THE Yulecart community celebrated its CFA volunteers on Sunday at the opening of their new $240,000 fire station.
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It was a day of celebrations for the 79-member brigade, which also received a $222,000 light tanker, with 13 members recognised for ongoing service to the CFA.
The Yulecart station, about eight kilometres west of Hamilton, can now house two vehicles and a quick fill trailer.
It also features a kitchen, an area to store turnout gear as well as facilities to dry and repair hoses and other items.
Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty officially opened the fire station and said the state government was ensuring CFA members had the facilities, equipment and resources needed to do their job safely and effectively.
"As a show of this commitment, the Coalition government remains on track to deliver 250 CFA station upgrades by November this year as part of a $125 million investment, with more than 200 stations now complete," he said.
"The new Hino four-wheel-drive tanker has a water capacity of 2350 litres and is fitted with a crew protection spray system, significantly enhancing safety for firefighters."
He said the investment promoted growth and created jobs for local businesses.
"Yulecart CFA station was built by English Building of Portland, which means a considerable amount of the funds stay in the region, which is a great boost to the local economy."
As part of the announcement, Mr Delahunty awarded Yulecart CFA members with service awards for CFA involvement ranging from five to 60 years.
Among the recipients were Barry Habel, with 60 years' service and a National Medal, Lindsay Ford with a National Medal, James Ford with 45 years' service, and Murray Menzel and Gerard Hiscock, each with 40 years' service.
Mr Delahunty said the government was proud of the CFA's vital work, with members helping protect 3.3 million Victorians, and more than one-million homes and properties.
"It is an honour to present service and National medals to hardworking and dedicated CFA members and I commend them for their ongoing commitment to protecting Victorians.
"The Coalition government has also invested $20.5 million to replace Respiratory Protection Equipment for CFA and MFB firefighters, $15 million to upgrade critical systems which support emergency call-taking and dispatch services at ESTA and the rollout of the $66 million Regional Radio Dispatch Service is nearing completion.
"This record investment in the CFA highlights the Coalition government's strong commitment to the CFA and recognises the critical role our career and volunteer firefighters play in keeping Victorians safe."
j.pech@fairfaxmedia.com.au
CFA awards
Craig Bygate, Ray Levett, Melanie Steele - Five Year Certificate of Service
Todd Venning - 10 Year Medal
Lyall Grey, Graeme Williams, Kenneth Grimes - 20 Year Clasp
Gary Gebert - 30 Year Medal
Murray Menzel, Gerard Hiscock - 40 Year Clasp
James Ford - 45 Year Clasp
Barry Habel - 60 Year Clasp
National Medal
Lindsay Ford - National Medal plus 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Clasps
Barry Habel - National Medal 4th Clasp