Opening of the new Secret Harbour Fire and Rescue volunteer Fire Station

22/6/99
Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince has officially opened the new $260,000 Fire and Rescue Service volunteer fire station at Secret Harbour.
The station, which was designed by architects Brand Deacon and Hay and built by Centre Line Construction, will accommodate firefighting appliances of the Secret Harbour brigade, including a new dual cab general purpose appliance.
The state-of-the-art building, in Oasis Drive, replaces the brigade's former temporary accommodation in a golf course maintenance shed.
"The Secret Harbour Volunteer Fire Brigade has evolved from a fledgling organisation only three years ago to a highly trained and dedicated group of 18 active firefighters," Mr Prince said.
"The brigade now has responsibility for structural fire protection for the communities of Secret Harbour, Golden Bay and Singleton, as well as attending road rescue and hazardous materials incidents.
"Since its establishment, the brigade, under the superb leadership of captain Kevin Archer, has attended many fire callouts at homes, bushland, businesses and community facilities in the Secret Harbour area.
"Clearly an extensive contribution from a range of people has been made towards the development of the new Secret Harbour facility, which is a first-class and much needed service."
The Secret Harbour Brigade was established in 1996 following liaison between the Fire and Rescue Service South Region, planning section of the FRS and the Rockingham Shire.
Following an analysis of the requirements of the Rockingham region in 1995, Secret Harbour was identified as being a suitable site for a fire and rescue service.
A recruitment drive in September 1996 resulted in 12 successful applicants commencing training in firefighting, breathing apparatus, hazardous materials, rescue and emergency driving skills.
The brigade later met certain outcomes and was commissioned in November 1996.
Mr Prince congratulated Mr Archer for his leadership in developing fire services in the Rockingham region and recognised Mr Paul Easthope of Secret Harbour developers and Mr Alan Devlin of the Secret Harbour Golf Course for their support.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9220 5000