Tiller Margaret Helen

2020-07-11T06:21:23Z

GwendaG:

2020-07-11T05:13:38Z

GwendaG:

Tiller Margaret Helen

2020-07-11T05:02:55Z

GwendaG: Created page with "{{People |Type of person=Individual |Date of birth=1938 |Date approximate=No |Place of birth=Adelaide S.A. |Date approximate2=No |Principal occupation=school teacher, homemak..."

Two Wells Country Fire Service

2020-05-25T04:55:05Z

GwendaG:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Two Wells Emergency Service, Two Wells C.F.S.
|StreetName=Old Pt Wakefield Rd.
|Locality=Two Wells, South Australia
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
'''History of the Two Wells Country Fire Service'''

By Phillip Earl - ''Group Officer of Light Country Fire Service Group.''

'''How it all started'''

Prior to the establishment of the Emergency Fire service, country people would fight fires with very basic tools and equipment. This was usually limited to shovels, rakes, wet bags, leather floppers, knapsacks and the odd privately owned motorized pumps.
Mallala Council purchased hand operated Ajax pumps and 44 gallon drums to be distributed throughout the district following an Act of Parliament in the Mid 1930s. Mallala council also had a 400 gallon tank & motorized pump that could be put onto a council truck filled with water ready to fight fires through out the district. This act made it the responsibility of local councils to provide Fire Fighting Equipment and appoint Fire Control Officers within the council area. I believe this started in the early 1940s, on a 50/50 subsidy with the state government sharing the cost of equipment. This 50/50 subsidy for fire-fighting equipment went on for many years up to a change in the subsidy ratio then after the introduction of the Emergency Fire Service Levy by the State Government. Now all funds are state funds.

Councils became members of Fire fighting associations across South Australia.
Mallala Council was a member of the Lower North Fire fighting Association. This saw membership of Councils from Eudunda and Robertstown, in the north to Balaklava to the west and Freeling to the east to name a few. In later years, EFS/CFS brigades also became members. The Fire fighting Associations were the fore runner of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and now the South Australian Country Fire Service Volunteer Association representing the 17,000 CFS volunteers across the state.

Fire Control Officers were in charge of a fire within their own council area. This was usually a local Councillor or Farmer, who was issued with a medal badge, so they could be identified at a fire. When a fire occurred, certain farmers were notified by the local Telephone Exchange Operator who had a list of contacts. The Operator would notify the appointed farmers who would collect pumps and drums spread throughout the district. These drums were full of water and stood on a wooden stand made from repurposed railway sleepers. They were loaded onto trucks and utes to fight the fires.
These pumps and stands stayed in place until the early 1970s when council removed them.(One stand still exists north of Sharman’s at Calomba.) Privately owned equipment was also utilised through this system.

At Two Wells a Tank full of water with a hand pump, knapsacks and hand tools were permanently set up on chocks ready for a truck to reverse under. This was located near a quarry at the rear of the Institute in Two Wells. A Council truck or private trucks were used for this purpose. Later a motorized pump was fitted. This system worked well but relied on the same people’s trucks being available to fight the fires.

''''''
'''An Assigned Fire Brigade with Appliances''''''

Following the Second World War equipment and trucks became more readily available, so in 1957 a public meeting was held to form the Two Wells Emergency Fire Service.
Money was raised through donations and with the support of the Mallala District Council, who placed a levy on Council rates for 1 year. A Fire Station and Siren was erected in the main street of Two Wells and a 1942 two wheel drive, Lend lease Chevrolet, truck was converted into a Fire Appliance by the Mallala Council Mechanic, Mr Les Burford at a cost of 759Pounds ($1518). It had a water capacity of 650 Gallons with a Rex pump powered by Wisconsin motor.

On the 20th of December 1957 the Two Wells EFS shed and appliance was officially commissioned by the Director of the Emergency Fire Service of South Australia, Mr Fred Kerr. Mr AH Harvey was the first Station Officer of the brigade.
In August 1958, the Two Wells Emergency Fire service was officially registered.
A New Bedford appliance purchased from Curnow’s at Two Wells replaced the original Chevrolet around 1966.
In 1970 another appliance arrived, a local built International AB110. In 1972, an Austin Gipsy 4x4 both these appliances were second hand.
In 1978 a second hand International c1300 appliance made in Sharpe brothers shed at Two Wells by brigade members replaced the Gipsy, which then went to Dublin CFS.
In 1979 an A.J Stock built new Dodge appliance costing $30,000 replaced the decommissioned Bedford.
In 1992, a new 24 type Hino appliance built at Murray Bridge replaced the international c1300.
In 1998, a Moore’s built Hino 34 replaces the Dodge.
2009 a new Isuzu 34p Dual cab appliance replaces the Hino 24.
In 2017 another Isuzu 34 Dual cab appliance.

