Darkes Forest Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade

04/05/2026

Congratulations to our Captain Peter. Today he was a recipient for the St Florian’s award for his hard work and commitment in Heavy Plant training.

24/04/2026

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

13/04/2026

You may see and smell smoke this evening from hazard reduction work being undertaken across the state, including parts of Greater Sydney. Smoke is likely to accumulate near burn sites and settle overnight in parts.

Fire agencies and land managers will continue to use current favourable conditions over coming days to implement this important work to protect communities. Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire, not just if you smell smoke.

A list and map of planned hazard reduction burns is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/HR and the you can be alerted to burns taking place by setting a Watch Zone in the Hazards Near Me app.

📷: Florence Av Hazard Reduction, Minto Heights (Campbelltown LGA)

02/04/2026

🔥Planning a pile burn on your property this long weekend?
📝Have you notified the RFS and your neighbours?
📏Does your pile meet the Pile Burning Standards of 2x2x1.5?

Notifications are to be submitted online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

💲Penalties apply for failing to notify.

🐰We hope you have a safe and wonderful easter🐰

📷 J. Tonge

Bega Valley Shire Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council

24/03/2026

Over the weekend, Darkes Forest proudly participated in the Battle of the Brigades in the Illawarra Sutherland district, where members were truly put through their paces. A fantastic effort all around, showcasing skill, teamwork, and dedication on every level. Well done to everyone involved! 🚒💪

Congratulations to the crew on the truck for your outstanding efforts! Bringing home Event Winner and Best Strike Team is an incredible achievement. Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication truly paid off—well deserved! 👏🚒

27/02/2026

What a night!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to Helensburgh Pub last night in support of Glenn Fahey. It was fantastic to catch up with so many people and see our community come together. To say the night was a success is an understatement.

A massive thank you to Fire and Rescue 325 for bringing their truck along (a big hit with the kids… and a few adults!) and for handing out lollies.

Thank you to Helensburgh Pub for the generous meat raffle and gift voucher.

We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing donations from:

Darkes Forest Riding Ranch – for the Yellowstone DVD collection signed by Lainey Wilson

Stanwell Tops Conference Centre – for the weekend away in Joadja

SJ Read Helensburgh Sand and Soil

Helensburgh Premium Liquor

Helensburgh Golf Range

The generosity shown by everyone involved was truly overwhelming. Our community spirit is something special.
Thank you all for your support!

Send a message to learn more

23/02/2026

Hi everyone

Please join us this Friday night at Helensburgh pub

5pm - 8pm
27/2/26

To help raise money for Glenn Fahey

Darkes Forest Riding Ranch has just donated Yellowstone DVD collection personally signed by American Country singer Lainey Wilson for Glenn this is a one and only personally signed edition.

Happy to start taking silent bids. Please contact Peter on 0419634768

17/02/2026

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: For Glenn Fahey
Friday, 27 February 2026
5-7pm @ Helensburgh Hotel
As many of you know, our friend, community member and Darkes Forest Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Life Member, Glenn Fahey with 30 years of service, was recently diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive brain tumour. This has been an unimaginably difficult time for Glenn and his family.
Our community is coming together to help support them through the challenges ahead.
Darkes Forest RFS and Helensburgh Pub will be hosting a meat raffle with all proceeds going directly toward supporting Glenn and his family in these difficult times.
Your contribution big or small can make a real difference. Join us and show your support and help us stand with Glenn and his family.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity and community spirit
Glenbernie Orchard
Darkes Cider
Menai Civil Contractors
Plant Haul Heavy Haulage
Darkes Forest Riding School
SJ Read Pty Ltd
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 325

Send a message to learn more

22/01/2026

Illawarra PRS called up to Darkes Forest for a lost Bush walker. PRS and RFS personal navigated though some very thick vegetation to reach the male, who was not in a fit condition to walk out. With the assistance of the Lifesaver Helicopter, the lost male and the ground party were winch out. Male was treated for mild hypothermia before being reunited with family and heading home.

Darkes Forest Volunteer Rural Fire BrigadeWestpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters

14/01/2026

Many in our community will know Glenn, whose family own and run Glenbernie Orchard at Darkes Forest.

Glenn also served as Captain of the Darkes Forest RFS for many years, before stepping back to focus on the orchard.

Wishing you all the best, Glenn

The community has rallied round Glenbernie Orchard farmer Glenn Fahey after he was diagnosed with an advanced Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour

13/01/2026