WHEN you think of the Rural Fire Service, images of brave firefighters fill your head.
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But who fills the stomachs of those hardworking firies who are often on fire grounds for days at a time?
It’s not a much-publicised fact, but there’s a catering division within the RFS that is responsible for feeding the troops, whether it’s making sandwiches in the scrub or cooking up hot and tasty meals in trusty camp ovens.
That’s part of the reasoning behind tomorrow’s fundraiser and fun day at West Tamworth Sports and Bowling Club – and the other reason is to attract people to support their local club.
Club member Scott Cone said it was a win-win situation – to help out the firies and get some people along to enjoy social bowls, a barbecue, novelty events, face-painting, entertainment by Steve Charles, Patti Morgan and others, and a camp oven cook-off.
“If there’s a big bushfire, the catering arm goes out and feeds the firefighters,” Mr Cone said.
“They were up in the hills when police were searching for Malcolm Naden, feeding the troops.
“We thought the fun day was a good way to get people out of their houses in winter to support the club and also to help out the catering arm of the RFS.
“Thanks to major sponsorship from TPE, Easter’s, Bunnings, Liquorland and Toyworld, we will be able to direct all proceeds from the day to the catering arm of RFS.”
It all ties in very nicely – as the club had to undergo rigorous safety procedures in order to hold the cook-off and the RFS was just the organisation to have on hand for that.
“We’ll have five fire drums which will be fired up about midday, and the meals will be ready to serve at 6pm,” Mr Cone said.
“Tasting bowls will be sold and tasters will be asked to to determine the best cook on the day.
“Hopefully, the catering division will be able to buy new trailers and gear, to make their job a little easier.”