The Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine RFS community engagement plan, which was used to great effect during last year's bushfires, has won a NSW Resilient Australia award.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres, who presented the award to the team earlier this month, said the awards recognise innovation in emergency management and community safety. They showcase the achievements of community groups, emergency services, governments and others in making NSW communities safer, more resilient and better equipped when faced with emergencies.
The Mounts plan won the not-for-profit sector category.
Mt Wilson resident Kathleen Oakes said while the award went to the community plan, "I think what impressed the judges was the fact that so many of our community were involved in the response to the fires. About two-thirds of people who were here took part, whether on a [fire] crew, at the station, on the radio team or catering," she said.
"It's a bit of a tradition here - we are so isolated we have to look after ourselves."
Mr Ayres said the awards, now in their 15th year, encourage excellence and innovation across all sectors of society to support and strengthen disaster resilience.
"The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of NSW volunteers and organisations, and the significant contribution they have made in protecting lives and in building a more resilient community," he said.
