Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons | Government official

Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons

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25.01.2022 My family and I have just downloaed and activated the covidsafe-app. Lets all continue working together, to limit the spread and help save lives, by getting the App. You can download and activate the covidsafe-app via the Australian Government link below. https://www.health.gov.au/reso/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

25.01.2022 Popped in for a quick visit and chat with some of the Batemans Bay Marine Rescue NSW volunteers today. They’ve certainly got one of the best views of the Bay but such an important role for the community too - thank you. Thanks again for the chat. Resilience NSW

22.01.2022 Thanks to Trevor and Amber from the Secret Creek Sanctuary near Lithgow, for showing us your recovery and rebuilding progress this week. Extraordinary commitment and dedication to our endangered wildlife and great to see your bush fire survival plan making a real difference to the amount of infrastructure that was saved and importantly, all animals. Great to see and catch up with members of the Lithgow Women's Shed who have been busy making nest boxes for pygmy possums. Tha...nks again for showing us around and introducing us to some of the residents, we learnt a lot. All the very best with reopening soon. Resilience NSW Secret Creek Cafe and Restaurant Australian Ecosystems Foundation & Secret Creek Sanctuary

22.01.2022 The 2020 Resilient Australia Awards are open for submissions. Now, more than ever we need to celebrate initiatives that foster resilience to disasters and emergencies. The Resilient Australia Awards offer an opportunity to highlight initiatives, across the country, making communities safer, more connected and better prepared. The award is seeking submissions in business, community, government, local government, schools and photography award categories. They are open to all ...Australians, including individuals, not for profit organisations, small and large businesses, all levels of government, schools, education institutions, research bodies, and emergency service agencies. NSW finalists will be invited to the NSW awards ceremony later this year and NSW winners will also be considered for the national awards! If youve worked on an inspiring initiative, we encourage you to make a submission and share your story. Submissions will be accepted until 11.59pm AEST on 8 June 2020, via the online platform: https://resilient.awardsplatform.com/ For details and guidelines, visit the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience site www.aidr.org.au/raa The NSW Awards Convenor is also here to help with your application. Simply email [email protected] or call (02) 9212 9278 for advice and support. You may also be eligible for the NSW Get Ready Community Award. This NSW government award recognises local communities that worked together to make their community more prepared and better able to recover from disasters. We will be distributing more information on this soon.

22.01.2022 Thanks again to Lithgow Mayor, Ray Thompson, for hosting a recovery progress briefing this afternoon with Lithgow City Council, Mid-Western Regional Council and Blue Mountains City Councils. Extraordinary commitment, challenges and ongoing progress and achievements across a large impacted and affected area.

21.01.2022 Lovely to catch up again with Anne and Ruth this week from Step by Step while out at Bell, to hear first hand some of the wonderful progress and challenges with community recovery, rebuilding and healing. Thanks again to the team for your commitment and dedication to making a difference for others. Resilience NSW

21.01.2022 Great to catch up with Danielle and Chris, as well as Liz and Rhonda again at the Cobargo Recovery Centre who, along with the team, have been here since early January supporting and caring for their community and each other. A wonderful and dedicated team. Thanks again ladies, nice to chat again.

20.01.2022 A reminder that there's less than two weeks to go before applications close for our new Executive Director roles in Resilience NSW. Interested in being a part of the new leadership team shaping the future of disaster resilience in NSW, follow the link below: https://www.seek.com.au/job/51252454

20.01.2022 Bumped into some of our local contractors today, Pat & Phil, engaged by Laing ORourke cleaning up properties at Rosedale on the South Coast. Over 1,000 properties cleaned up so far. Whilst there are more to be done, the schedule forecast is for of over 250 per week to be completed across NSW. Thanks again fellas, appreciate the quick chat and more importantly the great work.

