Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) volunteers will receive a suite of upgrades and new equipment thanks to more than $3.1 million donated during the 2019-20 bushfire season.
Commissioner for QFES, Greg Leach (pictured) thanked all who had donated to support Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers.
Commissioner Leach said the donations would be put to good use to support QFES volunteers in undertaking the essential work they did in the community.
“We have seen overwhelming generosity through community donations as well as significant philanthropic and corporate commitments,” Commissioner Leach said.
“Monetary donations will go toward the purchase of water tanks, construction of bores to access water, and phone extenders to extend communication coverage.”
He said funds will also be used to purchase IT equipment (including tablets for appliances), solar packages, lockers and security systems for stations, and wireless hubs to provide communication in remote areas.
“Australia’s bushfire season sparked worldwide attention, with more than 3,000 bushfire warnings issued and 6.6 million hectares of land burnt in Queensland alone,” Commissioner Leach said.
“It has been incredible to watch people from across the globe come together to support Queenslanders.”
He said QFES staff and volunteers had worked tirelessly for months to protect homes and lives.
“Although they did not do it for the recognition, staff and volunteers appreciated the support through the donations and offers of assistance,” Commissioner Leach said.
