Stroud SES volunteers have a new home that is about three times the size of their old one, after the official opening of their $2.1 million headquarters.
The opening was held on Saturday, 17 October. The new base on Gloucester Street, near Allen Park, replaces the former building at Booral.
The extra space gives volunteers more room to train, store equipment, and respond to emergencies. MidCoast Council managed construction for the NSW State Emergency Service, with funding from the NSW Government.
“Our SES volunteers play an incredibly important role in keeping our communities safe, particularly in a region like ours that is no stranger to floods and severe weather,” said MidCoast Council Mayor Alan Tickle.
“This new facility provides them with the space, equipment storage and modern amenities they need to carry out their work safely and effectively.”
“It’s a significant improvement on their previous premises and a great investment in the safety and resilience of our community.”
The headquarters has a training room, kitchen, office, change facilities, showers, a vehicle garage, and more equipment storage.
It will support volunteers responding to storms, floods, road crashes, and other emergencies. Their patch stretches from Barrington Tops National Park to Tea Gardens and the northern coast of Port Stephens.
Over the past three years, Stroud SES volunteers have responded to about 350 incidents.
Mayor Tickle said the council was proud to have helped deliver the project.
“This project has been a great example of Council working alongside the NSW Government and SES to deliver infrastructure that makes a real difference to our community,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for funding the project and acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved in bringing it to life.”
“Most importantly, I want to thank our SES volunteers for the time and dedication they give to helping others.”
“This is a facility they can be proud of for many years to come.”
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