A once-in-a-lifetime Torchlight Parade to celebrate the opening of the new Ararat Fire Station will be held on 7 May in Ararat.
"Volunteers form the backbone of our community; they help provide much-needed services to our city and are crucial to the success of countless community projects and programs, much like the Ararat Fire Brigade," said Cr Armstrong.
"The brigade came into being in 1859; volunteers of the Ararat Brigade not only support and protect our municipality but also nearby towns for fires and accidents that occur throughout the year.
"Council greatly encourages families to come along to the Community Open Day to tour the Ararat Fire Station and meet local members who volunteer their time to help protect people, wildlife, and property across Greater Ararat.
"We are also urging members of the public to also join in the Torchlight Parade to witness a once-in-a-lifetime procession, as we celebrate the opening of the new Ararat Fire Station.
"It's simply a way of saying 'thank you' to Ararat Rural City's first responders and recognising the significant contribution to our local communities.
"The new station is a great asset to our community, featuring improved facilities and amenities to increase the brigade's ability to continue protecting our community, long into the future."
Captain Daniel Ramsdell from the Ararat Fire Brigade is excited about the official opening of the new Ararat Fire Station.
"A lot of planning and preparation has gone into the Community Open Day and Torchlight celebrations after being postponed twice due to COVID-19," Captain Ramsdell said.
"The Community Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for the public to view the station, get involved in various activities and demonstrations, and a chance to speak to our members for those looking to volunteer or join the brigade.
"The Ararat Brigade is a great bunch and always looking to do our best to serve our community. If you are looking to be a part of something bigger, learn new skills, meet new people and give back to the community – I encourage you to come down for the Community Open Day."
Captain Ramsdell said the new Ararat Fire Station is a fantastic milestone for the community and encourages the community to come along to view the Torchlight Parade.
"We are expecting ten brigades to join the Torchlight parade in the evening, including our local junior brigade members. The march will be led by Ararat Brigade's original pumper which will be brought up from the Melbourne Fire Museum, followed by the Ararat City Band.
"It's going to be a memorable day for the Ararat Brigade; we're also honouring three fallen firefighters by displaying their names on our fire trucks: Captain Alan J Butt (13 December 1954 – 12 September 2019), Group Officer Wayne Wilbur Wilde (9 March 1975 – 15 September 2021), Captain Kingsley J Walker (10 April 1945 – 15 October 2020)," he concluded.
