IT TAKES both mental and physical tenacity and strength to look a fire right in the eyes and it's something volunteers with a shire brigade are preparing for.
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The Gogeldrie Rural Fire Service brigade has received $5000 Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program.
This money has been used to support individual and community health and wellbeing through the purchase of gym equipment.
The money has been delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The Gogeldrie brigade has been getting together on a regular basis to train and prepare as the fire season arrives, with volunteers finding the extra sessions to be a positive not just in a physical sense, but for their mental health as well.
The grant was made available to the brigade after cotton growers in the area nominated it to receive the funds.
FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said a consistent theme across nominations this year was a strong desire to boost morale and maintain community spirit in the face of the uncertainty brought on by many factors in 2020.
"Local cotton growing communities, already dealing with the stresses of sustained drought, have told us of the additional strain caused by COVID-19 restrictions," she said.
"For these groups, normal fundraising activities have been turned on their head with local businesses, already struggling to survive, unable to lend their support to these community organisations.
"This year we've seen many groups seeking support to develop and build organisational and community resilience."
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