Moorbel new fire station has been described as a “wonderful” community feature which is more than just a home for Canowindra’s fire trucks
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Opening the station over the weekend NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons took the opportunity to encourage the state’s brigades to be more inclusive of volunteers of all ages and genders.
“We are trying desperately to break down the old boys club mentality, we want to make sure that the brigades are recognised as open to younger members, to more women,” the Commissioner said.
Women currently make up only 23 per cent of RFS volunteers across the state.
“Independent research shows that too much of the community thinks we are closed network, who would want to hang out in an old shed anyway.
“Shifting that dynamic around having modern facilities in profile locations, that are purpose built is a great credit to (Cabonne) council and to the State government.
“I do hope we do see a growth in membership and a genuine opening of the arms and welcoming of women to the brigade because if we don’t we a missing out on people who can contribute.
“Not everyone wants to fight fires but there is a role for everybody,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
Moorbel’s previous fire station was destroyed by a deliberately lit blaze in 2014.
“It’s a great thing for our volunteers to have improved infrastructure,” Manager of the Canobolas Zone of the RFS, Superintendent David Hoadley said.
“We’ve noticed a strong difference in morale and interest in volunteering when new stations are built, Supt Hoadley said.
Moorbel is one of 21 new stations being built across the region in a statewide infrastructure boom for the Rural Fire Service.
“We are fortunate right now with the record amount of money we are seeing to upgrade infrastructure,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“While the fleet took priority in decades past, it’s now about the infrastructure spend that is going on across the state.
“The investment is very real across the state and our challenge is to keep that going, we’ve still got a lot to do.
“In the last financial year we saw the completion of 40 stations around the state, two more fire control centres, a significant training academy at Dubbo and relocated the RFS headquarters building,” he said.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said having a (fire station) location with such a high visibility area should ensure the security of the new shed and promote recruitment of new members.
“Thank you for the valuable contribution you make,” Mr Donato said.
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