Bingara Fire and Rescue station is sounding the alarm for a new wave of on call firefighters to step up, join the brigade and keep the station running.
Speaking to the New England Times, Superintendent Tom Cooper, the Fire and Rescue Zone Commander for the New England and North West region, says the Bingara station has long struggled to find long term staff, forcing firefighters from out of town to cover.
According to him, the situation is approaching an inflection point because calling in firefighters from outlying areas is “a costly and unsustainable exercise” that is putting the station’s future in jeopardy. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib (pictured) recently visited the station to discuss Bingara’s desperate need for on call firefighters as well.
“At the moment, firefighters are travelling from Inverell and other outlying areas to be on standby in Bingara, and that’s coming at a massive cost. The minister was up there last week at a public meeting and he indicated the cost to keep the station can’t be sustained under the current situation,” Supt Cooper said.
“We need people in the town to commit. If Bingara really wants to have a fire service, a guaranteed fire service, which is operating at the moment, we really need people to come out, join up, and make the station viable,” he added.
All Are Welcome to Apply
According to Supt Cooper, the station needs at least 12 on call firefighters, with some daytime availability to spring into action in case of an emergency such as a fire. A minimum of four people are needed to get the truck on the road.
Everyone is welcome to join, provided they have current valid NSW driver’s licenses, including red Ps, and they can pass the Australian physical standards set for firefighters. In particular, Supt Cooper says one group of people would be very well suited.
“We are looking for people who live in the town and work in the town, and stay in the town throughout the day so on the rare occasion something does happen, they can get to the station quickly and respond,” he said.
“Stay at home parents whose kids might be at school, they might have the capability to make themselves available while their kids are at school, and respond to a call if any comes in.”
A Rewarding Experience in So Many Ways
Supt Cooper thinks the rewards of being a paid part time firefighter are immense. He says the training teaches a range of transferable skills beyond the service, such as advanced first aid and radio communications. At the same time, there is a chance to make a real difference in the community.
“Recruits will learn all the skills of an active firefighter, teamwork, how to handle hazardous materials, how to deal with fires, all facets of fire safety in the home and how to use rescue tools,” Supt Cooper said.
“We also ensure everyone gets their truck license to drive a medium rigid truck. All of these skills can be used outside of the fire brigade in whatever job you might be employed in for your full time work,” he added.
In exchange for signing up, new recruits receive all training and equipment at no cost to them. Once confirmed in the new position, Supt Cooper says the pay rate is very generous with some excellent allowances.
Regular duties include drills twice a month for two hours, along with responding to emergencies, including fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, car crashes, and a range of other emergency calls where the community might need help.
Working closely with the local community to increase fire safety awareness and promote fire prevention is also part of the Bingara Fire and Rescue Brigade’s vital role.
For more information on how to sign up as an on call firefighter, go to the Fire and Rescue NSW Website and search for Bingara Fire Station.
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