Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards has visited the Maldon CFA Brigade to officially handover a new medium tanker at the brigade’s annual awards dinner.

The medium tanker was delivered through the Labor Government’s investment of $375,000 through the 2022-23 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program with the brigade also contributing $60,000.

The four-wheel drive vehicle is designed to respond to fires in urban and rural environments. It can carry five firefighters and has a capacity of more than 2300 litres of water.

The vehicle also comes equipped with a front-mounted firefighting monitor that can be operated and allows for firefighting from inside the cabin.

“This new medium tanker will help keep Maldon CFA Brigade volunteers safe while making it easier for them to carry out their lifesaving work," Ms Edwards said.

“Thank you to the Maldon CFA Brigade volunteers for their outstanding commitment to keeping our community safe.

“We are ensuring our volunteer firefighters have the resources they need so they are well equipped for the fire season.”

The medium tanker has been named in honour of former Maldon CFA Brigade captain Kerran Webb, a highly dedicated CFA member for more than 38 years.

Kerran was instrumental to the brigade’s growth, helping acquire tankers, organise and lead strike teams and run administration and radio communications alongside wife Reba.

The Maldon CFA Brigade’s annual awards dinner recognised members who have achieved milestones with the brigade and those who have gone above and beyond in their service in CFA.

The brigade has been keeping its community safe since their establishment in 1862, with 42 members who respond to about 45 incidents a year including fires and road incidents across the Mount Alexander Shire.