Bilpin Rural Fire Service has received two new rapid slip-on tank and pump units thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Sydney Markets Foundation.
The Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to assist businesses that are part of the fresh produce supply chain during times of crisis, set about raising funds to go towards the Bilpin community after the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.
Bilpin is home to many apple and flower growers that supply many within the Sydney Markets community.
Foundation chairman Carlo Trimboli said that the fresh produce wholesaler community was passionate about doing whatever it could to get Bilpin back on track and understood the toll the fires was having on growers in the region.
"Sydney Markets has a long associated with the region and its growers and Bilpin is a critical supplier of apples and flowers to Sydney Markets," he said.
"When the bushfires came in 2019-20, Bilpin was subjected to unrelenting fires that engulfed the area, but thanks to the unwavering bravery of the Bilpin Rural Fire Service brigade there was no loss of life and minimal loss of property.
"We couldn't undo the devastation of 2019-20 but we wanted to do something positive, so we chose to help prepare Bilpin for future bushfire seasons by supplying two Rapid Spray slip-on tank and pump units."
The Foundation's fundraiser tallied $239,600, with $150,000 coming from Sydney Markets Limited on behalf of its stakeholders.
Bilpin RFS deputy brigade captain Jim Haines said that the impact of the new units on the community would be immeasurable.
He said that each of the units would carry the names of William Johnson and Albert Newton, who celebrated 70 years of service at Bilpin RFS and fought more than 100 fires.
Mr Haines said that the naming was in recognition of "their bravery and unrelenting determination to protect the people of Bilpin".
He thanked the Foundation for its donation.
"The generosity of the community and businesses in the wake of the black summer bushfires has been incredible, and we thank Sydney Markets Foundation for the kind donation of these two Rapid Spray slip-on tank and pump units, which will assist Bilpin in protecting its community fight future fires," Mr Haines said.
