Regional recruitment TV ad seeks new firefighters

Published: 22nd July 2016

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has today launched a new recruitment ad campaign seeking retained (on-call) firefighters from throughout regional NSW.

The 60-second TV ad, launched via social media today and due for roll-out on regional TV later this year, highlights the critical role of on-call firefighters in regional NSW communities.

Applications are invited from men and women over the age of 18, who are Australian citizens and have good daytime availability.

“Being an on-call firefighter is a deeply rewarding and critical frontline emergency-service role that offers excellent training for successful applicants,” FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said.

“Our on-call firefighters are trained in a range of skills, including firefighting, first aid, rescue, workplace safety, heavy-vehicle operations, knots and rope work, emergency management, and safe use of specialised tools such as chainsaws and rescue equipment.

“These firefighters are everyday men and women from all walks of life who, when needed in an emergency, perform an extraordinary service to their communities.

“To people who look at the role and think, ‘I couldn’t do that’, I encourage you to be inspired by our new campaign; speak to our firefighters about the role and what they do; visit our website to find out more; and apply to be a part of something special in communities throughout regional NSW,” Commissioner Mullins said.

The 60-second ad campaign was filmed by FRNSW with firefighters from Narooma, Gundagai, Cootamundra, Temora, Yass and Goulburn.

Lending her musical talent and support as the vocal track behind the video is multi award winning Australian music star (Female Artist of the Year, 2015 CMAA Golden Guitar awards and Country Music Channel Female Oz Artist of the Year’), Amber Lawrence.

“This recruitment ad showcases the great work men and women are doing in FRNSW throughout regional NSW, every day, all year round,” said Commissioner Mullins.

“I’m inviting people to challenge themselves, learn more about what we do; join us and enjoy the benefits that come with the incredible experience of making a real difference in people’s lives, while at the same time, learning the invaluable skills of being a FRNSW firefighter.”

For more information, visit | www.fire.nsw.gov.au

Ends

EDITOR’S NOTE

Full HD version of the 60-second TV campaign can be downloaded from |

https://vimeo.com/frnsw/review/175165777/1bd32d216e

A retained (on-call) firefighter receives extensive FRNSW training prior to being certified as an operational firefighter and receives on-going training throughout their time as an FRNSW employee.

On-call firefighters are paid a retainer which varies as length of service and experience increases, as well as being paid for training and emergency calls.

Requirements to become an on-call firefighter include:

  • Be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or New Zealand citizen.
  • If you are a firefighter from another country, you will still need to satisfy these requirements before applying.Have a minimum of a red P1 Drivers Licence.
  • Reside or work within a reasonable distance from the fire station to enable a prompt response to emergency calls.
  • Be physically fit and healthy.
  • Be prepared to undergo a national criminal records check and pre-employment health screening.
  • When applying, applicants need to submit a short resume outlining their work history and educational qualifications.

FRNSW provides fire and emergency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to approximately 7.6 million people throughout NSW.In 2014/15 FRNSW responded to 128,076 emergencies, an average of 351 per day. FRNSW employs around 7,000 firefighters. Of this number, around 3,500 are on-call firefighters comprised men and women from diverse backgrounds and ages; many of whom have primary employment in various industries and professions.