Dec2014_SAMSONVALE RURAL FIRE BRIGADE NEWS
Members Profile: Ben Smeath
Being a volunteer firefighter means that I am supporting the community in dealing with and being aware of bushfires. Serving the community is my number 1 priority and it is a real privilege to be able to give to the community and ensure the safety of everyone.
I usually fill my spare time by rebuilding things, anything from engines to computers. I also enjoy playing guitar, flying model planes, and riding my motorbike.
I work in EB Games head office as a Technical support engineer. My main role is to help out all the EB games retail stores in Australia and NZ with computer troubles.
My most memorable moment in SVRFB is during the Bundaberg Floods. Entering into what looked like a war zone, so much loss and damage, yet everyone was so appreciative of what we were doing. It was a gruelling week of mud, stench, sweat, and tears, but it was the most rewarding and humbling experience.
My biggest influence, as regards the fire service, has been my Dad, Paul. He started off as a Volunteer firefighter in South Australia and is now an Inspector within QFES in Brisbane. He has accomplished so much and has always been an inspiration.
Well it’s been sometime since we have placed an article in the Grapevine, however we plan on keeping everyone up to date on a monthly basis.
A couple of weeks ago our neighboring Brigade, Closeburn, held the official opening of their new Station which was attended by most of the surrounding Brigades. The station opening was attended by The Hon Ted Malone, Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers, State member for Ferny Grove Dale Shuttleworth, Neil Gallant, Assistant Commissioner, Rural Fire Service Queensland, Gary McCormack Brisbane Regional Manager Rural Fire Service Queensland, Neil Kelso, District Inspector Rural Fire Service Queensland as well as VCE’S and members of Samsonvale Rural Fire Service. Congratulations to Adam Nicolas, First Officer, Paul Outen, Second Officer and all the team at Closeburn.
The weekend of November 15th & 16th saw some of the worst fire conditions we have seen in many years. At Lunch time Saturday it was announced that a Local fire ban would come into effect at midnight on Saturday. Strike teams were formed and stationed across the region to enable a quick response if there was to be a fire. Thankfully these teams were not needed.
A huge thank you to all the guys and girls who gave up their valuable time to help keep our community safe.
The worst of the fire conditions have passed for us now and the fire bans have been lifted. Regular permit processes now apply.
Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade wishes to thank the community for their understanding and compliance during the ban.
Although the fire ban has now been lifted we would request that all residents remain vigilant and report any fires to Triple Zero (000).
If you don’t have a Bushfire Survival Plan or wish to review your plan please visit:
You can now keep up to date with our new Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samsonvale-Rural-Fire-Service
Please note that this page IS NOT monitored 24/7. This page is for general information only. Any life threatening or emergency situations should not be reported on the page. Please call Triple Zero (000) if you find yourself in a situation where you require help.
All the fire fighters and support members of Samsonvale Rural Fire Brigade would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
One useless piece of information to leave you with.
Waltzing Matilda – ‘Waltzing Matilda’ the title of Australia’s most famous song, is German for ‘carrying a backpack’.
