NSW RFSA

09/06/2026

Check out the latest RFSA News - Issue 81 out now:

https://rfsa.paperturn-view.com/?pid=ODk8947886

Stories include:

- Region North Exercise
- RFS St Florian’s Day Awards 2026
- HARS Family Day
- Gunnedah Family Day
- Northern Beaches Exercise
- RFSA Grants
- RFSA Annual Wrap Up

08/06/2026

👏 Congratulations to all those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours today 👏

Congratulations to the seven members receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honour list.

The AFSM recognises distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to paid and volunteer members.

Join us in congratulating the following members on their exceptional service to the RFS and their community:
• Group Captain Garry Bashford – New England
• Deputy Group Captain Peter Bennett – Blue Mountains
• Group Captain Andrew Browning – Mid Murray
• Acting Deputy Commissioner Viki Campbell – State Operations
• Group Captain Michael Kovacs – Cumberland
• Deputy Group Captain Bruce McGrath – Lower Hunter
• Captain Deborah Sharp – Illawarra/Sutherland

To read more about the recipients, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/seven-rfs-members-receive-kings-birthday-honours

27/05/2026

We held another productive RFSA State Council Meeting on Saturday 23 May. Outgoing Director Steve Robinson was thanked for his service over the past decade, and the meeting elected Garry Barrett as a new Director. Garry is a former fire control officer and current Group Officer in the Cudgegong District, and we look forward to his contribution to the RFSA at Board level.

We were pleased to be joined by Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart APM who provided an update on operational activities over the past year, the District Review project, and recent challenges facing the fleet. We were also privileged to have Kyle share his plans for retirement and focus on his health – a timely reminder to stay on top of your blood sugar levels. We wish Kyle all the best and thank him for his support and outstanding leadership over the last 5 years.

You can find support and resources for living with diabetes here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

24/05/2026

We were so pleased to celebrate two long-standing and dedicated members of the RFSA at last night's State Council Dinner, with Life Membership awarded to David Stimson and Dianne Camm. Life Membership is the highest award the RFSA can bestow, recognising members' outstanding work in protecting the community and supporting their fellow members. The Southern Highlands and Lower North Coast Districts, and the broader RFS and RFSA, are richer for their service. Congratulations David and Di.

22/05/2026

A message from our partner Firefighters Mutual Bank

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18/05/2026

We're proud to celebrate our amazing RFS volunteers for National Volunteer Week 2026. Thank you to our RFS members who volunteer their time every day to support their communities through fire, flood and other emergencies.

We are excited to continue our support for them with our Member Fuel Giveaway. Congratulations to our latest winners in the Districts of:

Canobolas
Central Coast (2)
Cumberland
Far South Coast
Lake George
Lower Hunter
Lower Western
MIA
Mid Lachlan Valley
Monaro
Orana
Riverina
Shoalhaven
Sutherland

46 more vouchers of $200 are still to be provided to members across the rest of May and June.

08/05/2026

A solemn morning at the National Memorial Service for fire and emergency volunteers. With 34 names added to the National Memorial, it was a sobering reminder of the risks our members take in service of the community.

06/05/2026

Earlier this week we celebrated St Florian's Day, including the RFS St Florian's Day Awards, honouring 31 individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community. Congratulations to all of those members who were recognised for their contribution.

05/05/2026

Devastating news from Ballina overnight that two Marine Rescue volunteers lost their lives while working to help others in truly awful conditions.

Emergency service workers are often called to go toward the danger for the sake of others. Last night two paid the ultimate price for their service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ballina Marine Rescue crew, their families and friends as they deal with the worst possible news.

01/05/2026

After a great response to the RFSA Fuel Voucher campaign we are extending the giveaways throughout May and June. We'll be giving away 1 x $200 fuel voucher for each day!

We are also pleased to announce the latest winners for April are from the Districts of:

Blue Mountains
Canobolas
Castlereagh (2)
Chifley/Lithgow
Cudgegong
Cumberland
Far West
Hawkesbury
Hunter Valley
Lake George
New England
Northern Rivers
Northern Tablelands
Orana (2)
Riverina (2)
Riverina Highlands
Shoalhaven

Every winner will receive a $200 fuel voucher courtesy of the RFSA. Watch this space as we continue to announce more winners.