THE North Macksville Rural Fire Service (RFS) is gearing up for one of its most popular annual traditions, the Santa Run.
This year, the event will see a colourful convoy of two RFS trucks, a support vehicle, and the Macksville Fire and Rescue 371 appliance all decked out in Christmas decorations.
The aim is to bring festive cheer to neighbourhoods across Macksville while shining a spotlight on the essential work of the RFS and its need for new volunteers.
The Santa Run will cover the familiar route from East Macksville through to North Macksville, West Macksville and into Macksville Heights on the afternoon of Sunday, 14 December.
The route will be shared on social media and public noticeboards in the lead-up to the event.
But the festive celebration is just one part of the brigade’s broader mission.
“While the Santa Run is a lot of fun for the kids and families, it also helps build trust and familiarity between our first responders and the community,” Vicki Willing from North Macksville RFS told News Of The Area.
“That connection becomes vital when we’re delivering serious messages about fire season preparedness.”
Beyond the bushfires, North Macksville RFS is deeply embedded in year-round emergency response.
Their responsibilities extend to house and vehicle fires, traffic accidents, flood response, property assessments for fire mitigation, community education, and even first aid support at local events.
Recently, several members completed additional training and were deployed to strike forces in the Southern Grafton area.
“It was a huge opportunity,” Vicki added.
“Not only do our volunteers get to put their skills to use in real scenarios, but they also learn from working alongside other brigades, bringing back new strategies and a renewed sense of confidence.”
With an ever-growing demand for their services, the brigade is calling on locals to consider joining.
“All it takes is a desire to help,” the brigade says.
“You’ll receive nationally recognised training in firefighting, first aid, community support and more. We also need people for non-operational roles, such as catering or community engagement.”
As fire season approaches, the brigade encourages residents to stay informed and take simple preparedness steps to protect homes and families.
For more information visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare.
Anyone interested in joining North Macksville RFS can email the Captain on Nthmacksvillerfs@gmail.com.
By Mick BIRTLES
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