Bushfires NT volunteer Di Tynan celebrates 40 years of leadership

A volunteer brigade captain will celebrate 40 years of service to Bushfires NT. Find out what she has learnt during her time.

In 40 years of volunteering as a Bushfires NT brigade captain, Di Tynan says some things don’t change.

“The vehicles may have changed, but we still use a water tank, pump and hose,” Ms Tynan said.

“Nowadays we drive around in a Toyota, back then it was a Suzuki.”

Next week Ms Tynan celebrates 40 years at the helm of one of the NT’s most long standing volunteer bushfire brigades.

She helped establish the Elizabeth Valley Volunteer Bushfire Brigade in 1984.

Ms Tynan helped establish the Elizabeth Valley brigade. Picture: Supplied

By 1985 she was the Acting Captain, then Captain in 1986 — a role she continues in today.

“One of the things I really enjoy is the community we have built around the brigade, and how we help each other, share ideas and learn from each other,” Ms Tynan said.

“We have become lifelong friends.”

Ms Tynan said she enjoys the activeness of volunteering. Picture: Supplied

During her 40 years of service, Ms Tynan said she had seen an increase in fire activity in the Territory.

“The main change is gamba grass,” she said.

“Gamba grass is much taller, has denser foliage and burns much hotter.

“It burns so hot it melts the plastic on vehicles.

A gamba grass fire in the Top End. Picture: Sam Setterfield

“We now need to plan new scenarios for fighting these fires.”

Looking to the future, Ms Tynan said she was focused on recruiting new volunteers.

“I’ve given several young people around our area an enrolment form with their 16th birthday card,” she said.

“We have a few young people involved, but there’s always room for more volunteers.

“I always tell people it’s not just about fighting fires, it’s also about being part of the community.”

Originally published as Bushfires NT volunteer Di Tynan celebrates 40 years of leadership