Fire Brigade Membership
The Rural Fire Service is governed by the Rural Fires Act 1997. This Act brought to an end the opportunity for spontaneous volunteering of untrained firefighters, requiring that volunteers need to join the RFS and be appropriately trained before they are allowed to fight fires.
So what is the process?
In the first instance volunteers make contact with their local brigade captain. Enrolment paperwork is completed and the member enters a period of probationary membership. The member then attends an intensive 16 hours Firefighting (BF) training program. On completion they are issued their uniform of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are eligible to attend call outs.
As full members, recruits are expected to attend say six local brigade training sessions a year. Many members are happy to maintain just their basic BF level of training but many more courses are offered to those seeking broader firefighting skills, these include Advanced BF, Crew Leader, Village Firefighting and a range of useful skills eg first aid and chain saw use.
If you are interested in joining your local brigade contact Hartley Captain Jed Peters on Mobile: 0419 215 196 or Kanimbla Captain Jim Commens on 0417 273 438.
The Hartley Hikers, Walking Group
The Hartley Walking Group or “Hartley Hikers” has been formed as a means to enjoy this beautiful countryside in good company.
This group met for the first time on Friday 11th March, 2016 at the Hartley Post Office Café to make plans for their first adventure, Berghoffer’s Pass.
Since then the original six members has swollen to include many keen walkers from all corners of the valley & walks have only been cancelled due to poor weather on one occasion.
There are many historic and interesting tracks to explore within and around the valley, and beyond.
The group welcomes interested walkers, as well as suggestions of tracks and trails to explore. Our walking days Friday mornings & usually end with a social cuppa at a nearby café.
Barb Wheat has volunteered to be our communications ‘officer’. Her number is 0415 539 801. Please let her know if you wish to join this group as weekly walks are advised by email or phone contact.
This group is not affiliated with the Hartley District Progress Association and all walkers are advised to take full responsibility for their own safety. This is a loose gathering of friends and no insurance has been taken out or offered. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for often rugged conditions.
Lithgow Oberon Landcare Network
The Lithgow Oberon Landcare Network assists with the financial and project management undertaken by member groups in the Lithgow Oberon area including revegetation, bush regeneration, weed control, workshops and minor soil erosion management.
LOLA also directs the Local Landcare Co-ordinator in the region – currently housed with local government.
LOLA Executive Contact details: Secretary : Trish Kidd Phone: 0423 527 740 Email: tkidd@exemail.com.au
Contact: Rechelle Fisher – Landcare Coordinator
Phone: 0419 795 781 or 02 6354 9999
Fax: 02 6351 4259 Email: Rechelle.Fisher@lithgow.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://council.lithgow.com/
Postal Address: PO Box 19, Lithgow NSW 2790
Street Address: 180 Mort Street, Lithgow NSW 2790
Gardening Workshops in 2017
Stephen Vella at WILD MEADOWS GARDEN, 243a Coxs River Rd, Little Hartley is having a series of Garden Workshops.
A 3 hour class with theory and practical which is suited to both beginners and experienced gardeners.
At $40 a head, workshop places are in high demand – so please book on 0439070670.
First Lesson is Propagation
Fri 27th & Sat 28th January – 9am till 12 noon
Learn how to propagate your favourite plants successfully from cuttings. Using methods popular in the nursery industry, you will become a better grower and be rewarded with more plants for your garden.
Discover a cheap and easy way to a better garden!
For more details of the year’s workshop program click on this: Wild Meadows2017 Workshops
