Rural Fire Service leads the way to Wollongong

The 2019 NSW RFS Leadership and Young Members Forum provides an opportunity for NSW RFS members to discuss and exchange ideas about leadership, with the theme Fire Up – Leading Self, Leading Teams, Leading the NSW RFS.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the biennial event, being held for the fifth time since its inception in 2011, is one of the key activities on the Service’s calendar, and helps shape future leaders.

“From the young member who has just joined, to the seasoned firefighter, senior volunteers and staff, everyone has an important leadership role, guiding and helping to keep fellow members and their community safe,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“The Leadership Forum brings together members from all over the state, from brigade level through to senior management, to share and benefit from the experience and knowledge of their peers.

“Covering a range of topics, the Forum will address everything from individual leadership, strategies for leading teams and building future organisational leadership.

“The NSW RFS is no different to many businesses or organisations, facing challenges like changing community and membership profiles, external drivers such as weather and climate, technology, and community expectations – and the true test is how we respond to these challenges”.

Keynote speakers and invited presenters include Family and Community Services and Justice Department Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (BNHCRC) Chair Dr Katherine Woodthrope AO and Gemma Alcock, CEO and founder of the SkyBound Rescuer Project.

Rural Fire Service Association President Ken Middleton, Dr Tanya Kruger from RMIT University and the BNHCRC and Anne Bunt from the Black Dog Institute will also address delegates.

The 2019 NSW RFS Leadership and Young Members Forum is being held at the Novotel Wollongong at Northbeach from 20 to 22 June. The main presentations and sessions will be held on Friday and Saturday.