Celebrations for Mangrove Mountain Brigade on 60th anniversary

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie will be joined by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch MP to congratulate members past and present for building the brigade in to the community focal point it is today.

“This Brigade has a proud history and has put in a lot of effort developing its members over the years and strengthening its relationship with the community,” Mr Crouch said.

“In fact the Brigade recently welcomed 15 new members in January 2020, during the height of the devastating 2019/20 fire season. It was during that season that members selflessly fought to protect communities battling the Three Mile, Gospers Mountain, Charmhaven and Wangi Wangi fires.”

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the Mangrove Mountain Brigade was a very active brigade with 32 current members and attends a broad range of incidents including grass fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, assisting the NSW SES with storm damage and at incidents out of area and interstate.

“The Mangrove Mountain Brigade is a pivotal part of the Central Coast District with the brigade actively involved in community education, engaging at community festivals and assisting with the Drum Muster program,” he said.

“I also congratulate the brigade on actively welcoming and supporting young members through the years, who have grown up with their own families, and developed skills within the brigade that is a family of its own.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said this celebration was an opportunity to congratulate the brigade on this milestone and to thank members for their ongoing commitment and service.

“The hard work and professionalism of all NSW RFS members does not go unnoticed and while they do not ask for praise, we should take this milestone to acknowledge their contribution and commitment to their community.”

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said the Central Coast is afforded a world-class level of fire protection due to the experience and dedication of its 57 Rural Fire Brigades.

“We must also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support to help our members do what they do to save lives and property,” Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said.