.jpg "4th Lieutenant David Weedon, 2nd Lieutenant Carl White, Captain Jason Smith, 1st Lieutenant: Simon Kolotelo, 3rd Lieutenant: Scott Hadler")
4th Lieutenant David Weedon, 2nd Lieutenant Carl White, Captain Jason Smith, 1st Lieutenant: Simon Kolotelo, 3rd Lieutenant: Scott Hadler
It was a momentous occasion for Beveridge Fire Brigade on the weekend, as they celebrated the completion of their new facilities and were officially recognised as a new brigade.
Beveridge became a standalone brigade on 21 August 2024 to better service the community, having formerly responded as a satellite station for Kalkallo Fire Brigade.
Their establishment comes in response to escalating risk to CFA within Melbourne’s Northern Growth Corridor along the Hume Freeway, with previous farming land now rezoned with substantial housing estates being built.
CFA Board Member Ross Coyle and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Keating joined Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence at the station on Saturday (12 October) to mark the official opening of the new facilities with Captain Jason Smith and brigade members.
“It’s really important that we establish a sustainable fire and emergency services response for the benefit of Beveridge community and those that surround them,” Stephen said.
“Beveridge is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Mitchell Shire. The brigade will continue to see a dramatic change in the region, with an influx of population, transport and commercial risk.
“We are excited to officially welcome them into CFA’s District 12 and the Mitchell Shire Group.
“It has been a persistent team effort to see this project through to fruition and I thank everyone involved.”
“They have worked hard to ensure that the foundations are strong, and that the brigade can meet community expectations.”
The much-improved station includes a dedicated turnout room, brigade meeting and training room, office space and kitchenette. The facilities also boast toilet and shower amenities for men and women and private change areas, as well as a drying room for wet turnout gear and a breathing apparatus cleaning room.
Captain Jason Smith said it is an exciting time and a fantastic opportunity for community members to volunteer and be a part of something new.
“Our facilities at Lithgow Street have undergone an extensive refurbishment,” Jason said.
“Our 26 members are enthusiastic about commencing operations and supporting our quickly expanding community of Beveridge now and into the future.
“In our first month of operations, we responded to ten primary emergency calls and 30 support calls, and we are currently forecast to turnout to over 400 emergency calls a year.”
Following the motions outlined in a public meeting in November 2023, a new brigade was formed, a secretary was confirmed, and 18 foundation members were identified from Kalkallo.
CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Hefferan signed final approval on 2 February 2024, before inaugural Brigade elections were conducted on 14 May 2024 and the first Brigade Management Team (BMT) was appointed.
The brigade currently has 19 operational male members and one female, while five new members are currently undertaking their General Firefighting training.
The Beveridge Fire Station upgrade project cost $840,000 and was funded through the CFA Capital Works Program.