I want to acknowledge the Blue Mountains firies who have been in the United States serving on the frontlines to contain the wildfires. South Katoomba Rural Fire Service (RFS) Deputy Captain Mick Starkey, alongside two Winmalee RFS fire fighters: Matt Bradford and Paul Clark were amongst the 300+ Australian and New Zealand personnel who travelled to the United States in Mid-August. This is the largest ever Australian wildfire deployment to the USA!

Mick has taken his expert knowledge from protecting our beautiful Blue Mountains and stepped into a high-level role of division commander to coordinate American firefighting operations. While Paul and Matt have been stationed at various fires across Washington State, Utah, and Nevada.

The Blue Mountains community is immensely proud of Mick, Matt and Paul who have shown selfless dedication and sacrifice in their willingness to serve far from home. I thank them for representing the Blue Mountains and our mighty NSW Rural Fire Service, at the highest possible standard and on the world stage, by protecting lives and communities abroad.