Cowra Guardian - RFSA Grants Now Open
Published Date: 17 Feb 2014
Summary
Conditions for volunteer rural fire-fighters in 2014 could be improved with $1.5million dollars available for brigades, as well as NSW Rural Fire Service Districts.
Cowra Guardian
RFSA President, Tim Arnott said the grants are an important part of the support service the Association provides to the 70,000 plus volunteers across the state.
"It's been an extremely busy and long summer fire season, with large blazes from September right through until now," Mr Arnott said.
"It's really important that we provide financial assistance to individual brigades, support groups and districts for purposes not covered by direct Government or Council funding.
"Last year we provided several mini buses to transport volunteers safely to and from fires and training, and even portable coolers for trucks so the volunteers can have cool drinks while fighting the fires under extreme conditions.
RFSA grants support initiatives that are often beyond the funding capacity of individual brigades in NSW, particularly smaller brigades in remote locations.
"I encourage all Rural Fire Brigades from right across the state to apply," he said.
"We've developed our own scheme catalogue this year so the brigades can see some of the most popular items they can apply for however the scheme is not limited to the items in the catalogue.
"We're out to help our members to protect the community of NSW and our grants are just one way we support the NSW Rural Fire Brigades.
Applications for the 2014 Grant Scheme must be received by Tuesday, April 22. For further information on the 2014 RFSA Grant Scheme visit the RFSA website www.rfsa.org.au.
