South Western Sydney better prepared for emergency

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon. David Elliott MP, was joined by State Member for Holsworthy and Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Melanie Gibbons MP, and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne AFSM, to present a $10,000 grant to the Casula Brigade for the construction of a new covered area that will enable the safe storage of trucks and other equipment.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment, infrastructure and resources they need to carry out the important work of protecting their local communities from fire and a diverse array of incidents,” Mr Elliott
said.

Assistant Commissioner Browne thanked the brigade’s 54 volunteers for their dedication, commitment and service to their communities.

“You only have to look at the last season to see how hard our skilled firefighters and support crews work to keep us safe when bush fires and emergency situations threaten,” Assistant Commissioner Browne said.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Macarthur District.”

Ms Gibbons thanked all RFS volunteers for their service to the local community and for their help right across NSW.

“Our RFS volunteers give up so much time away from their families and friends to ensure that we are safe.

“We are no stranger to bushfires in the Holsworthy electorate and I hope this funding will help keep their important equipment safe for when it is next needed.” Ms Gibbons said.

Mr Elliott and Ms Gibbons also joined NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York, at the NSW SES Liverpool Unit to announce a $10,000 grant, which will allow the unit to purchase 50 new lockers for their members, along with a new training roof, to use for
practicing responding to storm damage.

"This grant is just one example of the NSW Government’s commitment to investing in NSW SES and its volunteers, who give up their time to put the needs of others abovetheir own,” Mr Elliott said.

Ms Gibbons said it was reassuring to see the NSW Government is committed to investing in the local NSW SES.

“Over the past 12 months, our unit has responded to nearly 530 requests for assistance, with 152 of those coming through during the most recent flood event,” Ms Gibbons said.

“We are incredibly proud of our volunteers, and we know they help their community without want of any reward or recognition. I’m pleased we can make their facilities a little more comfortable and safe.”

Commissioner York thanked the Minister and NSW Government for their ongoing support of NSW SES and its volunteers.

“Members of our Liverpool Unit are skilled professionals, that help their communities through storms and floods,” Commissioner York said.

"I want to thank the volunteers, as well as their families and employers, for without their support, they would not be able to dedicate the time they do to helping their local communities,” she said.