ROLLING UP THEIR SLEEVES FOR THE BUSHFIRE VOLUNTEERS

​​Thursday, 9 January 2020​ 

The Rural Fire Service office in Tumut has seen its fair share of politicians over the course of the latest bushfires, but only one has been spending her days in the kitchen.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke and her friend Nicole Sanderson popped into the RFS headquarters last Monday evening and asked if there was anything they could do to help.

“We popped down that evening, just to see how everything was operating, and offered to support in any way we could," Ms Sanderson said.

“They said they needed someone to put together ‘rat packs’; packs of food to go out to the firies.”

Ms Cooke and Ms Sanderson have been working alongside volunteers including Emma Toohey, Kerrie Gentle, and Donna Martin to support the RFS ever since.

“It is important to take care of the staff here, Ms Sanderson said.

“Making sure that they are fed and watered, keeping them healthy. Whatever we can do to support the team, both in the field and back at the administration building, we will do. They’re the ones doing the hard yards.”

Ms Cooke said that she was honoured to work alongside the volunteers and has learned so much from the experience.

“The members of the Emergency Services do an amazing job, and it is the least we can do to help out where we can.” Ms Cooke said.

“I have learned so much; helping out by scribing for the radio communications, or making hundreds of sandwiches, it has all been great to feel like I was part of the team.”