The scheme provides items that are not covered by local council or government funding. 

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Wingen Brigade, located in the Upper Hunter, was successful in its request for equipment to assist with volunteer safety and wellbeing. 

NSW RFS Wingen Brigade secretary-treasurer Deanna Faulks said the refrigerator and portable fridge with bag would assist members to stay hydrated during major emergency events. 

“Cold water is extremely important for hydration and to reduce fatigue amongst our volunteer firefighters,” she said.

“By having a fridge on the truck we can store cold water and also keep food at the correct temperature.

“We needed to upgrade as our old fridge has stopped working and it’s not always easy to grab ice on the way to an emergency.

“So, having the portable fridge on the truck makes life a little bit easier for the brigade members. 

“It also means our kitchen can be used for catering during an incident.

“We would have struggled to get the equipment without the support of the RFSA as we come from a small community of approximately 120 residents so it is hard to do fund raising in our local community. 

“I would recommend people apply for grants as it is an easy process and everyone at the RFSA is very helpful. 

“This really highlights the good work, the RFSA does for the volunteers and the community in supporting the brigades with the full range of things they do.”

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 scheme offers a means of financial assistance to ensure the men and woman of the NSW Rural Fire Service have access to items and equipment that make performing their duties just that little bit easier,” he explained.

“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.”

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. 

This includes the sponsorship of training and learning events; the provision of scholarships for relevant educational courses to enhance member’s knowledge and skills and Volunteers’ Family Days that provide a gesture of thanks to members and an introduction to chaplaincy and support services. 

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

“The people of NSW need to be thanked for purchasing tickets in the NSW RFSA raffles,” he said.

“Money raised goes towards the grants scheme as well as other representation and support services focused on the Rural Fire Service volunteers throughout NSW.”