- Three new appliances officially handed over to local brigades and units
- $1 million investment ensures volunteers have access to modern vehicles
- Minister hands over keys while visiting volunteers at training exercise
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has officially handed over three new vehicles worth more than $1 million to volunteer groups in the Great Southern.
The vehicles were presented to Pingelly State Emergency Service, Pingelly Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and East Pingelly Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade while the Minister was in town for the Upper Great Southern Training Exercise in Pingelly.
Pingelly SES received the keys to a new Road Crash Rescue Tender equipped with the latest technology, giving local volunteers greater capacity to respond to traffic crashes in the region.
Minister Dawson also visited Pingelly Fire Station to deliver two new vehicles - a 4x4 Broadacre Tanker and a Light Tanker - to Pingelly Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and East Pingelly Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. The three vehicles were designed in consultation with volunteers, built in WA and funded through the Emergency Services Levy.
State Emergency Service teams from Kalamunda to Bunbury have gathered in Pingelly for the two-day Upper Great Southern Training Exercise, where they will hone their skills in a series of simulated emergency activities.
About 70 personnel are participating in the exercise, which was supported with $20,000 from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"State Emergency Service units put in thousands of hours of work each year, honing their skills to ensure they are ready to answer the call when their community needs them most.
"Knowing that our orange army will be out there during a severe storm, bushfire, cyclone or flood gives a great sense of comfort to all Western Australians.
"I would like to congratulate Pingelly SES, Pingelly Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and East Pingelly Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade on receiving the keys to their new appliances.
"It's critical that our emergency services volunteers have access to the best equipment possible and this $1 million investment will ensure these dedicated volunteers have the best resources to support their efforts across the State."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"The SES is an integral part of many regional communities, with our volunteers providing a wonderful service.
"I wish all the participants the very best over the weekend and hope the experience is worthwhile.
"In addition, I congratulate the Pingelly SES, Pingelly Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and East Pingelly Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade on receiving vital new equipment.
"I thank the Minister for their investment."
