2014 ACEFA Conference sponsorship announcement

Ausgrid have been announced as a Principal Partner for the 2014 Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) Conference.

The rise of a community engagement focus

Following his experiences during the Blue Mountains fires in October, Chris Garlick, President of the NSW RFS Yarrumundi Brigade, shares his thoughts about community engagement.

Exploring how the brain reacts during an emergency

The NSW RFS recently worked with the ABC’s Catalyst program to produce a simulated catastrophic fire danger day.

Results of the January 2013 fires research

The latest Bushfire CRC Fire Note examines resident experiences from the NSW bush fires in January 2013.

Call for abstracts for the 2014 Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference

The NSW Rural Fire Service is inviting submissions for abstracts, posters and videos for the 2014 Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) Conference. 

Reflecting on the Community Engagement Regional Forums

Forbes. Wagga Wagga, Rooty Hill. Coffs Harbour.

The Forums are over for 2013 and the focus now shifts to the Conference in May next year. But first, Community Engagement Coordinator Tony Jarrett reflects on the Forums.

Social research project to commence in Port Stephens

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has engaged the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC to conduct research focusing on people’s preparation, decision making and actions during the October fires.

Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference

It is with great excitement that the Community Engagement Team announces that the 17th Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference will be held in 2014!

A CFU for the Bellbrook Aboriginal Mission

During celebrations for NAIDOC Day this year, the NSW Rural Fire Service presented the Bellbrook Aboriginal mission with brand new equipment for a Community Fire Unit (CFU).

A bush fire themed snakes and ladders game

To help educate children on bush fire awareness Peter Farry, Secretary of the Lavington Brigade, developed a fun and interactive community engagement tool – a bush fire themed game of snakes and ladders.

Our angels in yellow

An insight into the extraordinary lives of our volunteers at the recent Blue Mountains fires. Click on 'Read more' below for the link to the video.

2013 Open Day photo competition

NSW RFS Open Day was a big hit this year with over 350 brigades participating and that resulted in some fantastic entries for the Open Day photo competition.

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Kit

At the recent Community Engagement Forums, Volunteer Relations Project Officer Kevin White introduced the NSW RFS Volunteer Retention and Recruitment Kit.

As we say goodbye to Kevin, he shares some ideas on managing the challenges of recruitment and retention.

2013-14 Prepare Act Survive Campaign

The 2013-14 Prepare Act Survive campaign is now underway across NSW - you can view the television ads on our YouTube channel.

New Bush Fire Survival Plan app

In an era where we are increasingly using online tools and many of us carry smartphones and tablets, the NSW RFS has launched an application which gives people access to complete their Bush Fire Survival Plan online.

2013 Community Engagement Regional Forums

Community Engagement are conducting Regional Forums and you're invited.

Regional Forums give staff and volunteers with a passion for community safety the opportunity to:

• Be inspired with fresh new ideas about how to drive the bush fire safety message home in your community;
• Learn from neighbouring Districts' experiences; and
• Hear from knowledgeable speakers

Community Engagement Best Practice: Sharing Between Emergency Services

In late May, the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services (MPES) launched the Case Study Library for Community Engagement.

This case study library provides examples of community engagement projects and practices undertaken by agencies within the NSW emergency management sector. It is hoped that the library will raise awareness and promote information sharing on ways to effectively engage communities in disaster planning, preparedness, response and recovery. 

Workshop for horse owners

Kate Carter is the District Technical Officer for Hornsby and an active volunteer in The Oaks Brigade.

Kate has developed a Bushfire Safety program for horse owners that has been welcomed by members of the equestrian community. It was Kate’s course and handout that inspired the new ‘Prepare your horse for bush fire’ brochure, released in late December and now available for order on the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Resources Order Form.