BY: Anthony Belton  Last Saturday week a gathering of officials, dignitaries, guests and firefighters participated in the handover ceremony of the new Iluka Fire Station and the handover of a new firefighting unit to the Minnie Water Rural Fire Brigade. A plaque attached to the new station was uncovered by the Mayor of Clarence Valley Council Jim Simmons, Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Steve York and Rural Fire Service Clarence Valley District Manager Superintendent Stuart Watts. Iluka Rural Fire Brigade Captain Bill Thompson was handed a shield commemorating the occasion by Assistant Commissioner. The Assistant Commissioner and District Manager spoke about the new station being a great new addition to the community and in conjunction with the two fire fighting appliances the brigade has will help to ensure an enhanced fire fighting capability. Minnie Water Rural Fire Brigade also attended and were officially handed a new Category 9 firefighting appliance. This type of firefighting appliance is the smallest in the Rural Fire Service fleet line up, but has great off road and remote firefighting capabilities. The new station is very large with three truck bays, a substantial kitchen, large training and meeting room and toilets and shower facilities. The new fire station will also have the capability to serve as a multi agency centre in the event of a major incident in and around Iluka. In true RFS style, everyone was treated to an excellent morning tea provided by the Clarence Valley RFS catering team.