2 The Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama has officially handed over the new command Vehicle to The Rocky Point Fire Brigade, marking a significant milestone for the local volunteer emergency service and wider community. The vehicle was funded as a joint campaign by the Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama and the Rocky Point Fire Brigade with strong support from local sponsors and businesses. The new command vehicle will enhance the brigade’s operational capability by providing improved on-scene coordination, communication, and general utility requirements. The vehicle handover was recognised at a well-attended community event at the Jacobs Well Hotel on Tuesday 17 March 2026 bringing together local volunteers, sponsors, community members, and dignitaries to celebrate the collaborative effort behind the project. Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama President Russell Mowles acknowledged the dignitaries in attendance. The State Member for Coomera, Michael Crandon, Gold Coast City Councill Division 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Mark Hammel, Rotary Area Governor, Terry Newman, and Beenleigh Rotary President Tony Sykes, Queensland Fire Department Representative, Inspector Mark Wilkenson. Mr Mowles thanked the individual major sponsors, Craig and Nikky Dowling of Centra Developments, Brian, Mitchell and Fraser Gassman of Gassman Development Perspectives, Todd, and Camille Pepper who kindly donated and aided the collaborative effort behind the project . On behalf of Rotary and our local Ormeau, Pimpama, and surrounding communities, I want to thank our sponsors and supporters who helped make this project possible,” Mr Mowles said. This vehicle will significantly enhance the brigade’s operational capability by improving the on-scene co-ordination, communication, and support for our volunteer firefighters. Mr Mowles said the project highlighted the strength of community partnerships. “This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when volunteer organisations, local Government and local businesses work together to support the people who serve on the front line,” he said. A further highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rotary’s highest honour, The Paul Harris Fellow award, to GCCC Division One Councillor and Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel. Mr Mowles said, “The award recognises Cr Hammels assistance in helping secure sponsorships as well as his previous assistance in supporting The Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama initiatives including, a command vehicle for the Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade and a 12– seater bus for “Esuarve”, a local award winning, not for profit group dedicated to assisting and helping disengaged youth in our community. Mr Hammel said he was humbled by the recognition and praised the strength of community partnerships across the Northern Gold Coast. This new command vehicle will make a real difference to the Rocky Point Fire Brigade and the volunteers who put their hand up to protect our community, ”Cr Hammel said. But more broadly, tonight is really about recognising the people, organisations and businesses in our community continue to step up and support local volunteer groups. I am incredibly humbled by the recognition, but the real credit belongs to The Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama, the sponsors and the volunteers who make projects like this possible. The event was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when volunteer groups, local government and businesses and volunteers work together. The new command vehicle stands as a symbol of community spirit and the shared commitment to supporting those who serve on the front line. Through partnership and service, the Ormeau-Pimpama community continues to show its unwavering support for its local volunteer groups. Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama hands over Command Fire Vehicle to Rocky Point Fire Brigade Rotary Club of Ormeau-Pimpama
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