Fresh digs mark new chapter for Golden Square Brigade

THE GOLDEN Square community has welcomed the opening of its new state-of-the-art fire station in Specimen Hill Road, replacing the Golden Square Fire Brigade’s previous facility in High Street, which it operated out of for more than 110 years.

The new $5.66 million station features a four-bay drive-through motor room, a new turnout space and office, a training room as well as an external training yard, a change room and laundry, workshop facilities and a hose drying tower, plus a large three-bay storage shed.

The Golden Square Brigade has served the area since 1881 and in 2024 responded to more than 250 incidents including fires, car crashes and rescues.

Its Captain Bryan Greenwood said the new station marked an exciting new chapter for the unit.

“It gives us a lot more room compared to the older station,” he said.

“It is not only nice to have, but it is a lot safer for our volunteers.

“The training area is a huge positive because it means we can train there and no longer have to worry about finding somewhere off site to train our members.

“It also gives us the capacity to start recruiting again, which allows us to future plan and be adaptable to the changing community.”

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the brigade has played a crucial role in protecting the community for over a century and they now have a new, fit-for-purpose station to continue to do their important work.

“This new facility gives our hardworking volunteers more space and modern facilities to ensure they can respond safely and efficiently to incidents in Golden Square and surrounding areas,” she said.