Firefighters gear up for a Bash

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell today donated a fire truck to Variety Queensland to assist with fundraising and awareness activities for sick, disadvantaged and disabled children.

The donation was made in a ceremony at the Variety Queensland office in Brisbane.

The fire truck, which three Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) personnel drove from Cairns to Birdsville in the 2006 Variety Bash last August, was due to be de-commissioned.

But with the vehicle proving to be such a hit with crowds along the route of the Bash, especially with children, it has been donated to Variety Queensland for educational and fundraising purposes and future Variety Bash events.

Mr Purcell said QFRS was delighted to take such a keen interest in promoting and raising funds for Variety Queensland.

“The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to caring for the safety and wellbeing of the people of this State.

“I am proud that we have been able to join with Variety Queensland – which also has a vital role in caring for others – to raise money and awareness for very good causes.

“This year’s Variety Bash raised about $1.5 million for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in Queensland. In addition, the QFRS crew who took part in the Bash passed on many important fire safety messages to people along the way, particularly in rural and remote locations.”

Linda Graham, the Chief Executive Officer of Variety Queensland, said, "Variety Queensland is extremely appreciative of QFRS donation of the fire truck that went on the 2006 Cairns to Birdsville Variety Bash.

“Firies provided ongoing fire awareness to remote schools along the Bash and having the fire truck as a Bash vehicle in 2007 will again enable educational and community awareness for children that don't have the opportunity to meet firefighters in remote Outback communities that the Bash visits. Children along the ten-day trek loved the fire truck and in particular, the QFRS mascot Blazer.

“With up to 500 participants, the Bash is considered a floating town and we're happy a fire truck will be part of our fleet in 2007's Beef 'n' Beaches – Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach adventure.”

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.