History-Name

Stoney Creek to Carwoola

On 1 June 2018 we had a big event to commemorate changing our Brigade name

A Fantastic Cake!

A big occasion called for something special. This cake was so good no one wanted to cut it!

A Big Gathering

The Carwoola Community Hall was packed for the event

Commemoration

(L-R) Local member, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly, MP, QPRC Mayor Tim Overall, Carwoola President Gary Anderson, Carwoola Captain David Hanzl, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Midgley, AFSM

The Big Unveiling

Bridget Mcleod and Claire Anderson unveil the new livery as Chaplain Ken King prepares to bless the fleet

Asking the Question

A long-standing topic of discussion since the formation of Stoney Creek Rural Fire Brigade in 1974 was what the Brigade should be called. There was some history to the matter (see below) but the question was again raised in the wake of the Taliesin fire as to whether we should seek to rename our Brigade Carwoola rather than Stoney Creek.
Given that the Brigade and the Carwoola community have recently gone through a major disaster which drew the community together, it was suggested that this might be an opportune moment to reconsider the matter and that we should at least ask the question of our members and the community, put the matter to a vote and resolve the question once and for all, one way or the other.

Brief history of Stoney Creek Name & Formation

(Courtesy Graeme Clifton, past Captain of Stoney Creek RFB)
"When the brigade was formed, Carwoola as a locality didn't exist. We had Widgiewa, Radcliffe and Wanna Wanna. The driving force to create the brigade came from Wanna Wanna Rd and in a large part Roy Harman.
However it was decided that some geographical place in the middle of the brigade area like Stoney Creek should be the name rather than a locality where people lived e.g. Radcliffe. It was a sound decision as later there were problems with parochial interests as the number of residents grew."

It was recognised that things had changed since the original formation of the Brigade.

The Decision

The issue was raised in a paper to all members and then discussed at a monthly meeting. The members were very conflicted as they liked both options and wanted to consult the local community. This was done via an article in the Stoney Creek Gazette and an online survey. On receiving the results of the survey, which came down heavily in favour of changing the name to Carwoola, the members also voted (narrowly) in favour of changing the name.

The Big Event

Once the decision was made, and approval from the RFS Lake George District Manager gained, attention turned to how we would mark the event. An invitation was sent out as widely as possible to all previous members of Stoney Creek. A ceremony/party was planned for 6pm, 1 June 2018 at the Stoney Creek Community Hall and a number of VIP guests were invited. Some long outstanding Long Service Medals were presented and our newly rebadged fleet was blessed by the local RFS Chaplain Ken King.