Published on Monday, 19 August 2013 at 12:00:00 AM
The Tom Price Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) had their first real opportunity to say thank you to Rio Tinto and the Shire of Ashburton on Friday 9 August with a “Soft Opening” at their premises in Boondaroo Rd – the first ‘real’ home for the Brigade.
It was a double celebration as they proudly presented the newly acquired Light Tanker, recently obtained through the DFES Emergency Services replacement program.
Following a succession of large bush fires in 2005 and 2006 which had major impacts on Karijini National Park, it became apparent that additional resources were required to cover the Ashburton region. A collaborative effort was needed between the community, the Shire, FESA and Rio Tinto to address these issues.
Following overwhelming community support, the Tom Price Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade was registered by FESA on 14 August 2007.
“This was great, we had a Brigade - we had members,” said Morgwn Jones, Chief Bush Fire Control Officer. “Although we didn’t have a station or any trained officers nor a purpose built appliance, we did have a second hand Toyota Hilux with an old slip on unit donated by DEC and that was enough to begin with.”
At the inaugural AGM Terry Mellor was voted in as the Brigades 1st ever Captain, Chris O’Connell as the 1st Lt, Glynn Potter 2nd Lt, Geoff Harrison as 3rd Lt and Peter Nazarovs as the 4th Lt and the Bush Fire Brigade was up and going.
Capt. Mellor established an agreement with Saferight to allow the BFB to use their premises as a station and an old light tanker was delivered courtesy of FESA from Fitzroy Crossing.
“At around the same time the Rio Tinto donations committee granted an old Marandoo LT to the Brigade – we still have that appliance today and it’s called the BFB 3,” said Morgwn.
“Things were looking good. The Brigade was growing in members, and we could provide assistance within the Shire and other communities.”
Then in 2009 Saferight expanded their operations into Tom Price and needed their Shed back!! So for the next three years the BFB operated without a station.
“This was not an ideal situation and very frustrating to all of us,” said Morgwn. “We managed by members housing fridges, freezers, microwaves, the FRS kindly letting the Brigade park their vehicles out the front of their station and allowing when the need arises to use their Ops room,” he said.
Finally the Brigade received the news they had been waiting for. Chris O’Connell, Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer announced Rio Tinto would provide premises for the Brigade at Boonderoo Rd.
“It was amazing news and gratefully received by the 26 BFB members,” said Morgwn. “We wouldn’t be here without the great support offered to us by the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto,” he said.
Tom Price Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Members with Rio Tio Mangers Mick Green, Kent Franey and Kathryn Mutton
The Shire plays a valuable role by assisting with administration duties associated with the Brigade including the ESL operating grant applications and acquittals, and providing financial assistance and staff hours as Shire officers and volunteers.
Since the Brigades inception Rio Tinto has given the BFB tremendous support. They have donated two vehicles, the Boonderoo Road premises and countless times employees have been released from their duties so they can tend to incidents - sometimes for days at a time.
“A sincere thank you to all of those who have helped in establishing the Tom Price VBFB,” said Morgwn. “Including those who are or have been a volunteer for their dedication in what can be at times very trying conditions that we sometimes operate in.”
“The new Shed has given the Brigade the stability it really needed," said Morgwyn. "An appreciative thanks to Mark Eaglesham, Brian Donald, Mick Green and Chris O’Connell for their work in obtaining the Shed and a special mention to past Area Manager FESA Tony Taylor and Terry Mellor for their belief and support in getting the BFB established.”
If you are interested in joining the Tom Price Volunteer Fire Brigade contact: Morgwn Jones, [email protected] or 9188 4459
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