- Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) celebrates 50 years of service
- Brigade reaches milestone as $1 million station upgrade nears completion
The Pilbara community is saluting Karratha Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) as the brigade celebrates 50 years of service, having steered the public through some of mother nature's greatest challenges since the town's early days.
The brigade will receive a special plaque at a celebration dinner tonight to commemorate the milestone.
Karratha VFRS was established in 1973, four years after the fledgling town was officially gazetted, and for half a century it has kept locals and visitors safe during bushfires, cyclones, HAZMAT incidents and critical road crash rescues.
In the past two years, volunteers have committed 1465 hours of their own time responding to 420 incidents, including 110 bushfires and 43 road crash rescues.
In a reflection of the brigade's importance to the community, its station is currently undergoing a $1 million upgrade, funded by the Emergency Services Levy.
The project will overhaul the brigade's training facilities, change rooms, kitchen and other amenities, while a new heavy rescue appliance will be delivered this year.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"For half a century, Karratha VFRS have displayed exceptional leadership, dedication and compassion in their service to the Pilbara.
"The brigade has also supported some of the most extreme emergencies in recent years, sending crew members to help fight the Waroona and Black Summer bushfires.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I'd like to thank them for their selfless commitment to making Western Australia a safer State."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"It is a privilege to recognise these dedicated volunteers, past and present, who are heroes of the Pilbara community.
"Volunteers not only respond to emergencies at a moment's notice - they also give up their time to strengthen community resilience through youth cadet programs, school visits and local fundraisers.
"It is fitting that this milestone year will also usher in a significant station upgrade and delivery of a new heavy rescue appliance to support operations and help attract new members."
