Terry Young (Longman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to give a shout-out to the amazing work of the Rural Fire Service volunteers, particularly those in my electorate of Longman. I recently attended the 30th anniversary celebration and open day for the Rocksberg Moorina Rural Fire Station, which was very well attended and well supported by the local community. A significant part of my electorate is classed as rural and we are blessed to have 381 RFS volunteers across nine stations in Longman. Volunteers in Rocksberg Moorina, Wamuran, Toorbul, Delaneys Creek, Mount Mee, Stanmore, Stoney Creek, Narangba and Palmerston all do great work in their communities. They help raise awareness about what to do when fire strikes and can be called into action when needed. If any Australians, particularly those living in rural, semi-rural or urban fringe areas, need a reminder to get fire prepared, they need only look to the fires raging right now on Fraser Island and elsewhere. The RFS has many online resources that can help residents prepare for the worst of the bushfire season.

It is important to note that the RFS is an organisation that relies heavily on volunteers. In fact, there are about 35,000 RFS volunteers across Australia in a whole range of different roles. They receive training that may one day help save a person's life or a family's home. If anyone out there wants to lend a hand, I know they would be welcomed with open arms.