On Sunday 26th January at the Australia Day awards in Condobolin, the ‘Unveiling of the Tullibigeal lades Fire Truck’ received the award for Lachlan Shire Event of the Year. The following is the summary read at the presentation.
The event celebrated the success of two years’ work having the old Bedford fire truck No. 82, restored and displayed in shining glory. The truck had sat in an open shed for many years gathering dust, before then Tullibigeal Progress President Elaine Bendall, proposed that it be restored and displayed as a tourist attraction for our town. Sadly, Elaine did not get to see the end result.
With funding from the regional NSW Community Grant, the truck has been buffed and polished retaining its bumps and scratches as well as mechanically repaired. Present and acknowledged were 5 of the original Ladies who manned the truck during 1990
bush fire to help save the town. After the fire a number of local ladies trained with the Rural Fire Service learning how to fight fires with the old truck. Hence Fire Truck No 82 affectionately became known as the “ladies fire truck”.
The display was dedicated to the late Elaine Bendall, who was one of the original ladies to train in fighting fires in 1991. A plaque honouring Elaines instigation of the restoration project as well as numerous other achievements within our community, was unveiled by her husband Warren. Present on the day were her children and grandchildren, many of them travelling long distances to be there.
Adding to the spectacle of the day was a collection of restored vehicles from Griffith, Yenda, Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin and West Wyalong. A delicious meal was available to those who attended from far and wide.

ABOVE: Lachlan Shire Event of the Year Nominees. Image Credit: Melissa Blewitt.