Around 150 people enjoyed Porepunkah CFA's official community open day on Sunday, which helped celebrate the completion of its $700,000 upgrade and expansion to the fire station.
Sunday's warm weather created a relaxing afternoon for everyone, with guests enjoying tours of the upgraded facility, as well as a barbeque manned by CFA members Henry and Lynne Martin, and a Sixpence Coffee station.
Initially proposed in 2018, the $700,000 upgrade sees the fire station expanded into a cutting-edge facility with a three-bay shed, office, kitchen, change rooms, showers and toilets and modern training room with video conferencing capabilities.
Porepunkah CFA captain, Mick Dalbosco, said the new station saw a great turn out from the general community.
“People were really interested to see what we were able to upgrade during our recent station renovation," he said.
"It was great for the kids to see what's in our tanker, what's new on site and what we've got available day to day to be prepared for emergencies.
"A massive thank-you to Luke and Tabitha from Sixpence Coffee for their support; we really appreciate it and we were able to raise a fair amount from coffee donations.
"Thank you to everyone in the community who attended our new station opening and get fire-ready day."
The afternoon culminated in a talk led by Porepunkah CFA officers on the upcoming summer season's fire outlook and updating evacuation plans.
Porepunkah CFA was among a number of brigades - including Mt Hotham/Dinner Plain, Gapsted, Falls Creek and Mytleford - which hosted a Get Fire Ready event to help residents and property owners understand their local fire risk and take steps to prepare for what is expected to be another challenging fire season.
The community events were a great way to meet local CFA volunteers who provided:
• tips on preparing your home and property;
• explain Fire Danger Ratings and where to find emergency information; and
• show how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan.
UPCOMING GET FIRE READY EVENTS
• Mt Beauty/Tawonga: Saturday, 11 October, 9am to 1pm at Mt Beauty Fire Station.
• Harrietville: Sunday, 12 October, 9am to 2pm at Tavare Park.
• Ovens-Eurobin: Friday, 24 October, 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Ovens-Eurobin Fire Station.
• Bright: Monday, 27 October, 6pm to 8pm at Bright Fire Station.