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It was a highly anticipated occasion for Heathcote Fire Brigade and VICSES members this week, as members gathered to announce the acquisition of land for their new shared facility.
Back in November 2022, Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes visited Heathcote Fire Station and VICSES facilities to announce the rebuild of a shared hub after the facilities were severely affected in the Victorian Flood events of October 2022.
CFA Acting Deputy Chief Officer North West Bill Johnstone and Heathcote Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant Jim Staggard joined Minister Jacyln Symes and VICSES Heathcote Unit Controller Darren O’Connor at the new site today (15 November).
The new home base for community protection will be located on Herriot Street and will feature seven drive through motor bays and two ancillary sheds, alongside individual administrative offices, turnout areas, a laundry and a tea area.
Bill Johnstone said the new facility will allow both agencies to provide greater service to the local community.
“Not only will the hub enable effective response to fires, rescues, floods and storms, but it will also support the retention and recruitment of new volunteers,” Bill said.
“Many areas within the new facility will be shared, reinforcing our existing close working relationship and shared dedication both agencies have toward protecting their local areas.
“It’s also positive to see the inclusion of female-friendly change rooms and showers, along with training and operations rooms, space for current and future vehicles, and areas for volunteers to meet and unwind.”
VICSES Interim Chief Executive Officer Kate White said VICSES Heathcote Unit volunteers play a critical role in their community.
“Today's land dedication to build a new fit-for-purpose facility in 2025, will provide them state-of-the-art amenities to continue to offer that support,” Kate said.
“This will be a colocated facility for both VICSES and CFA volunteers which will only strengthen and refine emergency response for the Heathcote area and surrounds with more space available for members to respond, train and plan for future emergencies."
Heathcote brigade has more than 45 volunteers, including 32 men, 13 women, and 19 operational firefighters who average 77 callouts each year. VICSES Heathcote has more than 24 volunteers and averages 213 requests for assistance (RFAs) annually.
Funding for the Heathcote Emergency Services Hub has been provided by the Victorian Government, with construction expected to commence mid to late 2025.