NSW RFS in Tathra, New South Wales | Community organisation

NSW RFS

Locality: Tathra, New South Wales

Phone: +61 429 858 123

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• Charitable organisation
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• Fire station

25.01.2022 WATCH || As the NSW Rural Fire Service unveils its aerial fighting fleet during an event at #AusAirForce Base Richmond, where it will continue to operate froma...head of this year's fire season. Senior ADF Officer for RAAF Base Richmond Air Commodore Carl Newman said he was proud that the fire service would continue to operate from the base. In every bushfire season since 2015, RAAF Base Richmond has demonstrated consistent firsthand support to NSW RFS aerial firefighting, Air Commodore Newman added. The airbase support we provide everything from air traffic control, emergency services, refuelling and even infrastructure is essential to keeping them in the fight. Read the story: https://bit.ly/2HLIXBW #YourADF Royal Australian Air Force

25.01.2022 Myth: If there is a bush fire, we will have a fire truck attend our property for us. FACT: Well, our local community certainly knows that there will never be as many fire trucks as there are houses. In Tathra we have one large truck and a small unit. Our neighbouring Brigades of Tanja, Jellat, Merimbula and Tarraganda have to maintain coverage of their areas, so "may" be able to send a truck or two at best... Do not depend on a fire truck being available at your home. ... But if you and your home are well prepared, you stand a better chance of surviving a bush fire. There are simple things you can do around your home to prepare it for a bush fire, like keeping the grass low and having a cleared area around your home. Learn more and get ready at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare

25.01.2022 Such a wonderful video from our friends at the Narooma Brigade. Awesome work. Certainly highlights the challenges all of our crews shared during the fires and shows the wonderful bond that members have within Brigades.

24.01.2022 The Tathra Brigade was very privileged to have a small group of Kalaru residents visit the Fire Station, to witness well known local resident Margaret Evans present a generous donation of $535.05 to the Tathra Brigade. Margaret who's family has been in the Tathra area since the mid 1800's has a very beautiful garden at her home, which herself along with her late husband Norm commenced establishing in 1966. The garden has even featured on ABC gardening shows. Recently Margaret... decided to open her garden to the public, with admission by donation with proceeds going to the Tathra Fire Brigade. As an extra bonus to guests, they were entered into a raffle to win a lovely scarf, knitted by another well known local Val Little. The scarf was won by Ken from South Bega. Thankyou to Margaret and supporters for assisting the Brigade, which in turn assists the community. We are extremely appreciative. Main photo: Captain Adam Wiggins with Kalaru water gardens owner Margaret Evans.

21.01.2022 Today marks one year since the 2019-20 bushfires took hold in the Bega Valley at a rate that no one had expected. Our best fire prediction experts had predicted... that at a worst case scenario, we could see spotting deep into the Bega Valley at some stage on the 31st December 19, however no one had expected that before the sun had risen on that day, we would see direct flame impact in past Cobargo and Quaama into Coolagalite and the Murrah area. It was a day that tested all of our members, their families and the wider community. Unfortunately we saw massive losses, including lives and it was only the start of what was to come over the next few weeks for the Bega Valley. One thing that is undisputed, is that all of our members and colleagues from the other agencies did everything they could and exhibited the highest of qualities that anyone could ever expect. As we mark one year and head into another new year, it can be awkward to know how we should approach the day, but it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to approach New Years as we go forward, whether that be either commemorate (the events) or celebrate (as we go forward into a new year). Some may wish to have some quiet time to reflect, whilst some may choose to spend time with family and / or friends and welcome the new year in under fireworks (legal display of course) or at a party... It may be that many do both? No matter which way you spend the day, it’s normal for many to find that they are experiencing emotional challenges... for some the challenges may not have shown up until now, or will show up a long time later. Whilst these challenges are normal, it’s important not to ignore them and ensure that you seek help. It’s also important that our Brigades and the wider community look out for each other and constantly check on one another. We don’t fight fires alone - we don’t go through the recovery and proceeding years alone! For our RFS members and their families, please remember we have available various support services: - Critical Incident Support Services Team - 1800 049 933 - Benestar Member Assistance Program - 1300 360 364 Senior Chaplains and family support are also available and can be reached via the CISS team. The Bega Valley RFSA Branch and the wider RFSA is proud to support our Volunteers and Staff in as many ways as we possibly can and welcome anyone to contact us at any time. Regards, Bega Valley Rural Fire Service Association Branch (Photos: Prediction map for 31/12/19 and map of impact by the revocation of the Section 44.) * For the wider community help is available through the Bega Valley Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Support Service, where case management and person to person support for everyone impacted by the 2020 Bega Valley Bushfire. Confidential and free, linking you to a wide range of services: Personal Business Agricultural financial Housing Government Agencies Council Phone: 02 6499 2345 or check out the BVSC website. Lifeline (If the day creates any issues): 13 11 14

