Hurstville Mayor Vince Badalati recently paid tribute to 16 emergency service workers and Council staff for going beyond the call of duty.
Centrally located within Sydney’s metropolitan area, Hurstville is one of eight regional centres within greater Sydney and has a population of around 78,000 people.
Mayor Badalati praised Mortdale Fire Brigade firefighters, NSW Police officers, NSW Ambulance Service paramedics and Council staff for their exceptional commitment to community safety, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of animals.
“Local firefighters and Council’s Depot staff worked quickly and professionally to clean up a slippery and dangerous 100 litre truck spill of hydraulic fluid, which stretched for one kilometre through a local industrial area on 16 July 2009,” he said. “Firefighters, Hurstville Police and a NSW Ambulance paramedic also remained onsite for hours after the cleanup to assist the community and ensure the safety of road users.
“Thanks to the fast work and thoroughness of local emergency workers and Council staff the impact of the hydraulic spill was minimised for drivers, pedestrians and the environment.”
Mayor Badalati said that in a second incident, Council’s Environmental Health Officer and Mortdale Fire Brigade firefighters worked together to rescue two dogs drowning in Gungah Bay on 24 July.
“While waiting for the firefighters to arrive, the Council officer entered the water and brought the first dog to shore,” Mayor Badalati said. “Soon after, the Mortdale firefighter officers arrived and pulled ashore the second dog, which had been injured and trapped on a slippery rock ledge.”
Mayor Badalati presented each individual with a certificate and also recognised the work of Mortdale Fire Brigade with a plaque of appreciation.
“Council greatly appreciates the invaluable work of these individuals and their dedication to the people of Hurstville City,” he said.
