Ayr Fire Station has welcomed a new local recruit, with Burdekin resident Parker Arboit joining the station as a firefighter.

The new recruit brings a strong connection to the local community and said his interest in emergency services was influenced by his family background. His father previously served as an auxiliary firefighter, inspiring him to follow a similar path and support people across the Burdekin region.

The addition of a local firefighter is seen as an important step for the Ayr community, where emergency services play a critical role in supporting residents, farmers, businesses and surrounding rural areas.

Firefighters across regional Queensland respond to a wide range of incidents, including house fires, vehicle accidents, natural disasters and community safety operations. Having locally based crews helps improve response times and strengthens connections between emergency services and residents.

Parker’s appointment highlights the important role volunteers and local recruits play in regional communities. Many Queensland towns rely on people who live locally and are willing to train, respond and assist during emergencies.

The Burdekin region has a strong community spirit, with many residents contributing through emergency services, community organisations and local groups.

Ayr Fire Station continues to train and develop its team members to ensure they are prepared for emergencies throughout the region. The arrival of a new firefighter adds further capability to the station while encouraging others in the community to consider joining emergency services.