Coolongolook RFS

The local brigade was one of many RFS brigades, support brigades and districts across the State to receive funding from the new scheme.

The scheme provides items that are not covered by local council or government funding.

Coolongolook will use the funding to purchase items to assist with the field operations of the brigade.

“We are a very small brigade, in a small community with limited fundraising opportunities,” senior deputy captain, Andy Gilbert said.

“We will use the grant to provide a kitchen and fridge, a gazebo, lockers and the like for our volunteers,” he said.

“It’s important to provide a place to make meals for volunteers during incidents in the area and keep cold drinks on the fire ground and the lockers will provide an area for uniforms to be kept clean and presentable, and easily accessible.

“Having shade in extreme heat is also very important, as our volunteers may spend several hours attending a road accident, and the gazebo will help provide this protection.

“The new kitchen and gazebo will also enable the brigade to provide amenities for staff training and meetings, as well as for community meetings and events.

“It would have taken years to raise the required funds locally for this equipment which we need now.

“I’d encourage any other brigades to apply for any equipment they reasonably need to support their volunteers, because without them there are no rural fire brigades.

“We’re thankful to the RFSA for their assistance and would recommend other brigades apply for the grant given the process was simple and easy and we felt very much supported.”

RFSA president Ken Middleton said the NSW RFSA grant acheme was a highly valued support service offered by the association and enhanced brigades’ ability to operate.

“The grant scheme offers a means of financial assistance to ensure the men and woman of the NSW RFS have access to items and equipment that make performing their duties just that little bit easier,” Mr Middleton said.