New fire truck keeping Maningrida safe

Maningrida residents can sleep more soundly knowing they have a new fire truck to keep them safe.

The remote community, situated on the shore of the Arafura Sea in Arnhem Land, is vulnerable to dry season forest fires. Community leaders realised that increasing Maningrida’s ability to fight these fires was a priority.  

The fire truck, provided with funding from the Australian Government’s Indigenous Remote Service Delivery account, was officially commissioned at a recent community ceremony and is now in the service of the volunteer Maningrida Emergency Response Group (MERG).

The new truck will increase the capacity of MERG to respond to house fires and lessen the risk grass fires pose to life and property in Maningrida and surrounding outstations.

A member of MERG, James Woods, said that the fire truck is a great asset for the community.

“Come the next dry season, we’ll be ready to fight fires but before then all the volunteers need to get truck licences and attend courses on fire fighting,” James said.

“We’re being kept busy during the wet season helping with sea rescues and working with the community on cyclone damage and prevention issues.

“And kids love the new fire truck, especially at festivals when we spray water on them.”

James works for the Northern Territory Department of Correctional Services, as well as part-time for Norforce, but volunteered to join MERG to protect his community. He says that everyone should make time to volunteer to help others.

“I encourage other Indigenous people to join their local emergency services branch. It’s great fun, you make friends and you have the satisfaction of keeping your community and family safe,” James said.