Susanna Freymark
Crew 267 marked 100 years of Fire and Rescue at the Coraki Fire Station with a celebration on Thursday, September 26.
Concerns were raised as early as 1897 about the need for a fire station in Coraki after two major fires. Before the fire station was built, firefighters operated out of the local coachbuilder’s shop.
The Coraki Fire Station was opened in 1924. It was connected to the town water system in 1956.
The station had its biggest renovations after the 2022 floods getting a new double engine bay at the rear of the station.
This bay became a food collection point immediately after the floods.
Firefighter Peter Hetherington had to row to the fire station during the floods. It was the only way to get there.
He spent the next two days rowing.
“It had to be done,” Mr Hetherington said.
“I got people out of homes. I had to rescue a paraplegic lady.”
Usually at the end of a hose, not in a boat, it was just one of the ways Crew 276 supported the Coraki community during the flood disaster.
Fire and Rescue NSW Zone Commander Greg Lewis said the firefighters didn’t just deliver essential services.
“Crew 267 became a beacon of hope,” Mr Lewis said.
“They offered emotional support.”
At the centenary celebrations Coraki Public School students did a Welcome to Country and sang the national anthem.
Representatives from the Coraki History Museum gave a presentation.
Fiona White from Riverside Butchers in Coraki presented a book with messages from the community.
“We don’t take you for granted, we appreciate you,” she said.
Coraki captain Russell O’Keefe said it takes a special person to become a firefighter.
“I’ve spent Christmas Day out on the fire front,” he said.
“Without family support, the station wouldn’t be here.”
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