CFA’s new home

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
YELLINGBO CFA captain Paul Spinks’ ear to ear grin while standing alongside his 34 volunteers was enough to show the pride the fire brigade had in its new headquarters.
His first comments after admiring the new building, “we’re running out of room here”, shows an enthusiasm to keep giving back to the Yellingbo and wider community.
It’s a far cry from the buildings that served Yellingbo for the last 30 years.
A small building with several extensions, the brigade trucks were housed in separate buildings, the roof was rusting and volunteers had to use the public toilets outside.
The new $607,000 station was approved as part of the State Government’s 2011-’12 CFA capital works program and building began in February this year.
The brigade also raised another $20,000 towards two water tanks, furnishings, computers, a photocopier and an audio-visual system.
CFA personnel, local politicians and members past and present attended the station opening on Sunday 19 August.
In what has been a complete turnaround for the brigade, the new building comfortably houses the brigade’s tanker, slip-on vehicle and rehabilitation support vehicle.
It also has a large meeting room, communications room and includes secure toilet facilities for the brigade.
Captain Spinks said it was testament to the work and commitment of a great community.
“Today is a celebration of the brigade since 1954 and its commitment to protect the lives and property as stated in our mission statement,” he said.
“We, the next generation, will follow in their footsteps and hopefully do justice to one of the best brigades in the catchment.
“We deserve the station, we need the station and the community deserves the station.”
Capt Spinks said his 34 volunteers had a combined 436 years of service to their community.
He said they also serviced a significant area with its flora and fauna including endangered species such as the helmeted honeyeater.
CFA Eastern Metropolitan director David Baker said not only was it a new home for the firefighters, but a fantastic community asset.
He described Capt Spinks as a transformational leader with not only a vision, but the backing of his members.
He did joke that it was unlikely the captain’s vision of a helipad on the roof would come to fruition.
The brigade turns out to an average of 55 incidents a year, but with the only rehabilitation unit in the valley, that number could increase as the temperatures rise.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said the Yellingbo fire fighters been through some tough fires including the devastating Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday bushfires.
“Paul, Brett and the other volunteers will never stop working to make sure things are improving for their volunteers and the community,” he said.
Kubale Constructions built the station with the assistance of local contractors, members and their families.