Kids for Cancer Truck Convoy - ACT RFS Turns Out in Force

ACT Rural Fire Service crews participated in the Kids for Cancer Truck Convoy held on Saturday 2 Feb 2013. Approximately 400 trucks and motorcycles, including 29 ACT RFS vehicles, joined in the convoy which started at Mitchell and ended up at the Tuggeranong Town Centre (across the road from Bunnings).

The purpose of the convoy was to raise money for the wonderful Kids for Cancer charity. A number of RFS members have friends or family who are affected by cancer. Photos by Gary Hooker.

ACT Rural Fire Service vehicles travelling in convoy from Mitchell to Tuggeranong.

The initial staging point was Harrison Primary School, Gungahlin.

Crews were briefed prior to joining the convoy.

Vehicles lined up at the briefing area.

We have ourselves a convoy!

Ready to go.

Vehicles were then staged in Mitchell, ready to join the rest of the convoy.

Michael Joyce, Deputy Chief Officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service, leads the pack.

It was a long wait in Mitchell, but we finally got moving.

Crews starting to roll.

A Hall member flys the convoy flag.

Travelling along the Tuggeranong Expressway, near the National Arboretum.

Drakeford Drive is full of RFS vehicles.

Lots of waves from keen onlookers!

The kids loved the sight and sounds of the fire trucks going past.

ACT RFS units on Drakeford Drive, Kambah, receiving lots of support from people on the foot bridge.

The traffic starts to build up as we get closer to the Tuggeranong Town Centre.

Waiting at the lights.

Crews begin to arrive at Tuggers.

Friendly waves from members of the public.

SOU32 arrives with a toot.

More friendly waves from kids.

The final destination - across the road from Bunnings. A great time was had by all!

Blessing of the Fleet - Burra

Reverend James Wood, from the picturesque St Pauls Anglican Church located at Burra, NSW, kindly invited  members from Jerrabomberra Creek, Burra and Guises Creek Brigades to a "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony which was held in preparation for the up-coming bushfire season. 

It was a great opportunity for the local brigades members and the community to meet each other in a relaxed environment rather than on the fireground.  All attendees were very grateful for the wonderful servings of tea, coffee, scones, cakes and a lovely BBQ to top it all off! Thank you to the members of St Pauls, Burra!

Jerrabomberra Creek, Burra and Guises Creek Brigades gather at St Pauls church in Burra, near the Old Cooma Rd.

The crowd listens to James and sing a few songs.

Rev James Wood puts on the knapsack ready to wet down the trucks and even spray a few brigade members!

The "Blessing" of the Burra heavy tanker.

 

Heavy tankers activate their cabin sprays in unison.

Locals share stories over a few snags.

NSW RFS Community Display trailer

Tankers lined up ready for the ceremony

The Netherlands Police and Wildfire Organisations Visit the ACT

This week the ACTRFS hosted the Netherlands Police and Wildfire organisations showcasing the local agencies strengths in hazard mitigation.  They visited the CSIRO, AFP and various nature parks throughout the ACT to learn how we manage the bushfire hazards.  During the visit, the participated and learned first hand from a local land owner of the extreme conditions experienced during the January 2003 fires during a Farm Firewise presentation.

Filming a hazard reduction burn conducted by the Parks brigade on Cooleman Ridge.

Learning about how the Pyrotron works to simulate wildfire spread.

Inside the Pyrotron.

Listening to how ACT Parks manages the nature parks within the ACT at Namadgi Visitors Centre

Simon Butt explaining about the complexities of managing fuel within the urban environment.

Dave Inskeep discusses the ACTRFS Farm Firewise program within the ACT.

ACTRFS Wins 2012 Resilient Australia Award

Congratulations to our Manager of Operations for his work with the Wildfire Arson Investigation Management Course that he is currently delivering in Mt Macedon, Victoria.

This morning, the Minister for Emergency Services Simon Corbell presented to the ACT winners of the 2012 Resilient Australia Awards. 

Over the last fortnight, Richard has been delivering two courses to representatives from emergency services from all over Australia as well as international participants from Italy and the Netherlands!

Unfortunately Richard could not be present to receive the Award so Deputy Chief Officer Michael Joyce and WAIMC project officer Rohan Samara were there to receive the Award.

Tidbinbilla Shed Opened by Simon Corbell

The new Tidbinbilla Volunteer Fire Brigade Station was opened by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell, MLA, on Sunday 12 Aug 2012. Tid Brigade members, rural lessees, and members from other Brigades joined in the celebration.  

Mr Corbell also officially handed over the keys to three new medium tankers to members from Southern Brigade (SOU32), Jerrabomberra Brigade (JER30) and Molonglo Brigade (MLO31).

Brigade members wait for the Minister to arrive

The Minister arrives.

A very spacious and clean shed.

Andrew Stark welcomes Simon Corbell.

The crowd gathers to witness the historic event for Tidbinbilla.

Eager onlookers listen to Simon explaining the benefits of the new shed and how it is strategically placed for staging near the Brindabellas.

"I declare this shed open"

Andrew Stark, Chief Officer ACT Rural Fire Service and Simon Corbell.

Jamie Lankford getting the keys to new medium tanker for Jerrabomberra Brigade (JER30).

Peter Wolfe gets the keys to new medium tanker for Southern Brigade (SOU32).

Dave Tunbridge accepts the keys to new medium tanker for Molonglo Brigade (MLO30).

Jamie, Peter, Simon and Dave check out the new tankers.

The three new medium tankers, stand shiny and ready for service.

 

 

The new training area and kitchen facilities.

RFS members look over the new vehicles.