“It is with great pleasure that I hand over a new firefighting tanker to the Gurley RFS who are a critical response unit to incidents in the region,” Mr Gallacher said.
“The almost $300,000 tanker will be utilised by the 22 member RFS brigade located on the Newell Highway. “It has also been a pleasure to meet and present medals to a number of long serving RFS volunteers.
“In Narrabri earlier today, 9 recipients with a combined total of 280 years of service were presented with long service medals.
“The Narrabri Rural Fire district extends westward to the beginning of the Western Plains and covers some 16,000 square km’s.
“The continued dedication of such volunteers can be truly appreciated however these medals are a small way of recognising their tremendous efforts.
“Further North, I have also presented 4 recipients at the Gurley RFS with long service medals. These volunteers have a combined total of 121 years of service.
“I’d like to make special mention of two gentlemen, firstly, Robert Orton who has dedicated 54 years to the NSW Rural Fire Service and is currently joined to the Gurley Brigade and Adrian Collett who joined the RFS in 1960. A remarkable achievement for them both and one the community is extremely grateful for.
“These volunteers are part of the 18,000 square km Moree Rural Fire district which extends westward from the Nandewar Range across the Western Plains.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I would like to thank the incredible work of the RFS and the volunteers that protect rural parts of the State,” Minister Gallacher concluded.