It was a historic day for Cobram as the new state-of-the-art Cobram SES headquarters was officially opened.
The vehicle bay of the new facility was packed as dignitaries, members of the emergency services, politicians, members of various Cobram social organisations and the media watched as Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes opened the facility.
In her speech, Ms Symes noted that Cobram SES was one of the most active units in the state, attending more than 100 callouts a year, and the new facility would help members continue to serve the community.
“VICSES Cobram volunteers now have the purpose-built facility they deserve, right here in town, allowing them to keep the community safe without having to go over the border,” Ms Symes said.
Before the opening of the facility on Cobram-Koonoomoo Rd, the Cobram SES unit operated out of Tocumwal.
The new facility includes four motor bays, a well-equipped office space, dedicated communications and training rooms as well as locker rooms.
The building will house the 25-strong Cobram SES team, though it can hold up to 45 members.
The facility cost more than $6 million.
Talking after the short ceremony, Cobram SES deputy unit controller Luke Herezo said he couldn’t be happier.
“This new facility means the world to not only me, but to us as a group,” Mr Herezo said.
“It allows us to be in a state-of-the-art facility as we go forward to better serve the community.”
For Cobram SES member Carrie Hawke, the event was the culmination of years of hard work, starting in 2014, petitioning politicians and various organisations to create a permanent home for the Cobram SES unit.
For her, the new facility is what dreams are made of and an excellent opportunity to ensure that Cobram SES will remain strong.
“The facility is beyond what I expected,” Ms Hawke said.
“It means that we can get more people involved in the SES.”
Administrator for Moira Shire Council, Graeme Emonson, said the new Cobram SES facility was a testament to the high level of service the unit provides.
“The Cobram SES Unit is very deserving of this fantastic new facility, and it is a demonstration of all the incredible hard work this team provides to our community,” Mr Emonson said.