The sign was originally due to go under the powerlines adjacent to the hall, however, Essential Energy required it to be placed 10 metres from the centre line, which is why its final location is in the carpark area.

All Towrang groups will be able to use the sign with notifications, such as meetings, events and emergency warnings. The sign will be turned off between the hours of 8pm and 7am. Unfortunately, SignPac is experiencing some teething problems with the placement of notices on the sign and a technician may have to visit the site to complete the set up. We all look forward to having the sign in full operational mode soon.

Last chance to get tickets for the Brigade's 80th celebration to be held on Saturday, August 31, 6.30pm at the Chisholm Room, Goulburn Soldiers Club. Cost is $50 per person. Bookings and payment needed by Tuesday, August 20, so please phone Annette on 0407 080 358. We have dignitaries from council and NSW Rural Fire Service attending, as well as a number of our Life Members, and lots of memorabilia to peruse.

Towrang Brigade will be holding its annual Get Ready Day on Saturday, September 14 from 10am-2pm at the fire station. This is a good opportunity for residents, old and new, to come along and find out how to prepare your property for the upcoming bushfire season and what your responsibilities are regarding hazard reduction and so on, or information on joining the brigade.

If you are interested in becoming a Towrang Brigade volunteer firefighter, this may be the only opportunity before the fire season commences to do your basic firefighter course.

There are a large number of vacancies open for the next course to be held on September 7 and 8 at Yass Valley Fire Control Centre. There is an option available for members to complete the theory component online then undertake some brigade-based training and attend a one day practical assessment on Sunday, September 8.

Nominations close on Monday, August 26 and the form can be obtained by contacting towrangbrigade@gmail.com. It will also be necessary for an application for membership form to be completed. The quickest way to do this would be to drop in to the fire station on Tuesday evenings.

Newsletters with a donation form have been delivered to properties throughout the brigade area. If it is not in your letterbox, it may be under a rock or on your gatepost. If you cannot find it (it is quite possible it blew away during the winds earlier in the month), please contact us on 0438 298 271 or towrangbrigade@gmail.com and we will send one to you. Your donation to the brigade is very important as this helps to keep us operational throughout the year.

The 2019/20 bushfire season is fast approaching, but there is still time to do some hazard reduction burning and get rid of those windrows or fallen branches and leaves around your property. Unless the start of the season is brought forward, you only have until September 30 to do your hazard reduction without a permit, but you do need to have your name on the burns list at the Yass Fire Control Centre (contact 6226 3100 during business hours). Before lighting up, notify your neighbours and send a text message to the duty phone (0438 298 271) with your name and address. Just remember to please, please, please check the weather conditions a few days beforehand. We really don't want to have to be going out to a fire during strong winds. A good website for wind speed and time is www.wind.willyweather.com.au and then follow the links. Also, if you do light up a fire and it gets away from you, for whatever reason, you are responsible for the outcome.

From October 1, it will be necessary to contact the brigade captain, Phil Ohlback, for the issue of a permit which then needs to be faxed to the Yass Fire Control Centre. These permits can be cancelled at any time.

Two births to celebrate in July - one is a Canberran, but grandparents and great-grandparent live in the district.

Melissa and Richard Bensley welcomed Chelsea Grace on July 16. She is a baby sister for Mitchell, a fourth grandchild for Kerrie and Rick Jones and another great-grandchild for Joan Evans and Gloria Jones.

Allison Burman and Nicholas Scholar (from Canberra) welcomed their first child, Liam John, on July 29, another grandson for Myrna and Alan Burman and another great-grandson for Albert Burman.

Congratulations to both sets of parents.

The Towrang Hall is opening its doors on Friday, August 30 for this month's Towrang Tavern night. Come along, bring your meal if you wish, some drinks and nibbles and have a great catch up with friends and neighbours. A couple of pieces of wood each and we will have a great fire burning inside to warm us all.