A Wheely Great Asset
There’s a new bus wheeling around the district but it’s not in the livery of Eggins Coaches or Wingham Coaches. It’s branded with the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) logo.
Funding for the 14 seater Toyota Hiace Bus was provided to the Mid Coast District, Greater Taree RFS via the RFSA Grants scheme. The scheme is one of the major programs of the Association and it grants funds generated from its public fundraising activities to brigade and support groups around NSW that seek to improve the welfare and amenities of its members.
“Since we’ve had the bus, it’s been a great asset to the District and volunteers,” said Inspector Jim Blackmore, Greater Taree/Mid Coast District.
“We have used it to transport members both within the District and to locations outside the region for training purposes.
“During fire seasons it will be used to assist with the change-over of crews and means we will free up tankers to concentrate on the fire at hand.
“It was great too, when we had to transfer volunteers to and from the airport to assist with the flood assistance across the State earlier this year.” Mr Blackmore explained.
So useful and popular is the bus that an honorary ‘Coach Captain’ has been appointed – volunteer Len Saunders from Tinonee RFS.