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CFA Commander Western Catchment Steve Poulter and Smythesdale FB Captain Alwyn Parker
A new vehicle will light up the town of Smythesdale this week and further aid the tight-knit community, as the local brigade has welcomed an upgraded addition to their fleet.
The new $88,000 Ford Ranger 4X4 vehicle was purchased through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) to enhance incident management capability.
Smythesdale Fire Brigade Captain Alwyn Parker was officially handed the keys to the new off-road Field Command Vehicle (FCV) on Sunday (30 June) by Martha Haylett MP, representing the Minister for Emergency Services.
"The new and improved standard build will greatly benefit the brigade. Being twin cabin, we've now got five seats for passengers and the pod on the back that stows all our vital equipment," Alwyn said.
"There is significantly more usable space within the pod at the back compared to the wagons we've had in the past.
"The design allows for better use of communication equipment like our radios, and the whiteboards and magnets we utilise for our briefings.
"And as our main control point at localised incidents, having the extra trays, working spaces and storage areas will be a much better set up for our discussions."
As an active brigade in the community holding many fire safety engagement sessions, Smythesdale contributed almost an additional $50,000 to supplement the grant, drawn from locally raised funds and those secured from the sale of their previous FCV.
Home to 82 members, local CFA and community members gathered at the fire station alongside CFA Commander Western Catchment Steve Poulter to mark the occasion.
"We hold many community activities like monthly sausage sizzles at the local supermarket, and calendar drives to raise money for the brigade, however we also maintain strong relationships with our sponsors," he said.
With recent fires such as the 520-hectare blaze in the Enfield State Forest in January and an average response of 100 incidents every year, the improved FCV will be welcomed with open arms by the broader community.
"The FCV is mainly used for brigade activities during the fire danger period and for transporting brigade members who need to return home after their shift on a strike team," he said.
"The brigade is excited to have this purpose-built resource ready for the upcoming fire season."
With two satellite stations also located in Ross Creek and Scarsdale, the brigade operates with three heavy tankers, one rehab unit and one FCV across the region.
Applications for the 2024-25 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) are now open. The program provides $2 for every $1 of funding raised by a brigade which can be used for life-saving equipment to keep protecting communities.
