The official opening of a new Rural Fire Service station at Sandy Point on Saturday was timely given the fire threat.
A total fire ban was in place, with the temperature in Sandy Point expected to reach 31 degrees.
The new facility, which replaces a station built in the 1960s, includes vehicle bays, operations and administration office, storage areas, kitchen and amenities, training room and outdoor terrace.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce, with Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) assistant commissioner Stuart Midgley, performed the official opening.
The council contributed $850,000 to the cost.
“We we know just how important this station is to the Sandy Point community, especially after the recent bush fires that swept through the area,” Cr Pesce said.
Twenty-five members of RFS brigades in the shire were presented with medals during the ceremony.
Fourteen volunteers received Long Service Medals and 11 with National Medals, in acknowledgement of their commitment to the service and community.
Special mention was made of National medal recipients Rodney Crane and Peter Miranda, both members of the Heathcote/Headquarters Brigade, who have served their local communities for 42 and 40 years respectively.
The station will hold a Get Ready Weekend on Saturday, giving people the chance to look around and putting on a sausage sizzle, jumping castle and face painting.
There will also be a a fire demonstration and tips on how to best prepare for the bushfire season.