Volunteer Fire Fighters Association – Page 47 – The Voice of Volunteer Firefighters in NSW

Ecological Burning

The Sugar Bag Project

Mike Lewis from Charles Darwin University talks with elder Tommy George about stingless bees and hives. Learn how traditional knowledge and cool burning can positively affect the abundance of flora and the bees.

Please Note: This video contains images and video footage of Awu Laya Elder, Dr Tommy George who passed away July 29, 2016. Dr Tommy George was the last fluent speaker of the Kuku Thaypan language. He was awarded an honorary Ph.D with his brother Dr George Musgrave, for their extensive Indigenous knowledge. He co-founded the Living Knowledge Place, Indigenous Fire Workshop, and Laura Dance Festival. His influence extends throughout Australia and the world.

Community Safety and Awareness Day at “Waitangi”

The Mallacoota Fire Brigade’s Safety and Community Resilience Team has extended an invitation to all interested RFS Brigades to attend a joint CFA, SES, Coastguard, Police and Ambulance Community Safety and Awareness Day at “Waitangi”, Double Creek, 8km west of Mallacoota on the 17th September 2016.
This event is intended to raise awareness and preparedness in the event of a fire or similar emergency situation impacting their communities. Their aim is for members of the public to gain knowledge from a number of speakers on a broad range of subjects from ‘forest management’ and ‘fire ecology’ to ‘equine management during emergencies’.

RFS volunteer exercising rights as a ‘worker’ – By Michael Eburn

The decision here is certainly giving effect to the principle that a volunteer is a worker and enjoys the rights and privileges once only given to employees. Regardless of the merits of Mr Bryant’s claims, he is certainly committed and dedicated and willing to put his money and his effort into what he must see as the best interest of the RFS and its workforce.

Turnbull steps in as promised, but don’t expect a swift end to (CFA / UFU) firefighter dispute

For many, the release of draft legislation purporting to bring an end to the prolonged Victorian firefighter dispute was a welcome, timely fulfilment of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s promise to make it the “first item of business” following his re-election.

However, the bill – both in the manner of its launch and in its content – will generate continuing controversy. And it will not solve the problems to which it was allegedly directed.

If federal parliament passes the bill, a constitutional challenge is likely to ensue.

The push for the re-location of the RFS HQ is gaining momentum

It was pleasing to hear the comments by former Dubbo Deputy Mayor, Mr. Ben Shields, at the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association AGM on Saturday, 6th August 2016 at the Parkes Services Club. Mr. Shields was among the guests invited, which also included

Volunteer Firefighters Association push to relocate RFS Headquarters to a regional location

The Volunteer Firefighters Association (VFFA) is continuing its push for the state government to put the “rural back into Rural Fire Service (RFS)”, now that the lease on the RFS Headquarters will cease in 2018.

The Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience and Safer Communities

The Australian Business Roundtable members are jointly committing resources to work constructively with governments to deliver in five critical areas including community education, risk information, adaptation research, mitigation infrastructure and strategic alliances.

A summary of the theme could be “spend more on mitigation and less on mayhem”.

Insult to Injury – 4 Corners

This episode of 4 Corners is well worth watching.

PTSD impacts upon many of our emergency service workers. We are seeing poor performance from State Governments and insurance companies as they shrug off, dismiss and avoid dealing with these matters.

Global Warming and Climate Change

Official climate science, which is funded and directed entirely by government, promotes a theory that is based on a guess about moist air that is now a known falsehood. Governments gleefully accept their advice, because the only way to curb emissions are to impose taxes and extend government control over all energy use.

Karuah Rural Fire Service battles own crumbling shed

BEYOND frustrated with sub-standard conditions Karuah Rural Fire Service has broken ranks in its fight for a new shed.
The acting captain Ken Smee has revealed a long list of problems from structural cracking to flooding and improper facilities for men and women working in close quarters.
“We’ve done everything by the book until now and it’s got us nowhere,” he said.

Shane Bryant on KANGAROO COURT PART 3June 9, 2026
This is not an isolated incident as I was a HSR who was was stood down, an illegal action under…
Izza on Public inquiry into allegations concerning NSW RFS catering supply and other mattersMay 10, 2026
Important and transparent look at the public inquiry into NSW RFS catering and supply matters—pair that governance‑aware attitude with the…
Afyda on The Uniform Debacle ContinuesMay 10, 2026
Funny and relatable take on the “uniform debacle” for volunteer firefighters—pair that frontline‑gear talk with the tech‑in‑education journey from Telkom…
David on The Uniform Debacle ContinuesApril 24, 2026
Still a problem ,how the “powers that be “fail to acknowledge and decide on uniform representation for Volunteers . National…
FireWatchDad on KANGAROO COURT PART 3April 18, 2026
That’s a really frustrating situation. It’s unacceptable that those concerns weren’t addressed – proper oversight is so important.