This post incorporates an article that appeared in the Wollondilly Advertiser on 15th May 2018 by Ashleigh Tullis and a photo by Jon Russell.

Bargo RFS brigade gets new digs

Ashleigh Tullis

Bargo’s volunteer firefighters finally have a new shed to call home.

The NSW Rural Fire Service, brigade members and dignitaries officially opened the Bargo fire station at 10 Avon Dam Road on Saturday, May 12.

NSW RFS senior assistant commissioner Bruce McDonald said the $1.3 million station was partly funded by the brigade members’ fundraising effort.

The station features four truck bays, clothing racks, a meeting room, office and kitchen. The station is larger than the brigade’s previous site and also features training areas.

“The need for more room highlights the increase in the brigade’s membership over time and its increased responsibility and commitment to the Southern Highlands region,” he said.

“The NSW RFS, working cooperatively with the state and local governments, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts when dealing with emergencies in Wollondilly.”

Bargo brigade captain Greg Green said “our shed will be the best in the shire”.

“It is a big reward for brigade, the community and the RFS to have this shed,” he said.

“Our shed will be the best in the shire.”

Greg Green

Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell said he remembered meeting brigade members in 2012 when they had the vision to move out of their old, outdated station and into a purpose-built facility.

“I‘m glad, together with the RFS, that we could contribute over $1 million towards this worthy cause,” he said. “This is what can be achieved when everybody gets together. It is a fantastic shed.

“I know the dedicated volunteers will put all of these facilities to good use.”

A series of complications caused Wollondilly Council to delay purchasing the land at the new shed site until 2017. The council bought the land for $345,000.

Read more about the new Bargo fire station in the VFFA magazine, winter edition. It should arrive within the next few weeks.