Stranded firefighter happy to return home after ‘desperate’ NSW escape

Firefighters are used to putting their lives on the line to protect the community, but one Bunbury volunteer has been fighting a different battle as he found himself stranded in NSW desperate to return home. Bunbury Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service volunteer Trent Jarman, pictured, flew to Bega in regional NSW with his wife and two children in July to visit his gravely ill mother, who died only three days later. The family was struck by another tragedy less than a month later when Mr Jarman’s father was taken to hospital for surgery, only to be re-admitted twice with complications and other health issues. “We nearly lost him,” Mr Jarman said. Premier Mark McGowan declared NSW an “extreme risk” location from August 26, effectively shutting the border to those wishing to return to WA except in extraordinary circumstances. West Australians in NSW were given five days notice to pack up and come home, but Mr Jarman said it was not that simple. His wife and children were able to make the dash back to WA, but he remained behind to take care of his father who needed help to re-gain his strength. Once his father was back on his feet, Mr Jarman said he tried to get approval to come back to his family but was knocked back 12 times. The volunteer, who is fully vaccinated, has served at the Bunbury brigade for 18 months and said working FIFO meant he was able to help at times that were difficult to staff. “I can be there during the day, which it’s hardest to get people because they’re at work, so by being stuck here it’s been putting the community more at risk because they’re another person down and it puts extra pressure on the team, which is frustrating,” he said. Captain John Kowal and the brigade had been working hard to help bring their colleague home, which Mr Jarman said he was eternally grateful for. Mr Jarman this week received the exciting news that he had been approved to be reunited with his family and is set to fly home to WA on Monday. But his frustrating battle does not end there. He now needs to pay more than $2500 to quarantine in a hotel in Perth after being out of work for four months due to his parents’ health. “It’s been a bit of a sloggin’... I haven’t even grieved mum yet,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been kicked in the guts.” However, Mr Jarman said he was relieved to be able to come home and said he knew there were people in worse situations. NSW remains an “extreme risk” location as the State recorded 594 local cases and 10 deaths yesterday.