Ed,

Once again, over the Australia Day Weekend, coastal communities within the Clarence Valley came under the threat of another potentially damaging bushfire. Once again, this threat saw local communities and fire fighters come together in the Australia spirit of cooperation and support.

As a member of the Minnie Water community and RFS Brigade I would like to give thanks and appreciation to the air crews, the Fire Controllers and members of National Parks and Wildlife Service who worked tirelessly in defending our communities and bringing the bushfire under control.

However, a special thanks goes out to all those crew members from other RFS brigades that came forward to assist in the defence of our villages. These purely volunteer crews give up their time to often face difficult, hazardous and trying fire conditions for no reward other than the sense of having contributed to the welfare and safety of the communities they serve.

All of this makes Australia Day 2024 a very special day to remember.

Glynn Burch,

Senior Deputy Captain, Minnie Water RFS brigade