In 2015, Maiden Gully Fire Brigade reviewed the infrastructure needed to adequately support its community into the future.
Securing additional land at the Beckhams Road site was the key requirement that would enable the provision of additional vehicle accommodation, better access, larger areas for training and maintenance activities and more off-street parking.
Great support from the City of Greater Bendigo saw an additional 180 m2 added to the north side of the existing leasehold at no cost. Brigade members cleared the new area and re-erected the side fence along the new boundary. With the assistance of a $2 for $1 grant through the State Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, the area was concreted in November.
The most obvious component of the project is an 8.1m by 6.2m steel shed that will house the brigade’s Ford Ranger Field Command Vehicle. This shed also provides additional storage for equipment and enables the development of a gym in the adjoining building.
The FCV shed was 100 per cent funded by the community through the brigade’s fundraising activities. Considerable financial assistance was provided by Villawood Properties with Paint Right Bendigo (Haymes Paints) providing the special floor paint and Bunnings Warehouse in Epsom provided the LED light fittings.
The shed was supplied and erected by Bendigo Garages who were very competitively priced and most helpful in all aspects of the build.
All in all, this major upgrade sees a $40,000 investment in the provision of emergency services to effectively serve the Maiden Gully community.
Author: Andrew Howlett