Goulburn needs more retained or ‘on call’ firefighters and a mailbox drop recruitment campaign by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW )appears to have produced the desired results.
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Goulburn Retained firefighters captain Chris Brassel said the brigade had 16 firefighters available to respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day, from home or downing tools at work when needed.
“We are looking to boost these numbers to ensure timely response to emergencies 24 hour a day” Mr Brassel said. “ The response of initial enquiries to the recruitment drive has been good, with lots of people contacting me and formal applications closing on Sunday June 17.
“Recruits must undertake training not only at the initial stages of their recruitment but on an ongoing basis and it is certainly not a full time job but it can be a rewarding community service for which you get paid when called on.”
Goulburn Station has several retained firefighters with extensive experience. They hold other jobs in the community and are able to down tools and / or are available at night, weekends and daytime when needed.
Goulburn Fire Station has a crew of four permanent firefighters plus the station officer available to respond from the station during business hours, Monday to Friday. However, outside those hours is when the retained firefighters, on call, are most needed. They are sometimes called upon during weekdays.
Retained firerighters do get paid, but this is not a permanent or full time job and it does not lead to a full time, permanent position with FRNSW.
Retained firefighters perform a wide range of duties attending fires and other emergencies as well as community education and fire prevention activities. FRNSW welcomes applications form women, indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Retained firefighters are required to attend fire calls and other incidents to suit the requirements of the fire station. They must live or work within a reasonable distance of the fire station they are applying for.
They must demonstrate good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.
They must meet the medical and physical requirements of the job and undergo a pre-employment medical.
Applicants must hold a drivers licence (not L plates) and be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident.
Applications need to be made on line at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/retained by June 17.