Celebrations for Namoi Gwydir veteran volunteers

At ceremonies held in Gravesend, Narrabri and Moree across the 14 and 15 October, NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald will present 37 Long Service Medals to volunteers in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the local community.

The 37 medal recipients have accumulated a total of 870 years of service between them, with nine members having dedicated more than 40 years to their brigades.

“Each of the volunteers being recognised has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to their community over the years and these medals are our proud acknowledgement of their efforts,” Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.

“I know they will continue to serve their local communities for many years to come and share their knowledge, experience and firefighting skills both locally and further afield.”
Assistant Commissioner McDonald will also congratulate the members of the Gravesend Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) on the official opening of their new station.

“The Gravesend Brigade outgrew their last station and so did their fire trucks. The new station will enable volunteers to provide an even greater level of protection to the local community.

“I’d like to thank the Gwydir Shire Council, which generously provided $38,683.23 towards the construction of this important community asset.”
During the ceremonies Assistant Commissioner McDonald will also officially hand over the keys to trucks to Pallamallawa and District, Bellata Village, Ashley, and Avon Downs Brigades.

"These new tankers will enable the brigades to continue their outstanding work, and I would personally like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism."

“The NSW RFS is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do to protect their local communities from fire,” Assistant Commissioner McDonald said.