Coraki Fire Station celebrates 100 years of operation - Coraki

Published: 27 Sep 2024 02:09pm

Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Coraki Fire Station has commemorated a special milestone,100 years of operation, dealing with fires, floods and everything in between.

Several dignitaries, including Robert Mustow (Mayor Richmond Valley), Angelo Jones (Richmond Valley Local Emergency Management Officer), Superintendent Daniel Ainsworth (RFS), Chaplain Graeme Davis (NSW Ambulance) and members of FRNSW's leadership team, have attended a special function at the station to celebrate the achievement.

Principal Amanda Sewell, staff and students from Coraki Public School were also in attendance, performing an acknowledgement to country, national anthem and indigenous cultural performance at the start of the event.

During the commemoration, Captain, Russell O’Keefe was presented with a Long Service Good Conduct medal following 10 years of service at Coraki Fire Station.

The Coraki Station became a pillar and safe haven for the local community, providing support, food, shelter and even medicines, during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

All but two members of the Coraki crew lost their homes to floodwaters during the flood event that was described as a “one in 1000 year” disaster.

Despite losing everything themselves, they remained on duty, evacuating more than 150 people and saving a 60-year-old man from a heart attack.

The station currently boasts 12 firefighters, who each balance their Fire and Rescue duties with family life and primary employment.

Firefighters at Coraki Fire Station are also Community First Responders (CFR), which means they are qualified by NSW Ambulance to provide timely advanced first aid to patients in remote and rural communities.

Acting Assistant Commissioner, Gary Barber, attended the ceremony, recognizing the significance of the milestone for both FRNSW as well as the local community.

“To celebrate a centenary is something special and this is a fantastic moment for all those that have been part of the rich history of Coraki Fire Station,” he said.

Acting Commissioner, Paul McGuiggan, recognised the significant and ongoing contributions made by so many dedicated Coraki locals.

“Firefighting operations have changed significantly over the last one hundred years,” he added, “But our people’s focus has always been on protecting the communities we serve and keeping them safe from the dangers of fire.

“This is a special day for the crew at Coraki, and I thank everyone who has contributed to the history of the station over the last century.”