Brigade honours volunteers who go 'above and beyond'

There’s much more to Helensburgh Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade than the name suggests. This dedicated crew are first responders, swinging into action not only for fires, but also floods, car accidents and people lost in the bush. 

The brigade’s annual general meeting on Sunday, June 14 recognised all of this, as well as decades of community service.

Life memberships were awarded to Michael Pratt, Paul Brownjohn and Brett Skiller for going “above and beyond” over more than two decades of volunteering, Brigade Captain Marc Rayner said.

“There was also nine recipients of the New South Wales Premier’s Citation, for the floods in 22, 23."

Volunteers thanked for their “extraordinary response” were Matt Wardle, Anthony Keep, Philip Driver, Iris Huizinga, Sarah Rayner, Marc Rayner, Andrew Rust and Jeffrey Dennis.

Each received a pin, a certificate and a letter signed by NSW Premier Chris Minns that reads: “During those two years, our state faced compounding catastrophic floods that set new records for rainfall in river catchments and flood levels across many regions … Your dedication has profoundly touched the hearts of our community and will leave a lasting impact for years to come.”

While the brigade regularly attends to storm and flood damage around town, the citation recognised their emergency response to callouts, such as the Woronora River flooding in 2022, Marc said.

“We went down there to help evacuate people out and then try to protect people's homes. There was other members who went out Hawkesbury way and did clean-up operations as the waters were receding.

“We're classified as first responders to people in emergency situations, so while our primary role is bushfires and supporting fire rescue, we do support other agencies during times of crisis.

“We help the SES a lot. We will help the police with searches, like with the missing girl that was found up near Waterfall the other week. We do a lot of other stuff, carry people out of Burning Palms and down at Figure Eight Pools to assist the ambulance.”

“Some people choose not to fight big fires, they'll help in other roles – so there's always a role set for someone in the RFS.”

Cheers to 52 years

On the verge of turning 80, Graham Williams (aka Eggs) delivered his last treasurer's report at the AGM, stepping down to a support role after 52 years of active service.

The brigade celebrated this achievement with a very special thank you – a chocolate cake with strawberry filling made by Marc’s wife, Sarah. 

“Up until most probably 12 months ago, he would still go out on the trucks and still attend,” Marc said. “He’s also been the brigade treasurer for over 20 years and always held an executive position as well as being a frontline firefighter, so massive achievements.

“He still comes up every Saturday, he still mentors the younger ones, he still shares his knowledge – so he still plays a very important role.”

Volunteers welcome

The Helensburgh brigade operates three trucks from its base at 185a Parkes Street and always welcomes new members. 

"We have 40 on the books, and out of that, there's about 25 to 30 fully active members," Marc said.

“We really need a crew of around 50, then that way everybody can still do their work, do their family commitments, and then still find that day to be able to do their volunteering.”

Marc thanked the community for their support during recent hazard reductions and reminded residents to remain vigilant, as fires can happen any time.

“Start thinking about how you will prepare and what you may do as spring approaches – don't wait till the day of the fire, but start thinking about your plan now, and what you will do with your family, friends, pets.”

Follow @NSWRFSHelensburgh on Facebook or call Marc to find out more about volunteering on 0409 127 912.