CFA’s newest brigade in full swing

Captain Jim Cooper said already the brigade, consisting of around 20 members, had responded to a number of calls.

“They’ve mainly been support calls but it’s been a great opportunity for our members to respond together as a brigade and get that experience,” he said.

Due to significant residential growth in the area south of Melton, CFA established a presence in Eynesbury in November, with the addition of a new shed and truck.

Earlier this year, residents who attended a public meeting voted unanimously on a new brigade being officially formed in the town, which started on 1 July.

CFA Regional Director for Northern and Western Metropolitan Region, Greg Esnouf, said a stand-alone CFA fire brigade was needed to better support the developing community of Eynesbury.

“Located within the Shire of Melton, Eynesbury is a rapidly expanding new township with a current population of around 1500 people and an expected population of more than 10,000 within 10 to 15 years,” he said.

“The fast-track of the shed and appliance in the town last year was thanks to GEO Developments who donated $50,000 towards planning, permits, construction and materials involved with the project.

Previously, Eynesbury was part of the Parwan Fire Brigade area. The formation of the new fire brigade saw Eynesbury’s response area move from CFA’s District 15 to District 14 in the North West Metropolitan region.

Capt Cooper said the transition had been with great support from Parwan Fire Brigade, who assisted with the recruitment of members.

“About half of our current membership have been members who have come over from Parwan and the others are new members, who have started their Minimum Skills - all members have shown a really good response to training,” he said.

“The brigade trains every Sunday and second Monday; we have a really good, enthusiastic bunch of people who are all in it for the right reasons, to help their community.”

Capt Cooper added the brigade had already made a positive start towards fundraising with a generous donation of $1000 from member Andrew Ingram - on behalf of his business – and from Statewide Fire Protection.

He also thanked brigade officers: 1^st Lieutenant Jayson Hirt; 2^nd Lieutenant Phil Norton; 3^rd Lieutenant Scott Tomlinson; Communications Officer Mick Harvey and; Secretary Penny Barrett-Young for taking on the challenge of leading a new brigade.