The Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) announced Dirnaseer, Eurongilly, Junee Reefs, Junee, Yathella and Wantabadgery brigades would receive funding for a myriad of items to help its volunteers including drag chains, battery chargers, fridges, pressure cleaners and DVD players and recorders for training exercises.

RFSA delegate for the Riverina Scott Keelan said from all the Junee bids each brigade was awarded 100 per cent of what they applied for.

“The money the association raises is provided for brigades and groups to put in for the equipment and other items to benefit its members welfare and the community,” he said.

“Ultimately the goal is to provide more

safety.”

Unlike in previous years, this year’s grant process took longer than expected following the Victorian bush fires.

With the association throwing its support and money behind the Country Fire Authority, the grants were postponed.

However, it didn’t worry Dirnaseer RFS captain Ian Friend who said the money received by the brigade was a great opportunity to build up the shed built within the last two years.

“I think it’s fantastic that RFSA people have donated to them (RFS brigades) as a fundraising body.

“It’s great to see the dollars come back to the grassroots, to the people from some of the smaller brigades.”

Dirnaseer’s RFS applied for a grant to gain running water to their shed and for two fridges, one for the building and one to fit inside a tanker.

Mr Friend said the ability to have running water to the shed for the first time will allow the brigade to look into gaining an amenities block for its 27 members in the future.

The total for the grant is around $4600 and includes a water pressure system and taps to be fitted outside the shed.

The fridges will allow volunteers to keep cold drinks stored at the shed as well as out on the job while completing the job they volunteer for.