Castlereagh Zone celebrates volunteers and welcomes $1.25m investment

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons will attend ceremonies at Leadville and Binnaway to thank all involved for their ongoing dedication to protecting lives and properties in the area.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the new $300,000 Mowrock Brigade station at Binnaway would provide enhanced support to Castlereagh Zone volunteers as well as the communities they protect.

“This is the first official station for the brigade and features two vehicle bays, storeroom, kitchen and bathroom and I thank the Warrumbungle Shire Council for their contribution towards this new facility,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Ensuring our men and women in the NSW RFS have the most modern equipment and resources to protect their local communities has been, and will remain, a key priority.”

The Merrygoen and Leadville Brigades will also each officially receive a replacement Category 1 tanker and the Castlereagh Support Brigade is to receive a new Operational Command Vehicle, with a combined value of more than $950,000.

Across the two ceremonies, Commissioner Fitzsimmons will present Long Service Medals to 19 members from the Castlereagh Zone in recognition of their ongoing commitment to their local communities.

“The 19 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 732 years of service between them,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate Tom Fearby of the Goolhi Brigade on his 60 years’ service, he has been a member since 1958 and Secretary of the brigade since 2006.

“Congratulations also to Robert Powell, a well respected member, who will be recognised tomorrow for his 54 years’ dedication to the Weetaliba Brigade.

“Each volunteer being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts.

“I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the NSW RFS members for their continued outstanding efforts and extend this to their families, friends and colleagues who allow our volunteers to do what they do.”