Firefighters’ new threads to be made locally

A BENDIGO factory has been contracted to make new uniforms for the Country Fire Authority.

Workers at the Australian Defence Apparel factory in East Bendigo will manufacture clothing that forms part of 30,000 first issue workwear sets for CFA volunteers across the state.

Shirts, trousers, shorts and jackets will all be made locally as part of a $9 million ongoing contract, which includes three other Victorian suppliers for belts, hats and patches.

Three thousand CFA personnel were surveyed to find out what was wanted and needed in the pieces and acting chief officer Garry Cook said they were pleased with the new fit.

“This is an ability for CFA members right across the state to be connected in one new workwear, one new look,” he said.

ADA has been producing uniforms locally for more than 100 years and CEO Chris Dixon said it was a fantastic opportunity for his company.

“The unique side of this particular contract is that the entire end to end supply chain is Australian made, so not only the manufacturing but the fabric itself is manufactured in Wangaratta and then moved across to Bendigo,” he said.

“There’s never been a more important time to focus on our sovereign capability so anything that allows us to continue to innovate and bolster our resource here and longevity into the future is key.”

The uniforms won’t replace the organisation’s yellow firefighting gear and Mr Cook said they would be donned for official activities.

“This is for our members who have a lot of community facing activities so things like our fundraising or a brigade event, open days, the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal, our role in incident management teams when we’re not out on the fire ground,” he said.

“[It’s] an ability for our people to have an identifiable connection to CFA and the role they carry in the community.”

The contract secured 15 jobs in Bendigo and emergency services minister Jaclyn Symes said was a win for the region.

“This is a local manufacturing job,” she said. “This is a fantastic story for country Victoria [and] for the CFA.”