The three towns have been specifically mentioned as priority areas in a statewide recruitment campaign for Fire + Rescue NSW, during which the NSW Government aims to build on last year’s record recruitment of 648 firefighters.
Starting this week, the recruitment drive will include community information sessions in select communities until March 15.
For the SRN region, the only planned information session to date is to be held in Finley on March 11.
On-call firefighters respond from home or work to fires and other emergencies.
There are currently five vacancies for on-call firefighters at the Finley station.
Zone Commander, Superintendent Stewart Alexander said all FRNSW firefighters are on‑call, describing them as “everyday people who step up for their towns”.
He said the campaign is built on the message of “local people protecting local communities”, and that the prevention work and commercial activity undertaken by stations is strengthened when more locals get involved.
He added that first aid and emergency training gained through the role is applicable in everyday life, with on‑call firefighters paid at an hourly rate.
“Your local Finley Fire Station relies on people in the community to put their hand up to become firefighters,” he said.
“Without that support, regional fire stations cannot survive,” he said.
On-call firefighters balance work and family commitments to respond to fires and other emergencies on an ‘on-call, part-time basis.
Training includes advanced first aid, heavy vehicle driving, and emergency response procedures for fires, road accidents, and hazardous material spills.
Firefighters also educate the community on fire safety and prevention.
Being an on-call firefighter does not mean having to be available every minute of every day, but the current preferred requirement is daytime availability.
Sharing availability with other on-call firefighters can reduce any potential impact on work and private life.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said as a result of the demand on time, the service does also rely on the employers and family members of potential firefighters.
“You don’t need to be superhuman to be a firefighter – we want people who are reliable and keen to help others, especially residents who are available to respond to emergencies during the day,” he said.
“If you are a local employer, think about encouraging your staff to become firefighters.
“Not only will you be helping the community, but your staff will be trained in a whole range of skills.”
Local man Cooper Sutton joined the Finley team after last year’s recruitment drive, and serves his community while still completing high school.
“I am so proud to be part of Station 293, and the opportunity to give back to my home community,” he said.
“The training and new skills I have gained are incredible.”
Cooper is currently doing Year 12 at Finley High School and says being on-call has not impacted on his studies so far.
He is hoping he can encourage more local young men and women to follow his lead.
If you would like more information, the station will be hosting an information session from 6pm on Wednesday, March 11, or you can go to https://careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/on-call-firefighting.
You can also reach out to recruitment project officer Donna Simmons on 0490 490 110 or email RSAORecruitment@fire.nsw.gov.au for more information on becoming an on-call firefighter.
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