09/10/2026
Thanks for the shout out folks. We have posted a photo of the meetings minutes in the comments section.
⏳A MOMENT IN OUR HISTORY
South Western News, Thursday November 22, 1951
ON Sunday next November 25th the new fire engine for the recently formed volunteer brigade at Margaret River will be officially handed over to the brigade.
The ceremony will take place at 11am and the fire engine will first be handed over by a member of the WA Fire Brigade Board to the Augusta Margaret River Road Board and then chairman of that body (Mr E Willmott) will hand it over to the Fire Brigade.
The public of Margaret River and Districts is invited to attend the ceremony after which light refreshments will be provided.
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💡FEBRUARY 11, 1950 was a turning point for Margaret River, when locals watched a home owned by Mr Terry and Mr McLean burn.
The fire began at 11:50pm, and by the time a forestry truck and water tank arrived 20 minutes later, the home could not be saved.
That April, the Margaret River Road Board received a proposal from Mr H Coate and the WA Fire Brigade Board to establish a volunteer fire brigade.
Despite the cost, the Board agreed, and on December 17, 1950 a well-attended public meeting formally launched the Margaret River Town Brigade. A group of local men volunteered, with Mr T Vickers appointed Brigade Captain and Mr Dunne as Foreman.
After initially operating from a shed loaned by Mr A Burton, by 1956 the brigade had moved into its own station on Willmott Avenue, equipped with its fire engine, equipment, brass helmets and dark blue uniforms. The hilltop site allowed the siren to carry across town and alert volunteers to emergencies.
In 2026, the men and women of the Margaret River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service celebrate the brigade's 75th anniversary.
We thank all past and present volunteers for their service and dedication to keeping our community safe.
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📜The Margaret River Historical Society is preserving local history for future generations.
To find out more or become a member, contact Viv Halsall on 0415 780 331, or visit The Old Settlement on Tuesdays 10am–12.30pm, Thursdays 1.30–4pm or Saturdays 10am–3pm.
