A campaign to boost the number of on-call firefighters across NSW is set to commence as the Minns Labor Government today announced it will continue to build on a record recruitment of 648 firefighters.
The record intake graduating through the Fire and Rescue NSW training academy last year follows increases in recruitment since 2023 as part of ongoing efforts to restore essential services.
Investment to rebuild Fire and Rescue’s training resources has led to 219 permanent firefighters commencing in 2025, almost double the 112 recruited in 2022, along with 429 on-call fire fighters.
The boost in new recruits shows the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to attract frontline workers and end 12 years of wage suppression under the former Liberal and Nationals government is working.
The Government has also provided ongoing funding for 286 firefighters – 1 in 12 of the permanent firefighting force – whose jobs were left unfunded by the Liberals and Nationals.
Fire and Rescue’s ranks are made up of permanent and on-call firefighters, depending on the firefighting needs of the community they serve.
A recruitment campaign will begin this weekend to further boost on-call firefighters, targeting areas across the state including the regional areas of Dungog, Bingara, Walgett, Balranald, Barham, Batlow, Berrigan, Boggabri, Bombala and Warren.
The “Become an On-Call Firefighter” drive urges people to join FRNSW to help their communities and learn new skills while being paid an hourly rate to supplement their income.
Minister Dib and Commissioner Fewtrell launched the recruitment drive while inspecting the newly renovated Blacktown Fire Station, one of three stations across the state that have undergone upgrades.
These upgrades are part of our $98.5 million statewide investment in fire stations and fleet this financial year, including the recently completed $4.2 million Dungog fire station.
Work has just been completed on fire station upgrades at Blacktown ($2 million), Gladesville ($1 million) and Glenbrook on-call station ($1.36 million), delivering improved amenities, bathrooms, equipment and personal protection clothing rooms.
Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib:
“We are boosting firefighter numbers to record levels and investing in modern fire stations and firefighting fleet. Our investment in Fire and Rescue NSW not only protects communities, it also makes a worthwhile profession even more attractive.
“We’ve scrapped the former government’s unfair wages cap to pay essential workers properly. A record number of graduates shows we’re attracting more firefighters who will be in place to protect growing communities.
“In some small communities it can be challenging to attract new fire station recruits, which is why we are launching a campaign to encourage even more people to join Fire and Rescue NSW as an on-call firefighter.
“We have had to rebuild training services and secure the roles of 286 firefighters that were not funded by the former government. We will continue to invest in the emergency services to ensure communities have the protection they need and to rebuild firefighting services.”
the Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali:
“The $2 million upgrade to Blacktown fire station and new graduates enhance firefighting services in our area, something that will improve the working environment for future firefighters so they can continue to serve and protect our community.
“The upgrade includes new bathrooms, an improved layout, better engine bay extraction fans and improved amenities for breathing apparatus. On top of the station upgrade, Blacktown has also received a new Class 3 Rescue fire truck to assist in firefighting response, showing the Government’s commitment to improving essential services in Western Sydney.”
the Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:
“The $1.36 million upgrade to Glenbrook fire station will support firefighters well into the future, providing new bathrooms, improved protective clothing and laundry facilities, as well as general work to improve an important community facility.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to join FRNSW to apply as an on-call firefighter to join a great team and make a difference to our Blue Mountains community. Our focus on improving essential services extends across the Blue Mountains and beyond to protect communities across NSW.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:
“This is a terrific opportunity for people across the state to consider a part-time role with Fire and Rescue NSW. We will work around your availability and welcome you into a close-knit team.
“Please visit the FRNSW website for more information. We would love to have you on our team, helping to protect regional communities.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Dungog Captain, Cassandra Sermon:
“I wanted to be part of a team again, to have that camaraderie but also help the community. That’s what I’ve grown to love, helping Dungog and its surrounding areas.
“I like educating people about home fire safety. Also to be there with the crew, to help, lead and support during incidents as well. It’s also a lot of fun. We’d love to have you join us.”