Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, this week visited Mildura Station 72 to get a firsthand introduction to all things Fire Rescue Victoria and the demanding roles for which its firefighters are responsible.
Ms Benham says from alarm to action is counted in seconds, not minutes.
She says the first trucks from the permanently manned fire station “are out the door in 90 seconds (or less) and on the road to wherever the emergency has been reported”.
“Not only do they fight fires, I also learnt the FRV firefighters support our amazing ambulance members with high performance CPR and response,” she says.
Mildura is home to more than 50,000 and the work FRV does is imperative to the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.
Ms Benham says after meeting with Keith and Nathan, two members of the fire crews stationed here, it further emphasised the need for the Victorian Government to address the unique river community challenges of cross-border issues.
She says, like all fire stations – FRV or CFA – you must take into consideration the radial boundaries affected by state borders.
“In a regional, cross border city the size of Mildura, we need first responders who can assist the community no matter what side of the river they live on,” Ms Benham added.
“For Mildura the responsibility is even more extensive – Swan Hill, for example, covers Victoria and NSW but Mildura is unique in that it is also the frontline for emergencies across the South Australian border as well,” she says.
“I know I say it a lot, but I personally can’t help but be in total awe of what we, as a community, get from our first responders, regardless of the uniform you wear.
“You’re all incredible people, the FRV, our wonderful CFA volunteers, our ambos and police, and you all do it for the benefit of other people, and as someone based in this town, I can assure you we are incredibly grateful.”
Jade Benham MP with her sons enjoying the school holidays at Station 72
