- Waterloo and Brunswick Junction volunteers take ownership of new firefighting vehicles with enhanced safety features
- State-of-the-art vehicles collectively worth approximately $800,000, funded through the Emergency Services Levy
- 60 Years Long Service Medal awarded to stalwart volunteer
Volunteer firefighters in the South-West have welcomed the arrival of two versatile firefighting vehicles equipped with the latest safety technology to protect crews from hazards.
Waterloo Bush Fire Brigade officially received the keys to a new 3.4 Urban Tanker from Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson today, while Brunswick Junction Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service received a new Light Tanker.
Funded by the Emergency Services Levy, the 3.4 Urban Tanker and Light Tanker boast the latest crew protection technology, including Automatic Vehicle Location, deluge systems, radiant heat shields, burn-over blankets and in-cab air units.
The Urban Tanker is worth about $550,000 and is a primary response vehicle for high-intensity bushfires, with a capacity of 3000 litres.
Light Tankers, which are used in frontline, mop-up and patrol operations, have a capacity of 500 litres and are worth approximately $250,000.
The new appliances complement recent major upgrades to both brigade’s headquarters, which were completed last year with the support of additional Emergency Services Levy funding.
During his trip to the South-West, Minister Dawson also took the opportunity to present dedicated volunteer firefighter Laurence Hynes with a 60 Years Long Service Medal.
Mr Hynes joined Waterloo Bush Fire Brigade in 1968, holding the role of Brigade Captain between 1998 and 2017.
Long Service Awards recognise dedicated volunteers and career personnel within Western Australia’s fire and emergency services who are relied upon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make WA a safer place.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Thankfully the South-West was able to avoid the wrath of a major Level 3 bushfire this summer, unlike the previous high-threat period.
“That success is largely due to the hard work of our volunteer firefighters whose preparatory work and swift response times stopped smaller bushfires escalating into larger ones that destroy lives and properties.
“The McGowan Government will continue to provide our brigades with the latest firefighting appliances to keep the increasing threat of bushfires at bay.
“Special congratulations to Laurence Hynes on receiving a 60 Years Long Service Medal. His commitment to the Waterloo brigade knows no bounds and his leadership has been incredibly important in building an intergenerational family culture.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke
“The investment in these new vehicles is just one example of the McGowan Government’s commitment to support volunteer firefighters in the South-West.
“Last year, the Brunswick Junction VFRS was able to upgrade its headquarters, using more than $600,000 provided through the Emergency Services Levy.
“This team plays a vital role in keeping the community safe and they have attended more than 130 incidents in the past three years, contributing 850 hours of service.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns
“I’d like to congratulate Laurence Hynes on his incredible service milestone.
“Laurie is a true local hero and has given up countless hours of his time to support his community.
“He’s still a highly committed volunteer who plays a big part in fundraising and maintenance activities which are vital to keeping Waterloo a vibrant and high-performing brigade.”
