was a case of if you can’t beat them, join them,” Mrs Mansfield said.
Other members hold similar stories of spouses or family members being part of the brigade; often the reason they joined the auxiliary was to have more family time.
While COVID-19 restrictions have been a barrier, once a month the women get together to yarn, laugh and organise all the brigade needs.
Over the 60 years, the women have seen times change.
“Every Christmas, the kids used to get on the back of our old fire truck, the Dodge, and be taken around town with Father Christmas; of course, that would never be allowed now,” Mrs Mansfield said with a laugh.
The women have hosted countless fundraisers — baby shows, street stalls, fashion shows, social nights in the old station, along with 13 years of catering for the annual antique fair — ideas never seem to run short.
The auxiliary still supports brigade teams travelling across the nation to compete in the state and national firefighter championships, making the trip to Perth and beyond over the years.
“The state championships were always held locally and we would provide foods, drinks, and even wash and iron the juniors’ uniforms, just so they could look smart for the next day’s events,” Mrs Mansfield said.
“It’s a bit of a dying art now unfortunately, they would have 190 brigades back then but now only have about 69 that compete.”
The auxiliary’s involvement ran all the way through to the logistical side of firefighting.
The women reminisce about times when the organisation was entirely volunteer-run, when it was “all hands on deck”.
“The guys would go out for fires and things like that, and they’d come back to prepped sandwiches and a hot cup of tea made,” Mrs Mansfield said.
With many auxiliary groups across the nation having folded, 60 years is a proud achievement for the Shepparton women.
“You forget about the things that have happened over the years but we’ve always managed to get it done, whatever is thrown at us,” Mrs Mansfield said.
“It’s been good fun and the friendships too, I’ve really loved it.”
The Shepparton Fire Brigade Ladies’ Auxiliary is always looking for new members; for more information call 0419 509 295.