New gear for Southern Tablelands RFS brigades

Local Brigades including Wallaroo, Oolong, Manton, Broadway and Bowning have shared in $54,000 worth of new items.

The brigades received GPS units, buffet warmer, IPADs, lawn mowers, chest freezer, microwave oven, gazebo/sun shades, outdoor heater, reversing cameras, fridge and televisions.

An estimated $1.73-million dollars worth of equipment is being delivered across the state to Rural Fire Brigades, Support Brigades and Districts.

Mike Textor from the Wallaroo Rural Fire Brigade said they had built a training room and kitchen, with the two fridges and chest freezer to be used as a catering hub during major fires and for local training.

“We’ve also received replacement GPS units for our trucks and reversing cameras which will improve both fireground safety and safety around the shed,” Mr Textor said.

“There’s also a television for training so we have been extremely lucky to receive so much equipment from the RFSA to help support our volunteer members and the local community.”

Jeff Tarlinton from the Springfield Rural Fire Brigade said they have received a number of items which will enhance the brigade’s mobile catering ability.

“We already have a catering trailer and the RFSA grant items include two portable fridges, a pie warmer, generator and two portable gazebo’s. This will greatly enhance our ability to feed local brigades during major fire situations around the region,” Mr Tarlinton said.

“The five socket and spanner sets will be distributed between the tankers for infield repairs. This was shown to be needed after a fire last year where we had a breakdown and found we were lacking in the tool department.

“The RFSA grants are extremely valuable and we’re grateful for the support from the RFSA as we would have to sell a lot of sausage sandwiches to make up for the grants assistance.”