Fonterra teams up to support community groups in Tasmania

This support will allow the brigade to purchase much-needed, battery-powered demolition saws to update older petrol-powered models.

Ulverstone Fire Brigade is one of 13 community groups across Tasmania to receive support from the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund this year, with other initiatives ranging from defibrillators and first aid equipment, to community gardens and school breakfast programs.

Fonterra Spreyton Site Manager – Douglas Overdijk says Fonterra is pleased to once again support local community groups across Tasmania.

“We’ve partnered with Ulverstone Fire Brigade because it plays a crucial role in keeping our region safe.

“The brigade is led by volunteers, and they put everything they have into saving lives, homes and livelihoods, but they need the right equipment to be able to do this.

“We know how important this service is, so we want to make sure they are well prepared for the fire season ahead.

“This partnership means a lot to our people, our farmers, and our community and we are so pleased to support such a worthy organisation,” says Douglas.

Ulverstone Brigade Chief Jai Manning says the brigade is made up of passionate volunteers, keen to make a difference.

“Our dedicated volunteers selflessly give up their time to keep our community safe, and any assistance we receive makes an incredible difference.

“We usually raise funds by holding raffles, sausage sizzles and car washes, but we haven’t been able to do that since COVID-19 hit, so this support is absolutely integral.

“The funding means we can buy lightweight, battery-operated saws, which we use to gain entry to properties. These are vital pieces of equipment.

“The ones we currently have are bulky and difficult to handle, so these will be safer and easier to use,” says Jai.

The brigade will also purchase small portable lights for lighting up roof spaces and a grinder for cutting locks.

“These tools are automated and will replace our current manual-operated pieces. These are easier and safer to use and will reduce some of the hassle and stress for our crew.

“The partnership will help us prepare for the upcoming fire season and ensure our firefighting efforts are safer and more efficient,” Jai says.

The other Tasmanian recipients of the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund for 2020 are:

Douglas says Fonterra’s community sponsorship program is changing next year so it can further support the local community.

“The team is currently working through these changes and will share more information on this later in the year – so keep your eyes peeled,” he says.