18^th January 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council urging Council to further push reluctant controlling authorities to allow erection of signs, indicating who to ring in case of fire.

17^th February 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade re Appreciation of Services

“The seriousness of the outbreak of fire in the Kellyville area on 15^th February, 1965 has been brought to Council’s notice and in particular reference was made to the very great efforts made by the various Bush Fire Brigades taking part in the quelling of the outbreak.”

18^th February 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council re purchase and issue of 24 fibreglass helmets as soon as possible,

 following the fire in Kellyville to prevent head injuries from falling trees and branches.

Council had intended to make helmets available for general issue from the 1^st April 1965 in any case.

7^th March 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council re urgent repairs to Fire Tender. A Heavy Duty battery and new petrol tank were requested.

14^th March 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council Fire Control Officer relating to suggested improvements to the Bushfire Organisation.

Figure 9 - Suggested improvements to the organisation

9^th April 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council asking Council to request Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board “to have all hydrants clearly marked and kept in a clean and workable condition.”

9^th April 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council asking once again for Notice Boards to be erected along the road side.

9^th April 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council notifying of 1965/66 Officers:

President Mr. E. Overs

Vice President Mr. C. Horwood

Secretary Mr. B. Graham

Asst. Secretary Mr. W. Nicholls

Treasurer Mr. E. Hallenstein

Captain Mr. R. Bonnard

Senior Deputy Captain Mr. D. Symes

Deputy Captains Messrs. Nix, Overs, Hallenstein, Hugo, Schofield, Kennedy

Equipment Officers Messrs H. Holland, C. Horwood, E. Hallenstein

Publicity Officer Mr. E. Hallenstein

Food Officer Mr. D. Kennedy

Liasion Officer Mr. H. Holland

Auditor Mr. J. Moon

17^th April 1965

A fire lit by a local resident in Holland Road on this day (Easter Saturday), “swept through neighbouring properties, this fire could have caused disaster, and it was only due to the promptness of Glenhaven, Kellyville and Round Corner Fire Brigades, that three homes in the path of the fire were saved.”

Quote from Brigade letter to Council dated 8^th May 1965, concerned about constant failure of resident to notify brigade of burning off.

27^th April 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council including a request for “1 only Chain Saw ( Solo Brand preferred).”

Editor’s note - Previously an auger and explosives were used to fell burning trees.

8^th May 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting a new fire tanker and add a 20’ extension to the rear of the Fire Shed. (Ed - apologies for the following scan which missed a bit. Will get the file back from Council and re-scan)

It would appear that the area of land for the brigade was to extend a further 95’ back by 20’ wide.

28^th May 1965

Letter from Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board to Council notifying that fire hydrants “have been cleared, marked with indicator plates and are now in a serviceable condition.”

28^th May 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council re compelling ratepayers and tenants of the Shire to clean-up properties that constitute a fire hazard. A copy of this letter was sent to all Councillors and MP James A. Clough, Member for Eastwood.

8^th June 1965

Letter from Progress Association to Council re compelling ratepayers and tenants of the Shire to clean-up properties that constitute a fire hazard.

21^st June 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade reporting that an NRMA inspection of the condition of the fire tender will be made as well as provision of a new tanker in the next year’s Estimates.

 The cost of a new tanker is approximately £4250.

  21^st June 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade re meeting of group and brigade captains to discuss the installation of radio equipment.

5^th July 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting:

1. a reply to their letter concerning clearing of fire hazards
2. Council appoint a full time salaried person as Fire Control Officer
3. the recently requisitioned chain saw, promised immediately by the FCO

16^th July 1965

Letter from Progress Association to Council attaching the account for rental of land for £1 for the year ending 30^th June 1965.

27^th July 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade in reply to Brigade’s letter of 5^th July 1965, asking Brigade to “continue to assist with bush fire matters as in the past, but if you should have any specific complaint regarding removal of fire hazards the Council will send an Officer to investigate the complaint.”

30^th July 1965

NRMA Report on 1943 Chevrolet Blitz Fire Tanker Speedo 28984 miles

It had a blown exhaust muffler, no windscreen, some corrosion, reasonable brakes and some oil leaks from motor and gearbox.

Repairs required – “Renew exhaust muffler, free up front wheel drive shaft mechanism, tighten jack shaft universal bolts, overhaul hand brake lever (optional), renew fan belt, renew front engine mounting, tighten side brackets (engine), fit return spring to clutch, fit pins as necessary to transfer case shift mechanism, tune motor, general service & lubrication.

Concluding remarks – “This vehicle for age & type is quite reasonable mechanically - there is some wear and minor faults, but basically it is serviceable & capable of giving further service as a fire unit.”

11^th August 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council re Bush Fire Prevention Signs.

13^th August 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that Council has a chain saw which may be borrowed as required and that a chain saw has been requisitioned for the brigade.

14^th September 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that due to the NRMA report finding the fire tanker capable of giving further service as a fire unit, a new unit will not be requisitioned.

25^th September 1965

Field day held to provide instruction and demonstration with regard to fighting house fires

30^th September 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting:

22^nd October 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting a further issue of 12 white helmets

22^nd October 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council advising that Captain R. Bonnard and Equipment Officer H. Holland have resigned their positions and Mr D. Symes has been elected captain and Mr. C. Horwood elected Equipment Officer.

25^th October 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating:

26^th October 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that a 6 to 12 volt battery charger has been ordered, but as the brigade has been issued with a Solo Power Chain Saw which is capable of felling trees up to 30” diameter without the use of explosives, the other items will not be ordered.

8^th November 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that the matter of erection of Bush Fire Prevention Signs (11^th August 1965) was deferred again.

11^th November 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting 1 roll of 2” rope 120’ long for raising and lowering equipment during bushfires.

11^th November 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council requesting an additional siren to be installed at 68 Glenhaven Road owned by Mr Gray, who has volunteered to sound the siren, when notified to do so.

22^nd November 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that as there are 25 active members listed in the brigade and 23 white and one red helmet issued, Council requires a reason for the 12 further helmets.

25^th November 1965

Letter from Council to Brigade stating that the no action is to be taken in connection with the Bush Fire Prevention Signs.

29^th December 1965

Letter from Brigade to Council stating that the brigade has been issued with over 36 knapsacks and at least 4 members have been in attendance at fires. Council records were therefore queried. “ We once again requisition a further 12 white helmets.”

29^th December 1965 Request for repairs to tanker from brigade.