Currently the brigade has a 34 dual cab Isuzu appliance for rural fires and a 34 P dual cab for urban and rural type fires.
Currently in 2020, we have appliances such as the Two Wells 34 and 34P. This is abbreviated to mean 3as 3000lts and the 4 being 4 wheel drive. The P indicates a pumper with increased pump capacity for urban type fires

''''''Competitions'''''

In the mid 1960’s, a Humber car was cut down and used at competitions by the Brigade. It was also used for local fires by the Deputy Supervisor whom was appointed by the Mallala Council, Mr Reg Hart. It had a drum for water and a motorised pump.
The brigade was very competitive in the state run competitions which were held at different towns across the state. These competitions were hosted at Two Wells Oval in 1972, and 1982. In 1967 Two Wells was awarded best and most efficient appliance and crew, and in 1969 won the BP achievement award at the state competitions.

'''
'''Radios in Appliances''''

High Frequency radios were first introduced in the early 1960s. These radios were installed in appliances to communicate with each other and mobile appliances. The Mallala Council vehicles sharing the same frequency.
From 1960-1975 different Council areas were on their own frequencies. The Base Radio was located in the Mallala Council Office. Two Wells had a mobile radio at the beginning in the Institute. This was then relocated to the Station.
In 1975, the state changed to new Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The Council still retained the licenses however an additional two state frequencies were added through a repeater network. This gave better communication throughout the state. Each Council still had their own channels and Two Wells also had the Virginia and One Tree Hill Channel.

The VHF radios were upgraded across the state in 1991 to a Multi channel set, this was the first time everyone had the same type of radios in appliances across the state. This came into existence from the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires where poor communications were experienced. Hand held radios also became more popular as the technology improved.
The Base station was still located at Mallala Council office and each brigade had their own station radios. In 2000 the Government Radio Network (GRN) was introduced. This meant each CFS Group had a dedicated channel and access to multi talk groups across the state with the ability to communicate with other Emergency Agencies. This was also a recommendation from the Ash Wednesday fires Royal Commission.

'''Communication Call Signs – Two Wells'''

In the 1960s and 1970s at Two Wells Brigade, the Bedford was known as Mobile 6, the International was Mobile 7 and the Council car was known as Mobile 1.
Approximately in the 1980s, this changed to a new system to identify the type of vehicle. Two Wells Dodge was now known as Two Wells 52, this being a large type of 2wd appliance. The International 1300 unit was now Two Wells 61 a small 4x4 appliance.
The Call sign was VL5FZ this was assigned to the Mallala Council for the EFS/ CFS each council area had a different call sign.

'''
'''Name Changes and Amalgamations''''

In 1976, the Country fires Act was introduced into State Parliament and in 1977 the Emergency Fire Service changed to the Country Fire Service. This was not simply a name change, but introduced many legislative changes.
Station officers became Captains, Supervisors became Group Officers and each Brigade was a member of its own group. Two Wells, Mallala and Dublin became known as the Mallala CFS group. This later amalgamated to become the Light Group with 11 Brigades from the Mallala and Light Regional Councils. The CFS Group Base is currently at Roseworthy.

'''
'''Call outs'''

In the early years the Brigade only attended single-digit call outs, this continued until the 1970s. By the 1980s this increased to call outs in the Fifties. By 1990s the call outs were in the hundreds. In 2018, the Brigade attended 232 call outs a year.
The call outs have changed over the years from solely fires to all types of emergencies. Since the late 1980s, vehicle accidents account for about 30% of all callouts. This has resulted in increased expectations from the community of Volunteers within the Brigade. Volunteers are investing more time into training and are highly committed. Two Wells has 6 accredited members in Road Crash Rescue to assist Dublin and Virginia Brigades who have the life saving equipment. The brigade also has 11 personnel trained in Breathing Apparatus (BA) for structure fires or hazards environments.

'''Floods''' have played a big part of the call outs over the years with personnel being involved from 1983 onwards with both the Gawler and Light Rivers on many separate and combined floods.
The brigade has been involved in many interstate deployments since the Sydney fires in 1994 and strike teams with appliances or personnel only, all over the state of South Australia.

'''
''''''Methods of Response to Call Outs''''''

Crews once responded to call outs via the siren at the station. Members of the public started out by asking the Phone Exchange Operator to report a fire. The operator activated the siren via the telephone exchange. Personnel would respond to the station and answer the phone to find out the details of where to attend the fire.
Then over the years various phone systems allowed calls to be taken in members’ homes. When the automatic exchange was connected, members of the public could dial the fire service 202 000 connecting into Member’s homes. The member who answered their phone first would take down all the details. Other members could listen into the conversation to also get the details of where to attend. The member could then activate the town siren via a button on their telephone.

This then lead to tone pagers being carried to notify members.
Pagers were then updated to digital displayed message of call out details. These are the same pagers used in 2020.
Now all calls come from Adelaide Fire Via a 000 call from a member of the public. Members receive a detailed digital message via their pagers.
The siren is rarely used but since the Pinery Fires in November 2015 the siren remains an additional way to warn of fire or other emergency for crew and members of the public.

