The brand-new Rural Fire Service (RFS) facility at Ewingar was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, 24 July 2025, thanks to $836,126 from the Australian and NSW Government's jointly funded Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
In 2022, Clarence Valley Council, with the support of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, applied for and secured the funding to construct a new RFS Facility.
The new three-bay shed will house service vehicles and includes support facilities that can be used as a refuge or point of forward command during future natural emergencies.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said delivering this new Rural Fire Service shed means the people of Ewingar have a safe and reliable base to protect their community when disaster strikes.
"After everything Ewingar went through in 2019, this new facility is a real sign of the community's strength and our commitment to making sure they're never left without the support they need," Minister McBain said.
"With this new shed and refuge, locals can feel more secure knowing they have the resources and space to come together and tackle whatever challenge comes their way."
Clarence Valley Council's General Manager, Laura Black, said she is pleased to see this project complete and is honoured to be able to open the new facilities at the event.
"Securing funding for this project following the devastation of the 2019 bushfires is a significant achievement for the Ewingar community."
"With the help of local contractors Clarence Coast Constructions, Alan Kneale Electrical, Corbett Earthmoving and Tweed Coolangatta Plumbing Pty Ltd, Ewingar can be better equipped for future events.
"The old facility was surrounded by dense bushland, had limited access to power and water, and had reached the end of its functional life."
The 2019 bushfires that affected the Ewingar area led to the destruction of 10 homes, numerous sheds and fences, and a devastating loss of stock and wildlife.
This Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and was completed with the support of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
