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Upgrades for local fire brigades

06 JUNE 2018

Three local fire brigades receive upgrades thanks to funding from Illawarra Coal.

Our Illawarra Coal Community Partnerships Program has donated close to $100,000 for extensions to the Douglas Park, Menangle and Wilton Rural Fire Brigades in the Wollondilly region of New South Wales.

Douglas Park’s upgrade has added extra storage for equipment and ensures adequate facilities for maintenance and training activities.

Wilton’s extension has created a change room and more space for firefighting vehicles, while the upgrade at Menangle has improved amenities and training facilities and allows the Brigade to host community functions and meetings.

South32 Illawarra Coal Vice President Operations, Jason Economidis, said he was delighted that the Community Partnerships Program was supporting and improving local services.

“Emergency services like the Rural Fire Brigades are essential for the safety and wellbeing of the community, so we’re very proud that we’re making a positive difference with our support,” Jason said.

“Our operations have been impacted by the effects of bushfire in the past, so we understand firsthand the importance of our local Rural Fire Brigades having modern facilities, equipment and resources to protect our local communities.

“Our investment in the Douglas Park, Wilton and Menangle Rural Fire Brigades will provide enhanced facilities for the communities surrounding our operations for years to come, especially as the Brigades recruit new volunteers and conduct vital advanced training to maintain and enhance qualifications.”

Our Community Partnerships Program is funded by three cents per saleable tonne of coal from Illawarra Metallurgical Appin mine and supports worthwhile local initiatives that provide lasting community benefit in areas such as community wellbeing, the environment, education and health.