Valued Roelands-Olive Hill Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade treasurer and secretary Judy Talbot retires

When the need for a fire station to cover Roelands, Brunswick Junction and Olive Hill became apparent, one couple lead the community in making it a reality.

Now 39 years after the Roelands-Olive Hill Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade was created, Judy Talbot is retiring as secretary and treasurer of the station she and her husband Fred helped create all those years ago.

Mrs Talbot said she and her husband asked people in all three towns for a donation to establish a station.

“We bought a second-hand ute, which we thought was fabulous,” she said.

The ute was then painted yellow and became the first fire truck of the region.

“We were very proud of what we achieved in six months,” Mrs Talbot said.

The station became an establishment, constantly improving over the decades since thanks to the support and guidance of Mrs Talbot in her joint leadership position in the brigade.

After almost four decades in the role, she is ready to let new people take over.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve got people to take over,” Mr Talbot said.

“People said to me ‘why don’t you go for 40 years’ but I say if people are willing to take it on, then let’s do it.”

Filling the enormous roles will be new treasurer Shanelle Wright and secretary Dee Miller.

Ms Wright said she was full of mixed emotions about taking on the position.

“Its definitely a big spot to be filling,” she said.

“Judy has been in it for so long and is such a wonderful, wonderful lady. They just don’t make them like Judy anymore.”

Ms Miller expressed similar sentiments and said she had “some big shoes to fill”.

“But it is an honour to take this role on as secretary and I hope to look after it,” she said.

A celebration to honour Mrs Talbot’s legacy was held on the weekend, which was attended by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke.

She praised Mrs Talbot and said she always referred to her as “the matriarch”.

“This description perfectly describes this magnificent woman, who commands respect from everyone fortunate enough to be in her presence,” she said.

“Judy has worked tirelessly for almost four decades as club treasurer and secretary for the Roelands-Olive Hill VBFB and her commitment to this role has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Mrs Talbot said she was greatly honoured by everyone on the weekend and hoped the station continued to keep her involved.

“I hope to come back,” she said.

“This place will always be very special.”