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Last month I joined members of the Leopold fire brigade to officially hand over the keys to a new tanker and to thank volunteers for their service to the local community.

The new medium tanker has joined the Leopold fire brigade fleet thanks to funding through the Victorian government’s volunteer emergency services equipment program.

The fire brigade has a long history in Leopold and is now home to 53 members, including 30 operational members, who respond to around 154 incidents each year, including rescues, motor vehicle accidents and scrub, grass and house fires.

We are really grateful to have such a professional and dedicated brigade, with members giving up their time to keep our communities safe.

I know that this new tanker will also be vital in keeping the brigade members safe as well. Thank you never seems enough, but on behalf of the Bellarine community we thank the Leopold fire brigade under the guidance of captain Chris Wilkinson.