Orana District celebrates new training facility and dedicated volunteers

RFS Assistant Commissioner Paul Seager will join guests at the Orana Fire Control Centre this morning to officially open the Bob Conran Training Facility, which is located in the grounds of the Emergency precinct at Dubbo Regional Airport.

“Named after the retired Inspector instrumental in developing local training models, this state of the art facility is available to all 60 Orana brigades and will be used to further train volunteers in Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) and Village Firefighting skills,” Assistant Commissioner Seager said.

“The Orana District is also the beneficiary of a new catering trailer and communications trailer, together valued at $80,000.

“Funding for these projects was received through a grant from the RFS and Brigades Donations Fund, following the extraordinary support of the community and significant donations received during the 2019/2020 fire season.”

The Orana District will also acknowledge dedicated members with the presentation of medals and badges in honour of long service, appreciation and dedication at a ceremony this afternoon.

Assistant Commissioner Seager will present one National Medal, one National Emergency Medal and 33 Long Service Medals to volunteers.

The National Emergency Medal is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.

“Alice Cameron of the Narromine Shire Brigade rose to the challenge to protect communities during the 2019/20 fire season,” Assistant Commissioner Seager said.

“The members being recognised today with long service and national medals and or clasps range from 10 to 59 years of service, with a special mention of Bob Stroud who is receiving his Long Service Medal 4th Clasp for 59 years’ service since joining the Cumboogle Rural Fire Brigade in 1964.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all NSW RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”