21.01.2022 Looks like our Station CCTV captured Santa and his helpers again... From our family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

19.01.2022 Mental health is so important to us all, and maintaining good mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. Today is a great reminder to all to check in with your friends, members and family, to ask the question 'Are you OK?', to listen and encourage them to take action, and to keep checking in. It's not just about the question, but also about continuing the conversation. R U OK? ... Are they triple OK? See more

19.01.2022 The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for Tuesday 8th September 2020 will be HIGH.

19.01.2022 Congratulations to our mates at FRNSW in Bega... An awesome asset and we look forward to checking out it's capabilities when we next work or train with you.

17.01.2022 It’s been such a challenging year. Last New Year, our firefighters were working hard to save lives and protect our community. This New Year, we thank the incredible health and frontline workers doing the same tonight. However and wherever you’re seeing in 2021, stay safe. #nswrfs

16.01.2022 Very sad to see this occuring in our wonderful community. Anyone with information, please contact the local Police. (P.S... we may have a few big pairs of boots, for anyone who requires them to deal with this situation)

16.01.2022 Myth: We recently had lots of rain and minor flooding in the Bega Valley - we are no longer at risk from bush fires. Fact: Lots of rain means lots of fuel for bush and grass fires. It only takes a few days of hot, dry and windy weather to cure grass and make it flammable. In many sections of the local bush, the moisture did not go deep and the surface below is dry. Make a bush fire survival plan so you know what you will do if there’s a bush or grass fire near you.

14.01.2022 Myth: I can stay and defend, but leave if it gets too much. Fact: Fire can travel quick and can be extremely unpredictable. Fire could easily overrun Bega - Tathra Road, Sapphire Coast Drive, Bermagui - Tathra Road etc. If these roads are impacted by fire, smoke would cause a complete lack of visibility which means either you crash off the road, or someone crashes into you... If direct flames impact the area your in, your car would stop and become a mobile oven.... You either need to plan to "leave early" or "stay and defend" - a last minute decision to leave can cost lives... NOW IS THE TIME TO DO YOUR PLAN.

12.01.2022 With extra restrictions thanks to COVID19, the Tathra Brigade has been running training across two groups (Green led by Deputy Captain Richard Gallimore and blue led by Senior Deputy Captain Jason Lewington), with each one meeting on alternating Sunday afternoons. This week the blue team ran through some scenarios down near Tathra Pre School which included laying a foam line (no - if you walked past there this afternoon, Tathra hasn’t had an isolated dump of snow) and reviewing water supply options. Photos: Firefighter David Shane and Senior Deputy Captain Jason Lewington practicing applying fire fighting foam (credit Amanda Shane).

