CFA CO Jason Heffernan, former Strathfieldsaye captain Matt McCarthy, Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Ion Hann, Vice President, Australian Operations, Agnico Eagle and Strathfieldsaye Captain David Jones open the extension
The Strathfieldsaye community turned out in droves to support the local fire brigade on Sunday as it celebrated a $451,000 station extension.
The Premier, Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan, and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan joined the local brigade and about 200 thankful locals to mark the occasion.
The new extension includes a new motor room, turnout room, storeroom and associated site works.
"It's so great to have such strong support from the local community," Strathfieldsaye Captain David Jones said as local children enjoyed meeting Captain Koala, having their faces painted and exploring the fire trucks.
David, who joined in 2007, said the brigade was thrilled to be attracting younger members.
"It's good to see the young members of the community supporting their local fire brigade," he said.
"The place is growing with 8000 people currently in Strathfieldsaye and a projection of 12,000 in the not-too-distant future."
David, who joined the brigade to give back to the community, said it was "humbling to do a job for the community and get thanked for it".
In a nod to former local Captain Matt McCarthy, who drove the project, the motor room was named in his honour.
Chief Officer Heffernan said it was great to see so many locals enjoying the local brigade's open day and extension.
"Strathfieldsaye is a growing area, and this extension enables the brigade to protect an expanding community," he said.
Funding for the station extension included $115,598 from Fosterville Goldmine, $81,000 from the local community (including a $20,000 donation from the Peter Ryall estate) and $254,402 from the CFA Base Capital Works Program.
The Strathfieldsaye brigade was first opened in 2002.
