Water bombing and rescue simulations will part of the Rotary Club of Minnamurra‘s biggest Emergency Services Expo this weekend.
The club will hold its tenth expo on Saturday at Black Beach.
Event coordinator David Ferne said the expo aims to inspire people to give back to their community.
“We feel this event has purpose within the Illawarra region,” he said.
“Yes, to showcase emergency departments, but also to convey knowledge and seize as many willing people as possible.”
NSW Police, Fire and Rescue and Surf Life Saving will conduct demonstrations across the day.
“The community gets to talk to personnel, kids get to climb on fire engines, so basically the whole family is able to be immersed in the workforce of saving lives,” Mr Ferne said.
Surf Life Saving South Coast will use the expo to recruit new members.
“We are in desperate need for volunteers in the Gerrigong and Warilla areas and that is what this expo is for,” South Coast Surf Life Saving President Steve Jones he said.
“Getting ourselves out there and hoping to grab eager community members.
“It is important to have the numbers because what the job comes down to is saving lives and lack of volunteers is not a valid excuse for someone’s death,” he said.
Mr Ferne expects large crowds on Saturday.
“The event has had huge success, with crowds growing each year and 2016 will be no different,” Mr Ferne said.
“Awareness of this cause has accelerated beyond our expectations and we are just grateful that the locals appreciate what cops, fireys and other emergency services do for the region.”
The Emergency Services Expo is at Black Beach, Kiama, Saturday, 15 October, 9am-3pm.