Dozens of locals joined volunteers and officials to mark the occasion, enjoying tours of the upgraded facilities, an official opening ceremony and a lavish lunch.

The completed renovations at the Kioloa Fire Station include a modern kitchen, meeting space, office room and accessible toilets while the original shed has been fitted out with a new dressing room and received a facelift.

Kioloa Rural Fire Service captain Russell Clifton said the brigade was pleased with the finished project.

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“We have an absolutely fantastic result,” he said. “It’s going to make a huge difference to our brigade.”

Mr Clifton said the upgraded fire station would allow brigade members to better serve the Kioloa community. 

He thanked brigade volunteers and the community for their support.

“I really treasure the support from each and every one of you,” he told the large crowd.

During the ceremony, NSW Rural Fire Service assistant commissioner Jason Heffernan and Shoalhaven mayor Amanda Findley joined Mr Clifton to unveil a memorial plaque.

Cr Findley used her speech to highlight the important role rural fire brigades play within their communities.

“Fire brigades are really part of the social fabric of a community,” she said.

“We really appreciate what you do when times get tough.”

Cr Findley also took time to thank all the volunteers and their families.

“Good men and women go out there, but they go out with the support from their families - thank you,” Cr Findley said.

Assistant commissioner Heffernan added his praise during the ceremony and said he was proud to see the efforts of the volunteers recognised.

“It’s great to see passion and commitment alive in this brigade,” he said.

“We can’t say thank you enough for your investment into the brigade and the community.

“I wish you all successes and many more years to come in this wonderful facility.”

Acting as MC for the day, NSW Rural Fire Service Shoalhaven superintendent Mark Williams shared the history of the Kioloa brigade and congratulated the members.

“Today is an auspicious day for the brigade and the whole Shoalhaven,” he said.

Formed in 1934, the Kioloa brigade is one of the oldest active rural fire service brigades in the state and currently has 20 active members.

The station on Murramarang Road was built by dedicated volunteers in 1997 after years of fundraising. The extensions and renovations were initiated by long-serving member Brian Lynn.

While Mr Lynn died before seeing the completed renovations, Mr Clifton gave his thanks and spoke of Mr Lynn’s hard work. 

Also recognised at the ceremony was pilot Allan Tull who lost his life while fighting the Kingiman fire in Milton in August. 

A minute silence was held to honour Mr Tull and “all men and women in emergency services across NSW for the services they have given to the community”.

Following the official opening, guests came together to enjoy an afternoon provided by the RFS catering crew.