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Construction has begun on Newborough Fire Brigade's new home, with members gathering today to mark the official turning of the sod at the new fire station site.
CFA District 27 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Aaron Worcester joined Newborough Fire Brigade Captain Adam Watt and Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Housing, to inspect the progress on Friday, 15 November.
The new CFA Newborough Fire Station being developed on the corner of Coach and Monash Road will replace the current station on Old Sale Road.
Newborough Captain Adam Watt said the brigade is very much looking forward to the state-of-the-art modern facilities.
"The new building itself will be a huge asset to us to serve the local community," Adam said.
"For us it will be the little things like having a laundry, a breathing apparatus room, and exhaust fans in the engine bay that will make a difference. It will be quite the upgrade.
"As a brigade we have funded renovations and extensions over the years to the turnout room, our sheds and toilet facilities, so we are very grateful to be receiving a new home."
The new facility will also include drive through motor rooms, an office, a multipurpose room with a kitchen, and a workshop and store room. While separate turnout areas for women and men who volunteer are available, along with ambulant toilet facilities and a hose drying tower.
CFA District 27 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Aaron Worcester said the new station will go a long way in accommodating the future needs of the brigade.
"It's not only an exciting addition to our brigade members, but also to the wider community," Aaron said.
"The larger, and improved facilities will be of great benefit to the town of Newborough as a whole, with members efficiently able to continue responding to incidents in the local area and surrounding neighbourhoods."
Newborough Fire Brigade currently has a membership of 33 volunteers, including six females and 27 males, 23 operational firefighters and three vehicles.
Having served the community since 1955, Newborough responds to more than 100 call outs each year, with most involving a mix of urban housing, community facilities and bushland incidents.
More than $4.6 million has been allocated for the project. Construction of the new station is expected to be completed by September 2025.
If you're interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to give us a hand.
