The Fire season may be at its lowest during the winter months but then you have the other natural weather conditions to contend with.
Two weeks ago Sydney was deluged with rain.South of Sydney in the Wollongong area millions of dollars damage was done due to 30 inches of rain being dumped in one hour.Mud slides, flooding all the usual things associated with so much water at once took place.
Grays Point and their fellow Brigade Memebers were once again into full swing.In the Cronulla/Sutherland area damage was also occuring due to trees falling, homes being flooded etc.
So in they went again in wet cold conditions day and night pumping water to try to save homes from being damaged, removing trees sawing them up, removing other debris from property that may cause damage.
Just another day/s in the life of a Volunteer Fire Fighter,but it is done without self concern only for the concern of their communities.
I still ask the question where would we be without the dedication and sacrifice of these people.
Is this to be a preview of what lies ahead for the upcoming Summer months...
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SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT
STATE OF EMERGENCY DELCARED
The first day of October,1998 its still just Spring and a Fire burns out of control in the Shoalhaven District.
Grays Point once again responded to duty and a crew of five were sent to the region.The crew were to be there for a 30hr period.
This Fire ended up destroying 3000 hectares of land but it was very quickly bought under control without much loss at all.
Is this a preview to what lies ahead for the upcoming Summer Months....
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Long Service Medals Presentation..
On Sunday the 25th October, 1998 Sutherland Council hosted a Bar B Que Picnic Day.Presentation of Long Service Medals were presented to Members of the Rural Fire Services and the State Emergency Services.Four people from the Grays Point Brigade were to receive medals at the presentation.
Wayne Robers...Captain
15 Years Long Service Medal
Darren Roberts..Senior Deupty Captain
15 Years Long Service Medal.
Hilton Penfold
25 Years Long Service Medal
Niall Pettit-Young
25 Years Long Service Medal
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On Monday the 14th December,1998 Wayne,Darren,Veronica and Noelene represented the Grays Point Brigade at the Funeral in Geelong of Matthew Armstrong.The feelings of all our fellow Brigade Memebers were passed on to His Family Members and the Members of the West Geelong Country Fire Authority the Brigade to which he belonged.We also paid our respects in regards the deaths of the the other Members. The hospitality shown by the Country Fire Authority of Victoria was most outstanding and our thanks go to them.
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Saturday 13th March,1999
Rural Fire Services Fun DayAn excuse for a get together isnt hard to arrange and a picnic fun day was held at Prince Edward Park..Races, games, food,drink,raffles,music it was all there and a good crew turned up to enjoy the festivities.None more than Wayne who won the major prize in the raffle a return trip for two to Vanautu...nice smile on your face Wayne and you deserve to have it...
Wednesday 14th April,1999
Suburbs of Sydney were once again hit with natural disaster.This time a storm descended upon Sydney bringing with it hail the size of Cricket Balls...A path of destruction was left in the path of this storm, with damage estimates ranging into the billion dollar mark.
Well it took nearly four weeks for this task to finally be declared finished, another job that would never of been done without our volunteer services.
But as always our Grays Point boys do their tasks with a friendly smile on their face...Once again guys a job well done.
Saturday 8th May,1999
2MMM hosted a party at Randwick Army Barracks for all volunteers who had worked tiredlessly over the last weeks and the crowd were well entertained by Billy Thorpe and had a great day.
Some of our Crowd
We will share a Beer with Anyone
Food Arrives
Some People dont mind Who They Cuddle
The Party Begins
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15th May,1999
Sutherland Council host a Bar B Q day for the many Volunteers who assisted in the clean up in the Sutherland area.Plenty of food and drinks were available and thanks to Cronulla Seafoods for the supply of the Prawns and Oysters, even though there own home had been damaged in the storm they were still able to assist.A great day was had by all as is the usual.But unfortunately that night Sydney was lashed by high winds, so come Monday the work has to restart on making the necessary adjustments to existing tarpaulins etc...when is it going to end..
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CONVOY FOR KIDS
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FLAGPOLE AND FLAG PRESENTATION..
On Saturday the 9th October,1999 Mr Barry Collier State Labour Member for Miranda presented Station 26 Grays Point Rural Fire Services with a Flag Pole and a State Flag. A ceremoney for the dedication of the flag pole and the raising of the Flag was held. Once again as usual Grays Point had a great roll up of members and some visitors from other Brigades as well, none more important than the Deputy Captain.
Barry Collier making Presentation to Darren Roberts
