ILLAWONG Village Ltd, a not-for-profit Charity organisation, welcomed a visit from members of the Fire & Rescue NSW, Nambucca Heads station on Saturday 22 May 2021.

Captain Robert Couchman was ably assisted by Deputy Captain Ricky Forbes and firefighters Irene Pachos, Paul Daniel and Darryl Aldridge.

They visited the residents in Illawong Village, which comprises 52 units.

Residents of the Village are over the age of 65 years and the visit was primarily to discuss with them fire safety issues leading into the colder months of winter.

Illawong Village residents were advised of the importance of winter fire safety – for example making sure that heaters are working correctly and are safe, not placing items nearer than one metre to a heater which could catch fire, home escape plans, smoke alarms which are correctly installed and working properly as well as the use of fire blankets in case of fire.

All units in Illawong Village have ten year smoke detectors installed as well as a Fire Blanket in each unit.

Captain Robert Couchman and Deputy Captain Ricky Forbes also gave advice on a few safety features within the Village, for example cats-eyes on the road which designate a fire hydrant close by and advice on suitable evacuation areas.

The visit from the local firies was very welcomed by Village residents on the day and all agreed the fire safety advice given was very important.

Fire Safety booklets were handed to residents during the visit as well.

Once again, the local Fire & Rescue team displayed their total commitment and professionalism to all residents in the Village during their visit.