By Derek Schlennstedt
The first thing that strikes you about Selby CFA’s new fire station is the space.
The $1.35 million multipurpose station, which unofficially opened on August 7, now comfortably houses the three vehicles the brigade own.
The Mail toured the three-bay facility a day after volunteers moved in and the excitement was palpable.
“It’s an absolutely great facility for all the members of the brigade and residents too,” Captain Andrew Buckle said.
“It’s great, because we now have a purpose built change room, which is a big things for us, given the fact that a lot of our members past and present have had to deal with getting dressed in our turnout gear next to the truck.
“We can actually all get on the truck in the station now.”
The old station, which was built in 1977 was demolished in January to make way for the new building.
Mr Buckle said the previous station no longer met the brigade’s needs, with the fire fighting vehicles barely fitting in to the engine bays.
During the construction period the brigade operated from a private dwelling in Selby, and while still assisting and turning-out to jobs Mr Buckle thanked other local brigades for their help during this time.
“We found ourselves a temporary station area in Selby that had been empty for a while, they had a big enough shed that could take our vehicle and we turned out from there.”
“Really want to thank Belgrave, Belgrave South, Menzies Creek and Kallista in helping us turn out.”
The new facility also includes a washroom, office area, disabled toilets, a new kitchen, and a repair shop.
Mr Buckle said it was proud moment for members, who had worked hard to get the new station and said it will be a great boon for the community,
“It will enable us to turnout a lot quicker.”
“In the past we had to pull all the trucks out of the station, get dressed and then assemble on the truck whereas now we can mobilise in the station and drive straight out.”
Captain Buckle invited residents to come and see the new facility on any Sunday morning , with an official opening taking place on 16 November.
