DESPITE strong local protest, the Shire of Mundaring recently authorised the transfer of an antique Ford Blitz bush fire brigade truck from the shire compound to the Tractor Museum of WA in Whiteman Park.

Honorary Glen Forrest volunteer bush fire brigade (GFVBFB) life member Eric Smith has been lobbying the shire, local bush fire brigades and the Glen Forrest Residents and Ratepayers Association for the truck (known as Old Faithful) to be displayed at Morgan John Morgan reserve, directly adjacent to GFVBFB headquarters.

Mr Smith said the Ford Blitz was a WWII army truck that many farmers and fire brigades bought as a cheap war surplus vehicle.

“I used the truck regularly at the bush fire brigade for 16 years until the early 1990s along with my late colleague Don Spencer,” Mr Smith said.

“More recently it was stored undercover at the Mundaring shire.”

Mr Smith who is also Mundaring RSL WA sub-branch president, said that since the late 1940s many of these vehicles had been fitted with a water tank, pump and hoses and used as a mainstay for fighting fires.

“As the truck is a four-wheel-drive it has the capability to go almost anywhere,” he said.

Mr Smith said he had attended shire meetings and written to local community groups requesting their support for the retention and display of
Old Faithful for visitors and the community.

“In my view the community has lost an important part of its history and the shire is not
listening to individuals or the community,” he said.

“I think it is important for the people of Glen Forrest and surrounds to be able to see some of the workings and history of the former fire unit.

“There is also a $1000 donation waiting to assist in starting the process of a facility to house the unit in MJM reserve.

“This would be similar to an identical unit that is on display in Bullsbrook.”

In response, the Shire of Mundaring confirmed that Old Faithful had been transferred to the Tractor Museum of WA at Whiteman Park.

“The matter was discussed through the bush fire advisory committee process and it was determined that local brigades had no operational use for the vehicle,”  Mundaring built and natural environment director Shane Purdy said.

“The decision to transfer the vehicle to the museum was made with a view to (preserve) an important piece of local firefighting history in an environment where it could be properly cared for and appreciated by the public.

“We understand the vehicle has since been started and is now on display where it can be viewed by the many visitors who attend the museum each year.

“We acknowledge the strong connection many former brigade members and community members have with Old Faithful and appreciate the interest in its future.

“While there may be differing views about where the vehicle should be located, the current arrangement ensures its long-term preservation and ongoing public access.”