Berowra Waters Rural Fire Brigade

20/05/2026

The brigade is hosting a FREE trivia night at Club Berowra at 7.00 pm on Saturday June 20. Whilst the trivia is free, we have some great raffle prizes with raffle tickets available on the night. Funds raised from the raffle will offset the cost of our 70th Anniversary Dinner to be held later in the year. Bookings for trivia may be made through the club. Come and join us for what should be a fun night.

FREE Trivia Put your knowledge to the test for a great cause 👨‍🚒

Hosted in support of the Berowra Waters Rural Fire Brigade, aiming to help raise funds for their 70th Anniversary Dinner and support the incredible work they do for the local community.

Saturday 20 June from 7:00pm.
Free entry. Great company. Even better cause!

Book your table here: https://bookings.nowbookit.com/?accountid=c284d4aa-8c41-461a-978e-c98d8d93255b&venueid=12725&theme=light&colors=hex,880015

08/05/2026

Last night we held the brigade AGM with District Manager Dan Meijer, Group 1 Grant Wargren, Deputy Group 3 Mike Elvidge and Brigade Patron Norm O’Neill (that’s “O’Neill” with two L’s 🤣) in attendance. Thanks Norm for your ongoing support.

In a major changing of the guard, outgoing Captain Tony Griffiths has handed the three stripes to Andy Muirhead. Andy will be supported by new Senior Deputy, Rhys Schaller. We wish both Andy and Rhys well in their respective new roles. A big welcome also to the officers’ ranks to Patch Friend. It’s heartening to see some younger blood coming through the ranks.

We also had a major change on the administrative side, with President Phil Langdon standing down and brigade stalwart Bruce O’Connor taking on the role.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank both “Griffo” and “Langers” for their efforts over the past few years and we wish them both well. Both will remain involved with the brigade.
We would also like to pass on a huge thanks to Deputy Captain Stu McMonnies who has stepped down as an officer after an amazing fifteen years as either Deputy or Senior.
Thank you to every member who held positions over the last year and to all who have filled those positions for the upcoming year.

The District Manager presented former Deputy Captain Serge Dawson with his Long Service Medal and several members with the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation for their efforts during the 2022 and 2023 flood responses.

The outgoing Captain then presented the coveted Captain’s Award to a very worthy recipient, Kyle Rodrigues. This was presented in recognition of Kyle’s efforts at training/maintenance sessions, his own development through courses undertaken and his enthusiasm. Congratulations, Kyle.

The presentation of the other two annual trophies has been held over until our next General Meeting.

Finally, we would like to thank the unsung supporters- our wives/ husbands/ partners and families and in many cases, our employers, for allowing us to do what we do. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Service

05/05/2026

Tragic news last night with the passing of two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers. They were en route to assist a stricken yacht, near the South Ballina break wall. Sadly two of the crew were trapped when the rescue vessel capsized. The sailor onboard the yacht also lost his life in the incident. Our hearts go out to all the family and friends of the three men, especially to all our friends at Marine Rescue NSW. Rest in Peace.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

01/05/2026

Home fire safety starts with a plan. For Berowra Waters, river access homes and families living near bushland, every household should know exactly what to do if fire starts inside the home.

Create a home fire escape plan by drawing a simple floor map. Mark two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window.

Make sure everyone in your home knows to:
🏠 Check smoke alarms are working
🚪 Know two safe ways out of every room
🪟 Keep doors and windows clear
🔑 Know where keys are kept for doors, windows, gates and security screens
🖐️ Check doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening
⬇️ Stay low and crawl under smoke
🚪 Close doors behind you as you leave
📍 Meet at a safe outdoor location, such as a letterbox, driveway, jetty, neighbour’s house or clear open area
🚫 Get out and stay out

Practise your escape plan at least twice a year, including at night. Include children, older family members, visitors, short-stay guests and pets in your plan.

For river residents and bushland homes, access matters. Make sure your house number, jetty, driveway, gate, access track or landing point is clearly marked so emergency services can find you quickly.

If you cannot escape, close the door, seal gaps with towels or clothing, call 000 and tell the operator exactly where you are.

In a house fire, every second matters. A simple plan, practised regularly, can save lives.

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who attended both the ANZAC Day Berowra Waters Dawn Service and the Berowra March and Service this morning. The turnout was fantastic at both events. We were blessed with a beautiful morning as we remembered those who served in the spirit of ANZAC and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

LEST WE FORGET.

18/04/2026

ALGAL BLOOM ⚠️ A Caution Alert is in place from Bar Island in Berowra Creek to Spencer, due to the detection of potentially toxic algae that may produce shellfish toxins.

👉 Shellfish: recreationally harvested shellfish (e.g. oysters, mussels, clams) from the estuary should not be consumed due to the risk of shellfish poisoning.

👉 There are no other recreational risks associated with the algal bloom.

Water users should use personal discretion before entering the water and be aware that the algal situation can change quickly. If any health effects are experienced from contact with water affected by algal blooms, medical advice should be promptly sought.

We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

👉 For more information visit: www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/industry/shellfish/status?f%5B0%5D=sqap_harvest_area%3AHawkesbury%20River

17/04/2026

Good training at Berowra Waters Station tonight, focused on night operations on the river. When we attend incidents after dark, we cannot rely on power or lighting being available, so it is important our members can carry, set up and operate all equipment from the boat. A solid session making sure the lighting and generator gear is ready and everyone is well practised.

08/04/2026

The Berowra Waters ANZAC Day Dawn Service will once again be held on the lawn area of the western foreshore, commencing at 5.15 am.
The Service will be followed by breakfast, prepared by the Berowra Waters Social and Events Committee. Gold coin donation with all proceeds going to Legacy.