New vehicle supports CFA Mount Alexander Group Brigades

New vehicle supports CFA Mount Alexander Group Brigades Main Image

30 May 2022

The CFA Mount Alexander Group of brigades are better equipped to respond to major emergencies and save lives, after receiving a brand-new Field Command Vehicle (FCV).

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edward visited Castlemaine Fire Station on Saturday 28 May 2022 to officially handover the vehicle and thank local volunteer firefighters for their work protecting the community.

The $55,000 FCV has been delivered by the Andrews Labor Government, which provided more than $20,000 through its Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, while $23,863 was provided through the trade in of the older FCV and a further $10,685 provided through the Mt Alexander Group of brigades’ contribution.

The new 4x4 Twin Cab FCV will be deployed as part of a strike team, enabling firefighters to support surrounding brigades and respond as efficiently and safely as possible to large scale incidents.

The new vehcile, which replaces an older model, includes radio communications, a light bar, bull bar and reversing camera, and can safely carrying a five-person crew to emergency incidents. 

The Mt Alexander Group includes eight brigades – Castlemaine Chewton, Elphinstone, Harcourt, Langley-Barfold, Metcalfe, Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek and Taradale Fire Brigades – and a total membership of 353 members.

The Mt Alexander Group has played a vital role in protecting the Victorian community, responding to major incidents, including coordinating strike team deployments during the 2019/20 Bushfires, the 2009 Victorian bushfires, and large industrial incidents, including gas leaks in Castlemaine.

The group operates a Local Command Facility (LCF) out of the group headquarters, located in Castlemaine Fire Station, where the new FCV is housed.

“The Mt Alexander Group of brigades plays an enormous role in protecting the Victorian community and this new Field Command Vehicle is what the brigades need and deserve,” Ms Edwards said.

“This Labor Government has ensured our fire agencies across the state are well equipped and resourced so Victorians can be protected now and well into the future.”