Photos courtesy Uniform Photography
St Leonards-Indented Head Fire Brigade members gathered over the weekend to celebrate the official opening of their new fire station.
The new $3.18 million station is a modernised, fit-for-purpose facility that replaced the Dudley Parade station which was around 40 years old.
The state-of-the-art station has three generously sized engine bays, a kitchen area adjoining a large multi-purpose room for meetings and training, a dedicated gender-neutral turnout room containing separate change cubicles. There’s also toilet and shower facilities.
The brigade was joined by CEO Natalie MacDonald, Acting Deputy Chief Officer Adrian Gutsche, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brendan Lawson and Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant MP, representing the Minister for Emergency Services to open the new station.
St Leonards-Indented Head Captain Niki Habibis said the new Murradoc Road site has come a long way from the “kit” shed the brigade first operated from in the 1960s.
“The kit shed was built by brigade members around 1964 which is where they were housed for 20 years,” Niki said.
“In 1983, a two-bay station with a meeting room was built which is where the brigade operated from until it was replaced with the current facility.”
“Our 21 members are thoroughly enjoying operating from the new station and it will be a great asset for future growth of the brigade membership.
“The increased engine bay space allows us to comfortably fit our firefighting vehicles and any new modern vehicles in the future.
“It’s also valuable to see improved features as part of the design such as better equipment storage, a hose tower, a workshop and large training pad.
“In addition, we have more modern and energy efficient operations including a comprehensive solar panelling system with some environmental sustainability features and rainwater harvesting via multiple tanks and on-site wastewater treatment systems.
“I’m proud of the new station we now operate from and the brigade for their hard work in raising $17,830 to contribute towards construction costs for an outdoor recreation area and security system.”
Acting Deputy Chief Officer Adrian Gutsche said he was proud to join the brigade to help mark the official opening of its new station.
“This new station is an impressive facility which will further empower our volunteers to continue carrying out their important role in protecting lives and property now and well into the future,” A/DCO Gutsche said.
“I thank the St Leonard-Indented Head volunteers for their ongoing, invaluable service to their community and I look forward to seeing the brigade grow.”