Ovens-based forest firefighter Tracy Culhane overcame a fear of heights to pursue a career that would see him deployed to some of the state’s most devastating bushfires.
In 1993, Tracy, who was working as a logging contractor in the Myrtleford area, was invited to try out for the newly formed Oven’s rappel crew.
Tracy explained, “They were looking to train a crew of people with good bush skills and chainsaw experience."
“When the district forester called to see if I was interested, I said, “Yeah, sounds good, but I’m scared of heights. Is that going to be a problem?”
“My first rappel was a bit scary, but after all the training, it became second nature.”
After just 12 months of experience, Tracy was promoted to rappel crew leader.
He estimates that he completed more than 1000 rappels during his decade-long service to the program which this year celebrated its 40th anniversary.
"We live in one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, and the risk of fires is only going to increase in the future. The rappel program is crucial for keeping people safe," he said.
"If we can respond quickly and contain fires while they are still small, it protects the community and also makes it safer for firefighters."
Hanging up his rappel ropes in 2003, Tracy worked as the district’s project firefighter coordinator, works coordinator and most recently technical training officer while maintaining his operational firefighting accreditations.
He says the January 1998 Caledonia River bushfire which burned 35,000 hectares in the Victorian Alps was his first experience of a major campaign fire. During six weeks the state’s four rappel teams constructed more than 54 helipads and played a key role in bringing the fire under control.
During his career Tracy was deployed to major fires in 2003 (Alpine Fires), 2006-07 (Great Divide Fires), 2009 (Black Saturday), 2013 (Harrietville Fires) and the most recent 2019-20 (Black Summer) bushfires.
He was also sent on two interstate deployments to New South Wales in 1994 and 2001, and three international deployments to Canada in 2009, 2014 and 2017.
Other highlights included undertaking a rappel demonstration and meeting Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in Ballarat in March 2000.
After 32 years, Tracy has decided that the time is right to take an extended break and see more of our beautiful country.
He says it has been a privilege to work in the Ovens Fire District.
“I have met and worked with some wonderful people, both here in Victoria and overseas. I consider myself very lucky to have had that opportunity.”
“The hardest thing has been losing people along the way. Firefighting is one big family, and when we lose someone, we all hurt.”
“I’ll miss the comradeship and mateship that exists within the district. It’s special to be a part of. “
Ovens Fire District Manager Jarrod Hayse recalled his first experience working with Tracy in 2006 at a fire in Thologolong in the Upper Murray Fire District.
“It was my first time as an operations officer Level 1 managing the fire ground personnel as part of a task force of 20,” Jarrod remembered.
“Tracy was the task force leader and identified me to lead for the day. I didn’t ask for it, but he recognised I needed the opportunity, and he supported me 100%.”
Jarrod noted, “The one thing I have learned about Tracy is that he is reliable. You can depend on him to be the first to work each day. You can rely on him to support others, and you can count on him to be prepared for whatever task lies ahead.”
“Tracy brings out the best in people due to his positive attitude. I cannot recall a situation where Tracy wasn’t optimistic, even in challenging circumstances. He sees the best in everyone and actively fosters a workplace culture that is safe and respectful.”
Page last updated: 03/06/25