Bush Fire Bulletin: Thanks from Glenhaven (sideways scan)

BUSH FIRE BULLETIN — PAGE 6 [Continuation of an article; beginning absent from scan] Of Ben Kearney himself, Inspector Knowles said: “It would take many lines to try and illustrate the type of person that he is. “He worked almost without rest for days on end and not once did he complain of physical discomfort. If he was not immediately available in the troubled areas, then he soon was, travelling the whole time in a Land Rover fitted with trailer and pump. “Without being too dramatic on this facet, it is factually stated that Ben Kearney is somewhat of a legend for his quality of judgment and manhood in the minds of the people in the Ivanhoe area.” Inspector Knowles said members of the brigade as a whole made co-operation their keynote. He also praised the work of Bush Fire Brigade members from the Sydney area who helped in the battle and members of the army support force. The Bush Fire Council recognises that Ben Kearney represents but one of many local volunteers who rise to the occasion in these times of crisis. [Photograph caption] Ben Kearney THANKS FROM GLENHAVEN The Editor has received the following letter from the Glenhaven Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade: “Sir, Glenhaven Bush Fire Brigade takes this opportunity through your columns of thanking all the other brigades who came from far afield to our assistance on 25th January, 1975. “We are conscious of the fact that some shires who sent their equipment and personnel were almost denuded of protection in their own areas on a day of high fire danger throughout the State; that they took this risk on their own areas to come to our aid, is something for which we shall always be grateful. “We are particularly grateful that some of these visiting brigades were responsible for actually saving the homes of our own brigade members, when we were fighting fires with our own crews some distance from our homes. “They may be sure that Glenhaven Brigade will be just as prompt in helping them if they should need us at any time in the future. Yours sincerely, TOM MUSTON, Captain, Glenhaven Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.” BUSH FIRE BULLETIN — PAGE 7 Western Inspection Members of the Bush Fire Council of N.S.W. made an inspection tour of the bush fire devastated areas of the Balranald and Wentworth Shire Council areas in June. Led by the Chairman, Air Vice Marshal W. E. Townsend, the party travelled more than 1600 kilometres by bus. The tour gave council members an opportunity to meet and discuss with members of volunteer bush fire brigades and affected property-owners the series of wild fires which raced through the Western Division last summer. Members said they were impressed by the fortitude and dedication of the very sparse numbers of volunteer bush fire fighters available to tackle the enormous extent of the fires. The council was also impressed by the appreciation of property-owners to undertake effective preventive measures against future outbreaks by the establishment of a co-ordinated network of hazard reduction control lines. [Photograph captions] Below: The Chairman and members of the Bush Fire Council on the historic Mungo Downs Station [place-name reading uncertain] during the Western Division inspection. Bottom left: Members and local Bush Fire Brigade officials watching a demonstration of the volatility of spinifex grass at [illegible]. Bottom right: The Chairman, and the President of the [illegible] Bush Fire Brigade, Mr Fred [illegible], addressing council members and local residents at [illegible].