The Country Fire Authority (CFA) District 12 Headquarters Brigade is better equipped to serve and protect local communities, thanks to a new Rehabilitation Appliance.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today visited the brigade in Seymour to hand over the vehicle and thank the volunteers for their hard work.
The appliance is a purpose-built vehicle which provides rest, rehydration and health monitoring facilities for firefighters working in difficult conditions.
The Andrews Labor Government provided $125,500 of the total cost of $129,000 as part of a Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grant, with the local Brigade also contributing $3,500.
The District 12 Headquarters Brigade began using the appliance in December, boosting its capacity to provide vital support to firefighting operations.
The appliance transports crews and equipment to support the health and wellbeing of crews at prolonged incidents or where crews are working in hot or strenuous conditions.
The appliance was used extensively during the February 2023 Flowerdale fire incident, which burned through 1000 hectares and saw a significant operational response involving more than 50 CFA brigades.
It was also deployed to the recent grass fire at Maintongoon near Bonnie Doon which spanned 160 hectares and saw firefighters challenged by steep terrain and strong winds.
CFA Headquarters Brigades provide a broad range of services to brigades and other groups within their respective districts. This can include providing support at locations such as the District Command Centre (DCC), Incident Control Centre (ICC), firegrounds and other non-operational roles within the district.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Victorian firefighters work tirelessly to protect lives and properties across the state - this new Rehabilitation Appliance will provide crucial support for firefighter health and wellbeing when responding to incidents."
"The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program provides funding for valuable resources and assets to equip our hard-working volunteers to serve and protect our communities."
