Aldavilla RFS benefits from RFSA Grant

Brigade Captain Owen Finch said the motorised roll-a-door relieves members from having to physically pull a heavy chain to open and close the door as well as saves precious minutes when they are deploying to an incident.

The brigade also received funding for an automatic hose winder which will be attached to the CAT 2 truck and means the crew will no longer have to manually wind the heavy hoses back onto the truck.

“This is particularly important for the crew during long days fighting fires when they are physically exhausted, it will reduce the potential for injury and allows for quicker movement between areas they may be deployed to,” Mr Finch said.

“We would like to thank the RFSA for this grant as without it we would be unable to gain the necessary equipment.

“I would also encourage other brigades to apply for grants as it was a straightforward process to apply.”

RFSA President Ken Middleton said the NSW RFSA Grant Scheme was a highly valued support service offered by the Association and enhanced brigades ability to operate.

“The Grant Scheme offers a means of financial assistance to ensure the men and women of the NSW Rural Fire Service have access to items and equipment that make performing their duties just that little bit easier,” Mr Middleton said.

“These are volunteer members who give up their time to help their community during a time of greatest need and it is wonderful that we can support them while they are supporting us.

“Many of these brigades would not be able to fund raise to gain this equipment because of their remote location so the NSW RFSA Grant Scheme provides a means of assistance to gain items they otherwise may have to go without.”

Alongside the NSW RFSA Grant Scheme, the RFSA offers a wide range of other support initiatives to help members in their work protecting the community.

Mr Middleton thanked the community for their assistance in making the NSW RFSA Grant Scheme and other support services possible.

“The increasing intensity and duration of our fire seasons and storm related activities are placing additional demands on our members. They are spending more time in the field and at their stations so any improvements we can offer to support them are welcomed and well deserved.

“The people of NSW need to be thanked for purchasing tickets in the NSW RFSA raffles, with monies raised going towards the Grants scheme as well as other support services focused on the Rural Fire Service volunteers throughout NSW.”

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