May 18th, 2025New tanker and rehab unit for Woodend firies
The Woodend Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker and rehab unit vehicle to their engine bay, celebrating the official handover with brigade members and local dignitaries this month.
Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas on Friday, May 9 joined Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and staff in Woodend to officially hand over a new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit while thanking volunteers for their work.
The four-wheel drive Hino GT medium tanker fits up to five crew members in the cabin and replaces the brigade’s existing 25-year-old tanker.
Features include 2,000 litre firefighting water storage and an extra 650 litres for crew and vehicle protection sprays. The suppression system can be operated from inside the cabin – helping ensure brigade members are kept safe.
Woodend Brigade Captain Steve Ritchie has been involved with the brigade for 31 years and says the brigade feels proud to have a modernised firefighting fleet.
“Our old tanker served us well for 25 years, but this new vehicle provides advanced capabilities and ensures safe transport to and from incident sites,” Steve said.
“It’s a game changer for us. This tanker is a four-wheel drive and comfortably seats a crew of five, whereas our old tanker was a two-wheel drive and had our crews squished in together or travelling on the back of the truck,” Steve said.
The new rehab unit will replace their existing one and is better equipped to monitor and maintain firefighter health on the fire ground.
“We’ve replaced our makeshift unit with a purpose-built vehicle that provides enhanced safety and comfort for our team,” Steve said.
“It comfortably seats four crew members with its twin cabin and is better configured to store health monitoring systems, lighting, cool chairs, water, wash facilities, salt and sugar boosters, and first aid kits.
“It will significantly improve onsite health support for firefighters ensuring our members have a safe space to rest and recover during prolonged incidents.
“Responding to more than 230 call outs over the past two years, the streamlined configuration of both vehicles will significantly help with our crew’s communication and teamwork when responding to incidents.”
CFA District 2 Commander Hugh Kelly congratulated the brigade on their new additions.
“These vehicles are a testament to the dedication of the Woodend Fire Brigade and the community that supports them,” Hugh said.
“Both additions will be valuable assets to help keep the local community safe, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of brigade members.
“The new medium tanker and rehab unit were made possible through the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and significant brigade contributions from community and business donations.”
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “The Woodend Fire Brigade is an integral part of the Mount Macedon region. It’s a pleasure to officially handover the new medium tanker and rehabilitation unit to our hardworking volunteers.”
Words: Supplied. Images: CFA
