THE NEW and improved Delroy Fire Station and Regional West Area office opened yesterday after a $840,000 upgrade to the facility.
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With firefighters past and present, representatives from emergency services and Dubbo MP Troy Grant in attendance, the new-look station unveiled its upgraded operations and training rooms.
Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner Greg Mullins officially opened the station, thanking the local firefighters for their tireless efforts during the past year, particularly during the bushfire season.
"Last financial year alone, this retained station responded to 480 fire and emergency incidents and undertook 12 community safety education and engagement activities," Mr Mullins said.
"Many of these calls were to assist Delroy's neighbours in towns such as Walgett, Nyngan, Dunedoo and Forbes."
The station has been expanded to include the area and zone office and has been upgraded with kitchen and amenities for both men and women, new training rooms and training facilities.
The upgrade took several months to compete after the station was allocated a grant for the work as part of the 2011-12 NSW State Budget.
Commissioner Mullins thanked NSW Public Works, Barnson Pty Ltd and BLD Constructions Pty Ltd for their work on the project.
“I’d also like to thank our colleagues, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), for allowing Delroy Fire Station to temporarily relocate to their nearby site for the duration of the construction,” he said.
Mr Grant said the renovation brought the building up to modern standards with better facilities for fire fighters and improved storage.
“The improved facilities will provide a bigger and better base for the 22 retained, or on-call, fire fighters who protect the community,” he said.
“It will boost their ability to continue their work in keeping our community safe and protected from fires and other emergencies.”
Yesterday’s date was a fitting way to open the station, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Delroy Fire Station.
Commissioner Mullins also mentioned significant incidents over the past 30 years such as the 2003 Dubbo City Council Chambers fire which damaged two levels of the building and basement, and the tragic 2004 house fire in which three children perished.
Fire fighters from Fire & Rescue NSW Delroy Fire Station were part of Strike Team Oscar, which was committed to saving the Siding Spring Observatory at Coonabarabran during the devastating January bushfires.