It’s exciting when your dad is a firefighter … but it’s even more unusual when your uncle and grandparents are in on the act too.
Eadie (3) and Flora (2) Gibbs, of Little Burra, are seventh generation Googong pioneers and likely to be seventh generation volunteer firefighters too, along with their dad Tom, Uncle Will and grandparents, Karen and Steve Gibbs.
The family are all members of the Jerrabomberra Creek volunteer brigade. Steve joined more than 40 years ago. Now, as Senior Deputy Captain, he has just returned from fighting raging bushfires in Queensland after recently retiring from his day job as a professional firefighter with ACT Fire Rescue.
Fire trucks are the stuff childhood dreams are made of and the big red vehicles will be rolling into Googong for the annual Rural Fire Service open day on Saturday 12 October 10am-2pm.
The free family fun day is one of the most popular events on Googong’s colourful social calendar giving everyone the chance to climb the big ladder, make a splash with the giant hose or check their handle on emergency radio.
If you’ve always dreamed of being a firefighter, don’t miss your chance to have a go. Bring the family to meet some of amazing local heroes and hear about their heart-stopping adventures.
The free community party has a serious side too. It’s a great chance to pick up some tips from the experts and make sure your property and loved ones are safe and ready for bushfire season.
Crews from Queanbeyan Fire and Rescue will also drop by for a quick chat about fire safety in the home, along with local Landcare, sports groups and wildlife carers, including Aquatots Swim School, Icon Water, Googong Landcare, Tinderry Googong Scouts, Googong Hogs and Wildcare.
It’s a great day out and everyone is invited to enjoy the music, jumping castle, sausage sizzle and truck loads of free family fun.
Googong Rural Fire Service Open Day is on Saturday 12 October 10am-2pm at Beltana Park, Googong. For details, visit googong.net
For more:
