Most of us are well aware of the devastating floods early this year that caused so much damage to both Queensland, and a short while later, Victoria. Not many are aware though that the Howard Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade decided to "adopt" a Queensland Rural Fire Brigade, and provide direct assistance to them. Garry Casey of the Howard Springs Brigade says:

"It was after the floods and we were looking at making a donation to a Volunteer FB in the affected area.  We decided on Murphys Creek and to do a direct presentation rather than put the money in the big slush fund.  The Brigade is currently operating out of the Chairman’s house (underneath) and have  temporary shelters for the vehicles until the building in town is repaired.  We put the Fire Bear into the toy fire truck just for the photo -  the size suited it a bit better – got lost on the big trucks."

Garry provided two photos, one of the Murphy's Creek fire truck following the floods, after having been pushed through the back wall of the fire station. The other is of the Care Bear. To view a larger image, just click on the photos. Garry also provided a copy of the March 2011 edition of the Murphy's Creek Newsletter, provided here as an attachment. It is certainly worth a read.

Howard Springs vollies ... congratulations for this tremendous assistance to Murphy's Creek, which amply shows the strength of the camaraderie of volunteer brigades Australia-wide!