September 23, 2020
After sharing digs with the local ambos for the past 27 years, Yarraman firefighters finally have their own base, right in the heart of town.
The $1.5 million building – erected next to the police station – was officially opened on Wednesday morning by QFES Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack and Deputy Commissioner Mark Roche in a small ceremony limited to 30 people due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Assistant Commissioner McCormack said it was a significant event for the Yarraman community and the building would service the community for generations to come.
There are currently eight auxiliary firefighters based at Yarraman – with another two in the pipeline.
Deputy Commissioner Roche said the new Yarraman fire station was a world-class facility and would be an important part of the community.
“People will drive past and see that the QFES have committed long-term to the community of Yarraman,” he said.
“It’s not only about building a facility, it’s about building a symbol for the community – a symbol that shows safety, shows trust and shows partnership within the community.”
Assistant Commissioner McCormack and Deputy Commissioner Roche also presented service clasps to two local firefighters during the ceremony.
Lieutenant Tim Wyvill received the 1st clasp to his Diligent and Ethical Service Medal and Blackbutt officer-in-charge Captain David Jones received the 1st clasp to his National Medal.
The opening of the Yarraman station followed the opening of a new fire station at Esk recently.
The Esk station, in Ipswich Street, was built as part of a joint tender with the Yarraman project, with both buildings erected by G&K Constructions, from Toowoomba.
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Kilkivan QFES Opening
Also officially opened by Assistant Commissioner McCormack and Deputy Commissioner Roche on Wednesday morning was the new QFES tri-service complex at Kilkivan.
This $1.8 million building houses the local State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service volunteers as well as the town’s auxiliary firefighters.
The new building replaces a structure built in 1971.
It is similar in construction to the new Yarraman building but has more truck bays.
Assistant Commissioner McCormack and Deputy Commissioner Roche also presented service medals to two local firefighters.
Kilkivan Officer-in-Charge Captain Russell Baxter received the National Medal and Lieutenant Paul Wardell was presented with the QFES Medal.
[Kilkivan photos courtesy of Area Commander (Gayndah Command) Kent Freeman]
