Austinmer Rural Fire Service

15/06/2026

We would like to recognise Rosemary, who has made the decision to retire from the NSW Rural Fire Service after an incredible 30 years of service to the brigade and the community.

Throughout her time with the brigade, Rosemary has held a number of leadership positions, including Senior Deputy Captain, and has played a significant role in mentoring and training countless members. Her knowledge, experience, and commitment to developing others have helped shape generations of firefighters and have greatly strengthened the capability and resilience of the brigade.

Rosemary’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering willingness to support both members and the wider community have left a lasting impact that will be felt for many years to come.

We sincerely thank her for her outstanding contribution, service, and commitment over three decades.

On behalf of everyone at , we wish her all the very best for a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement, along with every success in her future endeavours. 🚒

15/06/2026

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Belinda, who has served as Brigade Secretary for the past 20 years. Over this time, she has dedicated countless hours behind the scenes ensuring the smooth running of the brigade, keeping everything organised, and providing ongoing support to both members and leadership. Her work has often been done quietly and without recognition, but it has been absolutely vital to the effective operation of the brigade.

After two decades of committed service, Belinda has decided to step down from her role and enjoy a well-earned rest. Her contribution over this time has been immense, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy built on dedication, professionalism, reliability, and genuine care for the brigade and its members.

On behalf of everyone at the brigade, we sincerely thank you, Belinda, for your outstanding service, your commitment over so many years, and the positive impact you have had on 🚒

15/06/2026

Annual General Meeting

On Saturday, our brigade held its Annual General Meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past year, acknowledge the dedication of our members, and elect the leadership team that will help guide the brigade into the future.

We are pleased to announce the following members have been elected to their positions:
Field Officers

🚒 Captain – Malcolm Bartrop
🚒 Senior Deputy Captain – Chris Miller
🚒 Deputy Captains – Alex Lockhart, Anthony Turner, Greg Biber and Craig Shaw
A special congratulations to Greg Biber and Craig Shaw on being voted in as Deputy Captains.

Administrative Officers

📋 President – Colin McLoughlin
📋 Secretary – Shane Bennett
📋 Treasurer – Malcolm Bartrop

Additional Positions

🔹 Vice President – Phil Draper
🔹 Equipment Officer – Greg Biber
🔹 Catering Officer – Jenny Rowe
🔹 Community Safety Officer – Justine Leonard
🔹 BA Officer – Chris Miller
🔹 Training Officer – Craig Shaw
🔹 Executive Officers (Ordinary) – Nonee Walsh and Greg Biber
🔹 Auditor – Tad Bak (Treasurer, Bulli Rural Fire Brigade)
🔹 Work Health and Safety Officer – Ian Dewey
🔹 Callout/Membership Officer – Justine Leonard

Congratulations to all members elected and appointed to these positions, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to the brigade and community.

12/06/2026

🚒 Last night, joined crews from Farmborough Heights Rural Fire Brigade for a night of village firefighting scenarios..

Training exercises included a range of motor vehicle accidents and structural fire incidents, with firefighters utilising breathing apparatus to conduct search and rescue operations in challenging conditions.

These valuable training opportunities allow crews to sharpen their skills, strengthen inter-agency teamwork, and ensure they're ready to respond when the community needs them most.

🚒🔥

10/06/2026

Today, on Thank a First Responder Day, we recognise and thank the dedicated volunteers and emergency service personnel who answer the call when their communities need them most.

From those responding to incidents, to those supporting behind the scenes, your commitment, sacrifice and service make a difference every day.

To our members and all first responders across Australia – thank you for everything you do.

16/05/2026

🚨Do your smoke alarms pass the test?🚨

A working smoke alarm can give you the critical seconds needed to escape a house fire safely.

✅ Test your smoke alarms monthly
✅ Replace batteries every year (or as recommended)
✅ Vacuum dust from alarms regularly
✅ Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
✅ Install alarms in hallways and near bedrooms

🔥 Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your alarm isn’t working.

Press the test button today and make sure your home and family are protected.

Smoke alarms, unlike wine, do not age well over time.

Did you know that most smoke alarms have a use-by date? Some modern smoke alarms have a life-span of up to ten years and may not have a battery to change, making it easy to forget how long since they’ve been installed.

Remember to regularly clean and test your alarms, and check the use-by date to help keep track of their age.

09/05/2026

To all the amazing mums and female role models across our brigade, service, and community — thank you.

Your strength, care, leadership, and dedication inspire us every day.
Today we celebrate all that you do, both seen and unseen.

Happy Mother’s Day 💐
From

04/05/2026

Today is St Florian’s Day, the patron saint of firefighters. Every year the RFS holds the St. Florian’s Day. Awards for Internal Bravery and Service.
Today, Austinmer life member, Group Captain Will Lee received 2 awards, a Commissioners Certificate of Commendation (Individual) and a Commissioners Certificate of Commendation (Unit).
Congratulations Will, your commitment to training has been outstanding and demonstrates the values that the RFS stands for.

22/04/2026

Hazard Reduction Postponed !

Unfortunately after overnight rain, and the expectation of a colder weather day tomorrow, the decision has been made to postpone the planned hazard reduction to the west of Corrimal.

Our crews will continue to assist with hazard reduction work in other areas to our north and south, and will hopefully try again in the near future.

21/04/2026

Weather permitting, crews from NSW RFS Illawarra Sutherland Team will implement a hazard reduction burn on the escarpment above Corrimal on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 April.

This 75 hectare hazard reduction burn, will provide an area identified as being important in controlling bushfires, with less fuel loading. This will help firefighters contain and control future bushfires quicker and keep the community safer.

This also means that smoke will be visible around the Northern Suburbs into the weekend. Please call 000 if you see any fire without a truck in attendance.

To stay up to date on planned burning, download the Hazards Near Me app. The app can send you push notifications when there are new incidents or when information changes. The app also shows current information about local emergencies, including flood, bushfire and tsunamis, and has advice on what to do to stay safe.