South Kolan Rural Fire Brigade

06/06/2026

Today, Friday 5 June 2026, we honour First Officer John Blake, aged 57, from Clear Mountain Rural Fire Brigade, as family, friends and fellow firefighters gather to farewell him at the Samford Farmers Hall, 12:30 pm.

John served with quiet strength, integrity and deep care for others. He stood by his crew, served his community with pride, and earned the respect of all who knew him.

On behalf of Closeburn Brigade, we extend our sincere condolences to Kerri, the Blake family, and all members of Clear Mountain Rural Fire Brigade.

Rest easy, John. Your service will be remembered.

https://www.compassionatefunerals.com.au/tribute/john-blake-002151

13/05/2026

Last Thursday and Friday, South Kolan and Birthamba Rural Fire Brigades assisted landowners/ managers with a 90ha hazard reduction burn along Raines Rd. The area will now be developed as a Macadamia plantation

07/05/2026

Live in the Bluegum Chase, Bucca area? Then your local Rural Fire Brigade needs your assistance. While you might need the brigade to help you in an emergency, they need you to volunteer with them so that they have enough members to be able to respond.
Birthamba RFB is holding an open day/ information day at their station on the corner of Birthamba and Rounds Rds. on Saturday from midday until about 3pm.
Come along and find out how the brigade works and how you could become involved, either as a firefighter or as a support member.

06/05/2026

Hazard Reduction Burn
to be conducted from 2pm Thurs. 7th May & Fri. 8th, Birthamba and Raines Rds. QRFS will be in attendance.

05/05/2026

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

08/03/2026

31/01/2026

Meeting, Monday 2 Feb @ 4 Chambers Rd @ 7:30pm.
All welcome.

28/01/2026

South Kolan showed up in a big way this Australia Day!

Nearly $2,400 was raised to support our South Kolan Rural Fire Brigade at the South Kolan Hotel on Sunday.

This will go straight to our RFB volunteers to support them in keeping our community safe.

I was proud to contribute a prize and even prouder to see such strong local support.

Thanks to Jo, Alec and the whole team for another great day. Stay safe and stay cool.

17/01/2026

Useful information: Understanding the differences and the purposes.

11/01/2026

Sometimes we just have to keep going; despite the setbacks and personal pain. It really is surprising how often that you see tremendous resilience in the face of adversity on the fireground, and incredible support and empathy from your fellow volunteers.

CFA volunteer Michael Harper discovers through the truck radio while on shift that his home is under threat.