Mathoura Ruralfirebrigade

07/06/2026

Congratulations Group Captain Andrew Browning Jerilderie, on being awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished service.

Mr Andrew Browning has been a member of the Argoon Rural Fire Brigade for 36 years, captain for 29 years, and district group captain for 26 years. Mr Browning has led and managed numerous strike teams on out-of-area major incident deployments to the Blue Mountains, Nowra, Braidwood, Snowy Mountains and several to Victoria. His concise, calm, constructive and clear communication on the fireground is exemplary, always ensuring the safety of his firefighters. His expertise and coordination skills greatly benefit the district, particularly during complex operations. He listens to others and is attentive to fatigue and stress, especially during bushfires.

Mr Browning has been successful in transitioning members into a far more efficient, safe and modern brigade. He was instrumental in securing funds for and building the brigade’s fire station and modernising the fleet. He has also taken the lead in ensuring the vehicles, station, communication and personal protective equipment are kept current and fit for purpose. Mr Browning constantly upskills brigade members’ firefighting skills, maintains training standards, promotes and delivers training, and encourages and supports new members. He helped develop the Mid Murray Zone Training Committee and the Biannual Zone Exercise.

Mr Browning has actively promoted firefighter training, development, mentoring of new members, and promotion of the implementation of new initiatives in service delivery, and has been instrumental in a category 6 tanker design. He has developed a wide network of collaboration with other emergency services, councils and stakeholders, and driven numerous innovations for operations and equipment.

Mr Browning has often placed NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) duties and activities before his own successful farming operation and family commitments. He demonstrates outstanding dedication, commitment, professionalism and service to the NSW RFS and his community.

A very deserving recipient of the AFSM.

13/05/2026

Utter devastation 💔

This scary image shows what lithium-ion batteries can do to your house when they overheat and explode 💥

An Upwey family very sadly lost their home last month after a lithium-ion battery on charge caught fire and tore through the property within minutes. Firefighters later discovered the device was being charged with an incompatible charger.

In a concerning trend, CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters are responding to around one fire each day caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

To minimise the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire:
🔌 Use chargers and cords that are originally supplied with that device.
🔇 Only charge items in rooms with smoke alarms.
⚡ Avoid charging on soft locations such as couches, beds and carpets.
❌ Never use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking or overheating.
🤝 Buy products from a trusted supplier.

Photo Credit: Travis Easton

10/05/2026

Mathoura RFB Members would like to wish all the mums out there a
Happy Mother’s Day.

05/05/2026

The Brigade thoughts are with the families, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this incident.

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

This stubble burning app is available to support farmers in making strategic burn-off decisions amidst the ongoing autumn stubble burn-off season.

23/04/2026

Mathoura RFB members have been invited to participate Friday’s ANZAC Day Service.
Members are invited to attend the Commemorative Service at the Shire Hall from 11am and then march to the Soldiers Memorial Gardens to lay a wreath.

04/04/2026

Mathoura RFB members would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

25/02/2026

Happy 50th Birthday, Captain and Life Member Rick! 🎉

Your dedication and unwavering support of the local community and this brigade does not go unnoticed. The time, leadership, and commitment you continue to give make a real and lasting difference to so many.

Today we celebrate not only your 50 years, but the strength, integrity, and community spirit you bring to everything you do.

The Brigade members wish you all the very best for today and the year ahead! 👏🎂

06/02/2026

On the 17th anniversary of the February 2009 bushfires, we remember the countless people across our communities who were affected, and those who continue to feel the impacts to this day.

We honour the 173 people who lost their lives, the 400+ people who were injured and the thousands of emergency service personnel who responded throughout the course of the fires.

Together, we remember 🎗️

01/02/2026

Thanks to the community.
The Mathoura RFB would like to thank everyone that assisted with the stubble fire late Saturday afternoon that started and ran in 40°C temps fanned by 30 kmhr winds gusting to 50 kmhr.
A pelican flew into powerlines on approach to a storage dam that started this blaze.
First arriving farm fire units quickly tackled the head of the fire as it rapidly approached multiple sheds, hay stacks and a residence.
Apon arrival Mathoura fire tankers prioritised extinguishing a fast moving intense fire finger that was racing down a tree plantation towards multiple sheds and a house.
Neighbouring farmers arrived with tractors and speed tillers that assisted in widening and reinforcing firebreaks at the head of the fire and containing the flanks, with strong support from surrounding RFS Brigades the fire was contained and blacking out commenced.
Murray River Council arrived with an excavator that felled a small number of hazardous trees that were burning internally that were unable to be extinguished.
It’s was a credit to all involved that this fire was contained to a minimum despite the very hot and windy weather conditions experienced at the time and the availability of fuel.
Thanks again.