13 APRIL 2022 | ISSUE 497 | FREE
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EASTEY THE AUSTIN FIRE TRUCK
O
n the morning of March 28th 2022, the Nagambie CFA were visited by a very special guest, the Austin front mounted pumper fire truck that began its journey to protect Nagambie in 1956. At 7.10pm on Monday the 31st December 1956 this appliance call sign XB11 responded to its very first alarm of fire at a railway siding 1 mile outside the brigade response area. This initial first call out for XB11 was the first of multiple calls to respond to incidents in and around the township of Nagambie for many years to come. Eddie Tichelaar of Montrose Fire Brigade and Brett Eastwood, former Montrose member, purchased the 1956 WE Austin Series 3 in May 2020, and lovingly restored it over the following 18 months. The vehicle had originally spent time stationed in Districts 14 and 22 before retiring. “As we understand it, this vehicle spent its working life stationed at Nagambie and Whittlesea Fire Brigades and was decommissioned from active fire fighting service in 1983,” said Eddie.
“After a brief stint being used for fire engine rides at Whittlesea’s Alpine Toboggan Park, the truck was put into storage for around 27 years”.
Russell was the Captain of the brigade for many years and was Captain the day the truck left town after serving the community.
the Austin pumper. It was such a joy to see the truck reunited with its past captain. Opportunities like this don’t happen that often!
Brett purchased the Austin and the project to restore the truck began. Over the course of 18 months, the vehicle was stripped down, rebuilt and restored to a fully-functional vehicle.
A number of past and current members visited the old station in Vine Street to admire the restored truck (the station was upgraded last year to their current High Street location). The Vine Street station was where XB11 was housed during its time at Nagambie.
“This pumper fought a number of large fires in our town and it's a thrill to see it restored to its former glory,” said Allen.
Though the vehicle was in relatively good condition, the pair needed to search high and low for certain vehicle parts. “Unfortunately, the front mounted pump had been removed from the appliance. After an extensive search, a pump was found in Castlemaine which we believe was originally mounted on an Austin Pumper from the Rushworth Fire Brigade.” Eddie says the restoration project was a trip down memory lane. “The Austin Pumper was the first appliance I turned out to an incident on,” he said. The Austin named Eastey, and crew, Eddie and Brett, took the opportunity to stop past a few local landmarks in Nagambie before meeting up with current Nagambie CFA Captain Allen Treble and Ex Captain Russell Hurren.
Russell Hurren said that he thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and seeing the old truck in such great condition was incredible. Nagambie CFA Captain, Allen Treble remarked that it was terrific to see such enthusiasm and pride restoring the Austin Fire Truck to its former glory. “I was thrilled to make the connection with Brett and Eddie and have an opportunity to share some Nagambie history with them. Nagambie Fire Brigade has some well preserved historical documents that allowed us to piece together the history of the Austin Pumper. “The history together with an original photo, inspired me to bring together some of our earlier members such as; Past Captain Russel Hurren, Ron Harvey and David Hannam - who recalled many stories driving, fighting fires and washing/polishing
Eastey enjoyed plenty of attention during the tour of the regions with Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp stopping by Eastey Austin at the CFA State Championships in Mooroopna. Andrew couldn’t get over how stunning the appliance looked and he spent a good 20-30 minutes checking over the truck. The Eastey Team were absolutely thrilled by his interest and time spent with the appliance. After a busy 2 weekends traveling many kilometres, Eastey the Austin is back home in the shed resting up. For the caretakers of Eastey Austin the journey is all about making people happy and they enjoyed speaking to many, reminiscing about stories of days gone by. From the facebook feed of Eastey the Austin it was said that there were many highlights but the biggest highlight so far was driving to Nagambie Fire Brigade where this truck’s story began.