20.01.2022 Thanks to Superintendent Jim French for the invitation to join you and members of the St John Ambulance Australia, NSW Harbourside Division tonight for your Awards Ceremony. Great to see so many junior, cadet and senior members doing and achieving wonderful things in their community. Was an honour to present members wit their NSW Premier’s Bushfire Citations in recognition of their commitment and service during the 2019/20 season. I travelled to many locations across the st...ate last season and met with many St Johns members providing support and assistance to fire and emergency service personnel and members of the community. Congratulations and thanks again to all. Resilience NSW

19.01.2022 This is great and welcome news. Providing certainty for the continuance of much needed disaster research, learning & knowledge to assist with building resilience into the future. Looking forward to seeing how the new centre is established. Resilience NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Afac NSW Rural Fire Service NSW SES Fire and Rescue NSW David Littleproud Karen Andrews MP

19.01.2022 Pleased to join Margy Osmond from the Tourism and Travel Forum on Weekend Sunrise this morning, to help promote travel and visitation to rural and regional NSW from 1st June, especially to bush fire affected communities. There is so much to see and do across the state, and local villages, towns and regional centres are planning and preparing to welcome visitors over coming months. Whilst fire impacts are still clearly evident across some parts of NSW and the difficult recov...ery and healing continues for those affected and impacted, planning to visit friends and family or taking a break or holiday with the family in rural and regional NSW, is so important right now. The key to travel plans across NSW is consideration, patience and planning and ensuring were all COVID Safe: 1. If youre sick or unwell - STAY AT HOME! Dont travel and dont go to work. 2. Plan and call ahead for booking accommodation and dining. 3. Maintain 1.5 physical distancing and effective hygiene at all times. There are so many beautiful and special places to see and visit across rural and regional NSW but the most beautiful and special asset is the people and local community spirit. You might not get the traditional handshake or hug due to safe practises, but you can be assured of a lovely welcome and smile, as well as a Gday, great conversation and a few laughs. Most importantly, not only will you enjoy a exceptional holiday experience, youll be helping with the recovery and healing process which is key to local community resilience. For more information and updates, visit the nsw.gov.au website https://www.nsw.gov.au//holiday-travel-restrictions-to-be- Resilience NSW

19.01.2022 This week is National Volunteer Week, a time for us to reinforce our gratitude and appreciation for all volunteers. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our communities and without volunteers, wed all be very much the poorer as a society. Whether it be health and medical assistance, care and well-being, schools and education, sports and recreation, environment and conservation, land care and drought relief, or our police, fire and emergency services, volunteerism and volunte...ers are simply invaluable. We all witnessed the very best of our volunteers during this last bush fire season and in Resilience NSW we truly value and appreciate the partnership with all volunteers and volunteer organisations dedicated to the ongoing recovery and rebuilding effort, particularly given the additional challenges with pandemic restrictions. Volunteers and volunteerism are key to building individual and community resilience - ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, all for the want of nothing in return, other than to make a positive and meaningful difference - thank you. There is a volunteering role for everyone and for more information on volunteering in NSW, visit the NSW Volunteering website https://www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au/ #NVW2020

19.01.2022 Bureau of Meteorology are forecasting potential for rain right across NSW over the next 8 days. Forecast also indicates potential for heavy falls along the coast, including across some fire affected areas and communities. For information on being prepared and staying up to date, visit the Bureau of Meteorology and NSW SES. https://reg.bom.gov.au/?ref=logo https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ Resilience NSW

18.01.2022 How about some happy news? There is some rain forecast over the coming days and its going to fall where its needed. With the wet weather on the way its perfect weather to stay home and isolate.

18.01.2022 An insightful and inspiring day today in Queanbeyan with NSW Regional Youth Task Force delegates from right across the State on the important focus area of wellbeing. Thank you again to Minister Bronnie Taylor MLC for the invitation to attend and most importantly, all Taskforce members for sharing experiences, suggestions and ideas. #RegionalYouthTaskforce Resilience NSW

18.01.2022 Another important program announced over the weekend by Deputy Premier John Barilaro Additional focus and effort to ensure assistance is provided to all whove been impacted and affected. Resilience NSW

17.01.2022 Thanks to Mayor Barry Calvert and Hawkesbury City Council Councillors for the briefing this morning regarding recovery progress associated with recent bushfires, floods and COVID. Great to hear about learnings and future challenges. Look forward to continuing working together with Resilience NSW

15.01.2022 MUST WATCH TV! Authentic, honest, courageous, caring, heartfelt experiences, feelings & thoughts shared by NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers, reflecting on this past fire season. A truly wonderful representation of the extraordinary members of the NSW RFS, without whom, wed all be very much the poorer as a society. Thank you for what you all did and achieved and for sharing your stories. Weve all been impacted and affected by the events of this past fire season and its so ...important to talk, share stories, thoughts and experiences. Importantly, look after yourself, each other and please access and utilise the services and support available as necessary. Thanks again to all members for your continued commitment and dedication to serving and protecting the community. https://www.sbs.com.au//volunteer-firefighters-how-are-the See more

