Woronora Rural Fire Brigade

By Ms MARYANNE STUART (Heathcote)

31 May 2023

We are so lucky in the Sutherland Shire and Illawarra regions to have so many wonderful dedicated and passionate volunteers. Whether they be parents and carers supervising the canteen during Saturday sport, or residents donating their time to help out those who are vulnerable, there is no shortage of people willing to stick their hand up and help. That includes the members from the Woronora Rural Fire Brigade. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I have the utmost respect and admiration for our emergency services workers. It takes incredible courage, sacrifice and selflessness to run towards an emergency, not from it. And that is exactly what members of emergency services organisations and teams, like Woronora Fire Brigade, do. The brigade was originally formed in 1954 by then Group Captain Ray Watchorn, and based out of an annex shed up river from Cathedral Rock. The members had no road access so they used their own boats to transport equipment. Almost seven decades have passed since. During that time the Woronora Rural Fire Brigade has also evolved. However, the brigade's dedication to protecting our community remains steadfast. On behalf of our community, thank you.