Mathoura Ruralfirebrigade

14/08/2026

12/07/2026

Members of the Mathoura Rural Fire Brigade extend their sincere condolences to Retired Superintendent Lindsay Lashbrook and his family on the passing of Sherryn.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lindsay and his family as they grieve the loss of a devoted wife, loving mother, loved grandmother and cherished friend. Sherryn faced her battle with cancer with remarkable courage, and we hope you find comfort in knowing she is now at peace.

May the love and support of family and friends give you strength in the days and months ahead, and may the many treasured memories you shared with Sherryn bring you comfort and peace.

With our deepest sympathy,

Members of the Mathoura Rural Fire Brigade

06/07/2026

Reminder AGM Tonight.

The Mathoura Rural Fire Brigades 111th AGM is scheduled tonight the 6th of July.
Pizza’s from 7pm.
GM to follow AGM.

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.