'''Crews'''

The brigade is nothing without its dedicated volunteers. This number has increased over the years from 10 or so in the early years to over 40 fire-fighters and numerous Brigade support members today. In 2020 at Two Wells Station, this number includes 6 active female fire-fighters. These members also participate in management roles at major fires or incidents across the state, not just local events.

Since the 1970s the brigade has encouraged Cadets. Cadets are members who range in age from between 11 to 16 years of age. The number of Cadets has increased in the last 20 years to constantly be around 20. Of that total, nearly half are female members. Over the years some members who have started as Cadets have moved onto become Senior Fire-Fighters and Officers of the Brigade.

'''The Two Wells brigade currently has 10 life members paying tribute to the long and dedicated membership of the Brigade over many years.'''

''''''Stations''''''

The original Two Wells Station built in 1957 remained the same but had numerous additions to the width, length and internal fit out. The old station is now the RSL building.

1994 saw the current station built on Wells Road with all the internal rooms constructed by dedicated Members under the Supervision from a local builder and Brigade Member Mr Bill Milton. This was done to save money at the time so the Brigade could get the size and shed needed.

'''Unfortunately the current station is no longer practical and a larger addition to the existing station or a completely new station will be required to meet the current and future needs of the Brigade.'''

'''Officer in Charge at the Brigade'''

A.H Harvey 1957-1959

E.S Goode 1960-1962

G.A Prior 1963-1966

B.L Wilson 1967-1970

P.I Hart 1971-1975

I.M Gameau 1976-1979

B.L Wilson 1980-1983

W.E Milton 1984

P.L Earl 1985-1989

D.J Eland 1990

P.L Earl 1991-2005

T.J Wilson 2005-2007

K. Barrowcliff 2007-2008
{{Info
|Related Articles=Dublin Emergency Fire Service, Mallala Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Phillip Earl - Group Officer of Light CFS Group (2020)
|FlickrID=49928887178, 49929401616, 49928873138, 49928896993, 49928876623, 49929704787, 49928891778,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Dublin Emergency Fire Service

2020-05-25T02:03:02Z

GwendaG:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Dublin Country Fire Service
|StreetNumber=Corner First and Sixth Street
|Locality=Dublin South Australia
|Geocoordinates=-34.438796526656, 138.50865125656
|DateEstablished=2020- 9-1967
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
|EstablishedBy=Community
|BusinessPurpose=Volunteer Organization
}}
'''Dublin Emergency Fire Service'''

On 20th September 1967 twenty one members were present for the first practice evening.

Emergency Fire Service Officers:

Ray George was the first Fire Service Station Officer ( he transferred from the Mallala Emergency Service Unit )

Reg Clarke 2nd July 1968, 1969 to 24th August 1970

Phillip Ferme 24th August 1970, 1971 to 11th August 1972

Gerry Applebee 11th August 1972 to 14th November 1972

Phillip Ferme 11th November 1972, 1973,1974 to 5th August 1975

Robert Collins 31st August 1975 to 31st August 1976

Phillip Ferme August 1976, 1977, 1978,1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 to 19th Oct 1983

'''Brigade Captains:'''

Robert Sanders: 19th October 1983 Resigned December 1983

Terry Halford: December 1983

Terry Halford: 14th August 1984 to 1998

Tony Pietersen:

Trevor Schiller:

Lisa Coles:

Daryl Barkla:

Rosemary McDonnell:

'''
'''In 1979 the S.A. Government altered the name to Country Fire Service''''''

'''On 4th August 1986 the C.F.S. Station on the corner of First and Sixth Street Dublin was opened by Mr Donald Mac Arthur. The land had been donated by Mr. Milton Schlodder to the D.C. of Mallala.'''

The shed was a “Badge “ construction-a farm shed design with four bays and 16 foot high doors. The costs for the shed and labour were $16,000:00, the floor $2,000:00 and phone connections and extras $1,000:00.

In the station were housed two fire units, one a fire fighter and the other a fire fighter and an accident rescue vehicle.

The C.F.S. members funded an extension to the building to accommodate the crew as well as the radio, toilets and radio tower.

'''Recollections by former Brigade Captain and Life member Terry Halford.'''

'''
Training at Dublin Emergency Fire Service in 1967'''

''Training was limited to advice from members of Two Wells and Mallala Brigades, and any other training obtained on the job.
Mallala District Council had special people appointed as Fire Control Officers, mainly Councillors and employed staff. The Emergency Fire Service was council funded with a small grant from state government.

Most of the work of building the shed was done by a few dedicated volunteers and obtaining equipment that was surplus and “hand me down” from the other brigades.

But we had a start and the new brigade nominated Mr. Ray George as the Officer in Charge. Mr Philip Ferme was also past Brigade captain, Mr. Terence Halford Past Brigade Captain. The three framed certificates that are displayed are for the only ones that were able to attend a Fire Control course at the Police Headquarters and Barracks, Port Road, Thebarton. These courses were held once a year. The training was over four days and consisted of a series of lectures and practical work. E.g., MFS fire hose and pump drill, also fire extinguishers training. I remember we were driven out to Parafield air port where there was a big bonfire and dishes of burning oil to put out, it wouldn’t be allowed today. A Sergeant from the Army lectured on Map Reading , and St John Ambulance personnel taught First Aid. We had a Sergeant Major of the British Grenadier Guards teaching us how to march. This was the only official training we had.

