New stations and recognition for Northern Tablelands volunteers

During proceedings Chief Superintendent McDonald urged both the Kings Plains and Bukkulla brigades to celebrate the opening of their stations, as they represent the culmination of years of hard work from brigade members.

“These stations are a testament to how diligently and tirelessly volunteers in both of these areas have worked to turn their dream of a new station into a reality.

“The Kings Plains brigade is understandably thrilled they now have space to comfortably move around in their new $35,000 station which boasts room for two fire trucks,” said Chief Superintendent McDonald.

“Just up the road at Bukkulla they are also celebrating the opening of a very similar shed, although they also have the benefit of a $2,500 water tank.

“These volunteers are actively involved in their community providing fire education and training sessions whenever possible.

“The whole village of Bukkulla is involved in pre-incident planning for bush fire protection. It is heartening to see this level of cooperation and awareness of the threat of bush fire in one village,” said Chief Superintendent McDonald.

Chief Superintendent McDonald also presented five longstanding members from the Bukkulla brigade with long service medals in today’s ceremony.

“Each and every one of the volunteers here today is worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them, not only for their commitment to the Service, but also to their local village.

“Remarkably the five volunteers presented with medals today have managed to accumulate an incredible 232 years of service between them.

“I would like to make particular mention of Kelso Stevens and Nick Pollitt who have been valued members of the Service for 65 and 50 years respectively.

“These gentlemen have been part of the Service during a period of incredible growth and change and their breadth of experience illustrates this.

“I’d like to extend the thanks of not only the Service, but communities in the Northern Tablelands area for the exceptional level of fire protection you provide,” said Chief Superintendent McDonald.

For more information contact the Northern Tablelands Zone: 02 6732 7046