The fight to protect an 85-year-old fire station and its 'haunted' history

The Gympie Fire Station, a towering Art Deco building perched atop a ridge in the gold-rush town of Gympie, has stood for nearly a century, its presence a constant in the town. The station, built in the first years of World War II for $710,000 in 2025 terms, has evolved alongside the town, its bells and sirens an iconic part of life in Gympie. Despite its grandeur and historical significance, the station has faced challenges with modern equipment and trucks, leading to its closure earlier this year.

The building, unlike any other in Gympie, features a distinctive rounded spotter tower and exhibits the functionalist style of its inter-war construction. It has been the subject of ghost stories and paranormal experiences, adding to its allure. Historian Jack Carr, struck by the station's Art Deco flourishes, has fought for its heritage listing, arguing that preserving the site is crucial to maintaining its unique character.

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has explored options to offload the old site, highlighting the building's aging infrastructure and the limitations it imposes on modern firefighting equipment. Station officer Cameron Nicol, who spent nearly two decades at the station, acknowledged the building's grandeur but noted that it no longer meets the needs of contemporary firefighters, particularly due to the size of modern trucks.

He expressed a hope that the building would find a new purpose, emphasizing its unique architecture and offering a view of the town from the highest point in Gympie.

While the station's history includes a tragic incident in 1943, when a 20-year-old fire spotter fell from the spotter tower and died, the building continues to hold a special place in the hearts of residents and historians. The station's position atop the ridge, its historic charm, and the occasional paranormal experiences contribute to its enduring allure, making it a topic of fascination and debate in Gympie.