The Cessnock District Rescue Squad was kept busy during Friday 17th and Saturday 18th August due to strong winds. Rescue squad personnel responded to many calls for assistance throughout the district for trees, aerials and roofs damaged by the two day weather system. Several trees that blew over into yards and onto houses and a large branch that threatened to fall onto the afternoon bus assembly area at a local school all had to be carefully felled and cut up. Several large TV aerials that were damaged also had to be cut down and removed along with securing damaged sections of roofs and garden sheds.
On the evening of Sunday 12th August squad personnel responded to an area of bushland at Abermain to illuminate a scene that Forensic Service Police Officers were conducting an investigation.
At around 1pm Monday 20th squad personnel responded to reports of a vehicle on fire with possible persons trapped in bushland of Old Maitland Road near Cessnock Waste Depot. Following an extensive search by a multitude of emergency service personnel no vehicle was found and all units returned to other duties. Police are conducting further investigations into the call to the incident as it appears it was a hoax call.
The Cessnock Little Athletics Club recently showed its support for the Cessnock District Rescue Squad by attending the Cessnock Base and providing a generous donation. “The outstanding continued support of local businesses and other organisations such as the Cessnock Little Athletics directly contributes to the squad’s ability to provide an excellent community service and is greatly appreciated” said Cessnock District Rescue Squad PR Officer Jason Sattler.
“I would again like to remind all local businesses of the Business Sponsorship scheme in which your business receives quarterly advertising in The Advertiser. Apart from all other benefits, Pedens Hotel, a proud Business Sponsor has offered $100 vouchers as an incentive for more businesses to come on board” Mr Sattler said. “One business has recently thrown its support behind the squad and received a voucher and there are nine more up for grabs” Mr Sattler added.
For more detail regarding the Business Sponsorship scheme Mr Sattler can be contacted by phone – 0458 039 588 or email – jsattler@ambulance.nsw.gov.au.
Cessnock District Rescue Squad
Public Relations Officer
Jason Sattler 0458 039 588