RELIEF was palpable at the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service AGM on Thursday, 18 May, as it was officially announced that the Fire Station’s septic tank had finally been replaced.

There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around, the cause of all regrets had gone away, and they had joined the civilised world with a fully functioning toilet, flush and all.

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After groundwater surges from La Nina’s wrath last year, the old septic tank had popped out of the ground in a most unsanitary way, the recent extraction and replacement of the tank became absolutely necessary.

Several of the 48 members were present at the AGM in Tea Gardens, many visibly moved that they no longer had to consider fundamental functions before heading out to protect the town from fires.

The announcement came amidst the routine annual vacating and re-electing of leadership positions.

“We finally have basic facilities in Tea Gardens, the first time since August last year,” said Captain David Bright, newly re-instated for another two years by the AGM.

As torrential rain pounded the station’s metal roof, members inside would have felt a familiar angst about being trapped in a small station with dozens of others.

However, all anxiety has now been flushed away.

“We’d all like to thank the organisations that have helped the local Brigade with donations necessary to make these things happen, since we are 100 percent volunteer.”

This was a somewhat fitting, if not an overlong delay, given that the announcement came during National Volunteer Week.

“The next step is to build a second bathroom for our female volunteers, which will also be fully accessible,” Captain Bright added.

By Thomas O’KEEFE