New tanker for Newstead and District Fire Brigade

(left to right): Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock, Newstead and District Captain Doug Richardson, Maree Edwards MP, Deputy Group Officer Craig Hepburn and Group Officer Shane Scoble

 

A new medium tanker has been added to the fleet of Newstead and District Fire Brigade, largely funded by the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).

 

The 2020 2.4C tanker is valued at $342,000, with $50,000 of the cost contributed by brigade funds raised via community activities.

Newstead and District Brigade Captain Doug Richardson said the contribution has been an ongoing effort from members of the brigade auxiliary, which was established in the 1980s.

“The auxiliary provides catering in the community, which has provided a large amount of revenue for the brigade,” Doug said.

“The brigade also hosts community market days four times a year, in March, May, September and November.

“We have our next market day coming up this weekend, on Saturday 21 May.

“These markets draw people in from outside the local community, which helps generate money that wouldn’t come into the town otherwise.

“It also means the brigade doesn’t have to compete against other community groups trying to fundraise in the area.”

The new tanker has a dual cab, which allows a crew of five to travel safely together in the cabin and includes brackets to hold breathing apparatus cylinders.

“The aim was always to have breathing apparatus on the new truck to enhance our emergency response within the community,” Doug said.

“This means if our primary tanker is away on a deployment, our second tanker can continue to provide operational response in its absence.”

Maree Edwards, member for Bendigo West officially handed the vehicle over at a brigade event over the weekend, representing the Minister for Emergency Services.

This brigade event also included presentation of service awards by Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock, in front of a group of 50 people.

“From five-year service certificates, through to a 65-year life membership award, over 1200 years of CFA service was recognised on the day, which really reflects the dedication in the brigade,” Doug said.

“All the safety and technology enhancements that come with this new tanker will be excellent additions to our brigade.”

More information regarding the Newstead CFA Community Market can be found here.

 

Submitted by	CFA Media