By Penrith Museum of Fire

REMEMBERING Reg Varley: A Life of Service, Skill and Generosity

The Museum of Fire community was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Reg Varley, a long-time volunteer, supporter and friend whose contribution to the Museum and the wider firefighting community spanned decades.

Reg’s connection to firefighting began in 1974, when he joined the New South Wales Fire Brigades at No. 79 Ingleburn Fire Station. Over a 23-year career, he rose to the rank of Deputy Captain, a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 1997. His commitment to the Brigade was marked not only by leadership, but by a practical, hands-on approach that would come to define much of his life.

Outside of the Brigade, Reg’s talents and interests were as diverse as they were impressive. He ran his own engineering business, designing and building amusement rides and lighting towers. At the same time, he spent over six years as a skipper on Sydney Harbour and worked as a race car mechanic for 25 years. Whether on land or water, in workshops or behind the wheel, Reg brought skill, curiosity and determination to everything he did.

This same passion led him to the Museum of Fire. Reg first became involved in the late 1980s through his participation in the Variety Bash, a charity event supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity. Driving a fire engine across regional Australia, Reg helped raise funds whilst connecting with communities along the way. Reg would go on to run both historic and in-service fire engines in the Bash, even modifying and maintaining them himself. His ingenuity and mechanical expertise ensured the vehicles performed reliably over long and challenging distances. His dedication to the Variety Bash was recognised in 2024 when he was inducted into the Variety Bash Hall of Fame, an honour reflecting years of commitment, fundraising and community engagement.

Reg began volunteering more regularly at the Museum of Fire around 10 years ago, and he was in his element in the workshop. He brought a wealth of knowledge about fire engines, mechanics and the history of the Brigade. His practical skills, problem-solving ability and willingness to share what he knew made him an invaluable member of the team. This led to several fire engines receiving accolades and recognition with award nominations from the National Trust Heritage Awards. His heart and passion for the Museum were recognised in 2024 when he received Museum of Fire Life Membership for his dedicated service.

Reg’s legacy at the Museum is found not only in the vehicles he helped restore but also in the stories, knowledge and camaraderie he shared so freely. He was someone who got things done, who found solutions where others saw obstacles, and who never lost his enthusiasm for the work.

Judy Hannan MP wrote: “Today we remember a truly special man Reg Varley. To many of us, Reg will always be remembered sitting proudly behind the wheel during the Warragamba Fire and Rescue Christmas Lolly Runs, making sure the historic old fire truck rolled through the streets whilst children waved and laughed. Those moments meant the world to our community, and Reg was right at the heart of them. Reg shared a lifetime of service, tradition and heart. From his early days in the brigade, to continuing that legacy years later, and serving as Deputy Captain at Ingleburn 079 Fire and Rescue, he never stopped showing what it truly meant to be part of the fire service family. His contribution went far beyond the uniform. It was in the joy he brought to others, the traditions he helped uphold, and the quiet dedication he showed to his community. For your service, your kindness, and the memories you helped create for generations to come, we thank you. Rest easy, mate.”