Help Coolamon Fire Museum to Keep its Doors Open

Hi, my name is Catherine Benstead and I created this Go Fund Me to help my Great Uncle Christopher Berry keep the doors open to the Coolamon Fire Museum open. My Uncle is a volunteer at the museum and is incredibly passionate about this museum and his love for preserving fire fighting equipment, uniforms and memorabilia of days gone by, for the enjoyment and education of young and old alike.

For more than three decades, Chris Berry (the current Museum Manager) pieced together a formidable collection of firefighting memorabilia.

The now retired firefighter and engine keeper, with 22 years of experience under his belt, started his collection upon discovering a brass firefighting helmet whilst he was fitting out a retired firefighter’s kitchen.

Originally, Chris’s vision was to house 2,000 plus artefacts in a museum; the old Coolamon Fire Station being the perfect fit!

The Coolamon Fire Museum officially opened on 5 October 2015 and is now used to tell the stories of brave firefighters, and educate visitors about the equipment they used and the conditions they worked under. Items come from all over Australia and the world, including Peru and Africa, and include old breathing apparatus from the 1800s, over 100 fire helmets (from the 1830's to today) and mannequins dressed in full firefighting uniforms. There is also a photo display showcasing Coolamon's early firefighting history.

And Chris’ favourite piece is the old Coolamon Fire Station bell which 40 years ago was taken down and, after a two year search, found in a local garage. It is now restored to its original position.

The expenses for operating the museum have accumulated and my uncle is concerned that he will no longer be able to continue offering a special part of Australian history to visitors to the town of Coolamon.

With the increase use of eftpos, the museum has seen a reduction in donations to help with expenses. The museum costs approximately $6,000 AUD per annum to remain open. Your support will preserve an important part of history and keep the museum open for a special person who has dedicated their life to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.