Newcastle Permanent staff dressed in their fiery best, hosted barbeques and met with local firefighters on Friday, 28 February to recognise and support the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
CEO, Bernadette Inglis, said it was important to keep supporting the NSW RFS to help recovery and prevention efforts.
“Our teams in our branches throughout New South Wales and our head office in Newcastle, dressed in red, yellow and orange, and maybe even a fireman’s outfit, as a mark of respect for the incredible efforts of our firefighters during the horrendous conditions experienced over summer,” Bernadette said.
“While the day was about fun and colour, the underlying message was one of appreciation and acknowledging the huge efforts of our firefighters, while raising funds to help them continue their critical work in prevention of and protection from fires.”
Bernadette said working to raise money for the RFS was a no brainer, as it’s a cause that is close to the hearts of many Newcastle Permanent staff members.
“This initiative was also very close to the hearts of some of our staff – some are volunteers with RFS, or their family members who volunteer with or work for firefighting services.”
“Members of the RFS have been working tirelessly around the clock for many months. Many have been away from their families, and sacrificed much while protecting other people’s homes, properties and lives.
“I’m proud of our people’s dedication in coming together to support our local community and I was very excited to see staff throughout Newcastle Permanent really get behind this initiative to show their appreciation to the firefighters and their families,” she said.
Local NSW RFS Volunteer, Heather Jones, visited Newcastle Permanent’s head office to meet staff and talk about her experience within the RFS.
Slightly further north, Medowie Branch Manager, Kathryn Tasevski, coordinated a range of activities in and around the branch, including a fundraising barbeque hosted by the local Lions Club to benefit the RFS, and a visit from a local RFS team with their service truck for all to experience.
IMAGE | Heather Jones from RFS with Newcastle Permanent staff members from head office
