Woodend CFA has recently taken delivery of a new 4WD medium tanker that was partly funded through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Service Equipment Program.
“We applied for the grant in 2020, when I was captain of the brigade,” said former captain Mike Dornau.
“The CFA provides the brigade with vehicles and equipment to suit its brigade risk profile, however they do not fund all of our vehicles. In fact, of the brigade’s five vehicles only two are fully funded by the CFA. The rest are either fully – or partly – funded by the brigade.
“We also purchase specialist equipment on our own behalf, that is not covered by the CFA. Hence, the importance of raising funds to maintain our fleet and service to a quality that we believe will best serve our community.”
Captain Steve Ritchie said the new tanker was a state-of-the-art firefighting vehicle that replaced their 25-year-old Tanker 2.
“This would not be possible without the grant from the government, but it would certainly not be possible without the support of our community,” Mr Ritchie said.
“In particular, I would like to highlight the generous support of local business Barker Trailers and also a private donation from Carol Barker and family, who contributed a significant amount towards the funding of our new tanker.
“The new vehicle will provide the Woodend community with a more modern and capable vehicle when our primary Tanker 1 is away on strike team duty, which it often is.
“The new tanker is also much better equipped for the special and unique geographic make-up of the Woodend area, which includes mountains and forests, as well as high-risk grass and bushfire areas.”
The Woodend CFA has taken delivery of the vehicle and is currently undergoing final fit out and training with members before it will go into service. The old tanker will be offered for sale by tender.
