You’re invited to say thank you to our emergency service volunteers and professionals

UPDATED MARCH 16 2020: Due to the coronavirus pendemic, Wollongong City Council have cancelled this event. See Bulli Times story here.

AN event to enable the community to recognise the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of all those who were on the frontline during the recent bushfire crisis, and then the storms and floods that followed will be held at Wollongong’s Lang Park.

The Emergency Services Thank You event, hosted by Wollongong City Council, will be held on Friday March 28 from 10am to midday – and everyone is invited.

Local volunteers and professionals from the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Defence personnel will be honoured at the event.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the services will also offer supporters an opportunity to get up close to fire trucks, police cars and other equipment and vehicles used during the crisis.

“This season’s bushfire crisis was huge not only in terms of the scale of the fires but also the personal impact it had on those on the frontline,” Cr Bradbury said.

“As a community, our hearts went out to our southern and western neighbours who were directly impacted by the bushfires. We also felt for all of those who put their lives on hold to fight fires across the State. It was physically hard work, as well as emotionally and mentally taxing.

“Then for this to be followed by severe storms and flooding rains put additional strain on our services and community members. This event is to say thank you to all those volunteers and professionals who provided a helping hand.

“Everyone should come along and get involved in the fun. Enjoy a sausage sizzle, say thanks to our awesome emergency services and demonstrate our appreciation as a community.”

The event will include a community sausage sizzle, which is free to emergency services and their immediate families. All they need do is show some service ID or be in their service uniform. For all other community members, sausage sandwiches can be purchased.

Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be opportunities to get up close to emergency vehicles on site and to meet our local heroes.

Other attractions include a jumping castle, games and activities and an emergency services information booth.