Alstonville firefighters have celebrated 100 years of service with a station reopening, while major projects move ahead at Byron Bay and Goonellabah.
Northern Rivers fire stations are receiving more than $19.8 million in new facilities and upgrades, with Alstonville’s brigade celebrating its centenary and station reopening over the weekend.
Alstonville’s $2.1 million redevelopment officially opened during the brigade’s centenary celebrations, recognising generations of firefighters who have protected the community.
The investment also includes a new $8.2 million Byron Bay Fire Station and the redevelopment of Goonellabah’s station, which played a crucial role during the 2022 floods.
Together, the projects will give local crews improved facilities for everyday operations and more capacity to support major emergency responses.
Northern Rivers fire stations: Alstonville marks 100 years
Alstonville’s upgraded station provides modern facilities for its on-call firefighters, including improved operational areas and contemporary amenities.
The reopening marks a new chapter for the brigade as it enters its second century of service.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described the centenary as “a milestone we can all be proud of”.
Byron Bay prepares for a new home
Byron Bay firefighters are a step closer to leaving the Kingsley Street station that has served the community since 1978.
Early works at the new station site are complete, with construction of the purpose-built facility about to begin.
It will form part of the new Byron Bay Emergency Services Precinct at Sandhills and include two engine bays, equipment storage, modern staff amenities, training and fitness facilities, and dedicated staff parking.
The design will separate operational areas from clean spaces to help reduce firefighters’ exposure to contaminants.
Upgrading a vital flood-response base
At Goonellabah, civil works have started on a redevelopment that will turn the Taylor Avenue station into a larger, modern emergency response facility.
During the 2022 floods, the station became a base for Fire and Rescue NSW’s large-scale response. It also temporarily accommodated Lismore firefighters after their own station was inundated.
The redevelopment, primarily funded through the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Betterment Fund, will improve facilities supporting crews across Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the projects would provide more space for equipment, training and fitness, alongside improved privacy and safety measures.
“When emergencies occur, these stations will also be able to act as crucial bases of operations for a wider FRNSW response,” he said.
Image: Retained Firefighter Thomas Cook.