Travelling during the FDP
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
April 2026
Newstead Brigade members ventured over to the Maldon Fire Brigade to conduct some structure fire training, with support from Walmer Fire Brigade, who were also involved in the training, and the very generous Walmer local resident who allowed us to utilize their home for the training scenarios.
however Maldon and Newstead provide direct support to each other in the case of structure fires and being able to operate together, and to get to know each other, is a key factor in successful, safe and efficient fire ground operations.
Again, our thanks to the local resident for the use of their property, and to Maldon Fire Brigade for the morning tea, and Walmer brigade for hosting us and providing tea and coffee afterwards.
Photos courtesy of Jo Willen, Maldon Fire Brigade.
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April 2026
Newstead Brigade members supported Campbells Creek Fire Brigade to a house fire in Yapeen. Unfortunately, the house has been completely destroyed.
A great response from local brigades with Campbells Creek Fire Brigade, Castlemaine Fire Brigade, Fryerstown Fire Brigade,Chewton Fire Brigade, Guildford Fire Brigade and ourselves all in attendance. Golden Square also were in attendance to provide rehab support and decontamination, which is standard procedure after a structure fire.
Feb 2026
The Newstead fire brigade has again been busy attending grass and scrub fires. Part of the Strathloddon strike team 0290 to the Clarkefield fire and our ongoing training.
Jan 2026
WOW. What a start to the year. We thought we might take a few moments to update our community on what has been happening so far in 2026.
This time last year, we had responded to 1 stubble fire and for the entire month of January we responded to 7 incidents.
So far, for Jan 2026, we’ve responded to 15 incidents, including of course the significant fire that tore through Ravenswood Sth and Harcourt.
We have responded to 7 grass and scrub fires at Glengower, Strangways, Castlemaine, Ravenswood Sth/Walmer/Harcourt, Yandoit Hills and Porcupine Ridge, 1 truck fire at Eddington, 1 shed fire in Newstead,1 Structure fire in Maldon, 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents in Strangways and 1 false alarm at Moolort.
Our BigFill has delivered over 250,000L of water to appliances on the job.
December 2025
Newstead Brigade members continue to prepare for our fire season with members participating in Brigade Training.
November 2025
The Newstead fire brigade have had a very active month with the brigade running some Breathing Apparatus training along with our wildfire training as we run into the fire danger period. Incidents including a car fire and motor vehicle accident along with our regular November market day and supporting local residents with there fire Readiness have seen many of our members responding and participating.
October 2025
Sunday 19th October the Strathloddon Group of fire brigades conducted our annual group training exercise in preparation for this summer’s fire danger period.
Crews were tested in basic dry firefighting skills, offensive attack on a running grass fire and the ability to refill their own tankers “sucking” water from a static source such as a dam or river. These skills are vital in ensuring our efficiency and safety on the fire ground this summer.
In a historical first for Newstead Fire Brigade, we had one tanker made up of an all female crew. A mix of new, younger members and seasoned veterans the crew did a superb job all working together and are a valuable asset to our brigade.
The Strathloddon Group of brigades is made up of:
Newstead Fire Brigade,
Campbell’s Creek Fire Brigade,
Guildford Fire Brigade,
Fryerstown Fire Brigade,
Maldon Fire Brigade,
Walmer Fire Brigade, and
Baringhup West Fire Brigade.
Our thanks to our local community for your understanding while we moved in and out of town at times.
