Wallaroo Brigade seeking recruits
22 October 2012
With the Bush Fire Danger period now into it's third week, Wallaroo Bush Fire Brigade President Rod Roberts is appealing for more locals to 'sign up'. Despite a growing population in the district, very few active volunteers currently live in the Wallaroo area. Not only is the brigade struggling to operate with little more than twenty active members, many of its volunteers live well outside our brigade area, including the ACT.
This means some brigade members have to travel some distance to react to incidents in the Wallaroo area. The extra time it takes brigade members to travel to the fire shed can make a significant difference in an emergency situation where every minute counts.
Rod comments: "There are around four hundred and fifty properties in the area, three trucks and too few people to operate them. At the end of the day the brigade simply needs more volunteers, both living in our community and outside it, to call on in an emergency. It is time that the community of Wallaroo starts thinking about their own backyard.
There should be a lot of people aged from sixteen and upwards around the area who would be very handy to the brigade".
"The State Government provides us with tremendous facilities and equipment. All we need is enough trained volunteers to respond in an emergency. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and can provide valuable experience, life skills and friendships".
As well as fire-fighting, there are many other ways residents can help such as maintenance of vehicles, mowing, fund raising, community education and assisting in community events. During the height of the fire season the brigade also needs people to assist with catering and communications.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact:
Brigade President on 6230 2436 or Secretary on 0414 610 429.
Alternatively you might like to attend one of the brigade's regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of every month or just call in to the shed and say 'hello'.
A copy of the Brigade's 'Community Letter' setting out bushfire information for residents, and contact details for Office holders in the Brigade can be downloaded here