Daniel Macaree

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Thank you to Maitland's Daniel Macaree who was recently one of the 20 specialist firefighters sent to Canada in July. Canada had over 400 wildfires burning out of control in their summer season with over 1.5 million hectares already burnt out when the request for assistance came through. Daniel is one of four Forestry Corporation firefighters to join the 31 member contingency requested by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Other members sent overseas were from the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife and State Emergency Services. Lead Forestry Officer Mcaree deployed as a heavy plant supervisor dozer boss working on constructing containment lines and providing access to difficult areas. This deployment is part of a long tradition of sharing fire management resources between Canada and Australia. Thank you, Daniel, for your service.