Lynne Mowbray|

Around 200 Clarence Valley RFS firefighters and staff came together on Sunday to enjoy a day out with their families, at the Blues Brews and BBQs event at the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC).

Clarence Valley RFS District co-ordinator Helen Dickson said that they organised the event to say thank you to both the volunteers and their families who supported them throughout the fire season.

“Every year we do a Christmas party for our volunteers, but because of the fires we actually missed that Christmas party this year.

“So, we’ve tried to do a bigger event to get everybody together and I think everyone has enjoyed themselves.

“We just wanted to say thank you to the CRJC who came on board and offered us the marquee. Thank you also to Vines for preparing the food for us,” she said.

RFS volunteer and organiser of the event Steve Smith, said that he wanted to thank the organisations who donated the drinks, for the firies and their families on the day.

“It had been a big fire season (close on 12 months long) and the day was to say thank you for the big effort that they put in,” Steve said.

NSW RFS district manager superintendent Stuart Watts said it was a great day for their volunteers.

“It’s been a fantastic outing put on by the Clarence River Jockey Club,” Superintendent Watts said.

“The whole Clarence Valley community has been supportive of the RFS, which is wonderful,” he said.