Basket Range CFS

01/09/2026

CFS is running a 'Firey Women' workshop at Aldgate over two days - 19th & 26th September.

The course teaches a range of skills - including practical skills - for dealing with a bushfire and understanding bushfire behaviour and warnings.

It is FREE.

If you are intersted, please register!

30/08/2026

Last Monday night (24th August), we held our Annual General Meeting at the Basket Range Hall.

While it was not an election year, we held supplementary elections.

Claire was voted in as Lieutenant 4 and Ashes as Equipment Officer. Thank you to both of you for taking on the roles.

We'd also like to thank Lian for her time as Lieutenant - for her leadership, knowledge and willingness to take on the responsibilities associated with the role.

Thanks also to Geoff for his time as Equipment officer.

Before our meeting, members joined together for homemade soup and fresh bread. Thanks Chris, Sally & Shelley for the delicious soup, and Liv for the fresh bread.

We'd also like to thank Praitii Yoga for a beautiful bunch of flowers and note to us. Pratiti Yoga often use the Basket Range Hall on Monday nights, but for one night we used it.

We are preparing our spring training program, which we will launch in September.

If you have considered joining the Basket Range CFS, the spring training program is the perfect time to start!!

If you are interested or would like some more information, please send us a message via FB!

30/08/2026

A week and a half ago, we held cadet training.

That training was a little bit different, as the Cadets had the opportunity to vote for a Cadet Captain and Cadet Lieutenants.

Due to the large number of cadets, it was appropriate for cadets to vote on a cadet Captain and two cadet lieutenants.

The Cadet Captain's role includes:

Be the chief encourager of all cadets, ensuring everybody is included;

Assist the Cadet Coordinator to develop and facilitate cadet training sessions that are useful, engaging, and relevant;

Support Cadet Leaders to ensure all cadets are acting safely at all times;

Promote a positive, respectful, and disciplined culture among our cadets that upholds the expectations expected of CFS members;

Assist in the promotion of the Basket Range cadet unit within the CFS and the community (as appropriate);

Demonstrate maturity, knowledge, and skill with respect to best firefighting practices, including the safe use of all firefighting equipment.

The role of the Lieutenants is to support the Cadet Captain, including taking responsibility for these roles in the absence of the Cadet Captain.

Following a vote by the cadets, Bettina was elected as our inaugural Cadet Captain, with Lily and Aidan elected as Lieutenants.

Congratulations to our new Cadet officers!

It is pleasing to see our Cadets grow and mature and develop good leadership skills.

If you know a young person aged 11-17 years, living within the East Torrens CFS Group area - Athelstone, Montacute, Cherryville, Norton Summit - Ashton CFS Brigade, Summertown & Districts CFS Brigade, Greenhill, Piccadilly, Carey Gully, our neighbours at Forest Range, and our course Basket Range - who might be interested in becoming a CFS cadet, please contact this page.

The next Cadet training is next Friday, 4th September.

27/08/2026

Another day, another tree down.

Just before 5 am this morning (Thursday), we were responded to a tree blocking the road on Lobethal Rd, near Willow Cottage.

Both of our appliances responded.

The root ball of a large gum tree and given way from the embankment, falling across the road, completely blocking it.

We spent around an hour cutting up the tree to enable the road to be cleared. We also had a some assistance from our friends from Campbelltown State Emergency Service.

Once the road was clear, we headed back to the station to recommission our two chainsaws - they both needed a good sharpen!

If you are interested in joining the Basket Range CFS, please head along to the station on a Monday night from 7.15 to 7.45 pm, or send us a message via FB!

26/08/2026

As we head into spring, now is a good time to think about planning for the upcoming fire season.

Do you have a plan about what you would do if a bushfire started in your area, or heading towards your area?

Our neighbours at Norton Summit - Ashton CFS Brigade are hosting a bushfire survival plan workshop at the Summit Centre on Monday 23rd November.

The workshop gives you all the tools needed to prepare your own bushfire survival plan - and it is free!

Make sure you register for this FREE event!

26/08/2026

Another day, another tree down!

Yesterday (Tuesday), just after 10.30 am, we were responded to a tree blocking a driveway at Carey Gully.

Five of our members responded to assist Eastern Suburbs SES with clearing a large (and very solid) native cherry which was blocking the driveway.

SES crews had done most of the work to clear the tree, with just a few cuts required with our chainsaw to enable the tree to be cleared.

22/08/2026

Our week of calls continued into Tuesday, with a tree down on Burdetts Rd, reported around 7.40 am.

The tree had fallen across the road onto high voltage powerlines - and remained suspended there.

Our friends from Campbelltown State Emergency Service also came along to assist.

Alas, not much we could do, other than block the road and await attendance of SA Power Networks (SAPN) crews. Adelaide Hills Council crews also responded to assist.

SAPN crews required a crane to remove the tree from the power lines. The tree was eventually cut up and the road cleared.

22/08/2026

Uraidla Unravelled has invited three of our Basket Range members to speak at their 'Speaker Series' - we'd love to see you there!!

Uraidla Unravelled speaker series continues!

Hear 3 local women sharing their unique experiences from inside the CFS. Enjoy a wine or 2 with local people discussing local things!

Pip McGowan - Basket Range CFS Captain

Sally Ashton - undertaking a PhD that uses creative nonfiction to explore stories that examine the participation and experiences of women in the CFS

Monica Tolcvay - Basket Range CFS

https://events.humanitix.com/behind-the-badge

17/08/2026

And just after 7pm tonight, we were paged to another tree down - this one on Hunters Rd.

A pine tree had fallen in the forest and was protruding onto the road, blocking one lane near the waterfall.

A few cuts with a chainsaw and the road was clear.

17/08/2026

Just as we arrived at the tree down, we were paged to a fixed alarm at a commercial premises at Basket Range.

A couple of members headed to that call - quickly identifying no fire and the alarm was reset.

Send a message to learn more