Sedgwick Fire Brigade - CFA

26/05/2026

24/05/2026

🚒National Volunteer Week 🚒

As National Volunteer Week comes to an end, we want to recognise the incredible dedication of our Sedgwick CFA volunteers.

From training nights to callouts, your commitment keeps our community safer and stronger.

Thank you for showing up, stepping in, and standing together. We’re proud of every one of you.

24/05/2026

Friday night the Sedgwick Fire Brigade held its annual awards night, with many members, family, friends and supporters in attendance. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the dedication, commitment and achievements of our brigade members and the wider community who continue to support us.

This year’s awards night held special significance for the brigade, with former Captain Brendan Drechsler posthumously awarded the Outstanding Service Medal (OSM) — the CFA’s highest and most prestigious honour.

The OSM recognises exceptional service and dedication to CFA and is awarded to only a very small number of members across the state.

Brendan dedicated more than 50 years of service to CFA and the Sedgwick community, leading with passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His contribution to the brigade, the wider CFA family and the local community will never be forgotten.

The award was proudly presented by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Suckling and Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Weston and accepted on Brendan’s behalf by his wife Pam, and sons Ben and Sam.

The evening also included a number of brigade service awards recognising the dedication and commitment of our members:

• Firefighter Brian Rosewall — 50 Years’ Service Medal
• Firefighter Geoff McNaulty — 20 Years’ Service Medal
• Firefighter Allan Monti — National Medal 1st Clasp
• 2nd Lieutenant Quentin Cook — 15 Years’ Service Medal
• Firefighter Pete Grant — 10 Years’ Service Medal

The brigade also proudly presented appreciation awards to several local individuals and organisations who have continued to support the brigade and contribute to its growth over many years, including:

• Bendigo Lions Club
• Strathfieldsaye Lions Club
• Mandurang Valley Events
• Leigh Waddington
• Brenda and Halvard Dalheim

Their ongoing support has been invaluable to the brigade and our community, and we sincerely thank them for their generosity and continued commitment.

It was a wonderful night enjoyed by all, and the brigade would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended and helped make the evening so special.

02/05/2026

Today, Sedgwick, alongside crews from Mandurang Fire Brigade - CFA and Axe Creek Fire Brigade, responded to a tree fire that had begun spreading to nearby grass and scrub.

Sedgwick crews quickly turned out both tankers and were on scene promptly, working to stop the spread and bring the fire under control.

Access to the paddock was limited, preventing our larger Tanker 1 from entering. However, thanks to our smaller, community-funded Tanker 2, we were able to gain quick access and effectively attack the fire.
It’s times like these that we greatly appreciate the ongoing support from our community.

Crews then got to work with rakehoes, digging up burnt ground and leaf litter to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and would not reignite.

A massive thank you to everyone who assisted today.

🔥 Reminder: Even as the weather cools, there is still the risk of fire. Please remain vigilant.

22/04/2026

07/04/2026

Fire Restrictions have officially ended for this season in the City of Greater Bendigo as of today.

Conditions still apply to burning off in the COGB, for further information visit https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/

Whilst the threat is reduced, there is still risk of running grass fires. Ensure you continue to take all necessary precautions and have firefighting equipment available when burning off.

30/03/2026

A big thank you again to Lana May Photography - New for capturing these moments for our brigade.

The first four photos show the crews who responded on day one to the Harcourt and surrounding area fires. These were long, challenging conditions, and we’re incredibly proud of the efforts and dedication shown by all involved.

Below are a few more photos Lana took for us, It is great to be able to look back on these and recognise the work of our members both on and off the fireground.

29/03/2026

A big thank you to local photographer Lana May Photography - New for her incredible support following the Harcourt Fires. 📸🔥

Lana kindly volunteered her time to come down and take photos of our brigade, capturing our members and trucks in a really special way.

Last Tuesday, she spent the evening with us taking photos — all free of charge — which we are extremely grateful for.

Afterwards, we held a BBQ for Lana, along with our brigade members and their families. It was a great opportunity for everyone to catch up, have a laugh, and enjoy a relaxed night together after a busy and challenging period.

We truly appreciate the support from our community — it means a lot to all of us.

We will post the photos Lana took for us shortly, Thankyou again Lana we really appriciate it!

05/03/2026

After a unanimous decision by brigade members, the Sedgwick Brigade, voted in a recent meeting to honour former Captain and Life Member Brendan Drechsler by naming our truck after him.

Brendan dedicated more than five decades of service to the CFA and the Sedgwick community. He fought tirelessly to ensure Sedgwick received our current truck, advocating strongly for the brigade and the safety of our community.

It is only fitting that the vehicle he worked so hard to secure will now carry his name, recognising his commitment, leadership, and lasting legacy within our brigade.

His contribution to Sedgwick and the CFA will never be forgotten.