Khaki King G overalls and a white site helmet were supplied from a very small budget by council. If the brigade was needed the phone call was “OOO” and the local manned switch board operator had a list of phone numbers to call, with the first phone at the shed switching the siren on. Most times nobody put their overalls on - they said it took too long to get into them. Any one could get on to the fire truck, piling out of the pub, with a beer in their hand, all keen to get to the fire.

'''It all changed when the Country Fire Service sent out a letter stating that if you were injured and you had no helmet or overall on you may not be covered by insurance.
We were only called out to fires in the first years. The highway didn’t have much traffic except on long weekends. The roads to the north to Darwin and to WA were still unsealed. The only trucks we saw were Brambles red V8 petrol Internationals or Dodges and Greyhound coaches. The Port Wakefield highway went through the town on Dublin and as it continued on was narrow and winding.'''

The Fire Shed was originally in front of the Institute then it moved to the front of the pub until the new highway was built. '''As the roads to the north were sealed the traffic increased, and as there was no speed limit the accidents were really bad. At one time we had a death a month or more.'''

In about 1966/67 the Dublin community ask their councillor Mr. Roy Bache if they could have the old Chevy fire truck from the Mallala Emergency Fire Service Brigade. It was very basic and fitted with an oval 500 gallon tank with a hand pump, and canvas 30 foot of two and a half inch hose. Mr Milton Schlodder had a block of land in the middle of Dublin where he had sheep yards and a shearing shed. He gave a small block of the land on the east side on which to put a double garage to be the fire station. The members laid the base and put up the shed - this is documented in the Brigade minutes of the time.

It became obvious that a better fire truck was needed so Council agreed that a International C1500 ACCO tipper truck that was surplus to council needs would be available. It only had 200000 miles on the Speedo. It had a six cylinder petrol motor. Fully laden it would only hold three people - the driver, the passenger and one sitting on the engine cover and as many as we could stand on the back around the square 500 gallon water tank. We had three 30 ft canvas hoses and a hose reel 30 ft of rubber hose.

The Two wells brigade had an Austin Gipsy 4 wheel drive - a bit like a Land Rover that Mr. Hart of Two Wells had driven across the world from England to Australia. They had made it in to a small fire unit. Mallala Council had supplied them with a new truck and as it was not needed we had it as an extra unit. This was very popular with the boys in the brigade driving down the sand hills near the beaches.

As the number of road crashes increased we were being called by the St. John Ambulance to help but we had no equipment to get victims out of the cars. Phil Ferme, Robert “Gus” Sanders and Terry Halford purchased some Enerpac hydraulic equipment that crash repair garages use to repair damaged cars, plus a small hydraulic jack, jemmy bars, lump hammer, bars and a metal saw in a steel box that we had made. This was stored in a cupboard in side of the truck – it took two men to lift it out. We could now help get injured crash victims out. One time we were called out to a vehicle accident north of Dublin. We arrived and started to help the people then we got a call on radio asking us when we were going to get to the accident. It became clear that there was another accident further up the road which was the one we had been called to.

Because of the increased number of calls we needed a better road crash unit. We asked council to fund another fire unit. We went to the auctions and found a 4WD truck -an ex ETSA International C1610 with a V8 Petrol and a huge gear box driven winch on the front bull bar cab chassis - this was purchased. The Jones brothers from Lower Light built a new back on the truck. It carried 2000 litres of water and the rescue gear with plenty of cupboard space. The shed had an extension built on the back in order to house all three trucks.

We had a problem. It became obvious that a new shed was needed. If one of the trucks in the front of the shed was unable to start it was impossible to get the others out. Also, the main road was becoming busier and for members to be able to get out of the shed on a busy weekend was extremely difficult. I enquired the prices of a new shed and a company called Badge Construction at Clare was the best quote for a 4 bay shed with 12 feet spacing 50feet by 30feet and 14 feet high to the gutters. I was told it was too high to which I asked if they had seen the new fire unit at Virginia because that will be the size of the new generation of trucks. Again, Mr Milton Schlodder, who was a Life member of the brigade, said that we could build on the south west corner of his land. The whole block was surveyed into blocks and a deal was done with Mallala District Council.

The new shed was built with the crew room and toilets added by the brigade members over a period of time at no cost to council. The large granite stone at the front was donated by Silky Pratt from Owen and Trent Baker and I went to Owen in his International Tipper to collect it. When we got to the station we had an idea were it should be put so Trent slowly tipped it off. The rock didn’t move then it dropped and that’s where it stayed and we put concrete slab around it. We had a great opening with the Chief Officer of CFS Mr Donald MacArthur and other dignitaries attending. We had many fund raising efforts to get enough money to buy the jaws of life. We were the first country brigade to have this advanced equipment

The Austin Gipsy was taken off us by the Mallala Council who said it was to be used at the Mallala dump as a fire unit but it was lost - it should have been restored. A new Hino was purchased. '''The Brigade is a dedicated Road Crash Rescue Unit.'''

