Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and State Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland joined NSW Rural Fire Service Acting Area Commander South Eastern, Chief Superintendent Matthew Reeves, brigade members, council representatives and community members to officially open the upgraded facility on Saturday.

Dr Holland said the $1.1 million station upgrade would not only provide the brigade with modern operational facilities but also offer the community a place of last resort during a bush fire emergency.

"Rural Fire Service volunteers put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities, often under the most challenging conditions. They deserve facilities that match their professionalism and commitment," Dr Holland said.

"This upgraded station is a significant investment in the safety and resilience of the Deua River community. It not only provides our dedicated volunteers with modern facilities to train, prepare and respond to emergencies, but also offers local residents a designated Neighbourhood Safer Place if they are ever faced with an extreme bush fire emergency."

"As someone who lived and worked through the Black Summer bushfires, I know the importance of being prepared. Investments like this strengthen our emergency response capability and help ensure communities are better equipped to face future bush fire seasons."

"I thank the Deua River Rural Fire Brigade volunteers for their extraordinary service and commitment. Their dedication to protecting lives, homes and the environment is deeply appreciated, and this upgraded station is a fitting recognition of the invaluable role they play in our community."

Mrs Phillips said she was proud to support improvements that would strengthen the capacity of local firefighters and community preparedness in the event of future disasters.

“Supported by the Australian Government, the Neighbourhood Safer Places program ensures locations in rural and remote areas, like the Deua River, can be made more resilient so they can be a community gathering point during bush fire events,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The Black Summer Bush fires really highlighted the need for appropriate community shelters, and I’m really pleased to see the asset protection zones and building works at Deua River completed.

“Our volunteer firefighters are true heroes. We have been through a lot together. They help us, protect us and put their lives on the line for us and we are very grateful for everything they do.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Acting Area Commander South Eastern, Chief Superintendent Matthew Reeves, said the upgraded station would significantly enhance the brigade's ability to support the local community during emergencies.

"The upgrade has delivered a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, including a multifunction meeting and training room, kitchen, storeroom, locker rooms with showers and amenities, and improved operational workspaces throughout the station," Chief Superintendent Reeves said.

"This upgrade builds on decades of service by the Deua River Brigade, whose original station was constructed by volunteers after the brigade was established in the early 1980s."

"With the potential for another challenging bush fire season, particularly across the Far South Coast, it is essential that our volunteers have access to the best possible facilities and resources to support the vital work they do protecting the community."

"We also acknowledge and thank the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation of NSW for their support in enabling vegetation management around the station, allowing the facility to meet the requirements to be designated as an official Neighbourhood Safer Place."