This Site Was Last Updated On 8th October 2024

 
The NSW Fire Brigades Retirees Association Incorporated, is a voluntary association which aims to provide members with useful information, keep members advised of upcoming events, send offs, dinners and functions and maintains the comradeship and friendships formed during service with NSW Fire Brigades. Depending on privacy considerations it may be possible to help members keep in touch with or contact former comrades. The association is open to any retired member of NSW Fire Brigades both operational and administrative and includes wives and husbands. It costs nothing to join the Association, 
just write, call or email and give us your details or complete the Membership Form on line.

 
Latest News!


(08/10/2024)
Reminder: RSVP by 09/10/2024 NSWFB Retirees Annual Luncheon Wednesday 16th October 2024 1130 for 12noon.
This years Annual Retirees Luncheon will be at 'Club York' 99 York St Sydney, Invites and News Letter will be mailed out shortly to those members requesting mailout or you can download them here. Annual Luncheon Annual News Letter

(03/10/2024)
NSW Fire and Rescue Illawarra  Retirees Annual Luncheon 2024:
Retired members and their partners from the Illawarra or members now living there, are invited to come and meet up with old friends and workmates at a luncheon to be held on Thursday, 21st November 2024. Location: Albion Park Training College, Airport Rd, Albion Park
(near the jumbo!) Time: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Come and enjoy a fully catered lunch and light refreshments with your old workmates and friends. You’ll get an opportunity to view new equipment, uniforms and appliances. Also please pass this message onto any Retired Members you may be in contact with. Contacts: Andrew Barber  andrew.barber@fire.nsw.gov.au  David Gill david.gill@fire.nsw.gov.au Don Walshe donaldwalshe@yahoo.com.au 
Please RSVP by Wednesday 13th November 2024 to assist with catering. Flyer

(02/10/2024)
Guest Speaker. I am very pleased to announce that at this year's Annual Retirement Luncheon, Wednesday, 16th October, we have Retired Inspector Phil Robinson A.F.S.M. delivering a talk. His topic is comparing his era in the Fire Brigade to today's. Included in what will be a very interesting and informative talk, will also be Phil's involvement in three major fires - Rembrandt Apartments Kings Cross 1981, The Pantheon Club Marrickville 1982 and Apartments Crick Ave Potts Point 1992. See you on the Sixteenth. Kind Regards, Bill Powell A.F.S.M. President. 

(30/09/2024)
We have been advised that the Firefighter’s Mutual Bank will no longer be providing financial support to the Association due to changing financial regulations and corporate decisions. This is an unfortunate decision, which will undoubtedly have an impact on future events. The NSWFB Retirees Association is grateful for the support of FMB in the past.

(30/09/2024)
The NSWFB Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Station Officer Walter Roy 'Wally' MAIR (3385) on 29th September, 2024. Wally joined the NSWFB on 16/01/1965 and retired on 18/11/2001. A private funeral service will be held in the near future.

(29/09/2024)
Photos of the 'E' District Reunion at The Redfern pub, Redfern, Friday 27th September 2024 have been added to the
Photo Gallery.

(25/09/2024)
Latest
Commissioner's Orders 2024/19 received.

(25/09/2024)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the sad passing of retired Retained Firefighter Paul LONG (269011) formerly of 207 Albion Park. Paul joined NSW Fire Brigades on 15th August 1982 and served for over 35 years  at various fire stations including 269 Corrimal and 207 Albion Park. Funeral

(18/09/2024)
Another Report from Fire News Editor Kernin Lambert of the Structure Fire Saddington Street St Marys which occurred on Wednesday 8th May 2024. It has also been placed in Fire Rescue News Articles. 

(16/09/2024)
Send Off For: 7517 Senior Firefighter Jon Cantrall Saturday 19th October 2024
Flyer Details   

(02/09/2024)
We have just received information that Retired Inspector Ken RODGER is now on palliative care in a nursing home and is not allowed visitors.

(02/08/2024)
Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA - a charity of The Hospital Research 
Foundation) is undertaking a study exploring the supports available to anyone impacted by the suicide 
death of an emergency services first responder. They are recruiting volunteers to assist with the study. Attached is a Flyer and Information sheet for anyone interested. 

(08/07/2024)

From Alan Hitchell Re- Parramatta BBQ: For over 20 years Parramatta Fire Stn. has supported retired firefighters with a station bar-b-q in November . This year 2024 we will be supported by " D " plt. Thursday 7th November. 11am.  Retired Firefighters we need your attendance and support to keep this long tradition running. Join old mates and celebrate friendships made over the years serving as a NSW FIREFIGHTER. Alan Hitchell J.P. SSAPS 
61 02 96285675  M: 0414 477 467  alan.hitchell@gmail.com 

(30/06/2024)
Reminder From Paul Cullen:
OK folks, this year's Comms 'B' long lunches are:  Fri July 5th the Helm Bar Darling Harbour & Tues, November 26th the Zetland Hotel Green Square, do ya best & spread the word, cheers Cullo. 


Permanent Messages


(05/04/2024)
From National Emergency Worker Support Service | Black Dog Institute:
Good afternoon NSWFB Retirees Secretary, I am an Implementation Practice Manager at Black Dog Institute, working on the National Emergency Worker Support Service (NEWSS). NEWSS is a free, confidential mental health support for emergency service workers – both active and retired. Details

(08/09/2023)
Workplace illness Claims including cancer - update from Darin Sullivan:
Retirees are still advised to contact FRNSW Health and Safety Branch, as well as an experienced Solicitor, to ensure they receive support and guidance for workplace illness claims, including cancer related illnesses. Masselos and Co are still the FBEU preferred/suggested solicitors as the most experienced in these matters. Contacting the FBEU directly may still be of some benefit if having trouble navigating these difficult issues. - Darin Sullivan, Former FBEU President. 

