BONOGIN VALLEY
RURAL FIRE BRIGADE

Phil joined Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade in 2016 and was appointed First Officer in 2024. In this leadership role, he oversees the brigade’s operational readiness, coordinates emergency response, and ensures the team is trained, equipped, and prepared for the challenges they face. Phil is committed to fostering a strong, capable, and confident crew, with a particular focus on mentoring newer members and building leadership from within.

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Outside of the brigade, Phil brings valuable experience from 15 years of running his own business, where he developed skills in leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking. He has also worked in land management and fire mitigation, gaining hands-on experience in the kinds of risks faced by rural communities.

 

Phil is passionate about creating an environment where members feel supported and empowered to grow. He sees the brigade not just as an emergency service, but as a team built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose. For Phil, the most rewarding part of his role is helping others develop and succeed, while working together to serve and protect the community.

Simon is one of Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade’s most experienced members, having joined the brigade in 2001. Over more than two decades of service, Simon has held a range of leadership roles including First Officer, Crew Leader, Senior Third Officer, and Training Officer. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of brigade operations make him a valuable mentor to both new and seasoned members.

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In his current role as Second Officer, Simon supports the First Officer in managing the brigade’s operational readiness and contributes to the coordination of emergency response during incidents. Simon’s commitment has seen him deployed to major fires, including the Sarabah and Taree bushfires, where he completed multiple deployments. 

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For Simon, one of the most meaningful parts of brigade life is the friendships built along the way, from attending fellow members’ weddings to watching their children grow up and even join the brigade themselves, including one of his own.

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Simon’s passion for the brigade, its people, and its purpose remains as strong today as when he first put on the uniform.

Dan has been a member of Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade since 2018 and brings with him more than two decades of firefighting experience. He began his service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1997, where he progressed to the role of Deputy Captain and responded to incidents across regional and remote areas of New South Wales.

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In his role as Third Officer, Dan supports the First Officer in the operational leadership of the brigade, contributing to crew readiness, training, and effective incident response. His depth of experience and calm, practical approach make him a valued leader within the brigade.

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Dan also proudly serves as Bonogin Valley’s Fire Warden, a role focused on helping the community use fire safely and responsibly. As Fire Warden, Dan works closely with landowners to assess fire risk, issue permits to light fire, and set appropriate conditions to ensure burns are conducted safely. He provides advice on hazard reduction, fuel management, and practical precautions to help protect homes, property, and the surrounding environment.

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For Dan, the most rewarding part of the brigade is the people. “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” he says, a belief shaped by deployments to fire-affected communities in remote southwest Queensland, where supporting exhausted crews and residents during major wildfire events left a lasting impact.

Peter joined Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade in 2018 and brings a calm, capable presence to the team. As Fourth Officer, he plays a key role in supporting brigade operations and mentoring other members, something he’s especially passionate about. Pete strongly believes in sharing knowledge and experience to help others grow in confidence and capability.

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His experience includes major deployments both locally and abroad, including assisting during the devastating Canberra bushfires in 2020 and travelling to Canada in 2023 as part of Australia’s international support for wildfire response. These experiences have shaped Pete’s practical skills and deepened his commitment to service.

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A long-time Bonogin local, Pete takes pride in being able to support his own community when it matters most. Outside the brigade, he has a keen interest in martial arts, which brings a strong sense of discipline and focus to everything he does.

Wes has been a member of Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade since 1998, bringing more than 27 years of firefighting experience to the team. Throughout his time with the brigade, he has served in nearly every operational and support role, from First Officer, all supporting Officer roles to Training Officer and Equipment Officer. Since 2018, he has held the role of Chairperson, helping to steer the brigade’s governance and strategic direction.

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Professionally, Wesley works full-time with the Rural Fire Service Queensland and has extensive experience with 16 years’ in aviation firefighting as an Air Attack Supervisor.

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Wes has been instrumental in the brigade’s growth, from a small, single-appliance brigade with limited resources to the modern, well-equipped operation it is today. For Wesley, it’s always been about giving back. One of his favourite brigade traditions is the annual Christmas Eve Santa Run, where he gets to see generations of local families come together to celebrate.

Matt has been a member of Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade since 2016. As one of our Senior Firefighters, he brings strong experience and leadership to every response, whether it’s a local incident or a large-scale deployment.

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He’s been part of several strike teams assisting communities across western Queensland and into New South Wales, answering the call during major bushfire emergencies and supporting local crews on the frontline.

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When he’s not on the truck, Matt is a chemistry teacher, a role that reflects his calm, analytical thinking and commitment to others. He also serves as the brigade’s Secretary, helping to support the team behind the scenes and keep things running smoothly.

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Matt’s deep operational knowledge and strong sense of service make him a valued and respected member of the brigade.

Natalie joined Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade in 2023, proudly following in the footsteps of both her parents who are long-standing brigade members. A Bonogin local, Natalie brings strong ties to the community and a deep understanding of the brigade’s values and mission.

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As Treasurer, Natalie plays a critical role in managing the brigade’s finances, ensuring that funding is handled with accuracy and transparency. It’s a position that requires precision, reliability, and attention to detail, all qualities Natalie brings in spades. Her driven and organised approach helps ensure the brigade can continue to operate effectively and plan for future needs.

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In addition to her financial responsibilities, Natalie is also a trained firefighter, actively contributing to emergency response and community safety. Her dual role reflects a strong commitment to service and a well-rounded capability that supports both the front line and the foundation of the brigade.