Firefighters ‘shooting the breeze’ about fire safety during local community basketball challenge

Fire and Rescue NSW is inviting the local community in Walcha to a family-friendly Community Game Day on the Australia Day long weekend.

The community engagement event, at the basketball courts within the Walcha Skatepark Precinct, in Fitzroy Street, from 9.30am on Saturday 24 January, will centre around a friendly 3-on-3 basketball game, open to all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

Members of the public are welcome to come along on their own, bring a team, or simply join on the day.

The focus is on participation, connection, and enjoyment rather than competition.

Walcha FRNSW Deputy Captain, Paul Fritsch, said the event is about bringing people together in a different way and strengthening the relationships that underpin a resilient regional community.

“Australia Day is about community, connection, and looking out for one another,” Deputy Captain Fritsch said, “This is an opportunity to catch up, have a laugh, and spend time together outside of the usual day-to-day routine, as the long weekend gets underway.

Throughout the morning, the station’s fire truck will be on display, with local firefighters available to chat with residents, answer questions, and share practical safety information.

This will include advice about home fire safety, smoke alarm maintenance, lithium-ion battery protection, and what to do in the early moments of a car crash before emergency services arrive.

Firefighters will also be available to talk about Fire and Rescue NSW’s free Home Fire Safety Visits, which include smoke alarm checks and installation.

Free refreshments will be provided, and families are encouraged to drop in at any time to play, watch, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

For those who are curious, there will also be informal opportunities to learn more about becoming an On-Call Firefighter with Station 481 Walcha and what that role looks like in a regional community.

FRNSW encourages everyone to come along, get involved, and help celebrate the strong sense of community that makes Walcha a great place to live.