(left to right): CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Captain Lee Condon, Jacinta Ermacora MP and former Captain Peter White
Casterton Fire Brigade volunteers have celebrated the official opening of their new fire station which will improve their ability to serve the local community.
Jacinta Ermacora MP and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan joined brigade members and dignitaries to celebrate the special occasion.
The new $2.26 million state-of-the-art facility has replaced the former station, which stood on the same site in Jackson Street since 1930.
Casterton volunteer and former Captain Peter White said the new station was welcomed by the brigade’s 70-strong membership as it will help them better support the community.
“There were lots of good memories at the old station, but we outgrew that building and we’re looking forward to making new memories at the new station,” Peter said.
“The additional space means we have room for all of our trucks, and we are able to safely get in and out when responding to call-outs,” he said.
“I’d like to thank our brigade members and the community who’ve worked very hard over a number of years to see this project through to completion.”
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 equipment storage areas and dedicated Breathing Apparatus (BA) cleaning facilities.
The brigade contributed more than $150,000 to construction costs obtained through community fundraising. This contribution was used to construct a six-bay shed in the rear yard of the station and the installation of automatic security gates.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was fantastic to open the new facility now officially for the fire brigade and local community.
“This new station is an asset to the Casterton Fire Brigade, allowing our volunteers to continue doing what they do best – protecting lives and property,” said CO Heffernan.
“I would like to thank the brigade for their invaluable service to their local community and wider Casterton area.”