THE Nerrigundah Rural Fire Service Brigade has been successful in gaining a grant from Narooma Sporting and Services Club through the Club Grants NSW Grant Scheme that will enable continuation of funding for its satellite internet access and communications services for a further two years.
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The Nerrigundah brigade sought to advance its use of technology by accessing high speed Internet services and mobile phone capability via satellite technology back in 2012.
Bridade secretary Laurie Edebohls said as well as having internet access from the station, the brigade wanted to have reliable communications available from the fire-front for both official and family contact in times of large scale fires or from "anywhere" in times of other emergencies.
While fire appliances are equipped with radios for official communication with the Fire Control Centre, personal contact with those left behind is also very desirable and having a mobile satellite phone has enabled this.
“This grant will fund service charges for internet and satellite phone services into the future and enable us to take advantage of new technologies as they continue to evolve,” he said.
“It comes at a time when our station has been declared a Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP) and extensions are in the planning stage to enable us to provide better support for multi-agency operations in large scale fire operations.
“The Nerrigundah brigade and the Nerrigundah community extend its thanks to Narooma Sporting and Services Club for awarding this grant through Club Grants NSW.
“It will enhance our opportunity to continue to protect the local community and to support other emergency services when our station is used as a staging area for large scale fire operations.”
