Celebration for new Parkes Brigade Station and long serving members

The Hon Sam Farraway MLC will join NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Peter McKechnie at the ceremony to be held at the brigade’s new station on Hanlon Street, Parkes.

Mr Farraway said the $870,000 station was part funded by the State Government, Parkes Shire Council and by fundraising efforts from brigade members who should all be incredibly proud of the new facility.

“Outgrowing the previous location, this new station will further help members of the Parkes Brigade assist with training and the fighting of fires locally, providing enhanced support to volunteers as well as the communities they protect,” Mr Farraway said.

“This location has four vehicle bays, office, training and store room, kitchen and bathroom facilities.

“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when bush fires and emergency situations threaten and I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the NSW RFS members for their outstanding efforts.”

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie will also present Long Service Medals to 13 members from the Mid Lachlan Valley Team, in acknowledgement of their commitment to the Service and community.

“Congratulations to Ron Fisher, who joined the Yarrabandi / Monomie Brigade in 1959 and is being recognised for his 61 years’ service,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.

“A dedicated member, Ron held the position of Senior Deputy Captain from 1976 to 1978.”

“I also congratulate Robert McConkey on his 52 years’ service, a Life Member of the Bodalla Brigade which he joined in 1967 and then Parkes Headquarters in 2000 and Willow Tree Brigade in 2007.

One Long Service Medal will also be presented posthumously, with Martha Anne Jackson being remembered for her 39 years of service, most recently as a valued member of the Parkes Headquarters Brigade.

“While these members do not volunteer their time for the accolades, I am proud to present them with these medals as an acknowledgement of their efforts.”

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said the occasion was the perfect opportunity for the community to acknowledge and pay tribute to the efforts of local volunteers and their families.

“It is an absolute honour to present these awards and to take a moment in which we can reflect upon the outstanding contribution of these members,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support and patience to help Rural Fire Service volunteers do what they do.”