FRNSW Region West Station Leaders Conference
FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) leaders from across regional NSW met in Dubbo for the Region West Leadership Conference and were able to make good use of the city’s RFS Training Academy.
Captains, Deputy Captains, Station Officers and Senior firefighting staff from came together to learn about and contribute too, new FRNSW initiatives and contribute to the direction of FRNSW in Region West.
With Region West being one of the largest professional firefighting Directorates in the world, Station representatives came from Singleton, 100km from the Pacific Ocean, from Broken Hill, near the South Australian border, Wentworth on the Victorian border, to Lightning Ridge near the Queensland border. Attendees stayed in the purpose-built accommodation and made use of the onsite catering for lunches and breakfast.
Former Dubbo firie, now Deputy Commissioner Field Operation Jeremy Fewtrell, addressed both days and staff were able to meet and get to know newly promoted Assistant Commissioner Regional Operations Cheryl Steer.
Participants were run through the helicopter simulation and were able to, through the magic of virtual reality, coordinate Large Air Tanker (LAT) drops onto bushfires from the sky. Continuing the Virtual reality theme, instructors were able to have willing volunteers attack house fires, grass fires and plane fires from the safety of the lecture room using the VR goggles, a tremendous way to not only simulate emergencies safely, but a way to allow everyone to take turns at various leadership roles and do it in an extremely cost-effective manner.
Chief Superintendent Gary Barber said Dubbo firefighter trainer Scott Habgood put the fire simulation training system to good use.
“The Regional and Remote leaders were able to use firsthand, advancements FRNSW is making in providing training for their teams,” Supt Barber told Dubbo Photo News.
“Having flown in the RFS helicopter simulator, participants were then shown the variety, and uses of FRNSW RPAS (Drones).
“The Aviation Team was able to highlight to the crews the uses of these vital tools and the benefit the wider regional communities’ gains by FRNSW having them in Regional NSW.”
The gathering was the perfect opportunity for western firies to be recognised, with medal presentations made to National Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal recipients, along with recognising the promotion of many staff to Deputy Captain, Captain, Station Officer, Inspector and Superintendent positions.
The Dinner for the event was hosted at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitors centre with Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Steer the guest speaker. She was also able to recognise special guest Deputy Captain Peter Ryan, from Dubbo Fire Station, and his wife Lucy.
Peter has just retired after 50 years and four months service to the community of NSW. z Send your news tips to john.ryan@panscott.com.au or 0429 452 245 txt is best