New Rural Fire Brigade PPC made in Gympie

Last Wednesday saw local Gympie MP and Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett alongside staff of the Minister for Fire & Volunteers, Ann Leahy MP touring the production facility of the new rural fire PPC. Production is underway, and ready for distribution to brigades.

The garments are produced from Eco Dry Shield Yellow, a lightweight, flame-resistant, and highly breathable fabric developed specifically for bushfire and wildland conditions. This fabric offers improved comfort in Queensland’s hot operating environments without compromising durability or safety. The jackets and trousers are certified to AS/NZS 4824:2021 (Wildland Fire Fighting Clothing) and AS/NZS 4602.1:2013 (High Visibility for Firefighting), ensuring they meet national standards for protection and visibility.

From a design perspective, the ensembles incorporate a number of practical and safety-driven features:

• High visibility: 50 mm triple-trim reflective tape across torso, sleeves and legs for improved recognition in low-light conditions.
• Mobility and comfort: action-back pleats, shaped knees, two-piece sleeves and adjustable cuffs/hem tabs that allow full movement during extended operations.
• Functional storage: multiple chest, radio, cargo and lower pockets, all with secure closures and drainage to suit field conditions.
• Durability: reinforced seams, bar-tacked stress points and double-layer knees to extend garment life in demanding environments.

The material is from a supplier in the United Kingdom and contains Australian wool.

Drummond and Kindred is a family-owned Gympie business that started in the 1940’s and is going from strength to strength, even supplying organically certified pillows for customers in the USA.

The new Wildland PPC for both male and female firefighters have been designed by Stewart & Heaton Clothing Co. and are proudly manufactured at D&K in Gympie.