It is with great sadness that we advise our community of the passing of our much-loved member, Sally Kaufmann in August 2026.
Sally was a valued member of the Yass River – Nanima Rural Fire Brigade for more than 35 years and made an active and substantial contribution for over two decades. During that time, she held several important roles, including Catering Officer and Secretary and was most recently appointed as our Executive Administration Officer.
Sally was passionate about our brigade, its history and its members. She had a special talent for rallying people to support fundraising activities and community events.
One of Sally’s most significant contributions was her work supporting the Murrumbateman Field Days. She coordinated with 10 other brigades to bring together a roster of more than 200 volunteers, including organising over 40 volunteers from within our own brigade. This was an enormous undertaking and reflected Sally’s commitment, organisational ability and capacity to bring people together.
Sally was also a gifted writer. Through her online articles and many years of newsletters, she eloquently recorded and shared the story of our brigade and its community.
Sally leaves a strong and lasting legacy within our brigade. Her absence will be deeply felt, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked alongside her.
Our thoughts are with Sally’s family, friends and community members at this very sad time.
If you would like to share some words, a memory or a reflection about Sally, please send them to for publication on this page.
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I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of our long-term volunteers of the Yass River-Nanima Bush Fire Brigade. Sally joined the brigade in 1991 and was a very active member – her many roles are mentioned above – and was always willing to lend a hand when asked. I had the privilege of working with Sally for many years on the brigade committee. She was great at writing, stemming from her time as a journalist and speech writer – if only she was here to help me write this. RIP Sally.
Peter Clark
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Sally was an extraordinary contributor to the RFS and to the Yass River–Nanima Rural Fire Brigade. For more than 35 years, she gave so much of her time, energy and heart to the brigade and its community.
What I will remember most is Sally’s warm and welcoming spirit. She had a wonderful way of making people feel included, valued and part of the team. Her generosity, enthusiasm and ability to bring people together were truly special.
I also have a particularly personal connection to Sally. My late dad, David Hingston, was Treasurer/book keeper of the Brigade for some years and he always had such lovely things to say about Sally. It was clear how much he valued her contribution, her friendship and the wonderful person she was.
Thank you, Sally, for your incredible service, your friendship and for everything you gave to the RFS and our community. Your contribution and legacy will live on in the people and community you brought together. You will be missed very much. Vale Sally. Rest peacefully.
Sarah Watson (née Hingston)
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