Special guest and speaker for the night is Huw Jones, who has recently retired from an extensive career with Fire and Rescue NSW.

The event’s coordinator is local Geoff Green, who’s been a member of the Rural Fire Service for more than 50 years and captain of the Cumbigjowa volunteer brigade for 30 years. 

He met Huw Jones last year and – after hearing some of his stories – has invited him to Forbes to speak.

Mr Jones retired from his role at the end of last year after 19-and-a-half years of rescue work.

Amongst many efforts, Mr Jones was a member of the Australian team sent to New Zealand in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

The team was on the ground within 12 hours, working to remove people from collapsed buildings while aftershocks continued. 

Mr Green is urging all other members of emergency services including volunteers and medical professionals to come along and hear him speak.

It’s been a number of years since there’s been an emergency services dinner in Forbes, Mr Green also hopes the event will continue to build on the camaraderie amongst the professionals and volunteers who put their hand up to serve their community.

Previous special guests have included then Defence Force chief Peter Cosgrove and Paralympic gold medalist Kurt Fearnley. 

Tickets are $50 each and are available from the Rural Fire Service, Mid Lachlan Valley headquarters on Union Street.

The evening includes a three-course meal. 

For more information and tickets contact Geoff Green on 0428522148.

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