Coffs Coast volunteers celebrate new tankers and long serving members

NSW RFS Chief Superintendent Michele Cooper, Area Commander North Eastern joined State member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh MP, Council staff and other special guests to officially hand over the keys of the new tankers.

Mr Singh said the six tankers and one support vehicle together worth about $1.43 million, are enabling Rural Fire Brigades in Red Hill, Urunga, Repton, Sandy Beach, North Bellingen and Coramba to strengthen their firefighting efforts across their communities.

“While the brigades’ previous tankers served them well, I know these new state-of-the-art vehicles are proving to be invaluable assets to the area,” Mr Singh said.

“The NSW Government’s ongoing investment in new vehicles ensures NSW RFS members have access to modern firefighting technology when responding to fires and other incidents.”

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise 55 Coffs Coast brigade members who had together amassed 1,467 years of service to the NSW RFS.

“Today we awarded long service medals and/or clasps to dedicated volunteers who had given between 11 and 72 years’ of service to the community, as well as 13 national medals to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles,” Chief Supt Cooper said.

“I particularly wish to congratulate Noel Bultitude of Woolgoolga Brigade for his incredible 72 years of service.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

“In particular, considering the magnitude of the 2019/20 bush fires and the recent floods, I would like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism.

"We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property,” she said.