Grand Opening of the new $1.75 million Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility

Published on Friday, 15 December 2023 at 3:21:21 PM

  • The new Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) facility has been officially opened.
  • The facility provides state-of-the-art headquarters for Gelorup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, with a regional Emergency Operation Centre and training facilities for Southwest Bush Fire Brigades.
  • Funded in partnership between the State Government and the Shire of Capel.

Another vital piece of community safety infrastructure in the Shire of Capel was officially opened today, with the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Facility.

 

The facility provides a state-of-the-art Bush Fire Brigade Facility for volunteers as they continue to protect our local community and provide support to other Local Governments across the Region and State when deploying to other major complex incidents.

 

The construction of the new Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade facility began after a sod turning ceremony was held on 14 April 2023. The previous shed in Gelorup was 30 years old and no longer able to fulfil contemporary fire facility requirements.

 

The design of the building was undertaken by H=H Architects with Devlin Constructions awarded the tender in February 2023 for the Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade Building Construction of $1,743,516 (inc. GST). Partnered funding for the new facility included $1,297,816 through the Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Local Government Grants Scheme and $445,700 from the Shire of Capel.

 

The facility includes:

  • A fit for purpose, two bay, drive through bush fire station with training facilities and       suitable amenities for
  • Other features include:
    • Two bay appliance area with powered roller doors
    • Contemporary communications and audio-visual capabilities.
    • Air conditioning training room
    • Tunic rooms for volunteers to maintain personal protective equipment.
    • Laundering facilities
    • Equipment storage

 

Shire of Capel President, Doug Kitchen said that the importance of a highly capable local bush fire brigade and fit-for-purpose facilities has been highlighted numerous times throughout the State.

 

“We are thrilled to see this project come to completion just as we head into the bushfire season. It is a welcomed investment in Shire and the region, providing the local brigade with a contemporary facility and a central location for Bush    Fire Brigade volunteer members to conduct regional training activities and meetings.

 

The facility will be a vital and important asset to our Bush Fire Brigades and the community. We are particularly thrilled to see a future cadet program, which will attract, train new members, with the hope of retaining them to ensure the continued service provided to the community.”  he said.

 

The improved facilities will also encourage open days and engagement activities that meet access and inclusion requirements in the community. The Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade regularly attend community events, and conduct school visits. Recently, the Brigade won the Firefighting Team Achievement Award, with Captain Glenys Malatesta this year receiving the Murray Lang Bush Fire Service Award.

 

  

Doug Kitchen 

Shire President

Gordon MacMile

Chief Executive Officer

 

The Objectives out lined in this media release are aligned to Direction 1 in the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan: 1.4 A safe and prepared community.

 

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