I enjoyed my years in the CFS and we had competitions all over the state at which Annette and I were Judges. We had all weekend exercises. We attended many large fires around S.A. and task forces to N.S.W. and Victoria plus B A training, and Road Crash rescue training. I was a branch President of the Volunteer Fire Brigade Association and on the Country Fire Service advisory board.

''This is an abbreviated record as I remember the Dublin and Districts CFS.
Written by Terry Halford, Life member and Brigade Captain for approximately 18 Years .''''

In April 2020 a new multi purpose extension is being built onto the Dublin Brigade Fire Station.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Mallala Country Fire Service, Two Wells Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Publication: Dublin Yesterday and Today, Mr Terry Halford's recollections,
|FlickrID=49752163621, 49744537043, 49722338026, 49721798878, 49721798818, 49722652127, 49722652167,
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Two Wells Country Fire Service

2020-05-25T01:58:45Z

GwendaG:

{{Organisation
|SubCategory=Community Service
|AltName=Two Wells Emergency Service, Two Wells C.F.S.
|StreetName=Old Pt Wakefield Rd.
|Locality=Two Wells, South Australia
|Date approximate=No
|Date approximate2=No
}}
'''History of the Two Wells Country Fire Service'''

By Phillip Earl - ''Group Officer of Light Country Fire Service Group.''

'''How it all started'''

Prior to the establishment of the Emergency Fire service, country people would fight fires with very basic tools and equipment. This was usually limited to shovels, rakes, wet bags, leather floppers, knapsacks and the odd privately owned motorized pumps.
Mallala Council purchased hand operated Ajax pumps and 44 gallon drums to be distributed throughout the district following an Act of Parliament in the Mid 1930s. Mallala council also had a 400 gallon tank & motorized pump that could be put onto a council truck filled with water ready to fight fires through out the district. This act made it the responsibility of local councils to provide Fire Fighting Equipment and appoint Fire Control Officers within the council area. I believe this started in the early 1940s, on a 50/50 subsidy with the state government sharing the cost of equipment. This 50/50 subsidy for fire-fighting equipment went on for many years up to a change in the subsidy ratio then after the introduction of the Emergency Fire Service Levy by the State Government. Now all funds are state funds.

Councils became members of Fire fighting associations across South Australia.
Mallala Council was a member of the Lower North Fire fighting Association. This saw membership of Councils from Eudunda and Robertstown, in the north to Balaklava to the west and Freeling to the east to name a few. In later years, EFS/CFS brigades also became members. The Fire fighting Associations were the fore runner of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and now the South Australian Country Fire Service Volunteer Association representing the 17,000 CFS volunteers across the state.

Fire Control Officers were in charge of a fire within their own council area. This was usually a local Councillor or Farmer, who was issued with a medal badge, so they could be identified at a fire. When a fire occurred, certain farmers were notified by the local Telephone Exchange Operator who had a list of contacts. The Operator would notify the appointed farmers who would collect pumps and drums spread throughout the district. These drums were full of water and stood on a wooden stand made from repurposed railway sleepers. They were loaded onto trucks and utes to fight the fires.
These pumps and stands stayed in place until the early 1970s when council removed them.(One stand still exists north of Sharman’s at Calomba.) Privately owned equipment was also utilised through this system.

At Two Wells a Tank full of water with a hand pump, knapsacks and hand tools were permanently set up on chocks ready for a truck to reverse under. This was located near a quarry at the rear of the Institute in Two Wells. A Council truck or private trucks were used for this purpose. Later a motorized pump was fitted. This system worked well but relied on the same people’s trucks being available to fight the fires.

''''''
'''An Assigned Fire Brigade with Appliances''''''

Following the Second World War equipment and trucks became more readily available, so in 1957 a public meeting was held to form the Two Wells Emergency Fire Service.
Money was raised through donations and with the support of the Mallala District Council, who placed a levy on Council rates for 1 year. A Fire Station and Siren was erected in the main street of Two Wells and a 1942 two wheel drive, Lend lease Chevrolet, truck was converted into a Fire Appliance by the Mallala Council Mechanic, Mr Les Burford at a cost of 759Pounds ($1518). It had a water capacity of 650 Gallons with a Rex pump powered by Wisconsin motor.

On the 20th of December 1957 the Two Wells EFS shed and appliance was officially commissioned by the Director of the Emergency Fire Service of South Australia, Mr Fred Kerr. Mr AH Harvey was the first Station Officer of the brigade.
In August 1958, the Two Wells Emergency Fire service was officially registered.
A New Bedford appliance purchased from Curnow’s at Two Wells replaced the original Chevrolet around 1966.
In 1970 another appliance arrived, a local built International AB110. In 1972, an Austin Gipsy 4x4 both these appliances were second hand.
In 1978 a second hand International c1300 appliance made in Sharpe brothers shed at Two Wells by brigade members replaced the Gipsy, which then went to Dublin CFS.
In 1979 an A.J Stock built new Dodge appliance costing $30,000 replaced the decommissioned Bedford.
In 1992, a new 24 type Hino appliance built at Murray Bridge replaced the international c1300.
In 1998, a Moore’s built Hino 34 replaces the Dodge.
2009 a new Isuzu 34p Dual cab appliance replaces the Hino 24.
In 2017 another Isuzu 34 Dual cab appliance.

