Lower Western Zone welcomes fire station upgrades and new truck

Summary

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) members will celebrate the completion of significant upgrades to three local fire stations, the handover of a new fire truck and a National Medal recipient at ceremonies across the Lower Western Zone today and tomorrow.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons will join members at the Curlwaa, Pooncarie and Benanee Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) stations, where extensions worth $345,100 in total have provided meeting rooms, office space, kitchenettes and bathrooms.

“Previously these stations were only able to accommodate vehicle storage and Brigade meetings were typically held outside or next to the truck,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“These extensions will allow Brigades to conduct business in furnished meeting rooms and offices, with the convenience of onsite cooking facilities and bathrooms.

“I would like to thank the NSW Government, Wentworth Shire Council, Balranald Shire Council, the Rural Fire Service Association, the Wentworth Services Club and the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club for their generous contributions which made these extensions possible.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons had the honour of presenting Curlwaa RFB Senior Deputy Captain Ray Hill with the National Medal and 1st Clasp, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Wentworth Shire.

“During his 29 years of service, Ray has been an invaluable member of both local, out of area and interstate task forces, in addition to undertaking truck servicing, vehicle restoration and various leadership roles within the River Brigades Group,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Ray’s enthusiasm and dedication to both his Brigade and Group activities is both appreciated and admired by his fellow members and the broader community and it is a privilege to present him with this well-deserved honour.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons officially handed over a new Category 1 village firefighting tanker worth $321,860 to the Balranald HQ Brigade, which replaces an older style truck.

“The previous vehicle served the Brigade well for many years and I am confident this new state-of-the-art tanker will enable the Balranald HQ Brigade to provide an even greater level of fire protection to the local community,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Attached files:

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855