Despite less than ideal weather, Green Point RFS deputy captain Rusty Donnelly said the RFS's State-wide Get Ready Day initiative still managed to attract a healthy contingent of people to the brigade's headquarters on Sunday, September 20.
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Mr Donnelly said community members from both Green Point and Forster turned out to learn the best ways to prepare themselves for the fire season ahead, with the brigade putting on displays, handing out information packs and sharing some fun stuff with the kids.
"Everyone who came along was enthusiastic," Mr Donnelly said.
"It was a good all round information day."
The brigade even managed to pick up a new member, which adds to the already impressive influx of volunteers Green Point RFS has taken on since the bushfires last year.
"We've taken on 12 adult members and three junior members," Mr Donnelly said.
Given there were just four active members when Mr Donnelly joined six years ago, Green Point RFS is now better equipped than ever, with 47 volunteers now calling the brigade home.
Mr Donnelly said this made a huge difference to the brigade's capacity to respond to emergencies.
"It definitely increases our confidence," he said.
"It increases our response capabilities and just generally allows us to draw from a larger pool."
Mr Donnelly believes there has been a noticeable shift in the community's attitude towards bushfires since the events of last year, with people often seeking out the brigade for advice while they're training.
"At least one day out of the two (that we train) each week someone will stop by and ask questions," Mr Donnelly said.
"People weren't that interested before."
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In terms of the bushfire season ahead, Mr Donnelly says there is still good reason to be vigilant and prepared, despite the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a wetter than average summer.
"We didn't have a lot burn on this side of the bridge (last year)," he said.
"I think it will continue to be a reasonably busy period."
His advice for homeowners is simple but effective.
"Be ready, don't just get ready."
Anyone seeking further information about how to best prepare for the bushfire season should visit the NSW RFS website here.
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