THE FIRES which tore through up-river in the Macleay Valley remain fresh in mind, but the recent rains have put a spring in the steps of local volunteer firefighters after a prolonged dry period.
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The widespread rain, particularly on the coast, has provided great relief throughout much of NSW where fires have created threats, risks, damage and destruction.
Those, like the Gladstone brigade of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), have been working tirelessly over the past few months to keep the community safe.
The Gladstone volunteers headed off - day-in, day-out, to where the places of need, be that locally or further afield.
When the worst of the threats passed from the Macleay Valley, Gladstone members were then to-ing and fro-ing tirelessly to raging fires on the South Coast and also around Albury.
And then there was all the work happening behind the fire-fronts from various brigades including Gladstone, working seven days a week for more than three months at the Fire Control Centre in West Kempsey.
People such as Maureen Wolfl comes to mind, who along with other members of the community, gathered to provide catering for the troops on the 'line', and those who worked behind the scenes in the North St fire control centre.
Just because the fire threats have passed for now doesn't mean these wonderful volunteers sit back and watch the grass grow!
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Just the weekend before last the Gladstone brigade along with other local units organised road patrol for the safety of competitors in the Trial Bay Triathlon. It seems whatever the need, you will find these good folk out there ready to help.
Late last month the Gladstone Quality Market and the Gladstone Heritage Hotel demonstrated their appreciation by each presenting a cheque of $1000 to the Gladstone Brigade.
An open day too at the Frederickton Golf Club on the Australia Day weekend also backed local fire brigades, with funds raised being split between the units attending, such as Gladstone.
It's great to see the community showing their gratitude and appreciation for such commitment and dedication and hopefully making the work for these brigades a little easier.
