FIREFIGHTERS, volunteers and veterans in the Upper Hunter have received a significant boost, with NSW Government grants for more than $250,000 to fund new equipment and repairs to local war memorials.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Joining Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott in the region last week, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the government delivered a $195,000 bushfire and hazard reduction tanker to Fire and Rescue NSW’s Branxton Greta Fire Station.
He also announced that the Braefield/Dury Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) received an $8000 grant to fund an electric hose reel for a fire truck as well as other operational equipment.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Aberdeen Unit secured a $5000 grant to refurbish its training room for the unit’s 16 volunteers.
“When it comes to our local emergency services, you don’t get any more frontline than standing face-to-face with fire and flooding to protect Upper Hunter lives and property,” Mr Johnsen said.
“These grants are just one way by which the NSW Government can thank our selfless emergency service workers for the important work they do in keeping our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters.”
Mr Johnsen also joined Mr Elliott in Quirindi where they presented a $60,000 grant to refurbish the Quirindi Town Clock and War Memorial during a ceremony attended by Quirindi RSL Sub-branch members and the local community.
He said the Gloucester RSL sub-branch received a $12,946 grant for the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower and Scone RSL sub-branch collected $3000 for the Scone War Memorial and Barwick House Transcare Building.
“Repairing and looking after our local war memorials is a vital part of honouring those Australian servicemen and women from Upper Hunter who sacrificed so much for our nation,” Mr Johnsen said.
He added the region was also proud of its emergency services and veteran community.
“Days like [today] provide us with the opportunity to give something back to the firefighters, volunteers and veterans who make the Upper Hunter the place it is, Mr Johnsen said.
“The funding announcements are about recognising and supporting vital contributions that have been made to our electorate, and I thank all our local emergency services workers as well as our veterans.”