LIKE the African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child, it can be said that it takes a community to help keep us safe. In this vein, the wider community came together to help the Buxton Fire Brigade recently take delivery of two new Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) sets for their 2000lt tanker along with additional portable radios and other associated equipment used during CABA operations. The brigade worked with the Buxton Progress Association to secure funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. Those funds were donated by the Sidney Myer Foundation to FRRR's Strengthening Rural Communities program. In 2019, the brigade took delivery of a 1800lt Light Tanker and, at that time, requested the vehicle be equipped with CABA. As outlined in the grant application, eventually CFA decided to commence a new design project to develop a dedicated small tanker specifically designed to carry CABA and the brigade was invited to participate in the prototype tanker's working party. The project was completed early this year and, in recognition of the brigade's advocacy, the 2000lt prototype tanker was allocated to Buxton in March. The grant application explained that rather than transfer the CABA from Tanker 1, as originally planned, it was decided to seek funding for additional equipment so both appliances carried this important safety equipment. This was a reflection of two changes over the period that had elapsed since 2019: the changeover of the old single cab Tanker 1 with a larger twin cab appliance and the number of houses build in the area which had increased the structural fire risk in and around the town. This led to the brigade and BPA joining forces to seek grant funding for the additional equipment. As part of the FRRR grant application, the BPA sought Letters of Support from various organisations in and around the town, including the neighbouring brigades, but also circulated a petition for people to pledge their support to this important initiative. Being able to show the project had strong community support was a very important part of the grant request. While there are a small number of earlier CFA Light Tankers around the state that have been retrofitted with CABA, Buxton Tanker 2 is the first of the new build specifically intended to carry CABA sets. In a recent Facebook comment, Buxton CFA Captain Matt Mallet said, “Buxton Tanker 2 is the first of its kind to be purpose built with the CABA brackets factory fitted before leaving the shop. Needless to say, we are pretty chuffed about it.” In acknowledging the conclusion of the procurement phase, the BPA told FRRR, "We wouldn't have been able to do any of this without the help of everyone who supported our efforts and, in particular, all the people who pledged their support in writing." The project represents an investment of more than $23,000 in the Triangle community with just over $16,000 provided through FRRR and the Sidney Myer Foundation along with a small contribution from Buxton 3711 Community Fund. The BPA acknowledged the efforts of the brigade members who facilitated the procurement and commissioning of the new equipment, along with the staff at CFA Northeast Region, CFA District 12 HQ, the CFA Communications Department, and the CFA Protective Equipment Section who all worked together to support the brigade.
