Mallacoota Fire Brigade’s hardworking volunteers are now better equipped with new community-owned fire tanker.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, had a look over the new tanker on a recent visit to Mallacoota.

The new tanker will primarily be based at the Gipsy Point satellite fire station during the fire season. At other times, it will be in Mallacoota as the second tanker.

The tanker was bought with money raised by the local brigade and the community and with donations from the community bank, resident associations, op shop and generous locals. These efforts were supported with a government grant.

During his visit, Mr Chester was given a rundown of the tanker’s capabilities.

“This new tanker has safety features that will help to protect the volunteers as they work to protect the community,” Mr Chester said.

“A second tanker is also a welcome boost to the fire fighting capacity of volunteers in Mallacoota and surrounding areas.

“This area’s remoteness means it is particularly important to ensure the community has the equipment it needs to protect itself from the threat of fire.

“This second tanker will help them to better protect the community from the threat of fire throughout the year and during the hot, dry summer months.

“So far, it’s been a relatively quiet fire season for Mallacoota fire brigade, but the hot weather isn’t over yet and there are still a number of fires burning across Gippsland.”

Mr Chester took the opportunity to thank the CFA volunteers who give up their time to protect and help others.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our country communities,” he said.

“Their willingness to give their time, energy and knowledge for the benefit of the rest of us is something for which we all should say thank you.”

PICTURED: Mallacoota Fire Brigade captain, Rod Lewis, volunteer, Tracey Joiner, and District 11 Operations Officer, Daryl Hunter, with Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, and the new tanker