CLONBINANE CFA has welcomed a $17,000 donation from Southern Cross Gold to finalise the purchase of a new Field Command Vehicle.
Captain Tom Snaith said the vehicle will be used to control incidents, manage strike teams, guide multiple fire appliances and for volunteer transport to courses and meetings.
While based at Clonbinane, the vehicle will also be used to protect and service nearby communities including Broadford, Wandong, Kilmore, Glenaroua, Strath Creek- Reedy Creek, Tallarook and other areas.
“The donation from Southern Cross Gold along with a state government Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grant means we have taken delivery and own the vehicle,” Captain Snaith said.
“This is a huge, huge thing for Clonbinane CFA. Being a 100 per cent volunteer organisation, Clonbinane CFA members spend countless hours fund-raising to better our community. A sum of this size is something that would take us tens of years to raise and we and the neighbouring communities are very grateful.
“It is a much better vehicle than the previous Field Command Vehicle, it’s moved us with the times in terms of capabilities, communications, equipment and is much more user-friendly for our volunteers,” he said.
In announcing the donation, sixth-generation Clonbinane local and Southern Cross Gold President and CEO/Managing Director Michael Hudson said: “Creating a safe environment for our staff and neighbours is of critical importance to SXGC.
“Southern Cross Gold understands and takes seriously the risk of bushfire in Clonbinane and has heavily invested in our own fire preparedness and response plan and equipment.
“We work closely with the Clonbinane CFA each year to ensure our operations and teams are fully prepared for the fire season. It is important for Southern Cross Gold that we’re a part of and give back to the community.”
This donation follows an $8,000 donation to Clonbinane CFA last year for new hoses and other equipment.
