Local brigades pass on Lions cheque to NSW families in grief

Margaret River Lions have donated $5,000 to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades to support fire resourcing or support efforts, of the local brigades’ choosing. The generous gesture follows a recent $20,000 contribution, made by the local Lions group towards the eastern states fire relief efforts. Shire of Augusta Margaret River Chief Bush Fire Control Officer David Holland, who gratefully received the cheque at the club’s Saturday morning garage sale, said the brigades have already decided where the funds should be directed. “Thank you to the Margaret River Lions for offering this sizable sum to support firefighting efforts as determined by the brigades themselves,” he said. “We feel very honoured to be able to forward this contribution on to the families of the three New South Wales firefighters who lost their lives while on duty in December. “The loss of these three young men has hit close to home for our members. “We know what it feels like to leave our kids, partners, families and friends to fight fires which threaten the lives and properties of others. “Passing on this money to help support those left behind feels like the right thing to do. “Although we didn’t personally know the members, we see it as a looking after our own and a show of comradery and recognition of the contribution of these young men.” Margaret River Lions President Nigel Vangucci said the club was supportive of the brigades’ decision to pass on the donation to the NSW Rural Fire Service appeals for the recently bereaved families. “The previous donation went to help support and reestablish communities who were devastated by the impact of the recent fires,” he said. “This contribution is on a much more personal level and we know it will be greatly received by the affect families.” The funds will be split into bank accounts established for the families of:

Samuel McPaul (28) On the evening of Monday 30 December 2019, volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Rural Fire Brigade, was tragically killed while on duty at the Green Valley fireground east of Albury NSW. The fire truck that Samuel and crew were operating from was involved in a rollover caused by extreme winds associated with the fire. Samuel leaves behind a loving wife, Megan, who is pregnant with their first child, due in May 2020.

Geoffrey Keaton (32) and Andrew O'Dwyer (36) On the evening of Thursday 19 December 2019, two volunteer firefighters were tragically killed while on duty at the Green Wattle Creek fireground, near Buxton in south western Sydney. The fire truck they were travelling in was struck by a tree, causing the vehicle to leave the road and overturn. Firefighter Geoffrey Keaton was the Deputy Captain of Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade, and a former member of Plumpton Brigade. Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer was a member of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade. Both men leave behind young children.

For more information about the donation recipients, or to make a personal donation, please visit: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/featured/support-for-firefighter-families