By Derek Schlennstedt
Volunteers at Montrose CFA are pumping the iron with a new gym at their brigade.
In June, Montrose Fire Brigade received a $13,000 grant for a new health and wellbeing fitness area – the first of its kind for a volunteer station in Victoria.
After three long years of planning, the volunteers are now able to train on-site, which Rob Waters, Captain of Montrose CFA, said was a huge advantage.
“Three years ago, a personal trainer approached the brigade to see if we were interested in training together. A group of us jumped at the chance,” Captain Waters said.
“We started to develop the idea of creating a fitness area at the station for all our members.”
“Health and wellbeing is so important … training together not only builds camaraderie and increases our fitness, but it’s also great for mental wellbeing and overall wellness.
The gym includes a treadmill, a range of weights, a bench press and many other items, and volunteers are able to utilise its facilities at any time.
Since opening two months ago, Captain Waters said volunteers used it regularly both for convenience and training.
The station applied for the grant earlier this year via the Emergency Services Grant, and Captain Waters encouraged other CFA units in the area to do the same.
“It provides brigades funding for local initiatives and anything that can support or enhance your brigade,” he said.
“Not only is it a great initiative, but it’s also a benchmark for other brigades.”