(11/08/2023
INTRODUCTION – FIRE NEWS EDITOR
The NSWFB Retirees’ Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of current serving FRNSW Inspector, Kernin Lambert as Fire News Editor. This position on our website has been vacant for some time. Kernin has been a Member of the NSWFB / FRNSW for twenty-seven years and is currently a Deputy Commander at Metropolitan West 1, C Platoon, Western Sydney. Since joining the fire service Kernin has always had a strong desire to contribute to the improvement of operations by studying and learning from operational incidents of an unusual, complex or significant nature. His knowledge, coupled with an enormous insight into all aspects of Fire Service operations Statewide, enables him to produce comprehensive operational submissions. Kernin sent his first article to Fire News in 1997 and in 2000 the Commissioner generously allowed him to write an insert in Fire News known as Fire Operations Journal. Over the years this publication has come and gone a number of times due to changes in editorial direction. However, he never stopped believing in the importance of learning and sharing from operational incidents. 
Kernin’s aims have always been to improve fire fighter safety and the effectiveness of operations. This is particularly important as the materials involved in building construction are constantly changing. Some important examples include insulated sandwich paneling, combustible external cladding, tilt slab buildings and now we are seeing a wave of fires due to lithium-ion batteries, not to mention the always present dangers of bush fires. Congratulations Kernin on this very important appointment of Fire News Editor. We are looking forward very much to reading, viewing and enjoying your Fire News reports, the first of which is already on our website – Port Kembla Ethanol Storage Tank fire. Regards, 
Bill Powell AFSM President

(10/08/2023)
Updated:
Further EAP provider information for retired members
The Association has received from FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support Officer, retired Superintendent Chris Jurgeit, the following new document recently published by FRNSW about Transitioning into Retirement. It contains great information both for staff contemplating retirement/separation and for those who have already made the move. Chris states - Two important points will be added at the next review of the document, however they are pertinent now ie 
- Page 10 (Section 4) - Under EAP that the service is now also available to staff who have left FRNSW (up to 5 years post leaving) - so they can continue to get support for their transition out of FRNSW after they have officially left
- Page 16 - All staff have access to 6 free sessions with a financial counsellor per year (through EAP "Money Assist" program) - this could be useful for those planning to transition away from FRNSW. Various sections of this document are both applicable and helpful to current retired firefighters. For example, Section 4 - Well Being, Section 6 - Volunteering, Section 7 - Know Your Finances and Page 21 - Check List. For information or questions, please contact the FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support Duty Officer 0477 342 750
Bill Powell AFSM President NSWFB Retirees Association

(02/03/2023)
FORMATION OF NSW FIRE AND RESCUE CEREMONIAL TEAM:
Senior Fire Fighter George Lloyd, under the guidance of Superintendent Peter Stathis, (now retired), and Superintendent Greg Houston have assembled a  NSW Fire & Rescue Ceremonial Team. This team currently comprises twenty four Members who volunteer their time to represent FRNSW at funerals, as well as Anzac Day and Graduation ceremonies. Protocol procedures play out an important role in the Brigade’s future. Over the past two years the Ceremonial Team has attended a number of funerals for both retired and currently serving Members. Please find attached a short video of the Ceremonial Team at the funeral of Bruce Johnson. If any NSW retired fire fighters or their family would like to have the Ceremonial Team participate in a service, please contact the President, Bill Powell at bill.p133@live.com 

(1/12/2022)
Updated email address:
Need someone to talk to? The Retiree’s Peer Support Team is a group of retired firefighters, who are there to support other firefighters when personal difficulties arise in their life. Right now, many people are experiencing further challenges caused by draught, bushfire crisis and now a worldwide pandemic. The members of retiree’s peer support are not counselors, but someone to talk to and if appropriate, guide you to professional help. All conversations are treated with confidentiality. Contact Information: Email: retiredpeersfrnsw@gmail.com Website: www.retiredfirefightersupport.com.au  Duty Officer: 0477 342 750

(04/06/2020)
Online Condolence Book:
With the recent sad passing of firefighters within our FRNSW family, it is fitting to honour them and reflect on their service by creating a personalised online condolence book. Details

(09/03/2019)
From: Darin Sullivan:
Hi all, If you have had a cancer that may be related to firefighting but think it may be outside the current legislation that we got through parliament, please contact me for more information. Feel free to pass this and my email address on to others this may also assist. Regards, Sully darinsullivan1@gmail.com

(12/10/2017)
Another report on the problem with old type Foam.

(16/08/17)
Latest PFAS information
supplied by Chief Superintendent Dave Felton AFSM.
1. Information Sheet - PFAS Questions & Answers
2. Information Sheet Firefighting Foam and PFAS
3. Timeline - FRNSW Historical Use of PFAS Containing Firefighting Foam

(11/01/16)
Letter From Roger Bucholtz Re: Defined Benefit Income. Letter

(14/03/12)
The FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.  These medals are not automatically issued to existing retirees. If you qualify you must submit a Request To Be Recognised For Long Service And Good Conduct Award form.  Form


Dates Items Last Updated
Commissioner Corner 25/03/2017
*** Funeral Notices 30/09/2024 ***
*** Commissioner's Orders 29/09/2024 ***
*** Photo Gallery 29/09/2024  ***
Regional Retiree Reunions 08/07/2024
 Retirement Functions 16/09/2024
*** Social Events 03/10/2024 ***