NSW RFS - Gulmarrad Brigade

20/06/2026

A friendly reminder that cane season is about to start again.

As the CV Control Centre stated, these burns are well managed and maintained by local farmers.

As usual, if you notice anything out of the ordinary or have concerns check Hazards near me and/or call 000.

It's coming up to that time of year again - cane season! The crush starts Friday 19th of June which means there may be cane burns in the area between Grafton and the Queensland border from this weekend onwards, until the end of the season (around mid-December).

Pre-harvest cane burns are conducted by experienced farmers in the cane industry and even though they look spectacular and out of control, they are well controlled and well managed by the on site crews. The fires go out quite quickly once they are finished, and the cane is harvested not long after and sent off for processing.

When you see a pre-harvest cane fire, they are well attended (even if it's hard to see the crews in the dark).

Cane farmers can notify the RFS they are burning (at least 24 hours and up to 21 days before they light) at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify - and don't forget to let the neighbours know too.

Here's to a great cane season!

13/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Andrew, the lucky winner of our TV raffle!

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported the Brigade! big thank you to Lee Johns & Toni Skinner from Ray White Maclean for generously donating the TV.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the Gulmarrad Rural Fire Brigade. 🚒

09/06/2026

This weekend the Clarence Valley came together to celebrate the People who make our community thrive, at the Clarence Harvest Celebration.

From our farmers and local industries to small businesses, volunteers and families, every contribution helps shape the place we’re proud to call home. Events like this are a great reminder of the strong community spirit that exists across our region.

Our members had a fantastic time connecting with the community, and taking our decorated truck through the parade.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible and to those who continue to support locally. ❤️💙

07/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our 100’s Club winners from last night’s Cane Harvest Festival Celebration!

🥇 Wendy (prize collected on her behalf)
🥈 Matt Anderson (prize collected by his son)
🥉 A local family who are saving for a new computer, with the winning number purchased using the kids’ pocket money!

Our 100’s Club is a fun way to support the brigade while having a chance to win. We sell 100 numbers at $2 each, with half of the proceeds awarded to the lucky winning number and the other half helping support Gulmarrad Rural Fire Service and its volunteers.

Congratulations again to our winners, and thank you to everyone who purchased a number and supported the Brigade! 🚒👏

24/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, Gulmarrad Brigade attended the Youth Harvest Festival! 🚒🌾

We trained plenty of future firefighters in extinguishing fires, building confidence, and safely using the hose. Working with kids is always a highlight for our brigade. There’s nothing better than seeing their confidence grow and the big smiles on their faces as they give it a go.

A huge thank you to the Clarence Harvest Celebration for involving us in such a great community event!

10/05/2026

🧡💛 A big Happy Mothers Day to the incredible mums of our Brigade, along with the mums who support our members from home.

Whether they’re responding to incidents, or holding down the fort at home, their contributions are invaluable!

From all of us at Gulmarrad Brigade, thank you for everything you do. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there! 💛🧡

05/05/2026

Our thoughts are with the families and all those affected by the tragic events in Ballina on Monday night.

This is a profound loss, felt across the entire volunteer community, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted.

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.

25/04/2026

Today, we stand in remembrance of those who served, sacrificed, and gave their lives for our country.

Their commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their spirit lives on in the communities they helped protect.

Lest we forget.

23/04/2026

Crews from Gulmarrad, Lawrence and Ashby responded to a bush fire in Lawrence late yesterday afternoon🔥

During the incident, a number of properties came under threat as the fire approached. Firefighters worked to protect homes by suppressing the advancing fire and conducting backburning operations to assist with containment.

A big thank you to the Lawrence Tavern for generously providing meals to crews working on the fire last night. Your support was greatly appreciated! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