Galston Rural Fire Brigade celebrates seventy years of service

"The men and women of our local volunteer brigades provide an invaluable level of protection, not only to their local communities but also to other regional areas of New South Wales and inter-state, when the call for assistance has gone out.

"Following the devastating bush fires that swept through the Hills community in the late 1930's, a Bush Fire Brigade was established by local residents to fight and coordinate fires.

"Equipped with the bare essentials the volunteers responded to emergencies right across the region, and by the early fifties the brigade became more localised to the Galston community where it has continued to provide a vital service ever since," Assistant Commissioner Harrap said.

"The Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai region has a vast expanse of bush fire prone land that has seen significant fire activity over the years.

"Thanks to the membership and support of the local community over the years, the Galston Rural Fire Brigade has transformed itself into an integral part of the modern organisation that is the NSW Rural Fire Service".

Assistant Commissioner Harrap said that the Galston brigade had an active membership base made up of skilled firefighters and trained support workers.

"The brigade also has a juniors program aimed at offering young people the opportunity to learn the ethos of the RFS and rewards of volunteering, as well as teaching them the firefighting skills to become future members of the Service," he said.