New facilities equip group for the future

Members of the Waroona West Fire Brigade celebrated the opening of their new state of the art modern facilities when they hosted volunteers, financial supporters and guests alike at their official opening last week.

"I've been to many bush fire shed openings around Western Australia, but it is especially pleasing when it is the first time that a brigade has had a purpose-built facility. This new facility will make a big difference to the Waroona West Bush Fire Brigade, which has faced some of our State's worst fires,” said Minister for Emergency Services Fran Logan.

The new premises houses two appliance bays, a communications headquarters, wet room, ablutions, training room, kitchen and outdoor patio area.

Current and retired Alcoa employees attended the opening of the new facility.

“I want to acknowledge all the hard work of Shire staff, members of the brigade, the donors of the land, Helen & Mick Muir, and the financial contributions made towards the building by the Emergency Services Levy, Shire of Waroona and the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund,” said Mike Walmsley, Waroona Shire President.

Located on the Shire’s main east west arterial link (Peppermint Grove-Coronation Road) this will enable the brigade to quickly respond to any emergency and support residents from Preston Beach to the Waroona.

“Assisting deliver facilities like these is exactly what the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund has been designed to do, it’s great to support the community and particularly those who work for Alcoa and volunteer so much time of their own protecting and aiding the community during the summer fire period,” said Wagerup Refinery, Manager Adam Gilbert.

Since 2008, Alcoa has contributed $5.2 million to the sustainability funds, of which $2.7 million has been allocated to more than 55 community groups for 75 various projects. Significantly this money has been leveraged to generate an additional $12 million for the local communities.

Alcoa contributes annually to each sustainability fund held by the shire’s based on alumina production from the company’s Wagerup Refinery. A minimum of half of all funds contributed remain in reserve with the other half available for distribution.