Firies welcome new home

BUNINYONG-Mount Helen CFA received a host of guests this week to celebrate the official opening of a new fire station.

The new site comes at an overall cost of over $3 million, with funding provided by both Buninyong & District Community Bank and the State Government, as well as $127,000 raised by the brigade.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, opened the facility, and said the expansion’s longevity will ensure the fire service continues to grow with the community.

“The previous facility was lovely, and I know that everyone has attachments to it. It was a beautiful old building but really not fit for purposes in the modern day,” she said.

“The brigade’s changed, the world’s changed, technology’s changed and indeed the community’s changed, so it really was time for something like this to fit the purpose.

“The CFA have worked very hard to make sure they’re looking into the future and that this will remain fit for purpose for many, many years to come.”

The previous station was in use for nearly 70 years, and the new site includes additions like a three-bay truck garage, a hose drying tower, external sheds, and bigger communal areas.

Firefighters also have access to upgraded shower and cleaning equipment alongside a workshop and extensive storage areas.

A windowed display room will house artefacts like the brigade’s 1899 Merryweather fire cart, and Lieutenant Matthew Cane said the station will serve almost as “a miniature museum” for passers-by.

“Hopefully we’ll actually be able to get some other historical items in here as well and maybe some display boards or plagues,” he said.

“It’ll definitely be visible for anyone to come have a look.”

The station will also serve as the site for a local command facility which will aim to improve incident response and communications management for fires across the region.

There is also a large concrete space for parking and cleaning as well as an emergency generator to ensure the site is powered during any blackouts.

The community will soon be invited into the station as part of an upcoming open day, and with the brigade at over 60 volunteers, Captain James Witham said their new home is being utilised to the fullest.

“We’re still settling in, unpacking some boxes, but the facility has already been put to good use for meetings, training, equipment maintenance, and the brigade has responded to 43 calls for assistance during this time,” he said.