Rio Tinto : Community fund donation to improve Hunter Valley fire safety awareness

A $26,000 donation from the Rio Tinto Hunter Valley Community Development Fund (Rio Tinto CDF) is set to improve fire safety awareness for the local community.

The donation of an electronic message board will assist the NSW Rural Fire Service Hunter Valley District Office located in Bulga to communicate reliable advice and safety information to the public in real-time.

The NSW Rural Fire Service Hunter Valley project was funded by Rio Tinto after it was identified that fewer local residents now use community newspapers and radio to access fire danger rating information and emergency updates.

The electronic message board is fitted on a mobile trailer and will be transported around the Singleton and Muswellbrook shires overseen by the District Office.

Pictured: (L-R) NSW Rural Fire Service's Warren Welsh with Rio Tinto's Colin Mackey and Simon Coleman

Rio Tinto Mount Thorley Warkworth general manager Colin Mackey said 'On behalf of the Rio Tinto CDF Board, it is our pleasure to support the Rural Fire Service Hunter Valley District with this essential piece of equipment.

'We are very pleased that the donation will directly improve the speed and reliability of important fire safety communications for Hunter Valley residents who may find themselves in affected areas.'

The electronic message board has already been used to advise motorists of hazard reduction work on Putty Road -reducing the number of Triple Zero (000) calls placed by passing motorists.

NSW Rural Fire Service Hunter Valley group officer Warren Welsh said 'We are most appreciative of Rio Tinto's contribution in supporting us with this initiative. The message board is an important resource in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the residents within our shires.'

The District Office will also use the electronic message board to advertise recruitment campaigns, special events and open days at the station.