14.01.2022 Today is 1 year since we lost NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer Col Burns from the Belowra Brigade. Grateful to have been able to spend time in Narooma this morning with community members reflecting on the extraordinary events of last year, thanking all involved and paying tribute to Col and all those who’ve suffered and lost loved ones. We will never forget Col’s sacrifice. Resilience NSW

14.01.2022 A most difficult day indeed and sadly, one of too many difficult days last season.

12.01.2022 Thanks to Dave Page and the NSW Southern Rough Riders Rugby Team for the invitation to pop down to Canberra today to join them for the ACT Veterans Rugby festival held at Duntroon. Was great to be able to hand out team jerseys and kit bags and watch a couple of games. Plenty of the team members worked on, or were impacted and affected by last seasons NSW Bush Fires and their Rugby is a great way to catch up, reflect and look out for each other. Thanks again Dave for the i...nvite, was great to catch up with you and the team and thanks again for the Jersey. I’m sure a few cold drinks tonight will help with today’s bumps and bruises. Resilience NSW

12.01.2022 8th June 2000 - 20 years ago today, a NSW NPWS crew of seven were over-run by fire whilst conducting a prescribed burn/hazard reduction to help protect the community of Mt Kuring-gai. Dad, along with 3 of his colleagues, Claire, Eric and Mark, were killed (Dad, Eric and Claire on the mountain and Mark several weeks later in hospital) and 3 survived, Natalie, Luke and Jamie, with serious burn and other injuries. While there is no decernable track anymore, it took us a few hour...s to make our way through the bush today, but we were able to locate the accident scene where there remains three cairns of stones to mark the locations of those who passed that fateful day. Was also lovely to chat with some of dads former NPWS mates as well as some local residents who paid tribute today. May we never forget their sacrifice and our thoughts and prayers remain with all those so terribly affected and impacted by the tragedy. See more

12.01.2022 A truly humbling and overwhelming honour. Thank you to The Shepherd Centre and the Australian Fathers Day Council for this very special award. Extremely proud of our two beautiful and healthy daughters who will be home with us this Fathers Day.... My thoughts will be with all those kids and families who will be without their dads this Fathers Day, especially those of NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers Geoff Keaton, Andrew ODwyer and Sam McPaul, as well as Bomber134 crew, Ian McBeth, Paul Hudson and Rick DeMorgan Jnr, who all paid the ultimate price and died while protecting NSW this last fire season. May we never forget their sacrifice and their extraordinary heroism.

12.01.2022 Down in Cobargo today visiting and catching up with a few locals, to see and hear about how their recovery, rebuilding and healing is progressing 12 months on. Remarkable people and while there’s still much to do, it’s great to see those already moving into or building new homes. Couldn’t drive past these bales without taking a photo though. Says it all really! Resilience NSW

12.01.2022 The Mogo Wildlife Park team did an extraordinary job during this last fire season. A huge team effort resulted in them officially reopening for business on 1st March. Like so many others though, theyre now closed again due to COVID-19 restrictions but that hasnt stopped them sharing their knowledge and love for wildlife on line with #AskAZookeeper. Well done again to Chad and all the Wildlife Park Team.

11.01.2022 In my final post as NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, I write to simply say thank you. Thank you to all NSW RFS members, past and present, both salaried and volunteer, for your unwavering perseverance, dedication and commitment to serving and protecting the people of NSW, as well as communities much further afield when called upon to do so. Thank you for your candour and passion in seeking improvement and betterment in all that we do and more importantly, your generosity, ...support and care when colleagues are truly in need. Thank you for the support and care that I and my family have received when weve needed it over the years. Thank you to all our police and emergency services partners, government agencies, community organisations and media for the extraordinary commitment to coordinated fire fighting and fire management, community eduction and engagement, and of course public information and warnings. Thank you to the many communities across NSW who, throughout this last fire season, exercised extraordinary patience, understanding, resilience and took considered decisions to help save lives and livelihoods. Thank you too to all those that extended such generosity and care to those that needed it most. The worst weve experienced in mother nature resulted in the very best of humanity. I look forward to starting my new role tomorrow as Commissioner Resilience NSW and Deputy Secretary Emergency Management, where I am confident I will be able to be part of a wonderful team that continues to focus on supporting and protecting the people of NSW, particularly those so terribly impacted and affected by the recent drought, bush fires and current pandemic. It was lovely to have Lisa at Head Office today and for her to be a part of my low key farewell, it really meant a lot. Thank you. Whilst it was odd not being able to shake hands or share a hug, I really appreciated the many conversations and very kind words. Thank you. Thank you again and farewell. I look forward to catching up with you all in the future.

