Kalgan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade has new home after DFES and City of Albany boost local fundraising efforts

A new purpose-built fire station was opened in Kalgan on Saturday, giving the local bushfire brigade a modern facility to support its growing membership and emergency response capability. The new home of the Kalgan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, featuring a modern drive-through design with large bays for appliances, was opened by Albany mayor Greg Stocks, Department of Fire and Emergency Services Acting Great Southern Supt Diarmud Kinsella, brigade captain Darryl Bradley and president Grant Solomon. The facility also has a meeting and training room, improved water-refilling infrastructure, and an area for cleaning and decontaminating personal protective clothing. The 5000sqm of land for the station was donated by John and Kerry Smeeton, and the building was funded by the DFES, the City of Albany, and the Kalgan Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. DFES provided more than $1.3 million through the Local Government Grant Scheme, and the city provided $153,000 and project management support. The brigade matched the city’s contribution through extensive fundraising. The Kalgan brigade has protected the community for more than 80 years. Its new home replaces a 1984-built facility, which no longer met operational or safety requirements. Mr Solomon said the project had been in the works for more than a decade. “Prior to this building, we had three old sheds which didn’t have any running water, had no toilet facilities, was very cold in winter, and very hot in summer,” he said. “So this is a big step up from that. “The end result of our campaign is this shed and meeting room, which is probably one of the best in the Great Southern, without a doubt.” Mr Stocks said the new facility met the needs of volunteers and the community. “This project has been driven by years of local fundraising, strong community support, and a clear need for a safe and modern station,” he said. “Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to protecting lives and property, and this fit-for-purpose facility will support them for many years to come. “The city appreciates the partnership with DFES and the generosity of the Smeeton family, whose land donation made it possible to deliver a station that meets current and future needs.” The brigade has 111 members and has attended more than 100 incidents in the past three years.