Council offers thanks to emergency services
This past fortnight has seen some of the most challenging conditions our Shire has seen in many years, with bushfires threatening our northern villages and neighbouring Wollondilly Shire.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Juliet Arkwright has expressed her gratitude to local emergency services personnel and residents, whose preparedness and resilience have resulted in many properties being saved.
“Locally, residents in Balmoral, Yerrinbool, Buxton, Hill Top, Alpine and Aylmerton have done it especially tough and I can’t even begin to imagine the grief, stress and property loss that some of our community has had to endure,” she said.
“Thank you all for your continued cooperation with all our local emergency service personnel. I’m sure you will agree with us when we say we owe them a great deal of gratitude.”
During this bush fire emergency there have been many suggestions from residents about how to show appreciation for emergency services personnel once the fires abate.
Wingecarribee Shire Council is joining forces with the community, and is inviting all interested residents and businesses who can donate time, goods or services to register their contact details at this online form: http://eepurl.com/HiR0j.
Those who are unable to access the form online are able to call Customer Services on (02) 4868 0888 to have their interest registered.
Residents who register will also be provided with opportunities to provide feedback on event ideas and locations. At this point we are discussing the idea of a community fire education and information event to be held in conjunction with the Southern Highlands Rural Fire Service.
While the threat continues, Council asks all residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to act in short notice. If you witness any suspicious behaviour, please call the Police on 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. To report an injured native animal, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737.
To keep up to date on the latest fire information, including bushfire safety tips, visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Here you can also download a Bush Fire Survival Plan and the Fires Near Me app for Apple and Android devices. You can also follow the RFS on Facebook and Twitter or contact the Bush Fire Information Line on phone 1800 679 737.