11.01.2022 I can confirm that I will be concluding my tenure as Commissioner NSW Rural Fire Service, at the end of this month. Ive had the privilege of being a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service for over 35 years, starting as a volunteer before commencing employment in the organisation in 1994. The RFS has been a significant part of my life in so many ways. Its truly been an honour to serve as Commissioner for over 12 years now. Ive enjoyed the celebrations and have tried to be the...re during the tough times. My heartfelt thanks to all our NSW RFS members, both salaried and volunteer, their families and employers, as well as all their fire and emergency service partners and supporters. I look forward to continuing to serve the people and Government of NSW with planning, prevention, preparedness and importantly, recovery from emergencies and disasters, in my new role as Commissioner of Resilience NSW and Deputy Secretary Emergency Management. Thank you again to everyone for your support and assistance, its truly and sincerely appreciated. See more

10.01.2022 Thanks again to Matthew Hatcher, President of Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber, for inviting Lisa and me to the Batemans Bay NYE 2020 'Light up the Bay' Commemorative Light Exhibit this evening. A lovely, very special and important event tonight, reflecting on the extraordinary impacts and challenges of last fire season, while also thanking and acknowledging the women and men of the fire and emergency services, as well as the broader community organisations and indiv...iduals that came together in support of one another during the most difficult f times. The emotions twelve months on are still very real and raw for many and events like tonight are an important step in helping all with their recovery, repair, rebuilding and healing. It was lovely to see so many people sharing stories, thoughts and feelings as well as their progress and challenges. Outstanding live entertainment and a wonderful light show. A key focus was a tree illuminated with a vivid green light, paying tribute to young Emerald and her family who lost her dad in the fires. Thanks again to Aunty Loretta for the Welcome to Country and local MP Fiona Phillips for your address. Was great to hear local NSW Rural Fire Service brigade captain, Ian Atkins also speak to all present, reflecting on the challenges of last year and thanking all involved. Local brigades also drove vehicles across the bridge with their flashing lights on to a round of applause from the community. Thanks again all for a lovely and special evening, keep looking after yourselves and each other. Happy New Year! Resilience NSW

10.01.2022 Honoured to have been invited by caricaturist, Mark Tippett, to Coffs Harbour on the weekend to attend the Toons for Wildlife fundraising art exhibition. Located in the National Cartoon Gallery, at the bunker in Coffs Harbour, is a unique exhibition of 100 prints and original artwork by some of Australias best cartoonists and artists. Sponsored by the Australian Cartoonists Association, the exhibition provides a reflection of cartoonists views captured during the devastat...ing fires of the 2019/20 fire season, with a particular focus on our wildlife. The Toons for Wildlife on-line auction, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to WIRES, can be accessed via the following link: https://event.auctria.com//aa6cd270-8751-11e9-a741-3fcfcb3 I would encourage people in their travels to visit the National Cartoon Gallery and see the exhibition which runs from 22 August to 25 October 2020. Lisa and I had a lovely night and reiterate our thanks to all involved for such a wonderful and generous initiative. Thanks again Mark for the very special portrait. #toonsforwildlife Resilience NSW Australian Cartoonists Association WIRES

09.01.2022 Joined NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers, Minister David Elliott and Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning, for the release of the Independent NSW Bush Fire Inquiry Report, authored by former Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens and Professor Mary OKane. All 76, wide reaching recommendations have been accepted in principle by the Government and Resilience NSW will oversee & coordinate their implementation. The full report can be viewed via: https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au//Final-Repo...rt-of-the-NSW-Bushfi Resilience NSW

09.01.2022 The 2019/20 bush fire season was unprecedented for NSW in terms of weather and fire conditions experienced, the loss of life, livelihoods and property, and the threat to communities across large parts of the State. An unparalleled response effort from fire fighters, police and emergency services, all key functional areas of Government, the Commonwealth and ADF, as well as all fire fighters from all Australian States and Territories, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Important...ly, we saw an understanding, considered and decisive community that responded to media and public information, advice and warnings, which saved lives. Our thoughts will forever be with the families and loved ones of all those 25 individuals who lost their lives. We especially pay tribute to the families and loved ones of our selfless heroes, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew ODwyer from the Horsley Park Brigade and Samuel McPaul from the Morven Brigade, along with US aerial firefighters Ian McBeth, Paul Hudson and Rick DeMorgan Jr. Thank you.

