The region's firefighting history is preserved thanks to the Mid North Coast Fire Museum.
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The museum brings together memorabilia collected by the late Mate McWhirter, other collections and memorabilia from the former fire station in Port Macquarie's Hay Street.
The public is invited to attend the museum's official opening at 12 Stevens Street, Port Macquarie, from 10.30am on Saturday [November 27].
Mid North Coast Fire Restoration Group president Don Davidson said the museum captured the history of the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast fire departments.
Port Macquarie's first fire brigade was made up of 10 men - a captain, engine keeper and eight volunteers.
The fire station opened in 1958 when the town's population was less than 5000.
The Hay Street fire station served Port Macquarie for almost 60 years before the new fire station was built in Central Road.
The community-driven idea then blossomed to establish a fire museum to ensure our firefighting history was recognised.
Mr Davidson said history was too easily lost.
"It has taken a lot of training and it has taken a lot of learning to get to where we are today with modern firefighting methods," he said.
The purpose-built museum is home to displays showcasing the region's firefighting history.
The oldest piece of equipment, a Dennis firefighting pump, is 100-years-old.
Visitors can browse through the displays from uniforms through the ages to hoses, standpipes, hydrants, a 1935 Dennis fire truck and a replica of the first fire truck used in Port Macquarie.
Another display recognises the achievements of the Port Macquarie brigade in firefighting championships over the years.
Mr Davidson said the museum had huge tourism potential as it gave visitors a venue to visit where the could learn about our region's firefighting history.
The museum at 12 Stevens Street, Port Macquarie, opens on the fourth Saturday of every month and intermittently at other times over the holiday period.
"I can't wait for people to start rolling through the door," Mr Davidson said.
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