Northern Tablelands RFS volunteers celebrate new tanker and bush fire service

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne at the Tenterfield Fire Control Centre to officially hand over the appliance.

“This new $122,000 tanker will assist volunteers in the Steinbrook Brigade to provide an even greater level of fire protection for their local community,” Mr Elliott said.

“The NSW Government’s ongoing investment in new vehicles ensures NSW RFS members have access to modern firefighting technology when responding to fires and other incidents.”

While in the area, Mr Elliott also visited the Glen Innes Fire Control Centre and Drake Rural Fire Brigade to present Premier’s Citations for community service during the Black Summer bushfires. Citations were presented to approximately 70 NSW RFS volunteers from Brigades within the Tenterfield and Glen Innes Districts as well as to Fire and Rescue NSW first responders.

“We are all extremely grateful for the selfless service of all these individuals during the last devastating bush fires and we thank each and every one of them for stepping up when we needed them most,” Mr Elliott said.

Assistant Commissioner Browne also thanked the local volunteer members along with every volunteer in the Northern Tablelands and Northern Rivers for their dedicated service to their local community.

“The efforts of our volunteers do not go unnoticed, and this new equipment will support the brigades to continue their outstanding work,” she said.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.

“In particular, considering the magnitude of last season, I would like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism.”