RFSA Grant Scheme 2014 Open
The call has gone out to all Rural Fire Brigades across NSW to start submitting their applications for the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) 2014 Grant Scheme.
$1.5 million dollars will be available for brigades, as well as NSW Rural Fire Service Districts, to enhance the conditions for volunteer rural fire-fighters in 2014.
RFSA President, Tim Arnott said the grants are an important part of the support service the Association provides to the 70,000 plus volunteers across the state.
“It’s been an extremely busy and long summer fire season, with large blazes from September right through until now,” Mr Arnott said.
“It’s really important that we provide financial assistance to individual brigades, support groups and districts for purposes not covered by direct Government or Council funding.
“Last year we provided several mini buses to transport volunteers safely to and from fires and training, and even portable coolers for trucks so the volunteers can have cool drinks while fighting the fires under extreme conditions.
RFSA grants support initiatives that are often beyond the funding capacity of individual brigades in NSW, particularly smaller brigades in remote locations.
“I encourage all Rural Fire Brigades from right across the state to apply,” he said.
“We’ve developed our own scheme catalogue this year so the brigades can see some of the most popular items they can apply for however the scheme is not limited to the items in the catalogue.
“We’re out to help our members to protect the community of NSW and our grants are just one way we support the NSW Rural Fire Brigades.
“I would also like to thank the people of NSW for continuing to support our raffles, with funds raised from these raffles going directly to the grants process to enhance rural firefighting efforts.
“By purchasing the raffle tickets you’re helping to further protect the fire prone communities throughout the state.”