Guises Creek Rural Fire Brigade Celebrates 25 Years of Service

On Sat 12 October, current and former members of the Guises Creek Rural Fire Brigade celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the Brigade with a spit roast dinner held at the Guises Creek Shed, located on the Monaro Highway, about 8km south of Calwell, ACT.

One of the highlights of the event was the mud cake which was a replica of the longest serving vehicle heavy tanker, GCK11, which is still use today. Members and guests were welcomed by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell and Andrew Stark, Chief Officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Brendan Smyth, an active member of the Brigade since the early 1990s, who also shared some hilarious anecdotes from the past.

Attendees really enjoyed reflecting upon the rich history of the Brigade, the wonderful people who have contributed to the Brigade over the years, the fires and other incidents, community events and most importantly, the friendships and the strong commeraderie built through both good and bad times.  Photo displays around the walls also sparked memories and more stories emerged as the evening went by. A great time was had by all!

Guises Creek Brigade President and Senior Deputy Captain, Denis Kugler, and Alan Ashman admire the awesome iced mud cake which is an exact replica of heavy tanker GCRK11. 

GCRK11 cake - too good to eat! There were a few black tongues from those brave enough to eat the wheels.

Brendan Smyth shares some funny stories of his experiences in the Brigade.

  

Captain Dave Wassall shares more stories and reflects on the history.

Members enjoying a meal.

Longest server member, Dave Ingram and newest member, Kristen Bartell together cut the cake to the sound of a huge applause.

Donna Walsh and Mary Cunynghame start the night with some great singing.

Simon Corbell and Andrew Stark were presented with copies of  the limited edition book called "History of the Guises Creek Rural Fire Brigade 25th Anniversary 1988 - 2013" which was launched at the dinner. 

President Denis Kugler,  Ged Morrison (first Captain of the Brigade) and Brendon Morrison holding a photo of Ged's father, Tony Morrison, who was the founding President of the Brigade.

Shannon Blaseotto and Maddie take the stage.

Some of the photos on display are shown here and below

Site of the Guises Creek shed along Monaro Highway before it was built 1994. View is from "Rose Hill" property owned by the Morrison family.

Guises Creek Station today.