By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Upper Ferntree Gully fire station has successfully secured a massive grant to upgrade their much-needed brigade.
The station, one of the oldest in the region, has been granted $150,000 in funding through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) – a government initiative that provides financial support for local emergency services to improve its facilities.
As part of this funding, Menzies Creek CFA also received $2200 for volunteer amenities.
The planned extension will add much-needed space to the Upper Ferntree Gully station, creating an area where firefighters can properly store their gear and change safely.
The brigades captain Peter Smith said the grant will help bring the station up to date.
“We’ve run out of room for our firefighting gear,” Mr Smith said.
“The team has been getting changed on top of each other during callouts, which is not only uncomfortable but unsafe – we need more space for all our turnout gear, and this grant is going to help us do that.”
The brigade, which has faced challenges with overcrowded facilities for years, has been applying for funding from the government for the past four years.
This year, they were prioritised, after coming second in the previous round.
“For every dollar we contribute, the government is matching it with two, so we’ll be putting in $50,000 ourselves, and with the match, that makes up a good portion of the $150,000 needed for the expansion.”
The captain said while the volunteers don’t live at the station, it is where they keep their trucks and gear, hold meetings, and store supplies – but the space is really cramped.
This makes it difficult when trying to recruit new members, as it’s not the best first impression when they walk in and see the tight conditions.
Mr Smith said when the team first heard that they had secured the funding, the reaction was overwhelming.
“We were ecstatic,” he said.
“We’re not one of the wealthiest brigades, and without this support, we would have had to do a lot more fundraising to make the project happen.”
“We’ve been lucky to receive some generous donations, like $40,000 from Ferntree Gully Nissan a while ago, which we’ve been saving for the building work – but this funding really takes the pressure off.”
Mr Smith said the importance of continued government support for volunteer-based emergency services cannot be overstated.
“All the voluntary organisations, like the CFA and SES, need funding to stay afloat – we’re all volunteers, and we’re out there responding to fires, floods, and storms and without the support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” he said.
“It’s crucial that decision-makers recognise the importance of these services in rural communities, especially with the threat of bushfires this season.”
The new facility will be built alongside the existing shed, set to begin in 2025 with plenty of planning ahead to ensure the station gets a proper flooring, roofing, and walls so it’s comfortable to work in all year round.
“We’ll be able to fit everyone in without people climbing over each other, and that’s important for both safety and efficiency,” Mr Smith said.
He said their goal is to improve safety for both volunteers and the community they serve.
“We’re really proud of what we do here, and this upgrade will make sure we can keep doing it safely and effectively,” he said.
“It’s a small station with a lot of heart and soul, and this extension will help us look after it for years to come.”
“We’re just so grateful to have been selected out of all the brigades in the district – we know there are plenty of other services out there struggling more than we are, so we’re truly thankful for this support.”
