Official opening of the Waikawa fire depot

Posted on 19 October 2011

The official opening of the Waikawa fire depot took place recently, providing the community with an opportunity to visit the depot and recognise the work carried out by the voluntary fire force.

The depot was originally an old school bus shed before ownership was transferred from Southland District Council to the Southern Rural Fire Authority. A refurbishment of the building was funded by the Southern Rural Fire Authority and grants from the Mataura Licensing Trust and the National Rural Fire Authority. The building was upgraded and extended, allowing for the depot's fire appliance to be adequately stored.  

There are currently 12 voluntary members on the Waikawa volunteer rural fire force and their long standing service was recognised on the day in front of family and friends. All members were presented with service medals by operations co-ordinator of the Southern Rural Fire Authority Elton Smith who serves as a committee member on the Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand.  

Chief executive of the Southern Rural Fire Authority Mike Grant said the opening was a fitting tribute to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and thank those involved in supporting the renovation of the Waikawa fire depot.      

"It was a day for the community of Waikawa to acknowledge the work that the fire force has done and will continue to do from their very own depot," Mr Grant said.  

Names of volunteers who were presented with service medals: 

A Stronach

S Olive

M Todd

V Stronach

J Burns

I Woodrow

M Bashford

S Hayes

J Bigger

T Leonard

B Mclean

S Hill