Thursday 19th June 2014
The development of a new museum in the South East dedicated to South Australia’s fire fighting history progressed to its next stage with an appeal for donations to help accelerate the project.
A committee of CFS volunteers who came up with the proposal eight years ago have been the driving force behind SA Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum which has secured a site in Smith Street at Naracoorte.
SAVFFM chairman Rex Hall said the building plans have been completed and with planning approvals pending was hoping for South Australians and private businesses to help kick-start its construction.
“This is a private project driven by a small group of CFS volunteers for the benefit of South Australians to preserve the state’s fire fighting history for future generations,” Mr Hall said.
“We’re relying on support from private donations and the private business sector which will be greatly appreciated for this museum to be the first of its kind in South Australia.”
The first stage of the project will involve the construction of a 25 x 25 metre shed on a concrete slab.
“Stage one of construction for the steel-framed shed, cement floor and fittings will cost around $150,000,” Mr Hall said.
The SAVFFM has acquired 20 decommissioned fire appliances with some of them restored by volunteers, in addition to a substantial collection of miscellaneous fire fighting items which will be stored at the museum in Naracoorte.
“These items which are being temporarily housed in sheds and shipping containers at the Naracoorte showground, include uniforms, protective equipment, training aids, maps, photos, and general memorabilia, some dating back almost a century,” Mr Hall said.
“The new museum will not only present South Australia’s volunteer fire fighting history but will also be somewhere to commemorate the contributions of past and present CFS volunteer firefighters towards their communities.”
Tax deductible donations or sponsorship for the SAVFFM project can be forwarded to PO Box 1222, Naracoorte, SA. 5271.
Further information on the museum is available from the SAVFFM website at www.savffm.net.au
For further enquiries contact Rex Hall on (08) 8762 1424 or 0417 081 560