The main street of Coolamon has turned red, as part of the Fire Engine Muster organised by the Coolamon Fire Museum.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it was a privilege to officially open the 2022 Coolamon Fire Engine Muster and pay a special tribute to emergency service personnel.
“Fire Engine owners, history enthusiasts along with locals and visitors alike came to view the vast display of emergency service vehicles, and enjoy the day’s program of events,” Ms Cooke said.
“The main street was bursting with life and there was something for everyone to enjoy. Educational displays, classic cars and bikes, market stalls and even a Firefighters Fun Relay were on offer as part of the festivities.”
“It is well known our emergency services personal work very hard throughout the year, and this is a wonderful and unique way for the community to come together to pay tribute to them.”
Chris and Joanne Berry, managers of Coolamon Fire Museum together with Coolamon Fire and Rescue co-ordinated this event, supported by Coolamon Shire Council.
The Coolamon Fire Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving firefighting equipment, uniforms and memorabilia for the enjoyment and education of all.
The Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew at Narrandera Fire Station are being trained to use state-of-the-art drone technology to assist in firefighting operations and a range of other emergencies.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Narrandera is one of 25 locations across regional NSW to benefit from the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) rollout.
“Deploying these drones to Narrandera will give our firefighters an eye in the sky to more effectively perform their life-saving work and keep our local community as safe as possible,” Ms Cooke said.
“Each drone is connected to the FRNSW wireless and satellite communication network so that the images can be viewed and analysed in real time at the scene of an emergency. This will help our firefighters make quicker decisions and act faster.”
Ms Cooke said the RPAS are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and laser technology.
“These high-tech cameras can detect variable heat temperatures, identify people or animals under threat in a fire zone and measure the size of an area impacted by fire,”
“This is part of a $5.4 million investment from the Bushfire Inquiry which the NSW Government is proud to be funding.”
FRNSW Bushfire and Aviation Unit Commander Scott Donohoe said the drones can be activated at an emergency scene within minutes.
“The drones are stored in our vehicles and ready for immediate use, providing FRNSW commanders with aerial images that can help determine the safest and most effective places to position fire trucks and crews,” Superintendent Donohoe said.
A total of 200 firefighters, including those at Narrandera, are being trained to pilot the drones.
The drones can be used to assess bushfire risk, assist in hazard reduction operations, and find people missing in dense bushland.
Steph Cooke | 20 Jul 2022 | Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Emergency Services Hilltops Council News Uncategorized
Representatives of the Binalong VRA have welcomed a new Medium Rescue Vehicle at an official commissioning ceremony this week.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined Commissioner of NSW VRA Mark Gibson to handover the keys for the new rescue appliance to Binalong VRA Captain Mark Spencer.
“This new vehicle has been designed with the needs and safety of our volunteers in mind, so that they have the tools they need to serve the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our VRA volunteers have an essential role, carrying out hundreds of rescues each year – from rising flood water, a car accident in the middle of the night, or when first aid support is needed at the local footy.”
Also present for the occasion was Director of Operations Andrew Luke, Wellbeing Manager and Senior Chaplain Ray Lotty, Region Coordinator Jess Holloway and President of Binalong VRA Debra Scanes.
The new vehicle is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering eight light vehicles and twelve medium rescue vehicles to boost the capabilities of rescue squads across the state, with this vehicle including the equipment fit out worth close to $380,000.
VRA Rescue NSW has 38 General Land Rescue units, 2 specialist units and three support units which includes a search dog unit, across the State with a membership base of 1121 that provide premium rescue services to the public of New South Wales in their time of need.
Steph Cooke | 11 Jul 2022 | Bland Shire Community Emergency Services Narrandera Shire News Uncategorized
Three new probationary constables are commencing duties in the Cootamundra electorate after they attested at a formal ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy on June 24, 2022.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has welcomed the new police officers to the region, with two to commence at Narrandera Police Station and one to commence at West Wyalong Police Station.
“The communities of Narrandera and West Wyalong are ready to welcome the new probationary constables and look forward to seeing them put their training into action in their new roles,” said Ms Cooke.
“I wish them every success in their policing careers. Being sworn in as a police officer is a great honour and I commend these new recruits for making the brave decision to put the community’s safety ahead of their own.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole congratulated the newest recruits in Goulburn.
“The 200 students of Class 353 have committed themselves to eight months of training at the Police Academy and should be acknowledged for their achievements,” Mr Toole said.
“Our current police officers across the state will welcome the new probationary constables over the coming weeks as they join the beat in regional, rural and metro communities.
“The NSW Government is proud to offer its continued support to the NSW Police Force as we strive to keep the people of NSW safe.”
In 2019 the NSW Government announced a record investment in police, with an additional 1500 officers over four years and committed $60 million to upgrade the Goulburn Police Academy.
Class 353 includes 134 men and 66 women from all ages, backgrounds and regions across the state and country.
A new probationary constable has commenced duties at Cowra Police Station following a formal attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy last month.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed probationary constable Aiden Atkinson to the Chifley Police District.
“It is fantastic to have Aiden begin his police career here, gaining experience in a country town, and to have new resources continuing to support our smaller communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“Aiden joins the strong and experienced team at Cowra who I know will be very supportive of him in this new role.”
“Hopefully new police officers like Aiden, who are joining the ranks in regional areas, will choose to stay regional in their careers because we need them and country life has so much to offer,” she added.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole congratulated the newest recruits in Goulburn.
“The students of Class 352 have committed themselves to eight months of training at the Police Academy and should be acknowledged for their achievements,” Mr Toole said.
“Our current police officers across the state will welcome the new probationary constables over the coming weeks as they join the beat in regional, rural and metro communities.
“The NSW Government is proud to offer its continued support to the NSW Police Force as we strive to keep the people of NSW safe.”
The NSW Government announced in 2019 the delivery of 1500 additional officers over four years to enhance community safety across NSW.
Class 352 includes 142 men and 60 women from all ages, backgrounds and regions across the state and country.
