By JESSE GRAHAM
DIXONS Creek CFA will be better-equipped for hard-to-reach fires and will have a safer crew after its new tanker was commissioned and handed over on 24 July.
CFA District 13 operations manager Dave Renkin visited the CFA station on Sunday 24 July to officially commission the tanker, which will replace the brigade’s 13-year-old, two-wheel drive tanker.
Captain Wayne Morrow said the brigade received the $360,000 tanker through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the brigade contributing $80,000 towards the vehicle.
That money, he said, was raised through sausage sizzles, running car parking at events, and donations from businesses, residents and visitors over the years.
“What I would like to stress … is thanks to the local businesses and their patrons, our brigade members for their contribution, and obviously the Lion’s club,” Capt Morrow said.
He said the new tanker was 4WD capable, making fighting fires in difficult terrain easier, and had safety features such as “full-crew protection”, which was made mandatory since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
“With this one, we have all the crew inside – the crew doesn’t travel on the back, like they used to in the past,” he said.
“It’s a lot safer for the crew, a lot more comfortable, especially on the cold nights. It’s just a better equipped vehicle.”
Mr Renkin said the brigade’s VESEP application was accepted due to the lack of 4WD capable tankers at the station.
“The support of this was clearly around the brigade’s need for a 4WD up through the area,” he said.
“It’s great to see them getting success in it – they’re a great little brigade, and I’m sure they’re going to get great benefit out of it in years to come.
“It’s a great thing for them and the community.”
