Community & Business
29 February, 2024
Allora's Old Fire Station
The allotment at 80 Herbert Street now occupied by the old fire station was laid bare by the 1914 Holmes’ Buildings’ fire.
It is not known if there was a building on the site before May 1950 when Eddie Balke, a tailor, advertised the allotment for public auction, ‘Improved with dwelling 18’ x 36’, erected as a shop, lavatory at rear’.
In November 1951, Allora Dry Cleaners moved into the building from their former site in Muir Street. The dry cleaners occupied the site until closing in February 1963.
Following a public meeting called by the Rev. Fr. McCormack, the Warwick Fire Brigade decided to establish a base in Allora and the building at 80 Herbert Street was adapted for use as a fire station.
The building was officially opened by Allan Fletcher M.L.A. on the 29th May 1965.
After a new fire station was built in Muir Street, the Herbert Street building was used as a seed analysis laboratory for a time by Petrina Gardiner.
Dorothy Haig established ‘The Old Fire Station’ art gallery there, and the building was later used for a time by the Allora Men’s Shed.
- Colin Newport
