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December 15, 2025
The National Fire Industry Association of Australia (NFIA) brought the Victorian fire protection community together on 27 Nov to celebrate the 2025 NFIA Victorian State Awards of Excellence. The evening showcased exceptional projects and professional achievements across our industry.
Walker Fire Protection won the “Outstanding Member Project: Refurbishment Award” for its work on the Museums Victoria Merri‑bek Collection Store in Coburg, Victoria.
A technically demanding live‑environment upgrade
The Merri‑bek Collection Store is a three‑level, 7,500 m² high‑bay warehouse originally constructed in the 1960s and upgraded to museum grade in 1996. Walker Fire Protection’s scope involved modernising the 1996 sprinkler protection, integrating early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers, upgraded hydrants and very early smoke detection apparatus (VESDA) early‑warning detection — all without interrupting the site’s daily operations.
Acting as prime contractor and systems integrator, Walker Fire Protection led coordination of design, staging, construction, commissioning, approvals, handover documentation and client training, while ensuring continuous life‑safety coverage.
Some project highlights included:
- Live-environment delivery. Zero downtime to collection operations
- Walker Fire Protection as prime integrator across design, staging, construction and commissioning
- Easier maintenance through sub zone isolation and flexible hose arrangements
- Use of Dropmaster DM12 system to eliminate water risks during commissioning, a rarely used but highly effective safeguard
- Very early smoke detection apparatus delivers ultra early warning with low nuisance alarms.
Client recognition for excellence
Harris HMC, the principal contractor, commended Walker Fire Protection for its outstanding contribution. Site Manager Samuel Jobe said:
“I am writing to extend my appreciation and recognition to Walker Fire Protection for your exemplary work on the Merri‑bek site as we approach project completion. Your team’s dedication, professionalism and exceptional skill have significantly contributed to the success of this project.
The collaborative effort and high level of professionalism demonstrated by your team have not gone unnoticed. It is clear that Walker Fire Protection is committed to excellence and consistently delivers top‑tier results.”
Celebrating individual achievements
Two Walker Fire Protection team members were recognised as finalists at the 2025 NFIA Victorian State Awards of Excellence:
- Jessica Campbell, Apprentice Sprinkler Fitter — Finalist, Fire Protection Apprentice of the Year
- Matthew Lane, Project Manager — Finalist, Emerging Leader Award.
This recognition underscores Walker Fire Protection’s commitment to nurturing talent and leadership at every level.
Walker Fire Protection and A.G. Coombs Group extends its congratulations to all finalists and winners at the 2025 NFIA Victorian State Awards of Excellence.
