First sod turned on new Pyalong fire station

PYALONG Fire Brigade Captain Brendan Kelly, CFA Commander Paul Brislin and Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined brigade members to witness the first sod turned on the new fire station last week.

The new build at 3 Eades Way, Pyalong, will replace the current station in Power Street.

The station will have fit-for-purpose amenities, including a motor room with two reverse-in bays, storage spaces, operational areas, a multipurpose room, and separate turn-out spaces for men and women volunteers.

Sustainably designed, it includes a solar panel system, rainwater recycling, water-sensitive urban designs in the landscaping, and the option to install an electric vehicle charging station in the future.

The new station will also include a new car park, and a two-bay storage shed.

Pyalong Captain Brendan Kelly said the new station will be good not only the brigade, but the wider community.

“The station will be larger and more modern which will better accommodate the brigade’s needs well into the future,” Mr Kelly said.

“It will help empower the brigade to continue responding to incidents and serving the community, providing improved safety and facilities for our members.

“We’re very grateful to be receiving a new home and it’s exciting to see the build get underway.”

Pyalong Fire Brigade has served the community since 1937.

Over the past three years, the brigade has averaged 36 call outs a year, including motor vehicle and rescue incidents, and grass, scrub and structure fires.

The CFA brigade includes 78 volunteers, including 44 operational members.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said new building will be a much-needed resource for the community.

“The Pyalong Fire Brigade has proudly supported its community for more than eight decades,” she said.

“This new station provides our volunteers with the resources they need to continue their essential work, protecting the community and saving lives.

“We need to do everything we can to keep communities safe this fire season and bushfire preparedness is the best way to do it.”

Ms Symes said that as the state prepares for the potential of an early fire season, Victorians are urged to have their fire plan ready, and prepare for the risks of grass and bushfires.

“Having a bushfire survival plan with your family, reducing the vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters are some of the most important things you can do to prepare for the high-risk period for fires.”

Construction of the new station is expected to be complete in mid-2025.