A Hawkesbury Brigade celebrates half a century of service

NSW RFS Chief Superintendent John Parnaby said that during the past 50 years the brigade has gone from strength to strength and every member should be proud of being part of such a valuable community asset.

"Like all NSW RFS volunteers, the past and present members of the Yarramundi Rural Brigade are highly skilled, professional firefighters who have protected their community from countless fires over the years.

"It all began on a day in October 1962, when a group of residents first approached the Council for permission to form a Volunteer Fire Brigade.

"From that day on the local Yarramundi community has enjoyed a high level of fire protection, when even in the early days members only had basic fire fighting tools and a single-garage shed.

"The 50 person-strong brigade now boasts a two-bay shed housing two modern fire-fighting trucks and ample top of the line fire-fighting equipment.

"The local community is grateful for the high level of dedication that is displayed by the loyal members of this well established brigade.

"In addition to attending fire emergencies the Yarramundi area, the brigade is also active in reducing the risk to properties from bush fire by helping to plan and carry out hazard reduction burns in the area.

"While members' core business' is fighting bush and grass fires, they are often required to assist in motor vehicle accidents, house fires and lend a hand to other agencies, as we recently saw during the flood crisis that swept across much of the state.

"The diversity of these brigade members was demonstrated when they helped residents in Blacktown, the Blue Mountains and Eastern Sydney to bounce back from significant storm damage.

"It is a great honour to be here celebrating 50 years of community protection with members of this brigade; you have created a proud tradition in this community that I know will go on to thrive for another 50 years," said Chief Superintendent Parnaby.