RFS: New station in centre of village not on the outskirts

ABOVE: At the official opening of the new RFS shed in Rappville. Photo: Contributed

In a village with a population of almost 200, the loss of so many homes in the October 2019 was devastating.

A new Rural Fire Service station is just what Rappville needs and the new one has been centrally located.

State MP Chris Gulaptis, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart were at the official opening.

“The move to a central location is a major boost to the brigade’s accessibility and firefighting capabilities,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The original station, 5km, outside the village will be a storage shed for the brigade.

Mr Elliott said the brigade had a long history in Northern NSW.

“The first fire brigade in Rappville was formed in 1952 where members were issued with equipment including wet bags, a tanker trailer and hand tools.

The 33 Rappville RFS members will benefit from the purpose-built station costing almost $600,000 and funded by the NSW Government, RFS, Richmond Valley Council, the community and the brigade members themselves.

The new station featured two bays, amenities, workshop, storage room, kitchen and a training room.

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