Kalgan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

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Kalgan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Local volunteer bush fire brigade servicing the City of Albany on the south coast of Western Australia. www.kalgan.bfb.asn.au

The Kalgan Fire Brigade formed in 1940. It was then basically a farmer's co-operative with privately owned equipment. By 1963 there were 31 members still using privately owned equipment. In 1968 the brigade was able to purchase 2 pumps and trailers of its own and in 1978, bought 6 single sideband radios (5 watt) and around that time ran the first training course. In 1980 a Nissan Fast attack was purchased and in 1981 a 50 watt base station and 2 mobile units. Then a Honda Davey G200 pump unit was added in 1982. 1984 saw the first submission to the Council to allow Optional Perimeter Firebreaks. There were 30 paid up members at this time. An Austin 2 wheel drive and 2 Bedford 4 wheel drive trucks were bought from Calm in 1985. At this time the Council allowed Operational Perimeter Firebreaks on the understanding that the three trucks would be maintained in readiness at all times. The Austin was sold in 1991 and a third Bedford purchased. The Upper Kalgan shed was built in 1993 and a two bay shed built on private land. In 1995 the Kalgan River (Upper Kalgan) and the Lower Kalgan Brigades were amalgamated and the following year the two bay shed was moved to its current site next to the Lower Kalgan Hall.Currently the Brigade has four units: the Land Cruiser Light Tanker, a Hino 2.4 Heavy Tanker, and two Isuzu 2.4 Heavy Tankers. The old Bedfords are also still around the brigade area (privately owned) and one, owned by Chris Andrews, is generously kept at the Upper Kalgan shed for use by the brigade. We have 36 active Fire fighters with a further 28 on the Backup List. We also have a further group of non firefighting members who provide support and carry out non firefighting duties such as manning radios, co-ordinating callouts etc.

Incredible service by Don who has been in the brigades we found out since 1970 He has been a stalwart of the brigade and...
24/09/2026

Incredible service by Don who has been in the brigades we found out since 1970
He has been a stalwart of the brigade and a mentor to many of our crews !
Bushfire Volunteers WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA The City of Albany

The Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade has honoured one of the state's longest-serving volunteers after more than three decades of service.

Don Tomlinson, served in the Boxwood Hill Fire Brigade from 1990 to 2004 and the Kalgan Fire Brigade from 2004 to 2026.

The Great Southern farmer said his decades of volunteer service was not a choice but a responsibility that came with living in the country.

Following his official retirement this week, Mr Tomlinson said he was humbled by the recognition.

"I'm only one of a group of people and you just do it automatically you don't do it for a reward," he said.

"It's a bit daunting, but thank you, everybody, for everything that helped me along the way."

Listen back to Great Southern and South West Local News on ABC listen 🎧 www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-great-southern-local-news

16/09/2026
A big thanks to the Lower Kalgan Community Association who have generously donated to the Brigade following their recent...
17/08/2026

A big thanks to the Lower Kalgan Community Association who have generously donated to the Brigade following their recent Musical Bingo evening.

15/08/2026
12/07/2026

*** CHANGE OF DATE ***
Apologies, there has been a change for the Christmas movie night. It will now be a Christmas movie afternoon the next day, doors open at 2.30pm, movie starts at 3pm and food served after the movie if you would like to stay to fill the kids bellies!

Remember brigade meeting this Sunday !!
11/06/2026

Remember brigade meeting this Sunday !!

10/06/2026
16/05/2026

There's a role for you

Address

516 Nanarup Road
Albany, WA
6330

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