Information about volunteering
What can you do?
Why do it?
How do I join?
What is my commitment?
Information about volunteering
10 steps to becoming a volunteer
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The NSW Rural Fire Service is one of the world's largest volunteer emergency services and here in the Cumberland Zone we have a large history of volunteers helping meet the emergency needs of our community.
In the Cumberland Zone our volunteers are responsible for:
- Bush & Grass fire fighting
- Assistance in natural disasters
- Public fire education
- Bushfire prevention
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Structure Fires
- Assist with Hazmat Incidents
- Urban Search and Rescue
- Community support
We work closely with other emergency services in these and a variety of other incidents both locally and in other areas if requested.
What can you do?
The Rural Fire Service is a volunteer organisation. It relies on people from all walks of life to give their time to become member of the service. The minimum age is 16 years, although some Cumberland brigades also have junior Cadet members aged 14 – 15 years. We have one dedicated Cadet brigade located at St Paul's Grammar School in Cranebrook.
Being a member of the Rural Fire Service is not just about fighting fires. There are a number of roles people can become a part of including in the areas of :
- Firefighting
- Catering
- Administration
- Fund raising
- Equipment maintenance
- Radio Communication
- Air base operations
- Driving
- Welfare support
- Community education
Every volunteer is given structured training to ensure the safest possible work environment and encourages members to work within their own comfort levels.
Why do it?
When you talk to any RFS volunteer they will tell you the camaraderie and sense of community is unparalleled. Working side by side with other volunteers you will soon develop friendships with others from all walks of life but with a common interest – a love and respect for the Community, many even call their fellow brigade members their ‘second family'. You will find that in your brigade there is a real sense of belonging that rarely can be found outside the Service.
Added to the friendships are the new and valuable skills you will learn which will assist you in your day to day life and in your workplace. Skills that include First Aid certificate, advance driving techniques, using chainsaws and specialist communication skills.
How do I join?
You join by simply contacting your local brigade.
In the Cumberland Zone we have 16 brigades based across 3 Local Government Areas from Castlereagh, to Plumpton and accross to Horsley Park. Click here for a list of our brigades to find your closest one.
Our Communications Brigade – based at the Fire Control Centre in Kingswood – provides the support for the other brigades with radio communications. We are also endeavouring to start a support brigade to provide services such as catering and logistics.
Each brigade has membership application forms and lots of people willing to show you around and welcome you.
What is my commitment?
As a new member you will be asked to undertake the Basic Firefighter course (BF) if you want to be involved in any firefighting activities or Basic Firefighting Support (BFS). These introductory courses ensures that even if you do not attend any incidents, you will have an understanding of the firefighting operations and be able to support firefighters in safely conducting emergency activities.
As a firefighter you will be asked to attend the brigade station for regular activities such as duty (on standby) days, meetings, training and equipment maintenance.
Depending on your personal circumstances this can be as much or as little time as you can manage. The more you are involved naturally the more your skills and knowledge will develop.
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