Toolangi Fire Brigade

01/06/2026

Captain's Corner: This isn’t the end, it is just a new beginning…

It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to serve the community of Toolangi and Castella as Captain of the Toolangi Fire Brigade, to stand alongside such an extraordinary group of volunteers, and to represent the work we do, often in the toughest of moments. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to lead such a dedicated group of volunteers and to represent the vital work we do in protecting and supporting our community. Being part of this brigade is something I will always be proud of.

I am deeply grateful to our members for every call attended, every challenge faced, and every moment shared. The commitment, courage, and quiet strength of our members never ceases to inspire me. Being Captain has never been about one person, it has always been about our team, our community, and the trust placed in us to be there when it matters most.

As I step out of the role, I do so with a full heart. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I’m equally excited for what comes next. This change creates space for someone new to step forward, to bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and their own passion to lead the brigade into its next chapter. That’s how we continue to grow, adapt, and stay strong.

While I am stepping down as Captain, I am not stepping away. I’m looking forward to finding new ways to support our team and our community, to keep showing up, just in a different way.

To everyone who has supported me, trusted me, challenged me, and stood beside me, thank you. It has been an incredible journey, and one I will always carry with me.

If reading this resonates with you, and you’ve ever thought about being part of something bigger, about serving your community, standing shoulder to shoulder with a dedicated team, and making a real difference when it matters most, I encourage you to consider joining us. Our brigade is always stronger when new people step forward.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying Goodbye so hard” -Winnie the Pooh

29/05/2026

The Winter Outlook has been released for Australia and Victoria. Please have a read. Over the southeast of Australia, the potential for drier and warmer than normal conditions have authorities watching fuels closely. Without significant rainfall, there is potential for increased fire activity later in the year.

AFAC has released Australia’s national bushfire outlook for winter with fire authorities predicting an increased risk of fire across the northern parts of the Great Sandy Desert and surrounds in Western Australia (WA), and parts of central and northern New South Wales (NSW).

20/05/2026

Biennial elections were held last night for Toolangi Fire Brigade’s Brigade Management Team, and we’re proud to announce who will officially take office from 1 July 2026.

We warmly congratulate the incoming team and thank them for stepping up to support our brigade and the wider community. We also want to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to our current Brigade Management Team for their dedicated and passionate service. Their commitment, generosity and countless hours of support have helped shape our brigade, with some serving in elected roles for the past 9 years. Their contribution has meant so much to our members and our community, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have given.

A special thank you goes to our outgoing members and those moving into new positions: Dawn Hartog, who has served as Captain and Group Delegate for the past 9 years; Simon Wills, who has served as 2nd Lieutenant (Training) for the past 5 years; Russell Parr, who has served as 3rd Lieutenant (Assets) for the past 9 years; Riley Dash, who has served as 4th Lieutenant (2IC Asset) for the past 4 years; and Chris Dash, who has served as Secretary for the past 2 years.

Thank you all for the time, care and leadership you have given to Toolangi Fire Brigade.

Congratulations to the incoming Brigade Management Team, who will take office on 1 July 2026 for a two-year term:
Simon Wills as Captain
Gary Dash as 1st Lieutenant (2IC/HSC)
Dawn Hartog as 2nd Lieutenant (Training)
Riley Dash as 3rd Lieutenant (Assets)
Paul Van Der Meer as 4th Lieutenant (Specialised Equipment)
Nicola Rose as Secretary
Angus Ridley as Treasurer
Yolan Berry as Community Safety Coordinator

Elected Brigade Positions:
Ben Rose as Fire Equipment Maintenance Coordinator
Peter McMahon and Angus Ridley as VFBV Representatives
Simon Wills and Gary Dash as Group Delegates
Emma Jacob and Riley Dash as Junior Coordinators

We wish the new team every success as they step into these important roles.

17/05/2026

Today’s Junior Topics: Radios and Ropes

Radio procedures and essential knots used while firefighting… and maybe a few extra knots just for fun 🤣

16/05/2026

What a fire season we had! Thanks to the community for following our advice and taking your safety so seriously.

16/05/2026

Come down to Toolangi Castella District Community House for the Toolangi Castella Community Open Day today and speak to us outside the hall about fire safety!

12/05/2026

We are excited for the Toolangi Open Day this Saturday! Come down to the hall to see us there.

Don't forget our Open Day this Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
We still have some places available for lunch.....heads up, Frosty's Kitchen is catering....if you know, you know! Lunch bookings essential, places are limited.

09/05/2026

💐 Happy Mother’s Day 💐

Today we celebrate all the incredible mums, especially the wonderful mothers of our fire brigade family; and all mothers everywhere. Thank you for your love, strength, sacrifices, and endless support. You are truly appreciated today and every day. Wishing you a very special and well‑deserved Mother’s Day. 💖

04/05/2026

Today, on St Florian’s Day, we pause to honour the patron saint of firefighters and the spirit of service that binds our brigade and our wider CFA family.

We also take this moment to remember, with deep respect and lasting gratitude, our mate and fellow firefighter, Maxwell John McDonnell, who we lost in the line of duty back in 1957. Max’s courage, commitment, and quiet determination to protect others will never be forgotten. Like all of our fellow firefighters lost through the years, they are carried in our hearts, and their legacies live on in the way we turn out, look after one another, and serve our community.

To every firefighter, past and present, thank you. And to the families who share the load, who wait up, who worry, and who support us through every call - we see you, and we are grateful.

On St Florian’s Day, we recommit ourselves to the values firefighters embody - service, bravery, and mateship. We will continue to stand ready for Toolangi, Castella and surrounds, together.