The brigade reached the milestone on May 29,
but due to Covid-19 a planned social night has been postponed to later in the year.
In the meantime, the occasion has allowed present and past members the chance to look back and reflect on the events shaping the past five decades.
In 1968, Dick Cotter and Ian Kane formed the Hawea fire party, equipped with an old Austin truck, pump trailer from the Vincent county and local farmers as "fire spotters".
In 1972, under the New Zealand Fire Service, the fire party formalised into Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Land was donated to the brigade, with local families contributing financially and physically to build the first station.
The current station still includes the original premises.
Founding member and patron Mr Cotter credits people such as present chief fire officer Brent Arthur for continuing the voluntary legacy of service.
"The fact that it’s still going on 50 years plus is wonderful. Like Brent and all these people still carrying on, that’s the greatest thing for a small district like this to have a fire brigade that’s still operating," Mr Cotter said.
Mr Arthur, who has been with the brigade for 18 years, said it felt like family.
"The biggest thing for me to be proud of is the people, the community we serve and the ability to be able to carry out what we do to the greatest of our ability. It’s a privilege to be a part of it all," Mr Arthur said.
Both Mr Cotter and Mr Arthur credited the Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade’s endurance to the gracious support of the local community.
At a recent fundraising quiz, $20,000 was raised allowing the brigade to buy a much-needed vehicle.
Mr Arthur said while the basics had not changed, the technology had.
"Technology has allowed us to be more efficient when attending incidents," he said.
Access to appropriate resources had become crucial for volunteer firefighters, with the role and skillset becoming more diverse.
"It’s not just fires now," Mr Arthur said.
The range of incidents firefighters were exposed varied, sometimes with limited information of what the situation would entail.
"You’ve got to look after yourself and others."
Despite 50 years of service, technological and situational changes, the consistent thread of support from the community and providing for the community had not wavered, he said.
The Lake Hawea brigade has 22 volunteer members at present.
