Photo: (left to right) Russell Hunter, Ray Pilmore, Brian Nicholson, Lyndon Kuhne, Kylie Kuhne, Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora MLC, Ash Wallace, Rob King, Frank Neagle and Alan Krahe
Dimboola Fire Brigade members gathered today to celebrate the official opening of their new fire station.
The new $2.07 million station is a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that replaced the Lloyd Street station where the brigade has been based for over 100 years.
The state-of-the-art station has three generously sized engine bays, a multi-purpose room for meetings and training, enhanced kitchen and laundry facilities and office spaces.
The brigade was joined by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Deputy Chief Officer Brett Boatman and Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora MP, representing the Minister for Emergency Services to open the new station.
Dimboola Captain Ash Wallace said the new High Street site will boost the brigade’s ability to protect and support the community.
“Our 41 members are thoroughly enjoying operating from the new station and it will be a great asset for future growth of the brigade membership,” Ash said.
“The increased engine bay space allows us to comfortably fit our firefighting vehicles and any new modern vehicles in the future.
“It’s also really valuable to see improved features as part of the design such as better equipment storage and Breathing Apparatus (BA) cleaning facilities.”
The brigade contributed $93,000 to construction costs through community fundraising.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said he was proud to join the brigade to help mark the official opening of its new station.
“This new Dimboola Fire Station is an impressive facility which will further empower our volunteers to continue carrying out their important role in protecting lives and property now and well into the future,” CO Heffernan said.
“I thank the Dimboola volunteers for their ongoing, invaluable service to their community and I look forward to seeing the brigade grow in the future.”
Dimboola Fire Brigade is also looking forward to a community open day event to celebrate the new facility at 1pm on Sunday, 8 October.
Community members are invited to look through the new station and chat to brigade members about how they can prepare ahead of this year’s fire season.