New buildings and trucks for long serving local volunteers

Local volunteers and their families were joined at the official ceremony by NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, local MP John Williams, and Councillor Neil Gorey from Wakool Shire Council. “This new Barham Station, costing more than $215,000 and completed last month, provides much needed training and meeting space, kitchen and toilet facilities and accommodation for three fire trucks,” said Commissioner Fitzsimmons. “The facility is a major step up from the 1940s when the Brigade was first established with no Station and only leather beaters and wet hessian bags to fight fires. “I’m pleased to also be officially handing over the keys to two new tankers for Wakool and Koraleigh brigades. “These tankers are part of our commitment to ensuring that our members have the equipment and support they need to do their important work in protecting their community from fire. “These valuable new fire trucks are together worth more than $400,000, but are priceless assets for our volunteer brigades and the communities they protect,” said Commissioner Fitzsimmons. Sixteen volunteer firefighters from the area who have amassed an impressive 444 years of service between them were also presented with long service medals by Commissioner Fitzsimmons. “The tradition of volunteering is clearly very strong in this region, given that nine of the sixteen honoured today have served for more than thirty years,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. “These men and women each play a vital role in their community, whether they’re fighting bush fires, attending road accidents or even assisting during storms or floods. “I would particularly like to acknowledge Gordon Farrant who is tonight receiving an award for forty two years dedicated service to his community. “I would like to take this time to thank all our volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Mid Murray zone,” said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.