Speaking Up and Facing Opposition
For the past five and a half years, I and several others have consistently urged the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to investigate what we believe to be criminal actions related to the alteration of the Cooks Gap Brigade’s 2018/19 Financial Accounts. These accounts were properly audited and accepted by the Brigade, the Fire Control Centre (FCC), and the RFS. According to Service Standard 1.1.32 Section 2 Definitions (e), fraud is classified as a criminal act. Over the years, further evidence of missing funds has surfaced. To my dismay, the RFS has refused to investigate these matters. While I am not a legal expert, it appears there has been a conspiracy to cover up a criminal act.
There is a significant amount of information regarding the actions of both the treasurer and senior RFS management that cannot be included in this article. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to my Public Interest Disclosure (PID) 2/23 and its update, available on the VFFA Web Page under “Your Stories”. To date, I have submitted nine separate PIDs and intend to share further articles soon.
Background
The core issue concerns the financial records of the Cooks Gap Brigade. In early 2020, our Treasurer relocated overseas for work, planning to return to Australia in late March 2020 to finalise the accounts with our accountant before departing again. However, when border closures prevented his return, criticisms of the catering section began, despite there having been no previous complaints during the seven months the Treasurer had direct access to the books and Committee. I now believe this was a deliberate attempt to shift blame for any irregularities away from the Treasurer. The Treasurer subsequently reported a self-diagnosed breakdown in March 2020. When he eventually submitted the books to our accountant in June 2020, the accountant refused to audit them because the previous year’s accounts had been altered post-approval at the 2019 AGM. Following this refusal, the Treasurer lodged a complaint about the Catering accounts, seemingly to divert attention from the altered accounts. The RFS pursued the Treasurer’s complaints but refused to investigate the account alterations. A forensic accountant engaged by the RFS later cleared the Catering account of any wrongdoing.
Despite informing the Commissioner and Area Commander, Chief Superintendent (CS)——- , my concerns were ignored. I escalated the matter to the NSW Ombudsman, only to be informed that the RFS misrepresented the findings, stating the forensic accountant found no alterations. This misinformation originated from CS —–, whom I believe intentionally lied to conceal his own lack of oversight, as evidenced by the report from Boyce and Associates. When I presented evidence to the Commissioner that CS —— had lied, no response was received. Details of the RFS’s actions, or lack thereof, are available in further submissions.
Brigade Meetings and Reorganisation
In February 2021, eight Brigade members called a meeting at which the Executive was dismissed, pending audit of the books and the election of a new Executive at an AGM planned for April or June 2021. As outlined in the PID, some members moved to reestablish the Wollar Brigade, which had previously merged with Cooks Gap. On 16 December, District Manager ———- sent an email outlining the SLT’s recommendations for dividing the Brigade. The recommendations, which were not voted on by members, proposed disbanding the Brigade and creating two new entities: Cumbo (Brigade A) covering approximately 95% of the area, and Home Rule (Brigade B) covering about 5%. This was contrary to the members’ wishes.
Upon formation, each new Brigade would become a separate entity, and the original Cooks Gap Brigade would cease to exist. This arrangement risked allowing the altered books to be archived and never audited, effectively covering up any criminal conduct. The RFS’s efforts to implement this solution have far exceeded the effort required to address the original issue.
The SLT further recommended dividing approximately $70,000 of Brigade funds, with $15,000 split between the two new Brigades and the remainder retained by the RFS. The Brigade’s catering equipment was to be donated to charity, as permitted by Service Standard only if the Brigade is disbanded.
In response, I submitted a letter on behalf of Brigade B’s 22 active members, all of whom intended to join Brigade A, as we did not support or vote for disbandment. Additionally, I highlighted that since Black Summer, trucks from our Shed 2 responded to 60% of incidents, compared to 36% from Shed 1 and less than 4% from Shed 3 at Wollar.
I also wrote to the SLT detailing the criminal actions being concealed, warning that their actions could constitute being an accessory. The RFS appeared to pause their actions temporarily, but on 9 August 2023, with the fire season approaching and the Brigade still in limbo, I formally requested a meeting to elect a new Executive. Despite escalating the matter, no meeting was held, and Acting Area Commander Superintendent ———- eventually refused to discuss it, seemingly stalling until the RFS could act further. CS ——– has since been stood down.
On 26 September 2023, Brigade members received an email from Superintendent ——— confirming the Commissioner’s approval of the Cumbo Brigade’s formation and the retention of Cooks Gap Brigade at a reduced size, again without consultation with Brigade B’s members. The Deputy Commissioner had reportedly met with the SLT and Cooks Gap leadership—both appointed, not elected—who supported the split. Despite a letter from 22 active Brigade B members opposing the plan, their views were ignored.
Financial Management and Equipment Disposal
The Area Commander’s letter stated that audited accounts would be presented and funds allocated as recommended by the SLT and approved by the Commissioner. It also outlined the process for donating physical catering assets to charitable organisations, with full records to be maintained and made available for future audits. However, no audited accounts were provided—only a handwritten list of figures. All catering equipment was to be donated, and the Brigade-owned catering vehicle was sold by the District Manager.
The Brigade had provided catering for 14 days during late 2019 when community groups were unavailable, in addition to supplying crews around the clock. Since March 2019, the Brigade was blocked from catering, first due to Covid, then by the RFS. Ironically, at the Alpha Road fire later on, volunteers endured long shifts without being fed. I am seeking to republish an article I wrote on this issue.
