From L-R: CFA Board Member Peter Shaw, Captain Marcus Harris, Daniela De Martino MP, Sheena Watt MP
Cockatoo Fire Brigade has celebrated their renovated fire station and new command vehicle which will further boost their ability to protect their community.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, Deputy Chief Officer South East Region Trevor Owen and other dignitaries joined the brigade for the official handover of the station and Field Command Vehicle (FCV) on Saturday, 26 July.
With a generous donation from the local Cockatoo Op Shop and the wider community, the project was initiated which grew into a $1 million dollar refurbishment with investment from CFA's Base Capital Works Program.
The renovations provide a new office, turnout room, amenities, a breathing apparatus washroom, workshop, laundry, drying room and external covered pergola. The kitchen, training room and motor room have also been refurbished.
The bathroom facilities were included in the upgrade along with separate turnout rooms and change cubicles.
The new Field Command Vehicle is a 4WD off road vehicle which operates well in the bush by accessing difficult areas during an emergency.
Cockatoo Fire Brigade Captain Marcus Harris said the renovated station is a fantastic facility which will further support their 34 members well into the future.
"It's great having a separate room for our turnout gear and dedicated spaces to wash, clean, dry and store clothing and equipment," Marcus said.
"The new FCV vehicle will not only be a great asset to attend incidents, but will also be utilised for fire medical response call-outs which we're currently training towards for the near future.
"We will also have an electric chainsaw, which was donated by the Emerald and District Bendigo Bank, in the FCV which will assist us with storm response in the area."
Cockatoo Fire Brigade has been proudly serving the community since 1942. The brigade responds to more than 100 incidents each year and is well-known for their efforts on the front-line in many major bushfires including the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983.
Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said the renovated station and FCV are welcomed resources for Cockatoo.
"This station upgrade further supports our volunteer training and service delivery needs well into the future," Trevor said.
"The FCV will also increase the brigade's capacity to serve and protect their local community.
"Cockatoo brigade has a rich history of protecting their local community and I look forward to seeing the brigade utilise this improved facility."
