Become a Firefighter: Discover the Possibilities
Published: 3rd October 2010
Emergency Services Minister, Steve Whan, today announced the opening of the NSW Fire Brigades’ (NSWFB) first permanent firefighter recruitment campaign in two years.
This campaign aims to add 40 new permanent firefighters to the ranks in early 2011, with further positions to be advertised after that.
"This year we especially want to hear from women and people from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds who are keen to become firefighters," said Mr Whan.
"I encourage anyone, whatever their background, who thinks a rewarding and challenging career in the Fire Brigades might be for them to go online now and submit an application.
"People have joined the NSWFB from careers as diverse as teaching, photography, personal training and social work, and their contribution to enriching the workforce can not be over estimated.
"Previous recruitment drives have been very popular so people should try to get in early."
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins rose through the NSWFB ranks to hold the top job.
"The modern NSWFB is a vastly different organisation from the one I joined 32 years ago," Commissioner Mullins said.
"One of the biggest changes is the variety of work firefighters do to help the community and our role in fire prevention - we now do everything from rescue and fire investigation to educating local families about ways to reduce fire hazards.
"While fitness, good communication skills and team-work are essential, we are also interested in attracting people from all walks of life who bring a variety of different skills to the job.
Cabramatta Station Officer Cheryl Steer, who became a firefighter 14 years ago, said the Brigades had a lot to offer women.
"The job we do in helping the community is immensely satisfying," she said.
"It's also varied - from going out to schools and the community to talk about fire safety to the adrenaline rush of fighting a fire or rescuing someone.
"There is a fantastic camaraderie with the men and women I work with - the team commitment and trust you have is something you won’t find in most workplaces."
SO Steer said the NSWFB also offered a range of career path options for firefighters.
"There are so many different areas of the Brigades where you can increase your knowledge and skills and there certainly are no barriers to promotion and opportunities," she said.
"I am really grateful to be given the opportunity to have this career. I couldn't imagine doing anything else."
A special information session about Careers in Firefighting for Women will be held at the Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt St, Sydney, on Wednesday 6 October, 6pm to 8.30pm. To register for the information night, email recruitment@fire.nsw.gov.au
For information on the Firefighter Recruitment Campaign, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Applications close Thursday, 14 October 2010.