Thank you Mr President.
All of us in this place can agree on at least one thing, that our Rural Fire Service volunteers are the consummate professionals.
It was my absolute pleasure on the weekend to acknowledge the dedication of RFS volunteers in Parkes and officially open their new home on behalf of Minister for Police and Emergency Services, The Hon. David Elliott,
The new facility may be worth $870,000 but to the members of this brigade, and the communities they look after, it is a priceless resource and I congratulate the members on their new home.
This new station features four bays for your vehicles, multipurpose training room, office, storeroom, kitchen and bathroom amenities.
State and local governments, along with the NSW RFS are committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the equipment and resources they need to protect their local communities and the investment in this new station will help ensure an even greater level of service in the Mid Lachlan Valley Team area.
Thanks also to the Parkes Shire Council for their contribution towards the station and I must commend the brigade for their outstanding community fundraising efforts as well.
NSW RFS Long Service Medals were also handed out at the opening.
Between the members acknowledged over the weekend there was a mind blowing total of 330 years’ service.
I would like to give special mention to Ron Fisher who is being recognised today for 61 years’ service and is receiving the NSW RFS Long Service Medal 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Clasps.
Ron has been a very dedicated member, first joining the Yarrabandi / Monomie Brigade in 1959 and his local knowledge has and continues to be invaluable.
Well done also to Robert McConkey on your 52 years’ service as well, an extremely dedicated and valued member.
We also presented a posthumous medal to Martha Anne Jackson, most recently a member of the Parkes Headquarters Brigade. Anne is being recognised for her 39 years dedication to the Service and protecting her local communities.
All RFS volunteers are a special breed of people; you are selfless, brave and above all generous. You’re generous with your time, your skills and your professional approach.
I thank you all for your continued service and dedication to your communities and congratulations to the Parkes Brigade on your new facilities, thank you for letting me be a part of your very special day.
