Drive for new fire station

Dimboola Urban Fire Brigade has started a money-raising drive towards construction of a new fire station.

The brigade is building the station on the corner of High and Victoria streets to replace a Lloyd Street building, which has been the brigade’s home for more than a century.

Captain Ash Wallace said an increase in a fleet of vehicles and acquisition of new, large fire appliances had meant the brigade had outgrown the current station.

“The new fire station will provide a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will allow the brigade to continue serving Dimboola and surrounding communities well into the future,” he said.

“It will provide the Dimboola fire brigade with much-needed room to move and the space to grow in line with the demands on the brigade and its volunteers.

“While the Country Fire Authority is funding the majority of the build through its Fire Service

Reform Capability Funding program, the brigade will need to contribute at least $30,000 to help customise the station and ensure it meets the community’s needs well into the future.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the CFA for their ongoing support and efforts to get us to this point – we now need to reach out to the local community and ask for their support to help us get over the final hurdle.”

The brigade will run its money-raising program to help reach the target in coming months.

Captain Wallace said people could make donations through Dimboola branch of Bendigo Bank.

He said people could also make out cheques or money orders and post them to Dimboola Urban Fire Brigade, PO Box 105, Dimboola, 3414, along with contact details.

“For those wishing to make an electronic deposit, instructions are on the brigade’s Facebook page,” Mr Wallace said