Currently the brigade has a 34 dual cab Isuzu appliance for rural fires and a 34 P dual cab for urban and rural type fires.
Currently in 2020, we have appliances such as the Two Wells 34 and 34P. This is abbreviated to mean 3as 3000lts and the 4 being 4 wheel drive. The P indicates a pumper with increased pump capacity for urban type fires

''''''Competitions'''''

In the mid 1960’s, a Humber car was cut down and used at competitions by the Brigade. It was also used for local fires by the Deputy Supervisor whom was appointed by the Mallala Council, Mr Reg Hart. It had a drum for water and a motorised pump.
The brigade was very competitive in the state run competitions which were held at different towns across the state. These competitions were hosted at Two Wells Oval in 1972, and 1982. In 1967 Two Wells was awarded best and most efficient appliance and crew, and in 1969 won the BP achievement award at the state competitions.

'''
'''Radios in Appliances''''

High Frequency radios were first introduced in the early 1960s. These radios were installed in appliances to communicate with each other and mobile appliances. The Mallala Council vehicles sharing the same frequency.
From 1960-1975 different Council areas were on their own frequencies. The Base Radio was located in the Mallala Council Office. Two Wells had a mobile radio at the beginning in the Institute. This was then relocated to the Station.
In 1975, the state changed to new Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The Council still retained the licenses however an additional two state frequencies were added through a repeater network. This gave better communication throughout the state. Each Council still had their own channels and Two Wells also had the Virginia and One Tree Hill Channel.

The VHF radios were upgraded across the state in 1991 to a Multi channel set, this was the first time everyone had the same type of radios in appliances across the state. This came into existence from the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires where poor communications were experienced. Hand held radios also became more popular as the technology improved.
The Base station was still located at Mallala Council office and each brigade had their own station radios. In 2000 the Government Radio Network (GRN) was introduced. This meant each CFS Group had a dedicated channel and access to multi talk groups across the state with the ability to communicate with other Emergency Agencies. This was also a recommendation from the Ash Wednesday fires Royal Commission.

'''Communication Call Signs – Two Wells'''

In the 1960s and 1970s at Two Wells Brigade, the Bedford was known as Mobile 6, the International was Mobile 7 and the Council car was known as Mobile 1.
Approximately in the 1980s, this changed to a new system to identify the type of vehicle. Two Wells Dodge was now known as Two Wells 52, this being a large type of 2wd appliance. The International 1300 unit was now Two Wells 61 a small 4x4 appliance.
The Call sign was VL5FZ this was assigned to the Mallala Council for the EFS/ CFS each council area had a different call sign.

'''
'''Name Changes and Amalgamations''''

In 1976, the Country fires Act was introduced into State Parliament and in 1977 the Emergency Fire Service changed to the Country Fire Service. This was not simply a name change, but introduced many legislative changes.
Station officers became Captains, Supervisors became Group Officers and each Brigade was a member of its own group. Two Wells, Mallala and Dublin became known as the Mallala CFS group. This later amalgamated to become the Light Group with 11 Brigades from the Mallala and Light Regional Councils. The CFS Group Base is currently at Roseworthy.

'''
'''Call outs'''

In the early years the Brigade only attended single-digit call outs, this continued until the 1970s. By the 1980s this increased to call outs in the Fifties. By 1990s the call outs were in the hundreds. In 2018, the Brigade attended 232 call outs a year.
The call outs have changed over the years from solely fires to all types of emergencies. Since the late 1980s, vehicle accidents account for about 30% of all callouts. This has resulted in increased expectations from the community of Volunteers within the Brigade. Volunteers are investing more time into training and are highly committed. Two Wells has 6 accredited members in Road Crash Rescue to assist Dublin and Virginia Brigades who have the life saving equipment. The brigade also has 11 personnel trained in Breathing Apparatus (BA) for structure fires or hazards environments.

'''Floods''' have played a big part of the call outs over the years with personnel being involved from 1983 onwards with both the Gawler and Light Rivers on many separate and combined floods.
The brigade has been involved in many interstate deployments since the Sydney fires in 1994 and strike teams with appliances or personnel only, all over the state of South Australia.

'''
''''''Methods of Response to Call Outs''''''

Crews once responded to call outs via the siren at the station. Members of the public started out by asking the Phone Exchange Operator to report a fire. The operator activated the siren via the telephone exchange. Personnel would respond to the station and answer the phone to find out the details of where to attend the fire.
Then over the years various phone systems allowed calls to be taken in members’ homes. When the automatic exchange was connected, members of the public could dial the fire service 202 000 connecting into Member’s homes. The member who answered their phone first would take down all the details. Other members could listen into the conversation to also get the details of where to attend. The member could then activate the town siren via a button on their telephone.

