NSW Rural Fire Service Volunteers big winners from RFSA Grants
More than $1 million dollars has been awarded this year to local Rural Fire Brigades and local districts across the state, under the NSW Rural Fire Service Associations (RFSA) annual Grants Scheme.
Brigades, together with districts were encouraged to apply for equipment which is not available through existing schemes.
The President of the RFSA, Tim Arnott said it was great to see more than $1 million dollars go towards the volunteers who undertake rural fire fighting efforts across NSW.
“Local brigades are the big winner as the Grants provide extra assistance to help protect the community,” Mr Arnott said.
“The funding capacity of individual brigades in NSW, particularly smaller brigades in remote locations can be challenging and our Grants provide another way for brigades to provide equipment for their members and their communities.
“While the NSW Rural Fire Service provides the requirements for fire fighting, we provide additional items and equipment that can make the role and duties of the volunteers a little easier.
“We’ve funded the purchase of buses to transport volunteers to and from firegrounds, as well as portable cool rooms, which can be sent to fire staging areas to keep food and drink fresh and cool for those people who are risking their lives to help protect our community.”
“Whether it’s a GPS unit, a computer, a weather meter, projector, tables and chairs or a portable fridge, it’s important our volunteers are provided with excellent equipment to help train and protect the community.
The RFSA Grant Scheme provides equipment to individual brigades, support groups and districts. Funding is not directed to fire fighting vehicles or fire fighting equipment purchases that would normally be supplied by the NSW RFS and/or local Councils.
“I have to thank the people of NSW for supporting our fund raising efforts through the raffles we run each year,” Mr Arnott said.
“Local brigades right across NSW benefit from these fund raising efforts so local communities gain directly when you purchase a ticket in our raffle.