Everyone has a different reason why they volunteer to join the Rural Fire Service (RFS). For 22-year-old Reese Craven from the Darkes Forest Brigade, it's about the adrenaline.

Reese's day job is as an electrician but two and a half years ago she decided to join "the RFS family".

Today, The Illawarra Flame wraps up its three-part series to help promote a major RFS recruitment drive in the northern Illawarra. On Saturday, 30 August between 10am and 12 noon six brigades will open their stations for the biggest recruitment drive in decades.

RFS Group Officer Illawarra-Sutherland Craig Robertson told The Flame an ageing population and RFS retirements meant new recruits were needed to prepare for future fire seasons and to support the community facing future storms, floods and other major events. 

Craig said the RFS needed to attract younger people but that shouldn't prevent people in their 50s and 60s who want to sign up. He said everyone brings a different skill and level of experience to the organisation and that's one factor that makes it so successful. He's hoping to get at least 10 volunteers during the upcoming open day at each of the targeted brigades – Austinmer, Stanwell Park, Otford, Helensburgh, Darkes Forest and Waterfall.

Problem-solving on the job

Reese Craven said her skills as an electrician are a good match for life in the RFS. Both require problem-solving.

"I like the fact I get to give back to the community and, of course, there's a bit of adrenaline when I get the call," she said.

Reese is hopeful the latest recruitment drive will bring in plenty of new faces. "A large percentage of us are female members ... I've had a lot of people reach out and I've got friends who are interested."

Her advice to anyone thinking of joining the RFS?

"Definitely give it a go. You learn a lot of different skills and it's a very good feeling giving back by volunteering and helping the community."

Young doctor says there's no downside

Luke Dennis is about to finish his medical studies at the University of Wollongong and this time next year he hopes to be working at Wollongong Hospital in his first job as a doctor.

Luke joined the Waterfall brigade six years ago. Growing up he watched his dad volunteering with the Engadine brigade where he's still a member of the team.

Coming into the summer of 2019-2020 summer, "I heard it was going to be bad and so I decided it was time to sign up."

Luke's timing couldn't have been better. That summer was one of the worst bushfire season's in decades.

Luke said being a member of the RFS has so many positives. "Just the time spent with the community knowing you're doing something that benefits people. There's no downside. At the least you get to meet some great people and at the most you'll get some great skills and experience."

There's a position for everyone

After 15 years, Matt Wardle, who was recently promoted to the senior deputy captain position at Helensburgh RFS, could be considered a veteran. But he's only 31.

A civil construction site supervisor, Matt followed in his father's footsteps, joining the RFS as a teenager. "It's like having a second family," Matt said.

He's keen to see a good roll-up for his Helensburgh open day on the last Saturday in August.

"We're definitely looking for passionate, committed people to join us. We need younger members involved and there's a position for everyone."

The RFS is renowned for its outstanding and thorough training which provides life skills which benefit members well beyond the role as a volunteer firey.

"People shouldn't be scared off by the training," Matt said. "If you're committed you can get the training knocked off in about six weeks to a standard you're ready to head out with the team."