Communities across NSW will benefit from upgraded equipment and facilities for state emergency response teams, thanks to Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program.
The funding will support 19 Rural Fire Service brigades in regions, such as the Central Tablelands, Greater Sydney, and Hunter by improving the safety and efficiency of volunteers, as well as their capacity to respond to fires and emergencies.
In the Southern Tablelands, the Good Hope-Boambolo Bushfire Brigade can now install a fast fill pump, allowing fire trucks to quickly refill on-site rather than travelling to distant water sources.
“The brigade has two 25,000 litre water tanks, however, they are not plumbed for the delivery of the stored water to firefighting vehicles,” Brigade Equipment Officer Andrew Kay said.
“When completing a callout, volunteers either have to travel into the township of Yass to use a hydrant or fill from a water source, such as a dam.
“The fast fill pump will allow us to quickly and conveniently refill fire trucks from our water tanks at the station, allowing our volunteers to be back home safely with their families sooner.
In Orange, a new inflatable firehouse will help educate children on fire safety, providing hands-on learning experiences during community events.
“With the slogan ‘get down low and go, go, go!’ children learn to exit a house that is on fire in a safe and quick manner. Fake smoke is pumped inside the house making the experience as real as possible,” said Brigade Treasurer Jill Marshall.
“The aim is to attract public interest, thereby increasing community awareness of the risk of fire, the services of the brigade and encourage volunteer participation.”
Tumbarumba’s Elliott Way fire shed will be expanded to provide additional training space and host community mental health initiatives like Fire Shed Fridays.
“The Transgrid grant has made this project affordable for us and reduces the time our members spend on fundraising,” said Brigade Grants Coordinator Theresa Lonergan.
Transgrid’s investment ensures local firefighters have the tools and resources needed to keep their communities safe, reinforcing the important partnership between energy infrastructure and emergency services.
