Top national award for NSW RFS Hotspots

Summary

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has won a major national award for its work in engaging with communities about the risk of fire.

The NSW RFS Hotspots project won the 2011 Australian Safer Communities Award in the Education, Training and Research section.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the awards recognise innovative practises that help build safer, stronger and more disaster resilient communities that are better prepared to manage emergency situations.

"The Hotspots project has been in operation for six years now and is designed to equip landholders and land managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage fire.

"The NSW RFS works closely with agencies like the NSW Farmers Association and Nature Conservation Council to make sure the Hotspots project is helping to protect communities whilst maintaining the unique biodiversity of the Australian landscape.

"The team's ongoing commitment to the scheme has assisted communities across NSW protect lives, properties and the environment from the devastation of bush fire," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

The Hotspots project consists of a number of workshops aimed at improving landholders' understanding of fire and steps they can take to manage their risk.

The program also focuses on environmental sustainability and is supported by the Nature Conservation Council. Commissioner Fitzsimmons said that by engaging with land managers through these practical programs, the Service is helping to develop a more resilient community.

"Initially the NSW RFS took away first prize in the Education, Training and Research section at the NSW Awards held in October. To then go on and win this award in the national competition is a testament to the innovation and commitment of NSW RFS members.

"The Hotspots project is a great example of how communities can actively participate in fire management to make sure healthy, productive landscapes are maintained and the inevitable risk of fire is managed.

"The Rural Fire Service is committed to ensuring communities are well educated and prepared for emergency situations".

Further information on the Hotspots project is available on the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Hotspots workshops have been conducted in the following locations:

CENTRAL WEST Capertee
Charlottevale
Orana
Rylstone
Summer Hill
Yeoval

HAWKESBURY - NEPEAN Bullio
Darkinjung
High Range
Hornsby/Beecroft
Megalong
St Albans
The Hills

HUNTER - CENTRAL RIVERS Greater Taree
Singleton
Upper Lansdowne
Wanaruah

NAMOI Nundle
Thirldene
Watsons Creek

NORTHERN RIVERS Corindi
Currawinya
Drake
Enmore
Eungai Creek
Findon Creek
Gibralter
Glen Innes
Glenreagh
Halfway Creek
Horseshoe (Thora)
Liston
Missabotti
Mt Hyland
Rosebank
Tabulam
Timbarra
Urbenville
Wardell (Jali)
Wards Mistake
Wooloweyah

SOUTHERN RIVERS Clyde River
Cobowra
Kameruka
Kangaroo Valley
Wyndham

Attached files:

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855