WITH an ageing taskforce, the Balranald Fire Brigade is on the lookout for younger members to join the crew.
One-third (three out of the nine current members), are over the age of 60, with the youngest member in his mid-30s.
Balranald Fire Brigade captain Peter Bath said people interested in joining the brigade, which is part of Fire and Rescue NSW, were not required to meet any prerequisite skills.
“They get trained with all skills once they come in,” capt Bath said.
“When they first join they go away to Deniliquin and do an eight-day training course and then all their training from then on is internal in the station.
“We have a training officer that comes through once a month who is with us for two hours doing different training exercises.”
Capt Bath said anyone who joined the brigade must complete the training course before they could legally attend an incident.
Although a volunteer position, firefighters are paid a monthly retainer, plus an hourly rate while out on a job or working at the fire station.
Capt Bath said members could obtain certificates and a long list of skills as part of the brigade.
“Through the fire brigade they can get a truck license, chainsaw license, they’ll learn motor skills on pumps and communication skills,” he said.
“It goes on forever.
“We do the same as what SES (State Emergency Service) does.”
At times, members could be called out to jobs in Hay to provide assistance to their brigade.
“We are allowed to have 12 members, we have had 14 (due to the size of the tanker the brigade had at the time),” capt Bath said.
He said the minimum age to join was 16, and anyone could become a captain or deputy captain within 12 months.
The brigade is currently only made up of male members.
“Girls are welcome to join too. We had four girls here at one stage,” capt Bath said.
Capt Bath has been a member of the brigade for 27 years, becoming captain in 2004. His current deputy is John Camin.
Capt Bath joined the brigade when he was a member of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, an organisation he now works alongside as part of the brigade from time to time.
Capt Bath said new members could join at any time of the year.
The brigade also works alongside NSW Rural Fire Service Balranald, who predominantly respond to bushfires.
They also assist in motor accidents, NSW fire rescue and house fires.
NSW Rural Fire Service Balranald group captain Rex Scott said the organisation was established by a group of farmers in 1952 to “look out for themselves and the community”.
Capt Scott is in charge of 10 stations (which have a combined 25 vehicles) across the Balranald shire.
He said the organisation assisted Balranald Fire Brigade on the job.
“Balranald Fire Brigade need more members, and we need them to have more members,” capt Scott said.
“A lot of the young people need to step up.”
Those interested in joining the Balranald Fire Brigade can contact capt Bath on 0427 881 653.
