The Metung Fire Brigade and community have raised over $180,000 in donations to purchase a new, larger block of land for a brand new fire station.
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Daryll Hunter with Metung CFA Captain, Trevor Blundell.
On 15 June Metung brigade successfully purchased a new block of land. Brigade Captain Trevor Blundell handed over the cheque alongside brigade members John Miller, Alan Lancaster and Tom Crombie, with CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darryll Hunter and MP Tim Bull.
Metung brigade hopes to expand its station to better support members and the community. The new site located on Hardys Road is expected to make future access to the station and its facilities far more streamlined and efficient.
Captain Trevor Blundell said the fundraising efforts of members and the community has been extraordinary.
"Our efforts from the start of the fire season resulted in more than $180,000 being donated," Trevor said. "We are so grateful to every community member who has donated and pledged to donate to this cause.
"Whether it be through buying tickets for our raffles, or in response to our tin rattling at community events, every cent received for this purpose has contributed to the successful purchase of this block of land."
"We simply can't thank the community and Metung supporters enough for this incredible support," Trevor added. "It's a true reflection of the spirit that the Metung Village is known for."
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Daryll Hunter said the support for Metung brigade has been overwhelming.
"Now that land has been secured, we intend to progress toward a new station as soon as possible, remembering that we need to compete against other state priorities.
"On behalf of CFA, I would like to thank everyone involve for their fantastic generosity."
MP Tim Bull has been a strong supporter of the town's local CFA brigade and said he's looking forward to seeing a new station for CFA members and the community.
"It's an incredible fundraising effort from the Metung community to be able to purchase this land.
"This $175,000 land purchase is the first of numerous phases within the typical timeline for a regional fire brigade to secure a new station.
"Later this year, when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are lifted, I look forward to sitting down with CFA management and Metung brigade members to discuss how to progress this very important project for the community."
Please note, these photos were taken prior to COVID-19 restrictions.
Pictured (L-R) Metung CFA brigade members John Miller, Alan Lancaster, Tom Crombie Metung Captain Trevor Blundell, with CFA ACFO, Darryll Hunter and Tim Bull MP.
