New station for Tatura

Tatura Fire Brigade members celebrated the opening of their new station in midMay, which also marked the brigade’s 126th year. The $2 million building replaced the 50-year-old former station. The new station features three motor room bays, a large brigade meeting room and a local command facility for use by the Greater Shepparton City catchment of brigades. CFA Deputy Chief Officer Peter O’Keefe and District 22 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Owen joined brigade members as local MP Mark Gepp officially opened the new building. Tatura Fire Brigade Captain Trevor Franklin, who led the brigade as it marched into its new station, said the new facility will help the brigade better serve and protect the community. “It’s exciting to have a new fit-for-purpose facility to help us serve the growing Tatura community,” Trevor said. “Not only does the brigade now have better meeting and member facilities, but the new station also features a local command facility that can be activated to manage large incidents in the area, including major fires. “It also provides an improved training area that can be used by our own brigade as well as visiting brigades from the area. “Some of the funding has come from community donations and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported this project.” Tony Owen said Tatura brigade has been involved in many significant fires throughout its 126-year history, both locally and further afield on interstate deployments. “During the most recent fire season, the brigade was called to several significant grassfires in the local area after higherthan-average rainfall led to heavy fuel loads in pastures and crops,” Tony said. “After missing out on celebrating the brigade’s 125th anniversary because of the 2019-20 fire season and then the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s great to be able to celebrate the brigade’s rich history and bright future where these new facilities will allow the volunteers to continue doing what they do best – protecting lives and property. “I would like to thank the brigade for their invaluable service to their local community and beyond.”

From left to right, ACFO Tony Owen, Tatura Fire Brigade Captain Trevor Franklin, Greater Shepparton City Councillor Rob Priestly, MP Mark Gepp, DCO Peter O’Keefe

PHOTO: COURTESY OF TATURA BRIGADE