Neighbour muster helps Rockleigh CFS support group fight fire with fire

An annual get-together supports local firefighters as well as helping neighbours get to know one another.

This post was originally published behind Murray Bridge News’ paywall. Paywalled posts are unlocked four weeks after publication. Can’t wait that long? Subscribe here.

Cruz the dog, Neville Scholz, Dave Beckett, Gayl Gogel, Bec Pym and Mark Truman huddle up beside the fire at Sunday’s Rockleigh neighbour muster. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A bonfire provides more than just a bit of warmth – it gives people an excuse to get together for a good cause.

That was the case at Rockleigh on Sunday, as about 50 people disregarded the bracing cold around a burning stump beside the old school house.

Officially, the annual neighbour muster was a fundraiser and connection-building exercise for the Rockleigh CFS Support Group, which supplies the local Country Fire Service brigade with the equipment its volunteers use to keep locals safe.

Unofficially, it was one of the social events of the year.

The sun shines through for a moment on an otherwise chilly afternoon. Photo: Penny Heighes.

Support group president Dave Dennison said funds raised had, in the past, bought the brigade things like reversing cameras, a weather station, a defibrillator, torches and cupboards.

CFS captain Mark Truman said the support group had contributed about $25,000 worth of equipment since the brigade’s establishment in 2012.

“The support group has been instrumental to applying for grants from the council, Tony Pasin, the RAA,” he said.

“If we need something … we just say ‘support group, can you help us?’ – ‘yes, all good’.

“It’s a vital cog for us.”

Murray Bridge Councillors Airlie Keen and Wayne Thorley rug up for the muster. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

In turn, Mr Dennison praised the district’s firefighters, who he said were “seriously quick” to respond whenever they were needed.

“There will be 10 firefighters who’ll get there even before the actual truck gets there,” he said.

The Rockleigh brigade has about 25 volunteer members, including 18 firefighters.

Like all volunteer organisations, though, they could always do with a few more.

• Volunteer with Rockleigh CFS: Email rockleighcfs24@gmail.com, attend a training session at 7pm on a Tuesday at the station at 1592 Black Heath Road, or visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au/volunteer.