An ageing volunteer workforce and the growing threat of a major bushfire in the region has prompted one of the biggest targeted recruitment drives in the history of the local Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Group Officer for the Illawarra-Sutherland RFS Team, Craig Robertson, said dwindling numbers at six of our northern brigades needs urgent attention and he's put the call out for "able-bodied, community-minded people" to consider dedicating a small part of their lives to helping others.

As part of the RFS's recruitment rally cry, on Saturday 30 August, between 10am and 12 noon, open days will be held at the Austinmer, Stanwell Park, Otford, Helensburgh, Darkes Forest and Waterfall RFS bases.

"All of these brigades are struggling with numbers at the moment and on the last Saturday morning of this month all our stations will be open to share information with the community, in the hope of signing on new recruits," Craig said.

New blood is urgently needed

"In recent times we haven't been getting new people coming through our doors. We're looking at an area in the northern Illawarra with an ageing community and that's reflected in our fabulous volunteers. We need new blood and younger people but in truth, we need people of all ages."

Craig believes there are a number of reasons why volunteer numbers have dropped off in the past five years.

"We've been through COVID where people were encouraged to isolate for long periods, and we haven't had any big fires in this region since 2019-2020. As soon as we have big fires we have an influx of people wanting to join. Put simply, in recent times volunteering to fight fires just hasn't been front of mind for people here."

Craig said everyone who volunteers would be fully trained for a broad range of roles. If they dedicate themselves to training, those who sign on in late August will be well prepared for the next bushfire season.

RFS has a broad range of roles

"These days we don't just fight fires, we assist in flood rescues, at motor vehicle accidents and searches for missing people, and we're active during major storm and flood events. Basically, the RFS is there whenever and wherever we're needed to help out."

For the big recruitment day at the end of August the RFS is hoping for a much-needed boost in numbers.

"If we can get 10 new people to sign on to volunteer at each of our brigades, we'll be very happy," Craig said.

There are many reasons why people choose to become a member of the RFS: to protect their families, their friends, their assets, their community, and their way of life.

Craig Shaw, a teacher from Corrimal, is the training officer at Austinmer RFS, and he will be front and centre, promoting the benefits of being involved in the RFS at the Saturday 30 August recruitment day. 

Hooked from day one

"I joined the RFS when I finished playing football and I was looking for something to do to be a part of the community," Craig said. "From day one it hooked me. One of the big attractions for me is that it's family oriented."

Craig's 13-year-old son, Darcy, has already signed on as a cadet. While he won't be able to go to s fire ground till he turns 16 - and with his parents' permission – Darcy enjoys helping out at the base. He hopes his volunteering days with the RFS will help shape his future.

"When I'm older, I really want to be a fireman," Darcy said.

For his dad, Craig, he wants to see a big turn out at the recruitment day.

"For me as training officer my concern is that our brigade is ageing. With the demographics around Austinmer, a lot of our members will soon be retiring, and we will struggle over the next few years if we don't get more younger members. I guess this is simply planning for our future," Craig said.

Give whatever time you can

"I can't emphasise enough, the RFS is totally voluntary. It should never take over your life. Family comes first, then work, and then the RFS. We just ask people to give whatever time commitment that they can. Every little bit helps.

"I find that pretty much everyone who joins up want to be a part of something important within the community."

Over the next few weeks, The Illawarra Flame will feature the stories of those who have joined the RFS. We're proud to be a supporter of an organisation with such an important and proud tradition.

Note for your diary 

Recruitment Open Days, Saturday, August 30 at Austinmer, Stanwell Park, Otford, Helensburgh, Darkes Forest and Waterfall RFS bases.