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, bringing with him decades of experience from his time with the NSW RFS, which he joined in 1997. During his service in New South Wales, Dan held the position of Deputy Captain and responded to a wide range of incidents across regional and remote areas.

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As Third Officer, Dan supports the First Officer in the operational leadership of the brigade, helping to ensure crews are trained, prepared, and ready to respond.

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For Dan, the best part of the brigade is the people. “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” he says, a belief reinforced during deployments to fire-affected communities in remote southwest Queensland. Among his most meaningful experiences are those moments spent supporting exhausted local crews and residents during major wildfire events.

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.

Dave has been with the Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade since its very beginning. After witnessing the devastation of the 1991 bushfire, which started near where The Hunted Café now stands, Dave, like many in the community, realised the need for a local brigade. With limited support at the time, residents were left to defend their properties on their own. Dave came close to losing his home, and that experience became a turning point for the valley.

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When the brigade was officially formed in 1992, Dave became one of its founding members. He served as an active firefighter for over a decade and took on the role of Fire Warden in 1994, a position he continues to hold today.

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A Bonogin local since 1988, Dave has also contributed as a Volunteer Community Educator with the brigade, helping residents understand their responsibilities around fire permits and bushfire safety. His deep knowledge, steady commitment, and lived experience have helped shape Bonogin’s brigade into one of the states most capable and respected rural firefighting teams.

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Dave remains immensely proud of how far the brigade has come, from a small group with limited resources to a modern, well-equipped operation. His decades of service stand as a testament to the strength of local action and community spirit.