‘Fiskville’ Mark II fires up

By Lachlan Ellis

A new “leading edge” training facility, replacing the contaminated Fiskville site, has been officially opened in Ballan, in a ceremony attended by CFA personnel, politicians and dignitaries.

The Central Highlands Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) was formally unveiled last Tuesday, with firefighters expected to begin training there “within the next 2 – 3 weeks”.

The $31 million investment from the State Government on the 40-hectare site, will allow emergency service personnel to train for emergency situations in a safe environment.

Local volunteers and senior CFA members, including CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, were joined by Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes to unveil the plaque. Moorabool Councillor Paul Tatchell and CEO Derek Madden also attended.

Ms Symes thanked the region’s emergency service members for their commitment, and said she was excited to be part of the facility’s establishment.

“It’s a great honour to be part of an opening of such an important facility, that is going to mean so much to your organisation [the CFA] and the communities that you represent,” she said.

“The 2019 – 20 bushfires are still fresh in people’s minds…we know the CFA’s work, that keeps Victorians safe, can often be dangerous and confronting.

“That’s why it’s so critical to have facilities like these, so that CFA volunteers can continue to come together and have the best education and training possible, so not only can you better protect your communities, but you are safer as well,” Minister Symes said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2021-11-30

in the 30 November 2021 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.