February 28, 2016
South Nanango Rural Fire Brigade marked the third annual National Red Balloon Day with an Open Day on Sunday.
The brigade threw open their fire shed on the D’Aguilar Highway south of Nanango to let the public inspect their equipment and meet the many brave local men and women who volunteer their time to help keep the South Burnett safe.
Members from other local brigades also came along to lend their support, including a big contingent from Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade.
The now-annual event first started in Victoria in 2014 when Bendigo woman Jody Hardiman created a National Red Balloon Day page on Facebook with the aim of honoring and thanking Australia’s firies for the sacrifices they make for their communities.
In barely a week, the page attracted 6000 supporters and quickly led to the creation of “Thank You Fireys” red balloons, which are sold to raise funds which are given back to each participating State’s fire services.
Since then, February 28 has been designated as National Red Balloon Day.
Sadly, the two of the last three firefighters to die while on duty were both from the South Burnett.
In February 2012, South Nanango Rural Fire Brigade officer Brendon Goldsmith collapsed and died while doing a community presentation on fire safety at the Nanango Cultural Centre.
And in 2010, an officer at Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade, Kortney Watts, died after collapsing at a hazard reduction burn.
On Sunday, South Nanango RFB saw plenty of their red balloons snapped up by local community members who dropped by to enjoy refreshments while their children played in a jumping castle set up in front of the brigade’s shed.
The event – which ran from 10:00am to 3:00pm – was a relaxed and informal get-together.
When southburnett.com.au dropped by after lunch, firies and their friends were sitting together talking, laughing and enjoying the warm summer weather while children explored the shed and grounds.
New volunteer firies are always welcome, and if you’d like to find out more you can make contact with the brigade on their Facebook page
