DUNNIN RFS

Description

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service is the world’s largest volunteer firefighting service with over 70,000 members across 2,000 brigades. For many people living in the city, these brigades only come to mind in times of national crisis. Take for instance the horrific 2019 bushfires whose carnage of crisped wildlife and scorched earth horrified not just the nation, but people across the world. To those who live in small country towns and regional communities, these local brigades and their volunteer force are the first point of call for many matters, whether it be assisting paramedics with patient transport, attending motor vehicle accidents, providing community flood relief, and yes, even saving the occasional house cat stuck in a tree. My father, Alex, has served in the Wamboin Rural Fire Service for eight years. He, alongside the brigade’s over one hundred volunteers, saved countless properties along major firelines impacted by the 2019 bushfire season. In 2022, Alex, alongside his fellow brigade members, helped with flood relief efforts across New South Wales. To this day, several members of this brigade have crossed state borders and travelled the world to answer calls for help. Our brigades are fuelled by regular community members who donate their time and take measured risks to preserve community safety. These images were taken during the annual Wamboin community bonfire event, hosted and facilitated by the Wamboin Rural Fire Service. All proceeds raised by the sale of these images will be directed to the brigade, which is currently seeking to raise funds and open a satellite fire shed so they may respond to incidents around Lake George more rapidly. Proceeds will be donated to RFS Bywong.