09.01.2022 A huge thanks to the NSW RFS Young Members Group for the very special farewell gift, of a membership plaque, engraved bottle of wine and a folio of lovely personal messages, which I received yesterday whilst at NSW RFS HQ. Im so proud to now be made an Honorary Member of the Young Members Group and I especially loved your personal and heartfelt messages, they were all truly lovely. (and a little cheeky too as always ;-)) Thank you all for the extraordinary contributions you...ve made to the NSW Rural Fire Service over the last 10 years and I look forward to hearing of your continued successes into the future. Will catch up again soon and thank you all personally.

08.01.2022 The Resilient Australia Awards is a national program which recognises initiatives that strengthen community disaster resilience. The Awards are recognised at State and National levels. Also, the NSW Get Ready Community Award is a State initiative that recognises a local community that has worked together to make their community more prepared and better able to recover from disasters. The 2020 NSW award categories are:... NSW Get Ready Community Award Resilient Australia Business Award Resilient Australia Community Award Resilient Australia Government Award Resilient Australia Local Government Award Resilient Australia School Award Resilient Australia Photography Award - Peoples Choice The NSW winners of the Resilient Australia Award categories will automatically progress to consideration for the Resilient Australia National awards. Applications close for the Resilient Australia Awards on 8 June 2020 and applications can be made via the following link: https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au//Resilient-Australia-Awar Applications close for the NSW Get Ready Community Award on 5 July 2020 and applications can be made by completing the application form available online and emailing it to [email protected]. via the following link: https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au//NSW-Get-Ready-Community- Resilience NSW

08.01.2022 Congratulations to all 2020 Queens Birthday Day honours recipients, including the 8 NSW Rural Fire Service members on your Australian Fire Service Medals. So well deserved and lovely to chat with you all again this morning. Thanks, and congrats again all.

08.01.2022 There should be no impediment to women playing a meaningful role and taking up leadership roles in any aspect of the work we do Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons... Resilience NSW Male Champions of Change #GenderEquality #WomeninLeadership #WomeninFire #GenderBalance #CaseForChange AFAC News https://malechampionsofchange.com/mcc-fire-and-emergency-c/ See more

07.01.2022 Thanks to Rick and Bev for sharing some of their personal journey, highlighting some of the many significant challenges and extraordinary community generosity associated with progress in the recovery, rebuilding and healing process. Minderoo Foundation Resilience NSW

07.01.2022 Lovely to see neighbours out on the street with candles for the rising of the dawn this ANZAC Day 2020. COVID-19 might be limiting our movement but not our ability to pay tribute and to honor our fallen on this most special day of the calendar. Thank you to our local buglers for playing the last post which could be so poignantly heard throughout the valleys. May we be forever grateful and never forget the sacrifice of our service men and women, and that of their families and loved ones, for protecting our Country and way of life. #ANZACDay2020

07.01.2022 Joined Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, Local MP Robyn Preston and Hawkesbury Councillor Nathan Zamprogno this afternoon to chat with some of the Hawkesbury Showground volunteers who helped care for displaced people and their animals during the recent fires. Thanks again to all the Showground team for your ongoing commitment and dedication and thanks for the lovely afternoon tea, especially those home made sausage rolls. Resilience NSW

07.01.2022 NSW’s capacity to respond to an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) will be tested during Exercise Piggyback, a cross agency collaboration which will be held ...across two sites in Orange and Sydney, today and tomorrow (24 25 November). ASF is a highly contagious virus of pigs (domestic and feral) that has swept across Asia and poses a serious threat to our $194 million pork industry. Exercise Piggyback, initiated by the NSW State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), is an important collaboration between government and industry which aims to test our capacity to manage a response to and recovery from African swine fever (ASF), should an outbreak occur in NSW. For more information visit https://fal.cn/3bLGV Resilience NSW Local Land Services NSW NSW Department of Primary Industries

