Published on Saturday, 29 November 2025 at 12:21:00 PM
A new purpose-built fire station has opened in Kalgan, giving the Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade a modern facility to support its growing membership and emergency response capability.
The project was made possible through strong partnership and community support. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) contributed more than $1.3 million through the Local Government Grant Scheme, the City of Albany provided more than $153,000 and project management support, and the Kalgan Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade contributed $153,000 through extensive fundraising efforts. The project also benefited from a one-hectare land donation from John and Kerry Smeeton, and was built by Smith Constructions.
The Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade has protected the Lower Kalgan community for more than 80 years, and the new station replaces an ageing 1984 shed that no longer met operational or safety requirements.
Volunteers respond to rural and urban bushfires within the City of Albany and support structure fires, road crash rescues, search and rescue incidents, training and incident management across the region.
The new facility features a modern drive-through design with large appliance bays, fit-for-purpose ablutions, and designated personal protective clothing cleaning and storage areas to reduce contamination risks. It includes a meeting and training room with multimedia capability, improved water-refilling infrastructure, and concrete hardstand to support safe and efficient operations.
City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks officially opened the new station on Saturday, 29 November 2025 and said the facility reflects the long-term commitment of volunteers and the wider community.
“This project has been driven by years of local fundraising, strong community support and a clear need for a safe and modern station,” he said.
“Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to protecting lives and property, and this fit-for-purpose facility will support them for many years to come.
“The City appreciates the partnership with DFES and the generosity of the Smeeton family, whose land donation made it possible to deliver a station that meets current and future needs.”
The Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade has 111 members and has attended more than 100 incidents in the past three years. Volunteers remain active in local training, resilience education and bushfire preparedness.
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