The Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade is campaigning for its first ever new fire appliance, one that is fit for purpose and designed to meet the unique needs of our remote community.
Doomadgee is a remote township in the Gulf of Carpentaria, around seven hours’ drive north of Mount Isa and approximately 140 kilometres east of the Northern Territory border. Located beside the mighty Nicholson River, the community is home to around 1,500 people and is a proud First Nations community. The Brigade currently has five active members, with three new volunteers recently signed on and beginning their training. Like many remote brigades, our team is small but highly committed, responding across a vast region where backup can be hours away.
Our current truck, a 2006 medium appliance, has served us well but it’s second-hand, like every appliance that has come before it in Doomadgee. While we’re grateful to have it, the vehicle requires constant attention to stay operational. With the nearest mechanic more than 350 kilometres away, members often take on maintenance tasks themselves to keep the truck running.
The Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade also shares its shed with the local State Emergency Service (SES). Both groups work closely together and make the most of the limited space available. While the arrangement shows the strong partnership between the services, it also highlights the need for modern, fit-for-purpose facilities and equipment to support the growing demands on both emergency response teams.
Being so remote means that replacement appliances take considerable time and coordination to reach Doomadgee. That’s why our Brigade has applied for the RFSQ Concept Appliance, not because we want a “shiny new truck,” but because we need an appliance that truly fits our environment and responsibilities.
The Concept Appliance includes practical features such as greater water capacity, a portable pump for drawing from rivers and tanks, enhanced crew safety features, a remote-controlled monitor, and a double cab design that allows us to safely transport more members to incidents. As Doomadgee’s only fire appliance, having this capacity is critical, it means we can respond effectively with a full crew, ensuring both community safety and volunteer wellbeing. These are not luxuries, they are vital tools that help us protect our community and our volunteers.
Doomadgee is home to many critical assets, including Housing, Yellagundgimarra Hospital Doomadgee, Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance, a Nursing Home, Community Safe Places, the CEQ Supermarket, Doomadgee State School, the Bakery, the Roadhouse, the Airport, the Youth Hub, Council Buildings, and Sporting Facilities.
Our nearest brigade backup is in Burketown, more than 1.5 hours away, and the next closest is over four hours distant. We often avoid calling for support unless absolutely necessary to ensure those communities retain their own resources.
Despite these challenges, our members remain positive, proactive, and proud to serve. We’ve reached out to Ministers from both major parties, local politicians, and the Chief Officer to highlight our situation. While we haven’t yet received confirmation of when, or if, Doomadgee will receive a new appliance, we remain hopeful that support will come.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having something new, it’s about having the right equipment to serve and protect our remote community safely and effectively. The Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade will always be there when needed, but it’s time our community receives the same level of support it gives.
Dave Beil
2nd Officer, Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade
2025 RFSQ Volunteer of the Year