Yarrambat Fire Brigade members came together over the weekend to celebrate the opening of their new turn out room which will help foster a more inclusive and safer space.
The brigade joined local community members on Sunday (22 February) to mark the occasion, while celebrating their 25-year anniversary of their fire station.
Deputy Chief Officer for the North West region, Trevor Weston and CFA District 14 Commander, Mark Riches, visited the station for the morning to acknowledge their achievements and welcome new additions.
The new turn out room is a space where both male and female brigade members can comfortably change in and out of their protective gear before and after a job.
A portion of the existing workshop was converted into a new fit-for-purpose turnout room which includes individual change cubicles affording privacy and personal security during volunteer turnouts. This upgrade was a part of CFA's Gender Diversity Program.
Captain of the Yarrambat Fire Brigade, Andrew Napoleone, said it was a wonderful day of celebration.
"It was a great excuse to all come together and celebrate the new addition and to recognise the time spent in this station already," Andrew said.
"The new turn out room has space for all current volunteer uniforms, as well as allowing for more members in the future.
"It is a separate enclosed room which allows turnouts to take place away from moving appliances, enhancing volunteer safety.
"It will also really improve efficiency and ensure we can keep providing the best possible response to our community."
CFA Deputy Chief Officer North West region, Trevor Weston, said it was great to see the addition to the station.
"The new turnout room provides a safer, healthier and more welcoming and inclusive space for volunteer turnouts, improving access for everyone," he said.
