SES volunteers from across the Central West have joined forces to help fire-ravaged communities on the South Coast.
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Two taskforces have left the region this week en-route to the South Coast, where bushfires have devastated townships in the area.
Bridgette Rice, SES Deputy Zone Commander for the Western Zone, said the first convoy left Bathurst on Monday morning and was made up of nine vehicles, including seven general purpose vehicles which will be used in operations in support of both the RFS and SES volunteers who are working in the region.
Deputy Commander Rice said the convoy included 16 drivers, from SES units across the region including Bathurst, Lightning Ridge, Dubbo, Mudgee, Wellington, Canowindra and Coonamble, who drove down Monday, dropped off the vehicles and returned by bus.
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On Tuesday, Deputy Commander Rice said a second strike force team went down to support ongoing operations in the region.
Among the volunteers who are working in some of the worst bushfire affected areas include five from Bathurst as well as volunteers from Lightning Ridge, Wellington and Mudgee.
She said their primary role while there will be to support the Rural Fire Service in recovery operations.
"They will be doing a lot of chainsaw work, clearing roads where they are blocked with fallen trees, basically assisting other volunteers in any way they can."
She said the crew is expected to remain in the South Coast for four days.
Deputy Commander Rice said it was fantastic that despite not insignificant fire activity in our region, volunteers were still able to be deployed to the South Coast.
"It's great we are able to support our Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services brothers and sisters. That's what we are here for. That's what we do," she said.
Deputy Commander Rice said it was difficult to say what, if any, other resources will be sent to the South Coast area.
"The situation is changing rapidly, and it's a significant recovery operation. It's so big the ADF have come in to help. It's impossible to say."