Victoria Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino

New Fire Station For Ararat

Victor P Taffa

A new fire station will be built in Ararat thanks to the Andrews Government, delivering a major boost to one of the state’s oldest brigades.

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino visited Ararat today to announce the state-of-the-art station will be funded as part of a $60 Million state-wide investment in firefighting facilities, training and equipment.

“We’re giving our firefighters the infrastructure, equipment and training they need to respond to emergencies and keep their communities safe.” Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino said.

“New station in Ararat will be a significant boost to fire services in the region, giving the Ararat Fire Brigade a modern base from which they can respond to emergencies.”

It will replace the Ararat Fire Brigade’s existing station in Tuson St, which was built in 1970 and has been deemed not suitable to meet the volunteer brigade’s future needs.

History of firefighting in Ararat dates back to 1859, when the Ararat Urban Fire Brigade established its original home in a hotel room.

Ararat Rural Fire Brigade was formed in 1942, with the two brigades merging in 2006 to form the Ararat Fire Brigade.

Ararat Rural Fire Brigade currently boasts 60 operational members, as well as 11 auxiliary members.

“Ararat brigade does a lot in this community and that’s why we’re ensuring they have modern facilities they deserve.” Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said.

Members respond, on average, to more than 170 incidents each year, and are also actively involved in delivering community-safety programs such as Brigades in Schools and Home Fire Safety Workshops.

Andrews Government is continuing to invest heavily in Victoria’s fire services, funding the infrastructure, training and equipment that are needed to keep communities safe.