06.01.2022 Bega District News article identifying the significance of the main street clean up underway in Cobargo this week. Thanks again to Laing ORourke, local contractors and importantly, local landholders and communities, for coordinating and delivering on this most significant, complex, necessary and sensitive state wide clean up. Over 1000 properties cleaned up already and schedule ahead indicates between 250-300 to be cleared per week. Resilience NSW... https://www.begadistrictnews.com.au//cobargos-main-stree/

06.01.2022 Congratulations to Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM A well earned and most deserved appointment to the role of NSWRFS Commissioner, which is a great decision for NSW. Most importantly, given Robs background and commitment, respect and admiration for volunteerism and volunteers, its a great decision for the NSWRFS members, both volunteer and salaried alike. ... I have no doubt that Rob and the team will continue to do great things, with new ideas and programs that grow and benefit the members, the organisation, coordinated firefighting, emergency management and the community. NSW Rural Fire Service Resilience NSW https://www.smh.com.au//rob-rogers-secures-rfs-chief-s-rol

06.01.2022 What a wonderful and well presented story. Heartfelt recovery, incorporating a beautiful and fitting tribute to 3 of our selfless heroes, Ian, Paul and Rick, who died while saving and protecting the people of NSW during the 2019/20 Bush Fire Season. NSW Rural Fire Service Resilience NSW

05.01.2022 Proud to be joining 15 other wonderful finalists in this year's NSW Australian of The Year Awards. Don't forget to join the live stream tonight at 6.00pm (AEDT) #weareallpartofthestory #AusoftheYear #reflectrespectcelebrate

04.01.2022 Just spent the day with the Kempsey Shire Council recovery team and local Resilience NSW members. Was able to catch up with some locals who are still rebuilding and recovering in Bellbrook and Willawarrin. Inspiring to hear of their work and experiences during and following the fires. Thanks again for all that youve done and are achieving, great to catch up.

03.01.2022 Lovely to join Kelvin and Kerry near Cobargo today for the arrival of their new accommodation pod thanks to the partnership between NSW Government and the Minderoo Foundation. One of dozens of pods, complete with power, hot water, en-suite, kitchen, beds, washing machine, dining table and chairs, currently being deployed across fire affected areas of NSW. After having their block cleared this week, and now their temporary accommodation pod, Kelvin and Kerry are looking forward to building their new home over coming months. Thanks again Kelvin and Kerry for sharing this special day and to all involved for your efforts with this valuable program of support. Resilience NSW

03.01.2022 Congratulations to Oakville and Hawkesbury NSW Rural Fire Service retired Captain and Group Captain, Peter Speet on your National Medal 4th Clasp for over 60yrs service presented today by Minister Elliott. Thanks again Pete for all you’ve done and do for others over all these years and for all you’re achieving personally, especially this year. Was lovely for Lisa and I to have been invited and able to attend with family, loved ones and colleagues on your special day. Keep going and stay strong mate.

02.01.2022 Caught up for a chat with Margaret at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl, along with Sean a neighbouring fellow orchadist, (who also happen to be long term members of the NSW Rural Fire Service) to discuss their progress with recovery, rebuilding and business, as well as the benefits and process associated with the Industry/Sector grant support programs for future business endeavours. Of course, thanks again for the famous and delicious apple pie and coffee. Resilience NSW

01.01.2022 Pleased to be able to address and welcome key members of our NSW State Emergency management Committee (SEMC), participating in an important 2 day bio-security exercise, 'Exercise Piggyback', that kicked off earlier this morning. Exercise Piggyback will be held across multiple locations including the FRNSW Emergency Services Academy in western Sydney and DPI Operations Centre in Orange NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will lead Exercise Piggyback, which is desi...gned to test a range of NSW Government agencies and arrangements involved and associated with the response and recovery from an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in NSW. Thanks again all for your commitment and dedication to this important exercise that will assist in our learning and preparations for such events. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au//exercise-piggyback-targets-afr Resilience NSW NSW Department of Primary Industries

01.01.2022 Resilient Australia Photography Awards are open for votes. This photo, taken by James Morris, at the funeral of volunteer fire fighter Geoff Keaton, who tragically died serving and protecting the community from bush fires, is certainly my choice. A powerful image, capturing some of the heartbreaking tragedy, love and innocence of this last fire season. A most poignant and moving moment where Geoffs beautiful little son, Harvey, with mum Jess and family watching on, so innoce...ntly accepts his dads Service Medal in the company of thousands of friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. To cast your vote for the Resilient Australia Photography Awards, click on this photo, visit the Facebook page and like the image of your choice.