THE new Tilligerry RFS state-of-the-art fire station will be fully operational ahead of the official opening day of 12 August.

Currently, members are fitting out the building with lockers and shelving which the brigade paid for out of its own funds.

Captain George Brandenburg said that the $7200 lockers were made by North Country Steel in Tamworth and Hunter Metal Market gave a 30 percent discount on the shelving.

“We raised the money by pressure testing hoses, from donations and with a $1000 annual grant from our local lady bowlers,” he said.

It is the largest RFS station in the Lower Hunter district and will house four trucks.

The cavernous truck bay itself is the size of a basketball stadium and one member referred to the other general purpose area as “The Ballroom”.

Solar heating, air conditioning, back up generator facilities and rainwater tanks: you name it they’ve got it.

There are also plans for battery storage for electricity which will take them off the grid and make them self reliant in terms of power supply.

Invitations to the grand opening will be forwarded shortly.

 

By Geoff WALKER