For nearly three decades, Billy Barrett has been a constant presence at the Deloraine Fire Brigade. His 28 years of service weren’t born of any lofty ambition, but a simple desire to “just get more friends and look after the community.” Encouraged by a mate already involved, he signed up – and stayed – and the Meander Valley community has benefitted for many years as a result.
Over those years, Barrett has responded to countless emergencies, from house and car fires to early-morning callouts. “Some we don’t talk about, and some we do,” he says. While tragedy is part of the job, he accepts that’s part of the responsibility.
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Billy Barrett was Deloraine’s brigade chief from February 2005 to December 2009, before stepping aside to give others the chance to lead. He said this approach helped keep the group dynamic and inclusive. After finishing his time as chief, he continued to contribute on the ground as a leading firefighter.
Current Brigade Chief Dan Watson remembers Barrett’s firefighting time as a steady and often surprising presence. “Many a late-night call happened when we thought we were only going to have a crew of one or two, only to get to the station and have Billy already there getting ready to go!” And Barrett’s compassion extended beyond the job itself. “He could never leave a call out without giving at least one person a hug and letting them know it’s going to be okay,” Watson recalls.
“He was always able to bring a level of care and a great sense of humour to every job, and would always be the first firefighter to join in with the local kids in a water fight during our lolly run on Christmas Eve,” Watson says. “One year he ran the length of the block in chase of a water bombing sniper who used his friends asking for lollies as cover.”
As chief, Barrett was also meticulous with the administrative side of the job and took real pride in representing the brigade. “He took great pride in wearing his dress uniform and marching off down the street to have meetings with locals to organise things for the brigade.”
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For those thinking about volunteering, Barrett’s advice is simple: “If you want to look after the community and you want to learn a bit more, join.” He encourages anyone interested to visit the Tasmanian Fire Service website or check out the local brigade’s social media pages. With bushfire season approaching, the brigade is also urging Meander Valley residents to check their smoke alarms and begin preparing their properties now.
His time in the brigade wasn’t his only contribution to community life. Barrett also devoted 35 years as a basketball referee, officiating junior and senior games three or four nights a week in the earlier days. He also umpired junior football games, but found it difficult to juggle everything.
Throughout all this, Barrett also held down full-time work at the limestone mine in Mole Creek for nearly 30 years. “It’s all computerised now, which is a bit daunting for some people.” But for the younger generation, he notes, “they do it pretty easy.”
In recent years, life has changed. Barrett has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The first sign was a weakening in his right hand – enough to stop him from fastening a trailer chain. A neurologist confirmed the diagnosis after tests, and he now takes medication and undergoes regular infusions to slow the disease’s progress.
Despite the prognosis, he remains upbeat. “I might get 10 years,” he says. “There’s no cure, but they keep working hard.” The disease has affected his voice and one arm, but he tells us his legs are “still good as gold,” so he remains relatively positive about his circumstances.
Support from the community – and MND Australia – has been strong. “Everyone I’ve dealt with so far have all been really good,” he says, telling us that the brigade held a fundraiser at the local British Hotel.
Barrett has lived in the Meander Valley all his life. Growing up in Golden Valley and attending school in Deloraine, he appreciates the centrality of the region. “Half an hour out of Launceston and half an hour from the Great Lake or the mountains. It’s pretty central.”
Billy Barrett is at home in the Meander Valley, and after decades of strong community service, he remains optimistic as he faces the health challenges ahead.
