AS the new fire season approaches, NSW Rural Fire Service is highlighting the importance of pre-season preparedness, with the recent annual general meeting at Croppa Creek standing as a shining example of community spirit and collaboration.
More than 40 members attended the combined AGM, bringing together brigades that cover much of the area north of the Gwydir Highway to the Queensland border, and east of the Newell Highway across Moree and Gwydir Shires.
The gathering focused on ensuring members have the training, support, and confidence they need when fire activity increases.
This included opportunities for more localised training – even extending to casual or transient harvest workers who may be on the land during critical times.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of long service medals to members, recognising and thanking them for their years of dedication and service to their communities. These moments of recognition are reminders the strength of the RFS lies in the commitment of its volunteers.
And the results are already being felt.
District manager Katherine Scott-Dickson said training was also successfully held at the Coolatai Hotel, where 25 members completed basic firefighter training – a massive win for the community and a direct outcome of the super AGM at Croppa Creek.
“We’re not looking for more members – we’re making sure the ones we have are supported when they need it,” she said.
“Harvest is the lifeblood of our area. That’s why we encourage everyone: if you see a column of smoke this season while on the header, check in with your neighbour. Their problem can quickly become yours. It takes a village to protect a village.”
Preparedness doesn’t just rest with brigades – every landholder, renter, and family can take steps now.
These include making sure families know the plan and what to do if a fire starts; sharing contact details with neighbours, including new ones; ensuring children know where to go in the event of a fire; and reviewing and refreshing fire safety measures already in place.
This year, conditions suggest landholders may experience a later and wetter season. While this may ease some immediate concerns, it also creates a different set of challenges for farming and rural communities.
Preparing now is critical to ensuring that when conditions change, everyone is ready.
It’s also timely to remind landholders that while all year round they must notify of burns online, from October 1 they will also need a fire permit.
The good news is, permits can now be applied for online, making it quicker and easier for landholders to do the right thing. Go to NSW RFS Fire Permit Application Information.
