Johns River opens new $1.6 million fire station
Modern facility built to support local firefighters
NSWThe New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service has officially opened a new $1.6 million fire station for the Johns River Rural Fire Brigade.
The opening was celebrated on Thursday 9 October 2025 with brigade members, community guests and Rural Fire Service (RFS) Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie in attendance.
The new purpose-built facility replaces the brigade’s previous weathered station, which was no longer suitable for operational needs.
Deputy Commissioner McKechnie described the opening as an important day for both the brigade and the local community.
Peter McKechnie, RFS Deputy Commissioner, said: “The brand-new facility located on the existing site sees two vehicle bays, a dedicated office, multi-purpose meeting and training room as well as accessible amenities.”
“It has been designed with state-of-the-art technology and firefighter health and safety in mind, replacing the existing weathered facility which is no longer fit-for-purpose in the current day and age.”
Jointly funded project supports long-term community protection
According to the RFS, the project was supported through combined funding from the Bush Fire Local Economic Relief Fund (BLERF), the Rural Fire Fighting Fund and local brigade fundraising efforts.
Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “The million-dollar plus investment includes brigade fundraising efforts, as well as funding through the Bush Fire Local Economic Relief Fund and the Rural Fire Fighting Fund.”
He noted that the new station provides modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will support members well into the future.
McKechnie added: “The RFS is dedicated to providing our members with the latest technology and facilities to ensure they are prepared to respond when emergencies arise.”
Appreciation extended to local volunteers and supporters
The Deputy Commissioner also thanked local members, families and employers who continue to support the brigade’s work across the Mid Coast area.
He said: “Our members don’t just attend emergency incidents; they also have a strong focus on preparedness and continually engage with the community about the threat of fires.”
“I take this opportunity to thank all of them, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Mid Coast area.”
“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The opening of the new Johns River Rural Fire Brigade station highlights the ongoing investment in regional emergency infrastructure within New South Wales.
For fire and rescue chiefs, it demonstrates how funding from multiple sources – including government recovery programs and local fundraising – can deliver sustainable facilities for volunteer services.
For training officers and brigade managers, the inclusion of a dedicated training and meeting room supports operational readiness and continuous development.
For equipment specifiers and facility planners, the project provides an example of how modern station design integrates firefighter health, safety and technology upgrades into one site.