New RFS officer is ready to go

As the new district officer, Mr Farraway has come from Newcastle to fill the position.

“It’s a big change, not only from a career point of view, but a whole new town, a whole new atmosphere. I’ve only been in Gilgandra for three weeks.”

 Mr Farraway has recently graduated from the RFS training academy in Dubbo, and is ready for the new start.

“I’ve pretty much been in the transport industry for 40 years. I left school and did an apprenticeship as a mechanic, working on trucks and plant equipment, driving them, breaking them, I’ve worked in management for heavy on road vehicles too. So I needed a change, and the opportunity came up, I was expected by the RFS, and here I am,” said Mr Farraway.

A volunteer at Raymond Terrace RFS for 15 years, and five years as captain, the RFS isn’t new to Mr Farraway.

“It’s good to know I’ve left the (Raymond Terrance) brigade in a healthy position and they’re going strong. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Predecessor Graham Bunyan has told Mr Farraway that he needs to look after his volunteers.

“Give them, within reason what they want. Look after them, look after their health, look after their safety. And make sure they come back. If you lose a house, if you lose a truck, they’re still building houses and they’re still making trucks,” said Mr Bunyan.