They say that many hands make light work. What can yours do?
One of the major misconceptions about joining the Rural Fire Service Queensland is that you have to become a firefighter. However, there are many volunteer roles available that make an equally vital contribution to your community's safety. These include:
- Community Education
- Administration
- Incident Management
- Communication
Whether you're on the front line or supporting those who are, every role at the Rural Fire Service Queensland counts. As a brigade member, you'll experience the camaraderie of being part of a team united towards a common goal, and the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference to protect the people, property and environment of your community. Members of rural brigades come from all walks of life - so becoming a volunteer is a great way to get to know people and build networks within your community.
RURAL FIRE SERVICE - ANNALLISA
RURAL FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEER - RUSTY
Have you got what it takes?
Rural Fire Service Queensland needs all types of people, with a wide range of skills, to keep brigades running and communities safe. We are spread across 93 percent of Queensland and has approximately 1400 rural fire brigades, made up of approximately 28,000 volunteer members. There are only a few requirements to becoming a non-operational member of your local brigade.
- Most importantly, a genuine interest in voluntary community work and the objectives of the RFS
- Commitment to developing a positive culture in and around your Rural Fire Brigade area
- Available time to dedicate to performing your role
- Ability to comply with relevant our policies, procedures and legislation including Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and Safety
Prerequisites
- Minimum of 16 years of age
- Applicants over the age of 18 must undergo a Criminal History Check
- Willing to give back to your community
- Current Blue Card from Blue Card Services
The selection process
- Contact your local RFS brigade
- Brigade will vote on your application
- Criminal History Check for applicants over the age of 18
- Blue Card Application for applicants over the age of 18
Your application and accompanying forms will be processed once received by the Rural Fire Service State Office. Please allow 8-12 weeks for your application to be finalised. Having a criminal history does not automatically exclude you from joining a brigade. Consideration will be given to the offence and the circumstances surrounding it prior to a final decision being made. For more information on joining a brigade or the type of assistance you can offer, contact your local brigade through your local area office.
Additional Information
Please ensure you view the following documents before submitting your application.
Volunteering Application Form (PDF, 2.5 MB)
New Zealand Police Criminal History Check Form (PDF, 350 KB)
Guide to Apply for a Blue Card Online (PDF, 691 KB)
To become a volunteer, you must read and agree to:
Statement of Cultural Intent (PDF, 275 KB)
Acceptable Use Policy (PDF, 90 KB)
Privacy Management Policy (PDF, 66 KB)
If you are successful
You will be required to attend all relevant RFSQ meetings, undertake additional training and education programs that support your role, and to attend to emergency situations if and when they occur.
Training
Rural Fire Service Queensland offer volunteering opportunities in both operational and support roles. The training of RFSQ volunteers is guided by the Rural Fire Development Framework (RFDF).
The Rural Fire Development Framework (RFDF) is a training structure that links training to our volunteers and their roles. Firefighting is a hazardous job and there are many risks involved in protecting your community against fire. By aligning the courses to the RFSQ roles, volunteers have the opportunity to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed with us.
Training offered is both accredited training (nationally recognised) and non-accredited training (recognised internally).
While the initial focus for volunteer training is on preparing volunteers for the specific role in the brigade, we also ensure you can undertake a range of training that will assist you in your everyday life.
Next steps
For more information on joining the RFSQ and the type of assistance you can offer, contact your local brigade through your local area office.