Berridale Rural Fire Brigade: out with the old, in with the new

During proceedings Chief Superintendent Hall urged the Berridale Brigade to celebrate the opening of their new station as it is the culmination of three years hard work from brigade members.

"This station is a testament to how hard and tirelessly volunteers from the Berridale Brigade have worked to turn their dream of a new station in to a reality.

"Together over many years these volunteers managed to fundraise $20,000 towards the overall cost of the station. This substantial fundraising effort demonstrates the unwavering support they have from their local community.

"These volunteers are actively involved in their community providing fire education and training sessions in local primary schools, nursing homes, fairs and markets whenever possible.

"The Berridale Brigade outgrew their last station and so did their fire trucks. The new Brigade Station was constructed to house the newer and larger tankers that have been introduced into the brigade.

"The brigade is understandably thrilled that they now have space to comfortably move around in their new $165,000 station which boasts three trucks bays and a room to store equipment.

"I'd also like to thank the Snowy River Shire Council who have generously donated the land for this first class facility and footed the bill for the subdivision costs.

"This brigade has a proud history, banding together following the historic 1939 fires that burnt through the Snowy River district and travelled all the way to the coast.

"Since that time members from the Berridale Brigade have fought numerous big fires including the Kosciuszko Fires of 2002-03 and the Michelago Tea Tree fire a couple of years ago.

"The members here today respond to a diverse array of incidents but the main call outs in this area are to car and house fires as well as grass and forest fires.

"These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution," concluded Chief Superintendent Hall.