The tireless work of our Rural Fire Service volunteers often goes unnoticed, so it’s great to see these unsung heroes get some well-deserved recognition.
This time, that’s in the form of $2000 grant to the Coomba Park Rural Fire Service Brigade, which has taken out the August round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.
Coomba Park RFS Captain, Ian Peden said the brigade’s 34 volunteers make significant sacrifices to keep the district safe.
“We cover quite a large area, bounded by the Wallingat National Park, Wallis Lake and the Coolongolook River, so it's an isolated rural area, and the next closest brigade is at least 20 minutes away at Smiths Lake. Any fires in our area are our primary responsibility and also participating as required in other districts.” Ian said.
“We are also involved in hazard reduction and preparation for the bushfire season, as well as keeping our training up to date. This money will help us to upgrade some of our training and administration equipment to ensure that can be done efficiently and effectively.
“COVID means we haven’t been able to do our usual fundraising, so this grant from the Greater Community Funding Program is a big help.”
Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager, Jennifer Smith, said the Rural Fire Service provides a critical line of defence.
“The threat of bushfire is ever-present throughout Australia, as we saw with the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019/20 ,” Jennifer said.
“We know what a vital role local brigades play in helping keep people and property safe, so we’re very pleased to make a contribution through our #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.”
Jennifer Smith, Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager.
Nambucca Valley Scouts (Coffs Harbour) and Taree Police Citizens Youth Club have each received $500 from Greater Bank as the August runners up.
The September round of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program is now open with Great Lakes Palliative Care Support (Forster), Tinonee Memorial School of Arts (Taree) and Grafton Jacaranda Festival in the mix for a share in the $3000 funding.
The public can cast their vote online here or by visiting a Greater Bank branch. Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 29 September 2021.