Tuesday 13 June 2010

Smoke Signals to get message out for Queensland’s Volunteer Firefighters

The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ) launched a new improved edition of its Smoke Signals magazine this week. The Association’s President and CEO made the announcement in a joint statement.

“Smoke Signals is an important publication for members of Queensland’s Volunteer Rural Fire Brigades and their communities,” explained Dick Irwin, RFBAQ CEO.

The Association is sending a pack of Smoke Signals magazines to each brigade secretary. “Brigade secretaries are volunteers, and they do a tremendous and very important job,” said the Association’s President, Max Rogers.

He emphasised their vital role within the volunteer brigade system, saying, “We are asking secretaries to distribute Smoke Signals to members of their brigade – and encourage them to pass it on to each other.”

“When brigade members and their families have read their copy of Smoke Signals, we encourage them to pass it on for their friends and neighbours to read. “We are also asking brigade members to put their copy of Smoke Signals in the community – in a café, hairdressing salon or doctor’s surgery – anywhere that people like to flick through a good magazine.”

The new Smoke Signals magazine has plenty to offer readers in the community, as well as brigade volunteers said Max Rogers: “It celebrates the rural lifestyle, and the important and voluntary role played by Queensland’s Rural Fire Brigades.” He paid tribute to the volunteers in the Rural Fire Brigades, saying, “These unpaid professionals are out there, fighting the good fight. “They are often the unsung heroes in our community and Smoke Signals throws a light on their good work. It strengthens the communications between rural brigades, sharing knowledge, stories and experiences.”

As well, the articles in Smoke Signals will help Queenslanders to understand how they can help prevent bushfires – and ways to support their Volunteer Rural Fire Brigades.

Not everyone can volunteer, but everyone can support their Rural Fire Brigades in one way or another – by becoming bushfire aware, making a donation, or buying RFBAQ lottery tickets or merchandise.

In the future, the RFBAQ plans to include a ‘Country Living Directory’ in Smoke Signals. Businesses will be able to advertise in the publication and, in the process, support Queensland’s Rural Fire Brigades, said CEO, Dick Irwin.

“We’re all in this together,” he said, “and advertising in Smoke Signals will provide a win-win for Queensland businesses and their Rural Fire Brigade volunteers.”

For more information on this news item, please contact:

Dick Irwin AFSM, CEO, Rural Fire Brigades Association, Queensland Inc.

P: +61 07 5480 1355 M: 0428 718 507 F: +61 07 5481 1911 E: ceo@rfbaq.org