In 2006 our beloved Ford Maverick Cat 9 was retired, and in its place came a preloved 1998 model single cab Mitsubishi Canter Cat 7.

This tanker has previously been at Argents Hill brigade. When it arrived in 1999 new to them, it saw the last Petrol D1410 international tanker retired.

A great achievement and a great day for the Nambucca District.

The Cat 7 is a versatile little tanker, it can climb steep inclines, handle difficult terrain with ease, and features a 1000 litre tank and a Hatz 1D81C engine powering the pump.

Cat 7 typically carries a crew of three, (when there's no COVID-19 restrictions), and works well in conjunction with Cat 1.

It is a great combination to have a Cat 7 and Cat 1 in our brigade.

The Cat 7 was used extensively in the devastating Black Summer Bushfires in 2019/2020, and proved an invaluable asset to the brigade, and the community.

The tanker has seen widespread service beyond the Nambucca Valley as well, fighting fires in places like Sydney and Bingara.

The Cat 7 doesn't have too many mod cons but it does the job extremely well.

Part 1: Valla's First Tanker

Part 2: Valla 2

Part 3: Valla Cat 9

Part 4: Valla 1

Part 5: Valla 7

For more on the Brigade, check their Facebook page: Valla Rural Fire Brigade.

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