Coffs Coast celebrate volunteers and welcome fleet enhancements
Published Date: 26 Jul 2025
Summary
The Coffs Coast District will recognise 47 dedicated Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers at a special ceremony in Bellingen this morning and present two new fire trucks to local brigades.
RFS Acting Area Commander Superintendent Liz Ferris AFSM, will be joined by The Hon Anthony D’Adam MLC and special guests, to present 41 Long Service Medals and three National Medals to volunteers with combined service of more than 1,040 years.
“This ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the diligent and incredible contribution of all RFS volunteers across the region, particularly those who have dedicated decades of service,” Superintendent Ferris said.
“Every single one of these members should be proud of their commitment to protecting local communities, including a husband and wife who each have served for half a century with the Darkwood Brigade.”
“Receiving the 50-year Long Service National Medal 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Clap for 50 years’ service, Darcy and Pauline, have been dedicated members since 1975 and were awarded brigade Life Membership in 2018.
“Darcy, who is known by locals as ‘The Mayor of Darkwood’, and Pauline who’s been described as a pillar of the Darkwood community, have clocked up an incredible half a century with the RFS, are without a doubt worthy recipients of the National Medal 5th clasp.”
“It’s members like Darcy and Pauline who are the epitome of what the Rural Fire Service stands for, and without members like them, we would not be the service we are today,” said Supt. Ferris.
Superintendent Ferris said today’s ceremony also includes the official handover of two new fire trucks to the Moonee and Sandy Beach Brigades.
“It’s important that RFS members have access to modern firefighting technology when preparing for and responding to fires and other incidents,” she said.
“These new trucks are equipped with the latest technology and crew protection and will serve their volunteers and communities well for the foreseeable future.”
Mr D’Adam said many RFS members go above and beyond for their brigades and local community, and it is fitting to recognise the dedication they all show.
“Their professionalism does not go unnoticed and while they don’t do the work for praise, their bravery and commitment should be acknowledged,” Mr D’Adam said.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families, employers and support networks of RFS volunteers, without whom we could not be as resilient and effective in our mission to support and protect lives and property.”
“It is also great to see the upgrade of fire trucks for local volunteers which will no doubt make their life a little easier and safer with more modern technologies,” said Mr D’Adam.
Attached files:
Contact Name: SDMO
Contact Phone: 09 9898 1855