This then lead to tone pagers being carried to notify members.
Pagers were then updated to digital displayed message of call out details. These are the same pagers used in 2020.
Now all calls come from Adelaide Fire Via a 000 call from a member of the public. Members receive a detailed digital message via their pagers.
The siren is rarely used but since the Pinery Fires in November 2015 the siren remains an additional way to warn of fire or other emergency for crew and members of the public.

'''Crews'''

The brigade is nothing without its dedicated volunteers. This number has increased over the years from 10 or so in the early years to over 40 fire-fighters and numerous Brigade support members today. In 2020 at Two Wells Station, this number includes 6 active female fire-fighters. These members also participate in management roles at major fires or incidents across the state, not just local events.

Since the 1970s the brigade has encouraged Cadets. Cadets are members who range in age from between 11 to 16 years of age. The number of Cadets has increased in the last 20 years to constantly be around 20. Of that total, nearly half are female members. Over the years some members who have started as Cadets have moved onto become Senior Fire-Fighters and Officers of the Brigade.

'''The Two Wells brigade currently has 10 life members paying tribute to the long and dedicated membership of the Brigade over many years.'''

''''''Stations''''''

The original Two Wells Station built in 1957 remained the same but had numerous additions to the width, length and internal fit out. The old station is now the RSL building.

1994 saw the current station built on Wells Road with all the internal rooms constructed by dedicated Members under the Supervision from a local builder and Brigade Member Mr Bill Milton. This was done to save money at the time so the Brigade could get the size and shed needed.

'''Unfortunately the current station is no longer practical and a larger addition to the existing station or a completely new station will be required to meet the current and future needs of the Brigade.'''

'''Officer in Charge at the Brigade'''

A.H Harvey 1957-1959

E.S Goode 1960-1962

G.A Prior 1963-1966

B.L Wilson 1967-1970

P.I Hart 1971-1975

I.M Gameau 1976-1979

B.L Wilson 1980-1983

W.E Milton 1984

P.L Earl 1985-1989

D.J Eland 1990

P.L Earl 1991-2005

T.J Wilson 2005-2007

K. Barrowcliff 2007-2008
{{Info
|Related Articles=Dublin Emergency Fire Service, Mallala Country Fire Service,
|Sources=Phillip Earl - Group Officer of Light CFS Group (2020)
|FlickrID=49928887178, 49929401616, 49928873138, 49928876623, 49929704787, 49928891778,
}}
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GwendaG:

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Date of birth=1915
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Lipson Eyre Peninsula S.A.
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Farming
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=2006
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Mallala
}}
Thomas Robert (Tom) Heath was born on 12th November 1915 at Tumby Bay on Eyre Peninsula South Australia. Tragically his father Robert and his eldest brother both died of pneumonia only three months prior to the birth. The disaster left his mother a widow with six children and a seventh soon to be born. The next eldest brother Eric was 16 years of age and he took over the responsibility of running the farm with the help of his mother.

In 1914 Robert Heath senior and his eldest son had been allotted by the government, 1,000 acres of land at Pygery (Section 27 Hundred of Pygery) Some acres had been cleared before they died but most of the area was still covered in scrub. In 1919, when baby Tom was three years of age the family made the move from Lipson to Pygery.
Robert Heath senior had built a shed which held some basic accommodation at one end. The floor was of rammed earth covered in linoleum. Wheat bags washed with calcimine made the partitions and a stove provided cooking facilities plus warmth. There were four x 2,500 gallon tanks on the property but no reticulated water which was to prove a problem in drought years.
Most necessities were sent by train from Pt. Lincoln. The neighbours were friendly and helpful and offered good advice. Some provisions were purchased from Wudinna but the closest doctor was at Elliston – 50 miles away.

The older children walked the four miles to attend school at Wudinna. When Tom was five years of age he also attended school and stayed to complete his qualifying Certificate at the end of Grade seven, prior to assisting in work on the farm.
After some years, mother had saved some money and it was decided to build a house. The three brothers quarried and carted the stone and with the assistance of a builder they erected a comfortable home. His older sister died at the age of 18 years in 1927.

The brothers cleared the land, sowed crops and fenced paddocks. They carted the wheat in bags by horses and wagon to the Pygery railway siding.
Tom said “ By the mid 1920’s everything was going well at home and the eldest brother Eric purchased a farm at Kyancutta. However in 1928 the depression hit and life became difficult.

He loved sport and football was his first love. He played junior football but at age 15 he was playing in the men’s team and the association consisted of Wudinna, Pygery, Yaninee and Minippa. There was great excitement when they played in a football carnival at Pt Lincoln.” Tom won a Mail Medal and Association Medal in 1939, and best and fairest for Pygery in 1939 and 40. He was invited to play for West Adelaide but felt he couldn’t leave home. The young girls and men traveled in the back of trucks to basketball and netball and would stay on for tea and a dance evening.

