NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) members gathered at the weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mooneba/Turners Flat Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) and honour its members for their long-standing dedication and commitment to protecting the community.
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NSW RFS district manager, Superintendent Lachlann Ison, congratulated members past and present for building the Mooneba/Turners Flat RFB into the community institution it is today.
“This brigade, formed in 1968, has a proud history of community service and spirit,” Supt Ison said.
“Originally founded by the needs of local families protecting their properties, this brigade has grown through the years with more members and a larger area to protect.
“Today, the brigade continues its high level of dedication and responds to a wide range of emergency incidents ranging from bush and grass fires to structure fires and motor vehicle accidents, as well as lending a helping hand at community events and helping locals prepare for the fire season.”
Supt Ison said Mooneba/Turners Flat’s 50th anniversary was a great opportunity for the service and community to say thank you to all volunteer members.
“The hard work and professionalism of NSW RFS members does not go unnoticed and while celebrating this milestone for the brigade, we should also acknowledge the hard work, dedication and spirit of its members,” Supt Ison said.
“The Lower North Coast Zone is afforded a world-class level of fire protection due to the experience and dedication of our 30 Rural Fire Brigades and we cannot thank them enough.”
A Category 7 tanker was also officially handed over to the Mooneba/Turners Flat Rural Fire Brigade.
“This vehicle represents a $178,000 investment in the local community. The new tanker replaces the older unit and will enable the brigade to continue its outstanding work providing a world-class level of fire protection to their local community,” Supt Ison said.
“The NSW RFS and State and local governments are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do.”
The Mooneba/Turners Flat brigade was formed in 1968, the exact date unknown due to inadequate records kept at the time.
The brigade was borne out of an alliance between the Borger and Lee families who were local dairy farmers. Response to fires was by private tractor and attached trailer, complete with firefighting equipment.
Numerous fires prevailed in the area at that time and it soon became apparent that a Rural Fire Brigade was needed. The resultant brigade consisted of the Borger, Lee, Supple and Fenton families, with meetings being held on the verandah of the Fenton residence.
Council supplied a fire tanker which was housed on the Lee property.
The current brigade station is situated on land donated by Ross and Valerie Miles.
The local community is today served by a Cat 1 and Cat 7 tanker housed at the station.
The brigade has always historically been one of the stronger brigades within the Lower North Coast Zone. Membership grew from the formative stages and quite often there were too many members responding than seats available in the tanker.
This active membership raised funds to build the current station building, as well as providing the labour and skills necessary.
Membership over the years has waxed and waned and a recruitment drive for new members is planned in the near future.
Over many years members of the brigade have assisted with numerous out-of-area fires including South Australia, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Canberra and Narrabri. Other more recent events have included the Lismore floods.
The brigade experienced a major fire event in February 2017 on Spring Hill Rd (Dondingalong), a day of extreme fire weather and subsequent Section 44 Declaration.
Over the years the Mooneba/Turners Flat Brigade has responded to many Section 44 fires, however 2018 has been relatively quiet.
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