NSW RFS - Mid Murray Zone

19/06/2026

🔥 Caring for Country Through Knowledge and Action 🔥

This week, the Werai Rangers of the First Nations Werai Land and Water Corporation took part in a Firefighter Course in Deniliquin, building practical skills that will help protect their communities, cultural values, and Country.

For First Nations people, fire has always been more than a tool. It is a connection to Country, a way of caring for the land, and a responsibility passed through generations. By combining this deep cultural knowledge with modern firefighting techniques, the Werai Rangers are continuing a proud tradition of land stewardship while preparing for the challenges of today.

The skills gained over the two-day course will strengthen the Rangers' ability to safely manage fire, respond to emergencies, and support healthier, more resilient landscapes across Werai Country.

The future of fire management is strongest when it values both traditional knowledge and contemporary practice. The Werai Rangers are helping lead that future.

👏 Congratulations to all Rangers who participated and continue to dedicate themselves to caring for Country and community.

NSW RFS South Western Area Command, NSW Rural Fire Service, Deniliquin Pastoral Times, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper 102.5 Edge FM

14/06/2026

Training continues across the Mid Murray Zone, with members recently participating in Crew Awareness Safety training at the MMZ Fire Control Centre.

This important training focuses on enhancing situational awareness, crew resource management, risk assessment, communication, and decision-making skills in dynamic operational environments. These skills are critical in helping our members work safely and effectively, whether responding to incidents or supporting their communities during emergencies.

A big thank you to all members who attended and contributed to the discussions and practical learning activities. Ongoing training like this ensures our volunteers remain capable, confident, and prepared for the challenges they may face.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, Riverine Herald fans

10/06/2026

🚒✨ 'Fire is Beautiful' by Dion Wait - Wiradjuri/Ngiyampaa Man ✨🚒

The NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Zone is pleased to welcome back the Yanga Brigade truck sporting an impressive new wrap that proudly showcases the brigade and the community it serves.

What is the meaning of the artwork?
Cultural Burns have been a practise utilised by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. It is a practise that we use to care for our Mother in which we came from, the Land. It also indirectly cares for everything else that comes from our Mother. Fire is one of our elements crucial for survival, but also very sacred to us in ceremonial sense.

By implementing Cultural burns, we reduce the severity of major bushfires by clearing deadwood and hazards in a controlled way. As we weren’t the only ones to appreciate the benefits of Fire, it helped reduce the damage Firehawks can impose on the land by using burning sticks as a hunting tool. We had to account for this.

We in a way “sacrificed” the malnourished and dead vegetation by burning it off and allowing room for plants to regenerate and flourish. This was a positive impact for everything, from land to water to our skies. It was a factor in helping produce rain and gave us and our brothers and sisters, our animals, new feed to grow and
develop into our best.

With our animals, plants and water flourishing, we lived exceptionally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. When we excel our Mother is proud and allows us to live in serenity, we care for her and she cares for us. Fire was a tool gifted to us and we utilise it with unselfishness to improve all that comes from our Mother. We are one with all living beings, we have a kinship. Our kinship comes with an obligation and responsibility to care.

Not all results from fire are devastating, Our history proves that Fire is Beautiful and the results are too.

, 102.5 Edge FM, Deniliquin Pastoral Times, The Riverine Grazier, Riverine Herald, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper NSW RFS South Western Area Command

10/06/2026

🚒 Thank a First Responder Day 💙

Today, the NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Zone proudly recognises and thanks all first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

From bushfires and road crashes to storms, floods, rescues and medical emergencies, first responders are there when people need help most. Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to serve often comes at great personal sacrifice.

We especially acknowledge our incredible RFS volunteers across the Mid Murray Zone. These men and women give up their time with family, work and friends to train, respond to emergencies and support their local communities.

A simple “thank you” can mean a lot. Today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the first responders in your community — firefighters, SES volunteers, police, paramedics and all emergency service personnel.

Say thank you in person if you see them.

Leave a supportive comment or message.

Teach children about the important role first responders play.

Support local emergency service volunteers and their brigades.

To all first responders: thank you for your courage, commitment and service. Our communities are safer because of you. 💙🚒🚑🚓

Send a message to learn more

09/06/2026

🎖️ Congratulations to Andrew Browning AFSM 🎖️

The NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Zone extends its sincere congratulations to Andrew Browning on being awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

This award recognises Andrew’s outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the fire and emergency services community over many years. Through his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering support of volunteers and communities, Andrew has made a lasting contribution to the NSW Rural Fire Service and the people it serves.

The Australian Fire Service Medal is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a member of Australia’s fire services and is a fitting recognition of Andrew’s exceptional efforts and achievements.

On behalf of all members across the Mid Murray Zone, congratulations Andrew on this well-deserved honour. We thank you for your service and dedication to protecting our communities.

👏 Congratulations Andrew Browning AFSM! 👏

31/05/2026

🚒 Firefighter 1 and 2 course in Jerilderie 🚒

On Sunday, members gathered in Jerilderie to take part in the Firefighter 1 and 2 course, developing the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in our communities.

The day provided participants with valuable hands-on experience in firefighting techniques, equipment operation, and teamwork, all under the guidance of experienced trainers.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, the trainers who shared their knowledge, and the members who helped make the day a success. Training like this ensures our members remain prepared, capable, and ready to answer the call when their communities need them most.

27/05/2026

🚒 A Proud Moment for Werai Lands 🚒

South West Area Commander Kelwyn White and Mid Murray Zone District Manager Tony Whitehorn, were pleased to officially hand over a CAT 7 Fire Truck to the people of Werai Lands.

This exciting addition marks a significant step forward for the Werai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation providing vital support and capability for the newly appointed Werai Rangers, who will now have access to a dedicated firefighting appliance.

All parties involved were enthusiastic and proud to see this important resource delivered—strengthening local capacity to respond to fire emergencies and protect community, land, and culture.

👏 A fantastic outcome for the Werai Lands community!


NSW RFS South Western Area Command
102.5 Edge FM, Deniliquin Pastoral Times, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, Riverine Herald,

25/05/2026

📢FINAL CALL for this online event📢

THIS IS ON TONIGHT - MONDAY 25 MAY 2026

👨‍🚒🧑‍🚒Open to ALL RFS members 😄😄

Join us for an open, honest and light-hearted conversation about mental well being in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Please ring (03) 5898 4100 to register.

NSW RFS South Western Area Command

23/05/2026

📢Last call for registrations!!📢

👨‍🚒🧑‍🚒Open to all RFS members no matter gender or brigade
Registration essential to receive the teams link 💻

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/pqZseRjCT2

Join us for an open, honest and light-hearted conversation about mental well being in a supportive and welcoming environment.

We will be joined by RFS Senior Support Officer (formally CISS)- Ruth Colefax, and Dr Ian Carey to chat about mental health and care both in and out of the RFS.

Because it isn't weak to speak, and we can break the stigma, one conversation at a time.

18/05/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we extend our sincere thanks to all the dedicated members of the NSW RFS Mid Murray Zone.

Day and night, in all conditions, our members continue to protect lives, property, and communities with unwavering commitment, professionalism, and courage. Whether responding to fires, supporting emergency operations, assisting during storms, or engaging with the community, your service makes a lasting difference across the zone.

Behind every response is a member giving their time, energy, and heart to help others. Your tireless efforts, sacrifice, and community spirit do not go unnoticed.

To every NSW RFS volunteer — thank you for your dedication, resilience, and the incredible work you do to keep our communities safe.

Send a message to learn more