This fire season has been one of the most devastating on record. Six people have lost their lives, 760 properties have been destroyed and fire has burnt through over 1.65 million hectares. Many people in regional New South Wales, already been battling drought, have been dealt another blow.
In light of this situation, I want to pay tribute to the efforts of all the professional and volunteer firefighters who have put themselves on the line to assist in combating fires.
I also want to recognise our State’s emergency service personnel, and especially firefighters from Cherrybrook Rural Fire Service and Beecroft Fire and Rescue. In particular, Firefighters Sullivan, Riley, Madgwick, Kaephne and Freeman, under Station Officer Andrew Borland from Beecroft Fire and Rescue, were instrumental in containing the blaze at South Turramurra as well as in assisting efforts further north.
One of the things that makes me proud to be the Member for Epping – and proud to be Australian – is that we are a strong, tight-knit community. And that community is never stronger than when someone is in need.
To these brave men and women: I thank you for your service to our communities.