The Bluff Rural Fire Brigade will soon have a brand new shed to call home thanks to joint funding from the Central Highlands Regional Council, Yarrabee Coal and the Jellinbah Group.
On behalf of the three organisations, Deputy Mayor Cr Gail Godwin-Smith presented brigade chairman and volunteer Ken Matthews with a cheque for $45 000 at a special morning tea last week.
‘The work this group of volunteers does in the community is so important and appreciated,’ Cr Godwin-Smith said.
‘The area they have to cover is enormous. They can be called out to Duaringa or Blackwater and all the rural areas in between. It’s a huge responsibility for one little fire brigade and truck and we are so proud to be able to support them.’
The project has also secured backing from the Queensland Government and the Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund.
Mr Matthews thanked all parties involved for their generous contributions.
‘Our member numbers have grown to 19, 20 people so it was getting hard to fit it into that little shed,’ he said.
‘You had to do a crab walk and walk sideways to get past the truck and out the back door.’
Mr Matthews said the Bluff Rural Fire Brigade has had members on the books since 1975, with the current shed built back in 1980.
The new facility, located on Church St, will include three bays to house fire response equipment, a kitchen and communal area.
Mr Matthews said the old shed would be converted into a training and incident room, as well as extra storage.
‘I think it will mean a lot, not only to the fire brigade, but also to the community,’ he said.
‘It’s great to see some money being put back into the town.’
Mr Matthews said they were always looking for new volunteers and he hoped the new facility might attract a few more members.