BUNINYONG-Mount Helen CFA received a host of guests this week to celebrate the official opening of a new fire station.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, opened the facility, and said the expansion\u2019s longevity will ensure the fire service continues to grow with the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe brigade\u2019s changed, the world\u2019s changed, technology\u2019s changed and indeed the community\u2019s changed, so it really was time for something like this to fit the purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CFA have worked very hard to make sure they\u2019re looking into the future and that this will remain fit for purpose for many, many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Firefighters also have access to upgraded shower and cleaning equipment alongside a workshop and extensive storage areas.<\/p>\n
A windowed display room will house artefacts like the brigade\u2019s 1899 Merryweather fire cart, and Lieutenant Matthew Cane said the station will serve almost as \u201ca miniature museum\u201d for passers-by.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully we\u2019ll actually be able to get some other historical items in here as well and maybe some display boards or plagues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll definitely be visible for anyone to come have a look.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n