This summer has been one of Cessnock’s worst bushfire seasons in living memory.
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But thanks to the efforts of firefighters from near and far, not one human life was lost nor home destroyed.
February 28 is National Red Balloon Day – held on the last official day of the Australian summer to give praise and thanks to the nation’s firefighters.
Founded in 2014, the charity day raises funds for firefighting organisations in each state (supporting the Rural Fire Service in NSW).
Kearsley Public School will take part in this year’s event on Tuesday.
Red balloons will adorn the school and students will come dressed in red.
Many families at the school live in or near the bush, with some having to evacuate during the Racecourse Road fire in November.
“There have been quite a lot of fires around our area this summer,” Kearsley Public School principal Melissa Trigg said.
“They (the firefighters) did an amazing job of protecting our community, last year and always.”
The students are in awe of the firefighters’ efforts and bravery this summer.
“They sacrificed their lives,” school captain Aryahn Harrison said.
Fellow captain Harrison Reed said he has lived through many bushfires near his home.
“But every time, the firefighters stop it,” he said.
National Red Balloon Day has raised almost $60,000 since its inception in 2014.
The community is invited to support the event by tying a red balloon to their mailbox, fence or workplace.
“It’s such a simple way to let our Aussie fireys know that we acknowledge the efforts they put in all year round,” event director Jody Hardiman said.
‘Thank You Fireys’ red balloons and other merchandise is available at nationalredballoonday.org. Donations can also be made online.
PHOTOS: Take a look back at the Coalfields bushfires of 2016/17 in the gallery below.