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The Village Pump 06/02/26

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6 FEBRUARY 2026

THURSDAY 12/02/2026

READY TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY Local Volunteers Complete Basic Training The Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade is celebrating a significant milestone as the latest cohort of trainee volunteer firefighters successfully completes their basic firefighter training. After months of dedicated training, practical exercises and rigorous assessments, these new recruits are now set to take their first steps into operational service, helping to safeguard the Closeburn community and the surrounding area. Months of Training and Hands-On Experience The journey for these trainees began with an in-depth exploration of fire behaviour, firefighting tactics and essential skills needed to respond to emergencies. Their training covered the operation of various types of pumps, water delivery techniques and, importantly for our region, bushfire prevention and mitigation strategies. The program combined theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on testing to ensure each recruit developed the confidence and competence to meet the demands of the role. Supervised Practical Experience Ahead Having completed this first

critical stage, the new volunteers will now embark on six months of supervised practical experience. This next phase will see them working alongside experienced brigade members, putting their skills to the test in real-world situations while continuing to learn and grow. At the end of this period, they will graduate with nationally accredited firefighting qualifications, ready to take on

greater responsibilities within the brigade. Commitment and Community Spirit First Officer Don Schouten praised the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the newest brigade members. “Our volunteers are humble by nature and all juggle full-time work and family commitments and still find time to give back to the community, and keep our communities safe,” he said. “It’s this selfless spirit that makes our brigade strong and ensures we can respond effectively when our community needs us most.” Looking to the Future The Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade’s new recruits are an inspiring example of local resilience and community spirit. As they begin their operational journey, the entire community can take pride in their achievements and look forward to the continued safety their service provides. Tony Ridge Closeburn RFB’s latest recruits. L-R: Brad Peirce, Kat Sharpe, Liam Heffernan, Nicole Bonelli, Ben Moloney.


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