Mid West volunteers to aid NSW fire crews

A group of volunteer firefighters from across the Mid West travelled to New South Wales last week to help battle the bushfires ravaging the State.

Fires have been raging near the coast and inland, midway between Sydney and Brisbane.

Aaron Halliday, of Dongara Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Tristan Gilmour, of Geraldton VFRS, Keith Hughes, of Waggrakine Bushfire Brigade, Rod Ennor, of Three Springs BFB, and Murray Smith, of City of Greater Geraldton, flew out of Geraldton on Tuesday to relieve fatigued Eastern States crews.

From Perth, they flew to Brisbane before reaching NSW by road.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Mid West-Gascoyne Superintendent Craig Smith said the men were just a handful of volunteers from the region who offered to help.

“There were more who offered to assist but they couldn’t all go due to logistics,” Supt. Smith said.

“These volunteers have given up their time and they’re dedicated to serving their communities.

“Not only do they do that very well around Geraldton and the Mid West-Gascoyne, they also are prepared to go interstate to help their colleagues as well, so they need to be commended.

“They’re just five out of a lot of people in the region who continually put their hands up to help others.”