Bairnsdale Captain Aaron Lee with Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen
Bairnsdale Fire Brigade volunteers have celebrated the official opening of their new fire station which will improve their ability to serve the local community.
Brigade members were joined by CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen to officially open the new $2.5M station on Calvert Street.
Bairnsdale Fire Brigade Captain Aaron Lee welcomed the official opening and said the new station will increase the brigade’s capacity.
“It’s a bigger premises and better location for us, but the ability to house more equipment is a great boost for the brigade,” said Captain Lee.
“In particular, the ability to refill Breathing Apparatus cylinders at the station is one of the major new additions for us.
“There were lots of good memories at the old station, which actually dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire carts, but we outgrew that building and we’re now looking forward to making new memories at the new station.”
The new station features four drive-through motor-room bays, a large brigade meeting room, and separate turn-out rooms and change facilities for men and women.
Other features include a Breathing Apparatus cylinder refill station, while the location means volunteers no longer need to cross the busy Main Street to access the station when attending calls.
The $2.5M station was funded through the CFA Capital Works program, with the Brigade also contributing $250,000 towards the project.
Bairnsdale volunteers moved into the station last year, and Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said it was fantastic to now officially open the new facility for the fire brigade and local community.
“This new station is an asset to the thriving Bairnsdale Fire Brigade, allowing our volunteers to continue doing what they do best – protecting lives and property,” said DCO Owen.
“Bairnsdale volunteers are experts in both urban and wildfire environments, and this new station matches the professionalism of its members.
“I would like to thank the brigade for their invaluable service to their local community and wider Gippsland area.”
Current and former Captains gathered for the official station opening (left to right): John Delany, Graeme East, Aaron Lee (current Captain), Billy Royal, Les Beechey and Geoff Hopkins-
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