Ridgeway Rural Fire Brigade

26/07/2026

🚨 AusAlert Test – Tomorrow at 2:00pm (AEST) 🚨

Tomorrow, Monday 27 July at 2:00pm (AEST), a national AusAlert test will be conducted across Australia.

📱 At the time of the test, a single Critical AusAlert test message will be sent to every compatible mobile phone and device in Australia. If your device is compatible, you can expect to:
🔊 Hear a siren-like warning sound for approximately 10 seconds.
📳 Feel your device vibrate.
📲 See an alert on your screen that will clearly state it is a TEST.

This test is an important opportunity to ensure Australia's public warning system is working as intended. In a real emergency, AusAlert can provide life-saving information and instructions to help keep communities informed and safe.

Knowing what these alerts look and sound like means you'll be better prepared if a genuine emergency occurs.

Please don't be alarmed when you receive the alert tomorrow—it is only a test.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe. 🔥🚒

28/06/2026

Just before 6:30 this evening we were paged to a vehicle fire on Captains Flat Road. On arrival we found a vehicle full involved.

Queanbeyan City firefighters also on scene had deployed hoses and began to work on suppressing the fire shortly after our arrival.

The road has since been cleared and traffic is no longer impacted.

📸: Sofia F

27/06/2026

Congratulations to our Ridgeway members recognised today at an awards ceremony held by the NSW Rural Fire Service - Lake George Zone in Bungendore.

Deputy Captain Brent Hunter along with firefighters Bob Moon and Nat Harper all received their ten year long service medals.

A big congratulations to firefighter Steve Pow on receiving his clasps for his long service and national medals for his more than 50 years of service.

Unfortunately some of our members couldn’t be there but we also acknowledge firefighters Dave Langston, Andrew Daniels, Owen Harrap and Glenn and Matt Sparkes on their achievements that they will receive at another time.

Today the RFS recognised nearly 80 volunteer firefighters who have amassed 1203 years of service collectively across the local region. That is quite the accomplishment. Congratulations to all those from our sister brigades also recognised today.

19/06/2026

⚠️ testing of the Australian government’s AusAlert ⚠️

Testing will occur in Queanbeyan, New South Wales at 2:00 pm Sunday 21 June 2026

In October 2026, the Australian Government is
launching AusAlert – a new national warning
system that uses the latest technology to
send emergency messages to compatible
mobile devices. This will ensure critical messaging receives you in times of crisis.

The test alert will be sent to all mobile devices in the selected testing area at the time of the test. If you are in the test area with a compatible mobile device you may receive the alert. Devices may vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.

There is no need to action the test message and more information can be found at https://www.ausalert.gov.au

05/05/2026

We are incredibly saddened to hear about the tragic loss of two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who lost their lives helping others in their time of need.

Our thoughts are with all at Marine Rescue NSW, the families who lost their loved ones too soon, and everyone else affected by this tragedy.

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.

03/04/2026

🔥 Ridgeway Rural Fire Brigade Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser 🔥

We’re firing up the BBQ and we need your support!

Come down to Bunnings Majura this weekend, grab a snag (or two), and help support your local Ridgeway Rural Fire Brigade.

Every dollar raised goes straight back into keeping our crews equipped, trained, and ready for the next call.

📍 Location: Bunnings Majura
📅 Date: 04/04/2026
⏰ Time: 8am-4pm

Bring your family, bring your mates, and come say g’day to the crew. It’s a great way to support your local volunteers while enjoying a classic Aussie BBQ.

Your support makes a real difference — we’ll see you there! 🚒🌭

20/03/2026

🔥 Ridgeway Rural Fire Brigade Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser 🔥

We’re firing up the BBQ and we need your support!

Come down to Bunnings Majura this weekend, grab a snag (or two), and help support your local Ridgeway Rural Fire Brigade.

Every dollar raised goes straight back into keeping our crews equipped, trained, and ready for the next call.

📍 Location: Bunnings Majura
📅 Date: 21/03/2026
⏰ Time: 8am-4pm

Bring your family, bring your mates, and come say g’day to the crew. It’s a great way to support your local volunteers while enjoying a classic Aussie BBQ.

Your support makes a real difference — we’ll see you there! 🚒🌭

25/01/2026

🎖️🔥 CONGRATULATIONS – AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL 🔥🎖️

We are incredibly proud to share that our Captain, Liam MacWilliam, has today been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

The AFSM recognises distinguished service to a fire service, and in Liam’s case, this honour is more than deserved. Every day we see the positive impact of his leadership, commitment, and dedication — not only within Ridgeway RFB, but right across the NSW Rural Fire Service - Lake George.

Liam’s passion for the NSW RFS, his support of volunteers, and his tireless work for the community embody everything this award represents.

👏 Congratulations Liam, and thank you for everything you have done — and continue to do — for Ridgeway RFB, the Lake George Zone, and the NSW RFS.

09/01/2026

🔥🚨 EXTREME FIRE DANGER – TOTAL FIRE BAN IN PLACE 🚨🔥

Today (10/1/2026), the Lake George District, including the Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council area, is experiencing EXTREME fire danger. As a result, a Total Fire Ban is now in force.

Under these conditions, fires can start easily, spread very quickly, and be extremely difficult to control, even with large numbers of firefighting resources. A small spark can quickly turn into a serious threat to lives, property, and the environment.

🚫 During a Total Fire Ban, no fires are permitted — including pile burns, hazard reduction burns, or any activity that could ignite a fire. All fire permits are automatically suspended for the duration of the ban.

🚨 If you see any fire, please report it immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). Early reporting allows firefighters to respond as quickly as possible and can make a critical difference.

🙏 Please stay alert, avoid any activities that could cause sparks or flames, and continue to monitor conditions through official channels such as the Hazards Near Me app and NSW RFS updates.

Your actions today can help protect your community. Stay safe.

01/01/2026

🔥 CALL OUT – GRASS FIRE, HOSKINGTOWN 🚒

On Tuesday, Ridgeway RFS was called alongside Hoskingtown-Rossi Rural Fire Brigade, Carwoola Rural Fire Brigade, Bungendore RFS, and Queanbeyan City Rural Fire Brigade to a grass fire in the Hoskingtown area.

Thanks to the quick actions and strong teamwork of all crews on scene, the fire was rapidly brought under control and contained, preventing further spread.

🙏 A big thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to respond and help keep our community safe.