Ms Graham brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been an active member of the Berrigan brigade since 2009.
Ms Graham said she was very proud of Berrigan brigade’s history.
“I look forward to working with the membership and our area to provide a reliable fire and emergency response to the wider community,” Ms Graham said.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service acting district manager Reynir Potter said it was seeing an increasing number of female field officers being appointed within the Southern Border District in recent months.
“I hope that this trend continues within our brigades as it may encourage more female members of our community to not only join the NSW RFS but also aspire to leadership roles within their chosen brigades,” Mr Potter said.
In 1896 there was an informal bushfire brigade formed in Berrigan due to many fires that had burnt out of control in the area and is the reason Berrigan needed a structured bushfire brigade.
On November 20, 1900, the Berrigan Bushfire Brigade was formally established and recorded with Mr W. A. Ritchie, an experienced firefighter, being put in command.
At the Royal Hotel, a bell was installed to call firefighters to fight the latest threat.
Mr Potter said the NSW Rural Fire Service was now the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organisation … and it all started in Berrigan.
“This is something that the Berrigan community can be incredibly proud of,” Mr Potter said.
Ms Graham along with Berrigan brigade’s membership of approximately 40 firefighters are ready to respond in the event of a fire or other emergency.
All RFS brigades, and the communities they serve, could always benefit from more volunteer members in firefighting and other support roles.
If you are able to spare some time and join the brigade call the Albury Fire Control Centre during business hours on (02) 6051-1511 or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs
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