Current Status and Ongoing Issues
During the election of office bearers, I was elected Treasurer. When I requested the Brigade Account from the District Manager, I was told to wait due to relocation to a new FCC. Later requests were met with the response that previous records would remain with the District Office, and new accounts would be started from the date of the SGM on 22 October 2023. Access to historical records would require formal requests with reasonable notice.
It now appears we will never regain access to our accounts, raising suspicions about what is being concealed. On 1 December 2023, we received the minutes of the Special General Meeting held six weeks earlier. On 4 December, I arranged for the four new signatories to sign paperwork at the three financial institutions, requesting the accounts be frozen until a full audit could be conducted. Senior RFS staff were notified, but no reply was received.
On 3 January 2024, I received a letter from the Area Commander outlining actions I was required to undertake, warning that failure to comply would be considered a breach of discipline and could result in disciplinary action. I believe this is an attempt by the RFS to coerce the Brigade into accepting that the accounts will never be audited and to enforce compliance under threat of disciplinary measures, effectively silencing those seeking accountability. On 4 January 2024, I responded to the Area Commander, providing the requested information and highlighting that my military experience taught me that no lawful command could compel obedience to an unlawful act.
Cooks Gap Brigade: Original or 2.0?
In correspondence dated 26 May 2025, DC —— stated, “Principle among these matters is the accounting for and distribution of the funds that were held by the former Cooks Gap brigade and that largely seem to be held in bank accounts that are presently controlled by the newly constituted Cooks Gap Brigade.” This suggests that the RFS recognises two Cooks Gap Brigades.
From the perspective of the approximately 80 current Brigade members, we remain the same Brigade that has existed in various forms for over 70 years. If the Brigade was disbanded at midnight on 25 September 2023 and reconstituted as “Cooks Gap Brigade 2.0” moments later, we were never informed. The only logical explanation is to hide the actions taken regarding the accounts and the RFS cover-up.
Our Brigade’s ID number remains unchanged from 2019, and we can access historic records, which would not be possible if we were a new Brigade. Yet, we remain unable to access our financial records. On the official RFS web page, Cooks Gap Brigade is still listed under Cudgegong District, while Cumbo Brigade is not.
Upon election to the executive, having current members as signatories was a constitutional requirement. We were instructed to sign over the Brigade funds, necessitating our signatures on the accounts. On 4 December 2023, I changed the signatories on the accounts, having the minutes of the October 2023 meeting as proof. The District Office supplied the official list of office bearers, with no mention of “Cooks Gap 2.0”.
If the Executive Committee unwittingly committed a fraudulent act by acting as the legitimate Committee, then the instruction from Assistant Commissioner ——- to deposit funds into an RFS account would also be a criminal act—particularly if the RFS considers us “Cooks Gap 2.0”. We are still awaiting clarification of our official status.
Assistant Commissioner ——— advised in April 2024 that an independent financial practitioner had been appointed to prepare a Brigade statement of accounts, which was completed in September 2025 and handed to an accounting firm. We have been asked to sign a consent form to store information overseas, but one clause asks us to warrant that we have full authority to bind the Brigade, which we cannot confirm without knowing our official status.
Conflict of Interest – RFS Staff
Over the past five years, increasing numbers of salaried staff have become involved in this situation, consistently blocking resolution. The ongoing issue stems from an initial criminal act that the RFS refuses to acknowledge, removing and punishing volunteers who challenge this stance.
Deputy Commissioner ——– currently oversees the audit. Three years ago, my son and I met with him; the meeting, scheduled for 30 minutes, lasted nearly three hours. After clearing my son for active duty, we spent much of the meeting outlining our concerns. Deputy Commissioner ——–, an ex-Assistant Police Commissioner, acknowledged the investigator’s report was substandard, stating that any detective of his who submitted such a brief would be reassigned. When presented with evidence of missing funds and a cover-up, he advised us to be cautious in our statements as he might have to act—though no action was taken. This conflict of interest has been raised with Commissioner Curtis, who referred the matter back to —–.
Questions for Deputy Commissioner
- Do you acknowledge your statements to myself and Ben Robinson regarding the sub-standard investigation used to bring charges against Ben Robinson, John McGovern and Elaine Robinson AFSM.
- Do you acknowledge your statements to myself and Ben Robinson advising us to be careful what we say because you may have to act?
- Do you acknowledge that you took no action when we advised you of missing money and a cover-up?
- Do you acknowledge that a criminal act took place regarding the Cooks Gap Brigade Books?
- Do you acknowledge that Accountants Dennis Yeo and Adams and Co reported alteration of the accounts after they had been finalised?
- Do you acknowledge that RFS lead investigator Scott Horwood stated, in his investigation, that he believed that a criminal act had taken place?
- Do you acknowledge that a criminal investigation must take place before any audit can commence?
- Do you acknowledge, as an ex-police Assistant Commissioner, that senior members of the RFS breached Service Standards and possibly criminal law?
- Would you call for a totally independent review of the Cooks Gap Brigade finances and the actions stemming from them?
- Do you believe that your actions in this matter are beyond reproach?
- If you had your time again, would you do anything differently?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, I have one more:
Do you believe you are a fit and proper person to be in the Rural Fire Service?
Conclusion
This situation has persisted for far too long. Before any audit can proceed, a full criminal investigation must take place.
Stay tuned for further articles on the bullying and harassment faced by the Cooks Gap Brigade.
Even a brigade can be turned upside down.
Click on this link for the PID’s mentioned above. PID’s