09.01.2022 Happy International Men’s Day. Today we celebrate the positive role models we have not only in the RFS, but also the wider community and acknowledge their input and the influence they play in keeping our society safe, happy and functioning. We also would like to draw a light onto some of the issues affecting our males and associated health issues.... Bega Valley Shire Council Kristy McBain Andrew Constance MP NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFSA #internationalmensday

09.01.2022 Myth: My home is surrounded by grass, with no bush, so it's safe. Fact: Grass fires can spread up to 3 times faster than bush fires. Take the area around Cobargo and Quaama for example. Have you made your fire plan yet?

08.01.2022 Myth: Since the Tathra fires, there is very little to burn. Actually: Tathra and surrounds still has large areas that have not burnt... Even parts that burnt in 2018 are starting to build up fuel again. Every household should be prepared for bushfire - Every household should have a fire plan.

07.01.2022 GET READY WEEKEND. (*note venue change) It's that weekend again and this year, we will still be available to help answer questions and provide handouts, but the event will be less interactive. It was planned to hold the event at the bottom of town, but due to the weather, we will be based at the Station.... Unfortunately, whilst we love letting people explore the trucks and station, this year we won't have the trucks or station (except one bay) open (due to strict hygiene controls) and there won't be a bbq. But a few of our team will be at the Station on Bega St to answer questions and provide handouts. So if you would like any "bush fire" advice, please pop into the Station between 10am and 2pm on Saturday.

06.01.2022 Myth: Communications are better since the Tathra Fires in 2018 - we will get more warning next time. Fact: Whilst mobile phone reception has improved and warning systems are being tweaked, we can't rely on getting a warning well in advance as many factors can make fires unpredictable. As we saw with the Tathra Fires and then again the 19-20 fires around the north of the Shire, we just can't instantly and accurately predict fires.... This is why a pre prepared plan and monitoring conditions is important. Downloading the "Fires Near Me" app and following our Facebook page does help but.

06.01.2022 Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads out there, particularly our RFS Dads... special acknowledgment for our RFS family from other RFS Brigades - Geoff, Andrew and Samuel who were all fathers who passed away in the line of duty over the past season.

05.01.2022 Some good news out of 2020, was that the Tathra Brigade joined many others across NSW in welcoming new recruits to its ranks. In Tathra, we were lucky to receive approximately 20 which has helped put the Brigade in a better position, to protect the community from the threat of fire, assist ambulance services with medical incidents etc. Here is some of them and tune to the ABC TV in the coming days for more info.

04.01.2022 Work is coming along at the Tathra Fire Station with the second stage which is a dedicated training and meeting room rising from the ground up. Internally work is nearly completed completely refurbishing the kitchen and office space, creating a new disabled access toilet and shower as well as seperate ambulant toilet and addition of a laundry room and upstairs storage room. Work is being completed by local head contractor Kaos Constructions and their team of local sub contrac...tors. Funding for the building works was provided by the Tathra Fire Brigade (through generous Community support), Rotary Bega and a major NSW Government grant. Additionally the Tathra Sunshine Club has generously donated a large back up generator and the NSW RFS and Brigades Trust fund (often referred to as the Celeste Barber fundraiser) has provided $10,000 towards furniture and electrical appliances. As the building progresses the Brigade will move to upgrading the grounds and gardens which will complete the upgrades on the vital community asset, setting it up for many more years of service to community. For any information regarding the project, please contact the Project Manager (Construction phase) Jason Lewington via [email protected]

02.01.2022 Today we will pause to remember the life of Sam McPaul, a volunteer from the Morven Brigade, who lost his life while protecting the community on this day last y...ear. Sam, a young father to be, was killed when a freak weather event flipped the fire truck he was on while battling fires in southern NSW. Commissioner Rob Rogers will today broadcast a message of support to volunteers in the area today, and they will hold a moment's silence to reflect. Tomorrow, we will also remember the passing of Colin Burns from the Belowra Brigade, who lost his life on New Years Eve last year. 25 people lost their lives last bush fire season - our most challenging fire season in our history. We remember all of them at this time of year. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 For NSW RFS members, you can contact the Critical Incident Support Services Team or the Member Assistance Program for free support.