Kalgan Bush Fire Brigade has a new fire station, thanks to a project collaboration between the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the City of Albany, the Kalgan Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Smith Constructions, and John and Kerry Smeeton.
The new facility, in southern Western Australia, replaces a shed that was built in 1984. It features a 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 also has a meeting and training room with multimedia capability, improved water-refilling infrastructure, and concrete hardstand to support safe and efficient operations.
While DFES contributed more than $1.3 million towards the project, it was a community effort with the Brigade fundraising $153,000 and the City of Albany matching those funds, plus providing project management support. John and Kerry Smeeton donated one hectare of land and Smith Constructions built the fire station.
City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks officially opened the new station on Saturday 29 November 2025. “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.
“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 Brigade is staffed by more than 100 volunteers who 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.