By JESSE GRAHAM
UPPER Yarra firefighters have received a boost of more than $1.5 million in the lead up to this year’s fire season in the form of a new station.
Hillcrest CFA members moved into their new Woori Yallock headquarters on Saturday 28 December 2013 and, by time they had set up, were throwing themselves head-first into the action.
Captain of Hillcrest Fire Brigade Fiona Burns said that the heatwave, which saw temperatures peak at around 44 degrees, made for an exciting time to be in the new station.
“It’s been a very busy period for us, going into the heatwave, and we have a number of members who are standing by for strike-team duties, supporting communities wherever they need to go,” she said.
“It’s an exciting time, and we’re extremely excited to be in the new station.”
The new station, which is estimated to be worth around $1.6 million, was funded through contributions from the State Government through the CFA and with money raised through the community.
The station can house four vehicles in its bays for the brigade, which takes in the areas of Launching Place, Woori Yallock and Don Valley.
Capt Burns said that the station features better facilities along with training facilities on-site that firefighters around the Yarra Valley will be able to use.
Some of the aspects of the new training area include special training mains that firefighters can use to enhance their pump-operation skills as well as practise structure firefighting.
“It’s a way for us to improve and maintain our skill level,” Capt Burns said.
However, she said that brigades would continue their training at pre-planned facilities in their response area to help maintain the crew’s local knowledge in real-life situations.
A less functional, but sentimental aspect to the new station is a mural painted on one of the walls, which depicts some of the historic fire trucks that the brigades used in the past.
“It’s a really special feature, in that it shows recognition of the history of the former brigades,” she said.
“It recognises what we used to have and how far we’ve come as a fire service.
“The new trucks we’ve got, with in-built crew protection and safety features, reflect how much the organisation has changed in its history.”
Capt Burns said that, with the introduction of fire restrictions on Monday 20 January and the aftermath of last week’s heatwave, conditions would be trying for brigades in the area.
“We’re concerned about the up-coming fire season, and we ask that all residents adhere to the ‘no burning off’ policy,” she said.
“If anyone’s unsure, they can contact the CFA, hop on the council’s website for more information, or come and see the brigade on a Sunday morning – we’re always down here on a Sunday, pending fire activity.”
Capt Burns thanked the CFA and their Chief Officer Euan Ferguson, along with the local community, for their support of the brigade since their amalgamation in 2007.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to have the support of the local community,” she said.
“As a volunteer organisation, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community.”
