Shire fireys could get formal uniforms under plan

Dress uniforms for long-serving volunteer bushfire brigade members will be considered as part of this year’s Shire of Augusta-Margaret River budget. The request was lodged through the Shire’s Bushfire Advisory Committee from Kudardup and Rosa Brook brigades. Cr Tracey Muir flagged an investigation into the costs and requirements at last week’s council meeting. “The suggestion was made at the BFAC meeting in November,” Cr Muir told the Times. “It was raised by long-serving volunteer firefighters who noted that when they went to special events or regional training etc., they felt very underdressed without an appropriate ‘dress uniform’, just their brigade T shirts.” Details of numbers and costs were not yet available. Deputy Shire president Julia Meldrum said the review would occur during the cooler months. “Shire staff will do some investigation into costing and funding sources which will be presented back to BFAC for consideration,” she said. The uniforms would be considered for firefighters serving five or more years. Shire community emergency services manager Adam Jasper noted the Shire had no budget for uniforms at present, and dress uniforms were not covered by the Emergency Services Levy paid by ratepayers Statewide.