Montrose Fire Brigade is set to receive $13,000 for a new health and wellbeing fitness area, the first of its kind at a volunteer station in Victoria.
Today, Friday 2 June, the Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino and CFA Board Chair Greg Smith travelled to Montrose brigade to inspect the proposed health and wellbeing fitness area.
This announcement of funding is a triumph for Montrose brigade which has had this concept in the pipeline for three years.
Montrose Captain Rob Waters has been with the brigade for almost 17 years and is proud of its achievement in securing the funding for this very important project.
“Three years ago a personal trainer approached the brigade to see if we were interested in training together. A group of us jumped at the chance,” said Rob.
“While working out together we noticed a great deal of benefits to our mental and physical health. We started to develop the idea of creating a fitness area at the station for all our members.
“Health and wellbeing is so important. Training together not only builds camaraderie and increases our fitness, but it’s also great for mental wellbeing and overall wellness.
“We hope this area will encourage members to spend more time at the station, and is a way we can give back to our members who give so much of their time and efforts to our community.
Minister Merlino congratulated the brigade on its successful application, which comes from the $15 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Grants Program.
“I congratulate Montrose brigade on securing funding for new equipment as part of the Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability Program,” Mr Merlino said.
“These volunteers put themselves in danger to keep the local community safe. The centre will help them improve their fitness and wellbeing and contribute to the vital work they do.”
The shed at the rear of the station will be transformed into a fantastic new health and wellbeing hub fitted with gym equipment for members to use.
The funding will be used to fit out the room with air conditioning, rubber gym flooring and gym equipment.
Details of the successful grant recipients can be found at www.emv.vic.gov.au/esvsgrants.
Author: CFA News