Upgrades to Gladstone Region rural fire brigades

Here is a list of Gladstone region fireys who have been awarded with medals for their services and brigades set to get major upgrades.

Lachlan Berlin

less than 2 min read

February 15, 2022 - 11:12AM

Jason Polzin, Craig Magick, Glenn Butcher. PHOTO: Contributed

Gladstone

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The Calliope Rural Fire Brigade has been boosted with a new shed and appliances to help it conduct rescue operations on Gladstone’s rural outskirts.

According to Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher, the Calliope brigade raised $130,000 and the Gladstone Foundation $400,000 toward the new facility.

The facilities were also sponsored by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the state government’s gambling benefit fund.

“The shed extension enables the Calliope Brigade to meet current and future demand with enhanced facilities,” Mr Butcher said.

“The extension provides the brigade with three appliance bays, and office and training facilities.”

The Lowmead Rural Fire Brigade also received an upgrade, with a new Light Attack appliance worth $124,000.

“This investment in infrastructure will provide direct benefit to the Calliope, Lowmead and surrounding communities.”

QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing said the community relied on the fire brigades and having proper equipment was vital to their work.

“Central Region is vast and prone to emergency incidents and natural disasters, and this was evident with the Central Region Fires in 2018, which severely impacted the greater Gladstone area,” Mr Wassing said.

“Now, with the best possible equipment at hand, our volunteers will continue to build community resilience and protect people in the greater Gladstone area in times of need.”

An awards ceremony was also held at the event and nine volunteers were presented with the National Emergency Medal and clasps for their efforts during the nationally significant events of Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and the North Queensland Floods in 2019.

Three volunteers were presented with the National Medal, for 15 years of service of protecting life and property in their community.

Here are the recipients:

National Medals