Gayle Tierney MLC member for Western Victoria officially opened the new Portland Fire Station on Sunday 20 November. Guests included CFA Board Member Timothy Young, Acting ACO for South West Region Rohan Luke and District 4 Operations Manager Peter Novotny.
I was also good to see Operations Officer Gary Harker AFMS (retired) come back to the station that he committed so much time to and was instrumental in overseeing the building and fit out of the new station as the Officer in Charge.
The proceedings kicked off with a welcome address to the official party, guests and brigade members by District 4 Operations Manager Peter Novotny before CFA board member Timothy Young spoke about Portland Fire Brigade and the fantastic service the volunteers both past and present have provided to the community over the past 158 years, making Portland Fire Brigade one of the oldest brigades in the state.
Gayle Tierney MLC then addressed the gathering and spoke of the significance of the new station and the opportunities it provides not only to the brigade but also to the community. Portland Fire Brigade Captain Ian Hamley then responded and highlighted the fact that with the new station the next chapter of the brigade begins with the recruitment of career firefighters to Portland, how this will improve response times, provide training opportunities for volunteers and ensure the community in which we live and work have the best fire service that CFA and the brigade can provide by working together as one to ensure our community is safe from fire and other incidents.
The unveiling of the plaque was carried out by the Minister Gayle Tierney MLC, Captain Ian Hamley and CFA board Member Timothy Young which marked the opening of the new fire station. The Brigade then performed on open order march and was inspected by the Minister Gayle Tierney and CFA board Member Timothy Young accompanied by Officer in Charge Grant Kidd and Captain Ian Hamley, before afternoon tea was served by Portland Brigade Ladies Auxiliary.
Author: Ian Hamley