Hear the first-hand experiences from Clarence Valley RFS volunteers

On The Frontline reveals the first-hand experiences of NSW Rural Fire volunteers during the Clarence Valley’s horrific 2019 bushfire season

From the creator of Cowper, this is On The Frontline, a series that reveals the first-hand experiences of NSW Rural Fire volunteers during the Clarence Valley's horrific 2019 bushfire season.

Grafton Daily Examiner journalist Jenna Thompson takes listeners across the region to hear directly from those who risked their lives in order to protect their community.

Listen below or visit our access guide

Episode 1 | Between Life & Death

When Lawrence RFS captain Scott Campbell began his shift on the morning of November 8, 2019, he knew they were in for a difficult day. What he didn't expect was that in a few short hours, he'd be fighting for his life.

Episode 2 | United By Fire

The Lawrence fire Station may house all the trucks and firefighting equipment, but for deputy captain Paul Simpson, it's also where his second family live.

Episode 3 | Into the War Zone

When Steve Smith and the Pillar Valley fire crew made their way toward Nymboida, little did they realise that they would be facing down the region's most ferocious firestorm.

Episode 4 | One Big Family

Rookie firefighter Kaitlyn Ward was looking for a challenge when she joined her local brigade. A few months later, she would face the region's worst bushfire season.

Episode 5 | Just One Spark

In his 13 years as a volunteer firefighter, Andrew Paull had never battled anything as angry and opportunistic as the Myall Creek Road fire.

Episode 6 | In Our Own Backyard

Woombah RFS volunteer Cate Field has spent the last five years looking out for her crew from afar. However, when the Myall Creek Road fire threatened her community, she was thrust into the frontline.

Episode 7 | Close to Home

Of the many bushfires Woombah RFS senior deputy captain Jason Nelson fought that year, it was the one that came just 200 metres from his home that he'll never forget.

Episode 8 | A Successful Season

It wasn't the biggest or most extreme fires that volunteer Darrell Binskin remembers from the 2019 season. It was the one that helped him heal his own internal struggles.

SHOW CREDITS

On the Frontline is created and produced by Jenna Thompson

Narration by Jenna Thompson

Main title theme by Erokia

Background music by:
Calpomatt &
James Longley

News footage courtesy of NBN News and Sky News Australia

A special thank you to all of our NSW Rural Fire volunteers for their extraordinary efforts and bravery in the 2019-2020 bushfire season.

Originally published as Hear the first-hand experiences from Clarence Valley RFS volunteers