(L-R) - Port Fairy Captain Hugh Worrall, DCO Rohan Luke and The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP
Port Fairy brigade members have celebrated the official opening of their new station yesterday.
The $2.8m state-of-the-art station will be a modern, fit-for-purpose facility to fulfill the brigade's needs well into the future.
Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Rohan Luke and the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP joined Port Fairy Captain Hugh Worrall, other dignitaries and brigade members to mark the special occasion.
Port Fairy Captain Hugh Worrall said he is excited about the new station which allows for future growth of the brigade.
"It's a great asset for our 33 volunteers and the local community which will boost our ability to protect lives and property," Captain Worrall said.
"We are very grateful to everyone who worked hard to bring this project to fruition. I also want to thank the local community for their generous donations which went towards some extra facilities at the station."
The new station will provide three generously sized engine bays which will give ample space for modern appliances. It will also have enhanced kitchen facilities, a dedicated training space and separate turn-out rooms and changing facilities to promote gender inclusion.
There are also new and improved safety features including superior equipment storage and Breathing Apparatus (BA) cleaning facilities.
A unique feature housed within the new station is the brigade's custom built and painted meeting room table which was donated by ex-Captain Peter Marslen and wife Sylvia. The table was safely relocated from the previous station by brigade members.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Rohan Luke said the old fire station in Port Fairy has served the brigade and the community well for many years.
"Their old station was constructed post-World War era, so the brigade was well deserving of an upgrade," DCO Luke said.
"The brigade services an area with many significant heritage-listed buildings and also a hospital and large pharmaceutical processing plant so it was important to provide these members the facilities they require to continue protecting this important infrastructure.
"I would like to thank the brigade for their ongoing dedication to volunteering and their invaluable service to their local community and beyond."
