Bundaberg Rural Fire Brigades have benefited from the Greensill firefighting donation after the region was affected by bushfire last year.
Greensill donated $250,000 to victims of the Australian bushfires and the Rural Fire Service in Bundaberg.
The Greensill donation was made to the local Rural Fire Service, and has now been split equally between the 33 brigades in the Bundaberg Region for a total of $99,000.
During the fire season Greensill allowed staff to take paid leave to help with the firefighting and recovery efforts.
Givelda Rural Fire Brigade volunteer and Greensill Sales Manager Robert Doyle said the local fire brigades appreciated the support from the family-owned company.
“Our Brigade (Givelda) was excited to hear a large organisation like Greensill was thinking about us and our colleague brigades,” Robert said.
“When a large event strikes our region many brigades need to work together to fight the cause, as one brigade cannot manage it on its own.
“As we are all volunteers and most younger members have day jobs, while older members cannot manage so many shifts.
“That’s why we need a large pool of volunteers to call on.”
Greensill firefighting donation supports local volunteers
Robert said the Greensill firefighting donation was more than just money to the volunteers of the local brigades.
“It’s a great psychological boost to volunteers on the ground,” Robert said.
“Being away from our families often at night and on weekends, it’s great to know that we have that support from the community.”
Greensill Farming General Manager Damien Botha thanked the local fire fighting volunteers and he said Greensill was part of the Bundaberg community and they felt it was important to support the people who volunteered to protect the community.
“The horrific bushfire season provided a powerful reminder of the work that volunteer firefighters do to protect their communities,” Damien said.
“Making a donation is our way of saying thanks to them.
“Hopefully it helps to ensure they have the equipment and other support they need for the next time.
“We also wanted to contribute to the recovery effort for the communities and the wildlife that were devastated by the fires.”
He said two Greensill staff were volunteer firefighters during the most recent bushfire season and a third volunteer had since joined Greensill Farming.
“We are happy to cover their pay whenever they are called away on duty,” Damien said.
“Our employees who volunteer for the Rural Fire Service do so with a common intention of standing together as a community support in times of need.
“They appreciate the opportunity to be able to assist people who are less fortunate within our community, as their service is not just about fighting bushfires, it is also about providing a supportive presence and foundation for their community.”
The remaining Greensill firefighting donation funds were split between the Red Cross and WIRES.
