What’s on
19 September, 2025
Get ready this weekend
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging Southern Highlands residents to make sure they are ready for bush fires this season as part of its Get Ready weekend.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is calling for all residents of the Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands and Wollondilly to join firefighters for Get Ready Weekend and prepare for the upcoming bush fire season.
RFS Superintendent Daniel Osborne, District Manager (Southern Highlands Team) is encouraging everyone in the Southern Highlands area to meet their local brigade at one of the more than 300 events being held across the state this weekend, where they can learn to prepare and protect themselves and their properties.
Superintendent Osborne highlighted five simple steps to reduce bush fire risk, such as clearing flammable materials from around your home and keeping lawns trimmed:
1. TRIM overhanging trees and shrubs;
2. MOW grass and remove the clippings, creating a cleared area around your home;
3. REMOVE flammable items that can burn around your home (e.g. door mats, wood piles, mulch);
4. CLEAR debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home; and
5. PREPARE a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.
This year’s Get Ready Weekend is on 20 and 21 September with community events happening across the state.
To learn more and find local events, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready.
If you’re unable to attend an event this weekend, you can always learn more on how to create a bushfire survival plan by visiting www.myfireplan.com.au.
Stations/brigades taking part across all three local government areas:
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Alpine/Aylmerton, Avoca, Bundanoon, Burrawang, Canyonleigh, Colo Vale, Exeter, Gubbins Hardware (Moss Vale and Berrima brigades), Hill Top, High Range, Manchester Square, Mandemar, Mittagong (3 locations - Highlands Marketplace for Mittagong brigade, corner of Albert and Alice Sts. for Wingecarribee Communications/Southern Highlands Communications division and Bunnings (Southern Highlands Support division), Penrose, Wingello & Yerrinbool.
WOLLONDILLY
Appin, Bargo, Buxton, Bingara Estate Shopping Centre (for Wilton brigade), Douglas Park, Lakesland, Menangle, Mt Hunter, Oakdale, Pheasant's Nest, Picton, Tahmoor Inn (for Tahmoor and Thirlmere brigades), The Oaks, & Yanderra.
SOUTHERN TABLELANDS
Bellmount Forest, Bungonia, Crookwell, Gundary, Gunning, Marulan, Oolong & Towrang.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Wollondilly, Yass