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HELP RIVERINA RURAL FIRE SERVICES KEEP US SAFE

Announcement posted by Beyond Bank Australia 06 Jan 2016

16 December 2015
Just like extra day light hours, seemingly endless sunny days, blowflies and days at the beach – the possibility of bushfires is an intrinsic part of all Australian’s summer consciousness. 

Victoria and South Australia have already battled major fires and these tragic events are a reminder not only of the constant risk of bushfire we face here in Australia, but the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our lives and property during the often long, hot summer.

“For those living outside of capital cities, what we might not realise is that volunteer rural fire services are our frontline when there is a bushfire, house or business fire or even a serious car accident,” Beyond Bank Regional Manager, Andrew Toole said. “These committed men and women are there selflessly helping at what is probably the worst time of our lives.

“In the Riverina there is a large number of rural fire services helping keep people and property safe. Our reliance on these volunteers is never more apparent than this time of year when the bushfire season is upon us and hot, windy conditions have the region on high alert.”

Close to Wagga Wagga is the Forest Hill Rural Fire Brigade (RFB), which has been providing vital fire and emergency services since at least 1940. The brigade is called out around 50-80 times a year.

Owen Elliott has been a member of the Forest Hill RFB for 26 years. His wife Joy has also volunteered for over 20 years.

“Every member of the brigade is a volunteer,” Mr Elliott explained. “We train weekly and are on call at all times.” 

For many, this means leaving their work, family or other commitments at short notice to help when needed.

“We have 20 active members, and including our cadets, our youngest member is just 12 years of age,” Mr Elliott said. “From the age of 16 our volunteers might be going out and fighting fires.” 

Forest Hill RFB is always looking for new volunteers to ensure they have the numbers needed to provide their vital services. Funding is also important to keep the service up and running.

Since 2003, Forest Hill RFB has been part of Beyond Bank’s Community Reward Program

“The Community Reward Program has been very beneficial to Forest Hill Brigade’s finances and in that time we have not needed to sell a raffle ticket,” Mr Elliott said. “It is a great way of fundraising and has been very successful.

“Since being involved with the Community Reward Account program, funds gained from this source have been put to good use in improvements to brigade equipment and more recently we saved the funds in order to add another truck bay extension to Forest Hill Station.”

“We are so proud to be able to support local organisations that support our local community, like Forest Hill Rural Fire Brigade,” Mr Toole said.

Beyond Bank is currently running a new campaign to provide an additional $25,000 in funds for groups like Forest Hill RFB. Not only can everyone help, but they can direct where Beyond Bank’s donation goes. 

During the campaign, anyone who signs up for a home loan, car loan or credit card, will be able to ask Beyond Bank to make a donation to their preferred community organisation.

“Not only will people who take out a home loan, car loan, or credit card benefit from our excellent rates and services, but they can give to a local group that they want to support,” Mr Toole said.

 “For every home loan we provide during this period, Beyond Bank will provide $500 to a local group, $100 for every car loan, and $50 for every new credit card issued.” 

In addition to its accident and firefighting services, Forest Hill RFB has been holding an annual community Christmas event for over 20 years. If you are in the Forest Hill area on Christmas Eve, you might see Santa on the back of a fire truck as the brigade undertakes its Santa Run giving out lollies to local children.