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Sutherland Fire Station closed by Barry O’Farrell

Cost saving: Sutherland fire station was closed for part of the day on Thursday March 14 as a budget measure. Picture: Lisa McMahonSutherland Shire Leader.

SUTHERLAND fire station was closed for part of the day on Thursday last week because of continuing action by Fire and Rescue NSW to curb overtime payments.

No Sutherland officers were present from 8am to 6pm after the crew was split up and sent to other stations to fill absences because of sickness and other types of leave.

Firefighters said the Moore Street Child Care Centre, across the road from Sutherland station, was among buildings in the area that had the potential to be affected by the closure.

A spokeswoman for Fire and Rescue NSW initially denied the station was closed on Thursday.

“A fire crew and truck from another station was at Sutherland, available to respond to incidents throughout the day,” she said. “No fires occurred within the Sutherland fire station area on that day.”

When the Leader asked what hours the replacement crew, from The Rocks, were at the station, the spokeswoman said they were “in the Sutherland fire station response area from 9.30am to 4.30pm”.

Coverage outside those hours was provided by Engadine, Menai and Miranda stations

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About Darin Sullivan (1980 Articles)
Former President of the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (2009-2018) and a professional firefighter with more than 30 years experience. I live and work on the NSW South Coast, Australia. I am a strong advocate for firefighters and emergency service workers with an interest in mental health issues and caring for those around me. I am a former Director on the NSW Fire Brigades Death and Disability Super Fund and work with charities including ‘The Movember Foundation’. As a leader and activist I have long been active in the campaign for action on climate change. I am a Station Commander in the fire and rescue service in NSW and have 30 years experience fighting fires, both rural and urban. I am passionate about highlighting the impact climate change is having on fire preparedness and fire behaviour in Australia, and the risks associated with inaction on climate change. I am also a spokesperson for the Australian Climate Media Centre.

1 Comment on Sutherland Fire Station closed by Barry O’Farrell

  1. Hi. Who is the Fire and Rescue Spokeswoman? I only ask as I would like to know who to contact should my home catch fire when the station is not staffed. Also, why have fire stations located where they are if you are going to close them? Are they not placed where they are for a reason?

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