By Mara Pattison-Sowden
HILLCREST CFA volunteers had two reasons to celebrate with the opening of their new Don Valley station and the handover of a new light pumper.
But their afternoon delight came with the CFA announcing that construction of the new Woori Yallock building would finally begin during the next financial year.
Hillcrest CFA has become the largest brigade response area in the district since the Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Don Valley brigades were amalgamated in 2007, with an average of 140 emergency calls per year.
The brigade has had several setbacks holding up the construction of the major station in Woori Yallock, but CFA Eastern Metropolitan Region manager David Baker announced that building would finally begin next year.
The new Don Valley facility will act as a satellite station and includes a dedicated turnout room, breathing apparatus wash and storage area, improved car parking and sufficient height to house the new generation of CFA trucks. Hillcrest CFA captain Rick Shaw said it was a much-needed addition to the brigade.
“The CFA has been great in providing the basic building, which is a wonderful facility, and we’ve had a huge amount of input from the brigade,” he said.
He also thanked the Healesville Lions Club, the Upper Yarra Community Market, the Dark family of Don Valley, the Woori Yallock and District Community Bank and a Victorian Government grant.
“Without these contributions and in-kind donations we would have struggled,” he said.
“This supports our motto – three communities, two stations, one brigade.”
Gembrook MP Brad Battin officially opened the station on Sunday 4 December, and warned residents not to be complacent about the fire season.
“People don’t look at grassfires as a big threat, but it’s much easier to ask the CFA to help prepare your property than to help rescue you during a fire,” he said.
CFA executive manager of volunteerism Lex de Man was welcomed back as a driving force behind the project, Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Terry Avery thanked the tireless efforts of the volunteers and Mr Baker reiterated that it was an important milestone event for the brigade and its future.
“As great as this facility is, it is the entrée event, the new truck is the dessert and certainly the main course will be the big station at Woori Yallock,” he said.
