Manilla Rural Fire Brigade

05/06/2026

The AGM of Manilla RFB was held last (4.6.26) elections were as follows

Captain - Leah Leard
Senior Deputy Captain - Bronwyn Leard
Deputy Captain - Hayden Perry
Deputy Captain - Chris Mitchell

President - Jakob Kline
Vice President - James Spears

Treasurer - Margaret Hurle
Secretary - Bronwyn Leard

If you would like to join our team please either send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

📸: Manilla RFB Firefighters Mervyn Leard (dec) & Leah Leard

05/05/2026

Our thoughts are with the families and crew members of the two crew that made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

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.

16/03/2026

On the 13th of March 1612hrs, Manilla RFB, along with many other Brigades and support units, responded to a fast-moving fire in the Rushes Creek area.

Manilla 1 responded, and later, as crew became available, Manilla 7 and 9 responded as well.

When Manilla 1 first got on scene they found fast-moving fire. They got to work fast along with some local Farmers and contractors to knock the fire down.

Due to the size of the fire, more brigades responded from Rushes Creek Brigade, Borah Brigade, Halls Creek Brigade, Moore Creek Brigade, Attunga Brigade, Watsons Creek Brigade and Tamworth City Brigade. And also our friends at Manilla Fire+Rescue NSW for your response on Saturday

Some support units also responded. Tamworth Group 3, Bomber 799, Tamworth Bulk Water and Tamworth Woodgrubs. All supported to get this fire under control.

As of yesterday at 1000hrs the fire was put to contained. Again we want to thank everyone for your assistance.

If you would like to join our team please either send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

📸: Manilla RFB Firefighter Jakob and Deputy Captain Hayden

NSW Rural Fire Service Tamworth District Attunga RFS Brigade Moore Creek Rural Fire Brigade Tamworth City Rural Fire Brigade Fire and Rescue NSW Station 375 Manilla

10/03/2026

27/02/2026

Yesterday afternoon members of Manilla Brigade conducted our fortnightly brigade training.

Yesterday we went back to the basics doing some pump work. While teaching our newest members some basic hydraulics. They both enjoyed themselves.

You may also notice that there are some members wearing some different uniforms. NSWRFS is currently conducting uniform trials. Manilla Brigade was selected to take part in this.

If you would like to join our team please either send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

📸: Manilla RFB Firefighters Jakob and Margaret

13/02/2026

On Wednesday 11th, the 3 members from NSW Rural Fire Service Tamworth District, 1x Firefigter from Attunga RFS Brigade and 2x Firefigters from Manilla Rural Fire Brigade, who were on deployment to South Australia, have returned. We want to thank the SA Country Fire Service for their hospitality.

We also want to thank the Forestry Corporation. It was lovely to work with you all.

We also want to thank Grace and Dustin from Forestry Corporation for dealing with us in the truck all day.

It was a long 7 days but we all enjoyed every single day of it. From getting used to their trucks, to strengthening the containment lines of the Deep Creek Fire.

If you would like to join our team please either send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

📸: Strike Team A - SA Deployment 2026

05/02/2026

Yesterday at 11:33 hrs, Tamworth District was asked to put a crew of 3 together for a deployment to South Australia.

Manilla Rural Fire Brigade have supplyed 2 firefighters and Attunga RFS Brigade have supplyed 1x firefighter.

We wish them the best of luck and to be safe.

If you would like to join our team please either send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

📸: Manilla Rural Fire Brigade

NSW Rural Fire Service Tamworth District

15/01/2026