In a kind gesture over the weekend, Supercars waived the entry fee for members of the NSW Rural Fire Service [RFS] in recognition of their tireless efforts over the ongoing bushfire season.
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The decision was made by Supercars to offer some welcome respite for hard working firefighters who might double as motor racing fans.
READ ALSO: Strong winds to fan bushfire flames
"We invited people from the NSW RFS to come and enjoy a much needed weekend off with their families," Supercars chief operating officer Shane Howard said.
"In addition, SRO Group, our international partners in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, are donating $500 per lap, and our official charity [Lions Club] is fundraising for the NSW RFS as well," Mr Howard said.
"We're really appreciative of all the work the NSW RFS has done across this dreadful bushfire season, and this is our way of giving something back."
NSW RFS assistant commissioner Peter McKechnie said the free entry offer was a morale boost for the firefighters.
"Whilst none of our members do what they do for the acknowledgement, to have that element of gratitude passed on to them is terrific," Mr McKechnie said.
"There's a long way to go in this fire season and no matter how we look at it, it has been an unprecedented summer for our personnel."
According to the NSW RFS' latest impact assessment [January 27], 2399 homes, 263 facilities and 5263 outbuildings have been destroyed this bushfire season.
Despite the harrowing statistics, state member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the efforts of the NSW RFS have saves countless more homes.
"While 2400 homes have been lost, we shoudn't forget that over 14,000 homes have been saved by the NSW RFS," Mr Toole said.
"We're into the 147th day of this bushfire situation and on any given day, we could have up to 2000 volunteer firefighters on the ground dealing with fires."
Mr Toole was due to be joined by deputy premier John Barilaro for yesterday's announcement, but was unavailable due to the escalating bushfire situation in his Monaro electorate.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
