Media Release - $6M Boost to New England Rural Fire District

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers joined Councillor Paul Gaddes from Armidale Regional Council and NSW RFS New England District Manager Superintendent Paul Metcalfe today to officially open the new facility and to hand the keys to the new tankers to four Brigades from across the region.

The new tankers include:

• Dumaresq (Category 1)
• Herbert Park (Category 7)
• Kentucky (Category 7)
• Nowendoc (Category 1)

Commissioner Rogers said the new facility is a one-stop-shop and central hub for NSW RFS operations in the region.

“This fantastic new $4.9 million facility is fit for purpose, providing our volunteer members, District and Area Command staff with the space and technology to do the important work they do,

“I am so pleased too, to be handing over the keys to four new fire tankers which will likely be put straight to use, responding to incidents as well as assisting with the flood response,”

Councillor Paul Gaddes said that whilst their previous vehicles have served them well, I am confident these four new state-of-the-art tankers will prove to be invaluable assets to these Brigades.

“Our RFS members do so much for our communities and today is a great opportunity to say thank you, as we celebrate the opening of this wonderful new facility.” He said.

Superintendent Metcalfe said the new Fire Control Centre includes multiple training and meeting rooms, kitchen and office facilities, along with generous space for managing operations.

“The location of this facility here within the Armidale Regional Airport provides ease of access to our Aviation, Logistics and Remote Firefighting buildings which are now right next door,

“This new centre and vehicles will ensure members of the New England District have access to the latest technology and equipment to support emergency events, increase the level of safety and keep the community informed.” He said.

Images of the event can be found here.