CELEBRATIONS were in full swing at the official opening of the new Port Fairy Country Fire Authority (CFA) station late last month.

The $2.8 million state-of-the-art station located on the Princes Highway is a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that will fulfill the current and future needs of the Port Fairy brigade.

Among those in attendance at the official opening were CFA South West Region deputy chief officer, Rohan Luke, Western Victoria MP, Hon. Gayle Tierney, and Port Fairy CFA captain, Hugh Worrall, as well as other dignitaries and brigade members.

Captain Worrall said he was excited about the new station which would facilitate any future growth the brigade may experience.

“It’s a great asset for our 33 volunteers and the local community which will boost our ability to protect lives and property,” he said.

“We are very grateful to everyone who worked hard to bring this project to fruition.

“I also want to thank the local community for their generous donations which went towards some extra facilities at the station.”

The new station contains three generously sized engine bays which will give ample space for modern appliances and has enhanced kitchen facilities, a dedicated training space, separate turn-out rooms and changing facilities to promote gender inclusion.

There are also new and improved safety features including superior equipment storage and Breathing Apparatus cleaning facilities.

A unique feature housed within the new station is the brigade’s custom built and painted meeting room table, which was safely relocated from the previous station by brigade members and donated by ex-Captain Peter Marslen and his wife Sylvia.

CFA South West Region deputy chief officer, Rohan Luke, said while the old fire station located on James Street, Port Fairy, had served the brigade and the community well for many years, upgraded facilities were long overdue.

“Their old station was constructed post-World War era, so the brigade was well deserving of an upgrade,” he said.

“The brigade services an area with many significant heritage-listed buildings and also a hospital and large pharmaceutical processing plant, so it was important to provide these members the facilities they require to continue protecting this important infrastructure.

“I would like to thank the brigade for their ongoing dedication to volunteering and their invaluable service to their local community and beyond.”