Mike Berry, Dunoon RFS Captain, Dunoon and District Gazette
It is with sadness that members of Dunoon RFS acknowledge the recent passing of past member Neville Watts age 98. Neville had been a member of the brigade for many years serving in various roles including as Captain.
Neville and other inaugural members of the brigade served at a time when there was no fire station and response equipment involved a trailer towed behind a tractor (see photo). Neville and others who served in those early years were trail blazers and their service to our community should not be forgotten. The brigade extends its sympathies the Neville’s son Barry and grandson Darren, both of whom are current members of Dunoon RFS along with their extended families.
In 2023, the brigade introduced a new annual training award posthumously named in honour of past member, Aline Feebrey. The award is open to all members of the brigade (excluding officers) and is based on a points system for attending brigade training, brigade callouts and general meetings. Our inaugural winner is Alison Wilson. Congratulations to Alison and all members of the brigade for their commitment and contribution to this most important community service.
Although the 2023/2024 bush fire danger period came to an end on 1 March 2024, members of the community are reminded that although you currently do not need a permit to burn you must still advise your neighbours and register your burn with the RFS at least 24 hours before you intend to light up.
You can register your burn with the RFS by going online to https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fire-permits/burn-notifications or by calling 6626 6922. These are statutory requirements and penalties can apply for non-compliance.
If you intend to light a fire, please be prepared in case it escapes and do not leave it unattended.
Members of the brigade have remained busy since the start of 2024 with ongoing weekly training and numerous callouts to incidents at all hours both night and day.
In addition, most members have recently successfully completed a first aid course; 13 are to be assessed for a chainsaw crosscut qualification in mid-April; and six members have commenced Advanced Firefighter training that requires a significant contribution over numerous full weekends during the year ahead.
The brigade’s training officer Paul Cox has made a significant contribution to our training at a local level and both Paul and Barry Watts have joined our zone training team assisting to train firefighters across out region. Congratulations go to all members for their commitment to the service.
This article appeared in the Dunoon and District Gazette, April-May 2024.
