Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

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AFAC News has released its Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2026, outlining fire potential across Australia following the summer period.

Across the Northern Territory, average to moderate risk is expected. Significant rainfall during December to February has increased soil moisture across many areas of Central Australia and the Savanna region.

Increased grass fuel loads remain in parts of southern and central Northern Territory, including areas west of Alice Springs.

Top End and Savanna residents should expect average grass fuels and seasonal weather conditions in the lead up to the Top End fire season, with opportunities for mitigation while monitoring for unplanned ignitions in drier areas with larger fuel loads.

While the bushfire risk is moderate across much of the Northern Territory, increased grass fuel loads in parts of the southern region may support fire spread as grass fuels cure through autumn.

The outlook has highlighted that above average rainfall means the regeneration of high-risk grasses like buffel grass.

Residents should be proactive in managing vegetation, maintaining equipment and implementing mitigation efforts to ensure their properties are bushfire ready.

Territorians are encouraged to:

• Manage vegetation around infrastructure.
• Maintain firebreaks.
• Stay informed about fire danger ratings and bushfire warnings.

For more information on the AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, visit https://www.afac.com.au/seasonal-outlook

For bushfire warnings, fire bans and preparedness information, visit SecureNT and Bushfires NT.

Never too late to fulfill your New Year’s resolution folks — and honestly, March is when most resolutions actually start sticking!

The Annual General Meeting held yesterday marked a significant milestone, underscored by the fabulous support from members and the community. Heartfelt thanks to you all ❤️ and we extend our
gratitude to Andrew Mackay MLA and Litchfield Council Cr Kris Civitarese for their presence.
Many thanks to Cameron Burrows who attended in his official capacity as the BFNT presiding officer for the AGM.

Special recognition is accorded to outgoing Captain David Wills for his exceptional leadership and to the retiring committee for their tireless efforts, which yielded outstanding results - accomplishments exceeded expectations!
Dave's tenure will undoubtedly pave the way for future successes and we appreciate his dedicated service.
A warm welcome is extended to the newly appointed committee, comprising:
Brigade Captain - Kim Fox.
Interim Treasurer - Sheree Mulreany (awesome work Sheree with all things financial!)
Interim Secretary - Deb Kakoschke.
Public Officer - Gary Kohlman.
Committee members Chad Marriott, Kim Worthington, Charles Vance and Vicki Foster.

Although we continue to actively seek individuals to fill key executive roles, we remain confident in our members' capacity to support our mission. Commendations are due to the outgoing committee for their exemplary work and we wish the incoming committee every success as they embark on their critical responsibilities.
Cheers volunteers!

Acacia Hills Volunteers Bushfire Brigade Inc. – Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Acacia Hills Volunteers Bushfire Brigade Inc. will be held this Sunday, 15 February 2026, commencing at 4:00 pm at Brigade Headquarters, 330 Whitstone Road, Acacia Hills.
All members and community residents are warmly invited to attend.
This is always a valued community event — an opportunity to elect a new committee and help set the direction of the brigade for 2026.
Make your vote count and come along.
BBQ to follow.

Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

NTFES members! Now is your last chance to nominate for the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services Women in Fire and Emergency Services Award.

The Award recognises an individual member, regardless of their gender, who has made a significant contribution to women in the agency.

This could be through acting as a role model or mentor, championing programs that create lasting benefits for women in the agency, delivering exceptional service, and or fostering a workplace culture that positively impacts women.

Nominations close 30 January 2026.

The Role of Women in Rural Volunteer Firefighting

Women are an essential and growing part of Australia’s volunteer firefighting community. In rural and remote areas, where volunteer brigades form the backbone of emergency response, their contribution is invaluable.
At the Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, women serve across every aspect of operations - frontline bushfire response, community education, logistics, administration, training and leadership. Their involvement strengthens brigade capability, broadens our skill base and deepens community trust.
Many of our women firefighters speak about the strong sense of purpose, camaraderie and pride they feel in protecting their communities. They bring diverse perspectives to fireground decision‑making and community engagement, helping brigades adapt, communicate and respond more effectively.
Women’s participation also helps address volunteer shortages and shows younger generations that firefighting is a meaningful and achievable path for everyone. Representation matters — and every woman who steps forward helps open the door for the next.
Enjoy these profile photos celebrating some of the incredible women who are Approved Bushfire Volunteers / FF1's who volunteer with us at Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade.
If you’re interested in joining our brigade, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact the Secretary at: [email protected]

Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Inc. Make your vote count and shape the direction of the Acacia Hills Volunteer Bushfire Brigade! All welcome.