The rejuvenation continues after the Cobbler Road fires, first it was flora now it is infrastructure, with the Yass RFS improving their catering truck with monies raised from the 2012 bushfires.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The truck, which was bought by the combined RFS' of the Yass Valley for $5000 from a Sydney council, was given a $10,000 upgrade. The donation came from Yass Rotary, with the not-for-profit organisation having money leftover in their Cobbler Road fundraising coffers.
The funds were provided to upgrade the mobile food station including stripping the truck of the original pie oven and installing two 80 litre freezers, to go with the barbecue. It enables the RFS to provide good quality hot food to those volunteers fighting fires and attending emergency situations.
The truck is also equipped with a water tank for hot drinks and a cool storage facility.
Belinda Reynolds, of the Mountain Creek brigade, has taken temporary ownership of the truck (before it goes to an RFS shed) and has volunteered to organise the catering group.
"It's perfect for those who want to help but may not be physically able to join in the actual fire fighting," she told the Tribune.
Ms Reynolds explained that it was an essential upgrade for the morale and comfort of the volunteers.
"They're all volunteers so it's a good thing to be able to give them a hot feed. Sometimes we are faced with serious accidents on the highway so to be able to provide a cup of tea and a chat is very good emotionally."
The truck was given a run at the recent Woo Back event and will continue to be used at local events when not called into action.
"It was a really quiet summer in terms of fires so we didn't really get a chance to use it," she said.
President of Yass Rotary Cyril Cox said they were extremely proud to be able to help.
"After Cobbler Road because of the generosity of not only the locals but people in Canberra we found ourselves with an embarrassment of riches and this is a great cause."
Ms Reynolds is actively seeking volunteers for the catering job. A car licence is sufficient and no special training is required. If you would be interested please contact her on 0411 525 102.