A message from the Mayor: We all need to be prepared
Published on 01 May 2023
Last week I was honoured to attend the Medal Presentation for the Rural Fire Service held at Council’s Slim Dusty Centre.
Seven National Medals and 39 Long Service medals were awarded to volunteers to recognise their exemplary efforts in protecting our community. An outstanding recipient was Stuarts Point’s Paul Bourne, who received the National Medal for 37 years of service!
As I listened to their individual achievements, I reflected on both the need for the Rural Fire Service and what we as a community can do to support their work. Except for some newcomers, most have vivid memories of the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires. I think we owe it to ourselves and our community to be the best prepared we can be.
The number one priority for each of us is to have a Bushfire Survival Plan and review it every year. A good way to remember to review yours is to do it the same time we change our smoke detector batteries, at the end of Daylight Saving.
You can learn how to create and check on your Bushfire Survival Plan ksc.pub/get-ready
In addition, people should know about Neighbourhood Safer Places and put them into their Survival Plan. It’s important to note that these are not evacuation centres and are a last resort in emergencies only.
In our Shire, there are seven designated places. Learn more at ksc.pub/fire-info
We should have the Hazards Near Me app, which replaces Fires Near Me on our mobile phones. Up-to-date flood and bushfire information is put into this app by the State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
You can download Hazards Near Me and other helpful apps at ksc.pub/getreadyapps
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of the medal recipients at last week’s ceremony for their leadership and fine example to our community. We are proud of you and the selfless work you do for us.
Anzac Day 2023
This year Anzac Day was a memorable day for those at the commemorative events across the Shire. It was also the Centenary for both Legacy, an outstanding volunteer supporter of Servicemen and women’s families, and the Cenotaph at East Kempsey.
Thank you all, especially the organisers of each event.
A special mention to Terry Flynn, who after 37 years of organising the Willawarrin services is retiring from the job. Thank you, Terry.