22/04/2026
Another “Meet our members” profile:
Hi, I’m Sally,
I developed an interest in bushfire fighting practice many years ago, but back then I didn’t really cotton on to the point that I could be involved.
Then we came to Tathra. Not long after that, we joined the Tathra Brigade of the RFS. I’ve now been in the Brigade about 16 years. There have been quiet periods, but also times when it has been pretty full on, especially during the Tathra fires and the summer of 2019/20.
In recent times, we have had a few other significant fires in the Bega Valley, such as at Yankees Gap and Coolagolite. The thing about these large fires is that they typically have a long period, usually weeks, after the main front has passed before they are completely ‘out’. It is a time when we need lots of people to share the load. Collectively, just by each of us contributing what we can, we can make a big difference.
The thing I like about being in the RFS is that when things do get intense, I can actively do something to help. I like to be part of the solution. When asked about why they volunteer, people often say they “want to give something back to the community”. That can sound like a cliché, but that’s only because it’s true!
There are many roles in the RFS apart from active fire fighting, such as Operational Support and Community Engagement. As another example, I have been the brigade treasurer for the last few years, working with the brigade executive to ensure we get and manage our funds to optimise our ability to fight fires and train new members.
Training is a big part of what we do in the RFS, especially at Tathra. There is a lot to learn, and we need to keep our knowledge current. There are also ongoing changes, particularly in technology, that we need to keep on top of.
New members certainly won’t be bored!
