Long serving volunteers honoured as station investments celebrated

Summary

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) New England Zone will tomorrow celebrate the achievements of dedicated volunteers while celebrating the official opening of two station upgrades.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers will join members to mark the occasion for the Kentucky and Ben Lomond Brigades.

Mr Marshall said the upgrades will allow local brigades to house their current vehicles and provide better amenities for volunteers.

“Both the Ben Lomond Brigade and Kentucky Brigade (located at Harnham) stations now features increase space for vehicles, road works have been completed and new water tanks installed,” Mr Marshall said.

“The combined investment of $172,000 across these two stations, inclusive of contributions from Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council, delivers more facilities for volunteers and will enable them to provide a higher level of protection to the communities they serve.”

Brigade members will also be recognised across the two station celebrations for their dedication, commitment and service to the local area with the presentation of NSW RFS Long Service Medals and a National Medal.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rogers said the eight NSW RFS Long Service Medal recipients and one National Medal recipient have accumulated a total of 236 years of service between them.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate the two members who have given more than 40 years service, including Dorothy Every on her 45 years,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“A long term member of the Ben Lomond Brigade, Dorothy has been a highly respected and capable member and I thank her for her service to her brigade and protection of the community.

“Well done also to Garry Bashford on his 46 years’ commitment to the Kentucky Brigade and local community. Receiving the National Medal 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasp, Gary’s experience and local knowledge has been of great importance. He has also been instrumental in delivering training as part of the NSW RFS International Relations Project in Botswana.

“I would like to take this time to praise all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies in the New England Zone.

“We also thank the family, friends and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support and patience to help Rural Fire Service members do what they do.”

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: 98981855