New Ultra-Light Tankers that were paid for by donations, have been unveiled at two Upper Murray brigades that were severely impacted during the 2019//20 bushfires.
The new vehicles were provided to Cudgewa Fire Brigade and Nariel Valley Fire Brigade as part of an overall $350,000 donation, which was raised by businessman Ben Luckock and his parents, John and Lauraine, following last year’s bushfires
Nariel Valley Captain Angus MacLean said the new tankers will be of great benefit to the brigades and the community.
“It’s a Toyota LandCruiser with a 600L water tank, and all the gear that a normal fire truck would have,” said captain MacLean.
“It will be a bit more mobile around the hills as well.”
Ben Luckock, who works at international business Trafigura, said he was inspired to start fundraising after seeing the images of property, land, livestock and wildlife that were circulating in the international media.
“We reached out to CFA management and enquired about the worst hit areas and stations as we specifically wanted to help those most in danger and most in need,” said Ben.
“The funds raised were a combination of Trafigura employees and our global business partners and Luckock family and friends.”
The Ultra-Light Tankers cost $135,000 each, with other funds also assisting with the completion of an existing grant funding requirement at Swifts Creek Fire Brigade, and the replacement of a Forward Command Vehicle (FCV) for Barwon Head Fire Brigade.
Cudgewa Fire Brigade captain Paul Carkeek said it was an incredibly generous gesture from Ben Luckock, his family, and his business partners at Trafigura.
“I was blown away when I heard about the donation,” said Captain Carkeek.
“There’s been overwhelming support coming into the whole Upper Murray, and we’d really like to provide a huge thank you to the Luckock family from the brigade, and from the community as a whole.”
The donations were part of $27.8 million in public donations to the CFA for the 2019-20 bushfire season.
The generosity of Ben’s employer Trafigura, a global business based in Switzerland, was particularly appreciated as its employees and partners recognised the need to help following the devastating fire events of 2019-20 Australian bushfire season.
L - R: Nariel Valley Captain Angus MacLean, Lauraine Luckock, John Luckock, Cudgewa Captain Paul Carkeek