Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Murray Bridge Metropolitan Fire Service Murray Bridge Metropolitan Fire Service The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY Legislative Council Murray Bridge Metropolitan Fire Service The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:12): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Will the minister inform the council about her recent visit to the Murray Bridge Metropolitan Fire Service? The Hon. E.S. BOURKE Legislative Council Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister for Autism Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Murray Bridge Metropolitan Fire Service The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for his question and the opportunity to speak about the outstanding work of the Metropolitan Fire Service and, in particular, the dedicated team at the Murray Bridge MFS station. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the station and meet the incredible firefighters who serve this community. It was an insightful and inspiring visit, one that reinforced just how vital their work is in protecting the lives and property of their community. What stood out most was the commitment and experience within their team. Many of the members I spoke with have been with the service for over a decade, and are dedicated to ensuring the safety of their community. Hearing their personal stories, what led them to join the MFS, and the experiences they have had throughout their careers was truly inspiring. Their passion for their work and their sense of duty is evident in everything that they do. Murray Bridge MFS plays a critical role in emergency responses, attending a wide range of incidents including structure fires and road accidents. In fact, I was told that their call-outs are almost evenly split between the two, highlighting just how diverse and demanding their role is. From battling house fires to providing essential services at serious vehicle crashes, their ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and skill is remarkable. Another key takeaway from my visit was the strong working relationship between the MFS and the Country Fire Service. While each service has its own specific responsibilities, their collaboration is crucial, particularly when responding to large-scale emergencies. This partnership ensures the best possible outcome for those in need. Beyond responding to emergencies, the MFS is also a pillar of the local community. Their presence and engagement extends far beyond the fire station as they continually work to promote safety and provide education and support the public in times of need. Their work not only saves lives in immediate emergencies but also contributes to the long-term safety and resilience of the community. During my visit, I was accompanied by Anthony, who is the acting assistant chief, and Cameron, as the acting chief officer, both of whom embody the leadership and dedication that define the MFS. Their commitment to supporting their teams and ensuring the highest standards of service is truly commendable. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the station officer, Nick, and the entire team at the Murray Bridge MFS for their hospitality and for sharing their experiences with me. It is clear that the Murray Bridge MFS is more than just a fire station; it is a team of highly skilled, deeply committed individuals who go above and beyond to keep the community safe. Their courage and professionalism and unwavering dedication are something we should all be incredibly grateful for and proud of in regard to how they represent our communities. I thank them for their time and for welcoming me into their community.