Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor, together with Member for Goulburn, the Hon Pru Goward, has announced funding for the Exeter Rural Fire Service.

“The Exeter RFS has received $2,500 in joint State and Federal funding through the Emergency Volunteer Support Scheme as part of the Natural Disaster Resilience programme. This funding will help Exeter RFS train members in basic first aid through an accredited package of online tuition, face to face practical training and formal skills based assessment,” Mr Taylor said.

“Visiting the Exeter RFS team recently it is clear they are a professional and enthusiastic group of volunteers preparing for the upcoming bushfire season. Their commitment is vital to protecting Exeter and surrounds from the threat of bushfires.”

Exeter RFS Captain John Everett said the funding would help volunteers to build on existing skills. “We welcome the funding and training opportunity. Living in the local community we know what it’s like to have fire threaten our livelihoods and we want to be prepared,” he said.

Ms Goward said Exeter RFS was one of many beneficiaries sharing in $27 million in funding over two years to assist NSW communities to build resilience to natural disasters.

“This programme is designed to fund mitigation and resilience projects relating to all types of natural disaster hazards. Natural disasters have an enormous impact on our economy and can really cripple business and the community. Funding toward the Exeter RFS will help to better equip these volunteers who give so generously of their time,” Ms Goward said.

Caption: Angus Taylor at the Exeter RFS Station with Captain John Everett and the Exeter RFS team.