'''WAR:'''

'''Tom says'''; “It was a big decision for me to decide to join the Army in June 1941 and do what I thought was my duty to help defend my country. Mother was saddened and brother Doug said that he would do his best to keep things going on the farm as Fred had also enlisted. I traveled to Adelaide to enlist and became Private T.R. Heath S X 13506. Following training at Woodside it was off to Melbourne to get a passage on the old Dutch ship “The Marnix” and we had a very rough passage in the bight as we traveled to Freemantle W.A. We then continued on in the” Marnix” as we headed for Egypt. We were in a convoy of four boats and in early 1942 we arrived at Port Tuwfig at the head of the Gulf of Suez. I was drafted to “A” company of the 2nd/48th Battalion. I was chosen to attend transport school and learnt to drive and maintain a truck. I obtained a license for this and also to drive a Bren Gun carrier.

In January 1942 they received an order to move quickly to Syria where their duties were to guard the oil wells and other strategic locations.”

Japan was entering the war and the men expected to be sent home to defend their country; however they were directed to North Africa where they were pushed into some of the worst battle spots of the war including Tel Elisa and El Alamein.

Tom continued “'''I can’t talk about El Alemain. The 48th went into battle with 1,000 men and came out with 48. I do not know how I survived. Fred was injured.''''''”'''

Eventually America came into the war and the remaining Battalion was sent back to Palestine. Tom drove a truck all the way and the men stayed there for quite a while so that all the wounded could recover a little.

Tom said “ Eventually I drove an old Ford truck back to Port Tawfic and the boats were ready to leave for home. 12,000 men boarded the ‘Queen Mary” and I was one of 8,000 who boarded the “New Amsterdam.” Air cover was provided during the first half of the trip by the English and the rest of the way by the Australian RAAF.”
On arrival in Melbourne Tom then went by train to Adelaide and was given a 10 day leave pass to go home to Pygery.
'''The love of family and friends helped him push back the horrors of war.'''
'''
It was during this time that he went to a local dance and met his wife to be Maureen Wood.'''''''''

The leave was over and it was time to head to Townsville in Queensland to be trained in jungle warfare. They marched and practiced mock attacks in the jungle and Tom also had time to play a little football and represent his platoon.

Eventually the time came when they had to board the boats at Trinity Beach near Cairns and head to Lae in New Guinea to confront the Japanese. While he was in the islands Tom came down with his first bout of Malaria and was quite ill. This troubled him for many years. Tom was in the islands for about 8 months before being shipped out due to his ongoing health problem.

Once again Tom said how lucky he was to survive the skirmishes against the Japanese in New Guinea and to be home with his family.
There were to be more severe bouts of Malaria and hospital stays as well as another stint with the army at Townsville.

Tom continued: “The war was coming to an end and the army was discharging any men with poor health. I was surprised one day to be called into the Orderly room and told to pack my bags and return to Adelaide to be discharged. Imagine my delight! I was indeed happy to be going home – this time for keeps and to see my lovely girl who was to become my wife.”

'''The war ended on August 15th 1945 and every one celebrated Peace at last.'''

'''Thomas Robert Heath married Maureen Antonette Wood on 23rd July 1946 at St Andrews Church in Balaklava.'''

Tom and Maureen had a difficult start to married life when Tom’s health was not good after the war, nor could they find land at Pygery to share farm and housing was difficult to obtain.

Eventually Tom obtained some share farming at Riverton in the mid north of South Australia and this was a turning point in their fortunes. Tom and Maureen were happy farming at Riverton and adored their children as they arrived

Christopher 4-8-1947

Gerald 19-11-1950

Basil 28-6-1953

Robert 27-8-1959

Josephine 26-10-1967

Following their move to Calomba, Tom continued his love of football and involvement with sport by managing some Mallala Football teams when his own boys started playing and showing interest and talent on the field. He had a B grade premiership and also an A grade premiership during that time. Christopher, Gerald and Basil were all playing A grade together for Mallala at one stage.

In 1981 Tom and Maureen moved from the farm to live in a house they purchased on Dublin Rd Mallala. Tom continued to be involved in the Mallala branch of the R.S.L. and enjoyed watching the Crows play football.

Tom concludes his memoirs: ” '''I am coming to the end of my story and I must say that I am always grateful for the love and support that Maureen has given me and how grateful I am to have such a wonderful family – a loving wife, four sons and a daughter. They all treat me with respect. What more could a man ask?

'''''"I am Thomas Robert Heath from Pygery to Mallala.”'''

'''Tom and Maureen shared over 60 years of marriage together.

'''Tom Heath died in the Mallala Hospital on 23rd October 2006 and is buried in the Mallala Cemetery.'''
'''

'''Please note'''. This story is an abbreviated version of the memoirs by Thomas Robert Heath. The book can be viewed at the Mallala Museum.
For additional information on family life and farming please view the article on the Museum wiki site titled “Maureen Heath”.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Heath Maureen, Mallala RSL,
|Sources=Tom Heath's memoirs, The family of Tom and Maureen Heath,
}}
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