Fire and Rescue NSW Station 314 Gunnedah

26/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1cdEA9HA42/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Meet the 314 station's newest recruit.

23/08/2026

New crew, take 2 🧑‍🚒👀

Please welcome Craig Louis, aka Lou, to the 314 team.

Primary employment?

I’m a Professional Tennis coach, here in Gunnedah. I love working in a team environment and helping kids and adults become the best version of themselves.

What motivated you to join 314?

I wanted to give back to the community, work as part of a team and thought firefighting would be something I’d really enjoy.

What’s your favourite part of the job so far?

My favourite part so far has been how well the crew get on as a team of people who come from all different walks of life. Everyone enjoys a good laugh during training and drill nights while still always remaining professional, especially Tammey. I’ve also really appreciated how welcoming and supportive everyone has been since I joined.

20/08/2026

Hello Facebook friends,

New crew 👨‍🚒 👀

We are please to advise we have two new firies at 314.

Get to know a little bit about new recruit, Tom Willson.

Nickname: Horse - because of his fascination with all things equine from a young age.

Primary Employment: I run a carpentry and landscaping business. I get to do a wide variety of jobs which means no two days are the same. I have enjoyed the challenges and the flexibility that being self employed brings

Motivation to join 314: I was often working alone and so wanted a job that meant I could work as a part of a team whilst still being able to continue other employment. Also wanted to be able to help people/the community as a part of the job as well as meet people that I otherwise might never have

Favourite part of the job so far: It has been great to meet all the other firefighters down at 314, they have all been welcoming and helped me in my training whilst making it entertaining. I have enjoyed learning some of the new skills required and the variation that the job entails but am realising that there is a lot to learn.

Be sure to say G’day if you see Tom out and about.

20/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14m6TsByQXb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In an emergency, every second counts.

Make sure your property entrance is clearly signed, easy to identify from the road, and fitted with visible property numbers at the main gate or fence line.

This is especially important in rural and semi-rural areas where properties can be difficult to locate at night, in smoke, or during fast moving bush fires.

Clear property identification helps firefighters reach you faster when it matters most. Take a few minutes to check your signage and ensure your property can be easily identified in an
emergency. It could save valuable time when help is
on the way.

Learn more: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/prepare

19/08/2026

Time to prepare. Watch this page for some risk reduction ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZTKaDphuF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Liverpool Range District Bush Fire Danger Period has been brought forward to commence on the 1 September 2026.

This aligns with several neighbouring districts that will also commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 September 2026, while all remaining districts will retain the standard commencement date of 1 October 2026.

The earlier commencement of the Bush Fire Danger Period will see fire permit in place, helping to ensure burning activities are conducted safely and appropriately under current and forecasted seasonal conditions.

Residents are reminded that a fire permit will be required from 1st September 2026.

For further information about the Bush Fire Danger Period or the fire permit process and applications, please contact the Liverpool Range District Office on (02) 6746 5800 or by visiting the NSW RFS website.

Gunnedah Shire Council Upper Hunter Shire Council Liverpool Plains Shire Council

25/07/2026

At 1600 hours yesterday, Pumper 314, Pumper 229 Boggabri and Gunnedah Rfs was called to a house fire in King Street, Gunnedah. The fire progressed very quickly and took nearly 2 hours to bring under control. Sadly the house was totally destroyed by the fire.

Big thanks to Gunnedah Ambos, Gunnedah Police and Essential Energy crews for your support.

Disappointingly, the fire attracted a large number of spectators who attempted to drive and walk to the location. These spectators caused a traffic jam that delayed the arrival of a significant number of firefighters who were attending the job in their private vehicles. In future, please help us by staying away from the area of any emergency incident.

16/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1M1e6FQsBt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

14/07/2026

Today marks the last day of service for our Deputy Captain Paul Hartley after more than 52 years of dedication.

When Paul first joined the New South Wales Fire Brigades, Gough Whitlam was the Australian Prime Minister and a loaf of bread cost 24 cents. Only one of our other team members was born when Paul joined (sorry Fireman Sam). As you can see, lots has changed in the world since Paul joined the service but for 314 Gunnedah, Paul has been the one constant for over half a century.

It is important at this time to acknowledge the sacrifice that Paul’s wife Janise and their children have made to allow Paul to serve the people of Gunnedah and New South Wales.

Thank you Paul, enjoy a well earned retirement.

Fire and Rescue NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM

10/07/2026

Congratulations on a well earned retirement to Gunnedah Ambo Peter Patterson after 38 years of dedicated service to the people of Gunnedah and NSW. Thanks Patto for all you’ve done for 314 over the years. We could not do what we do without our amazing Ambos.

15/05/2026

Congratulations to our Captain Welch.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DibYWXNDc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yesterday, at Government House, I proudly witnessed the investiture of two exceptional members of Fire and Rescue NSW who were awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) earlier this year.

Trent Brown: Acting Chief Superintendent Brown joined FRNSW in 1999 and has provided more than two decades of exemplary service. During that time, he has progressed through the ranks from an operational firefighter to his current role as the Chief of Staff to the Commissioner.

Throughout his career, Trent has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of his colleagues, emergency services partners and the community.

In February 2023, Trent’s leadership was critical during a serious industrial fire at Banksmeadow. A 70-metre cooling tower was at risk of collapsing onto six decommissioned trailers, each storing 1,700 cubic metres of highly flammable hydrogen gas. Working alongside Assistant Commissioner Steve Hayes, Trent helped lead an urgent risk-reduction operation to relocate the trailers despite significant mechanical obstacles. The operation was completed in 90 minutes, preventing what could have been a catastrophic outcome.

David Welch: As Captain of Station 314 Gunnedah, David leads a crew of 22 on-call firefighters, providing guidance, support, leadership and education. I’ve spent time as an Inspector and Zone Commander in Western NSW, and I know firsthand the realities that Captains face in regional areas. The job is relentless. It means balancing operational readiness, recruitment, training, station administration and community engagement, often with limited resources and while managing the pressures that come with being on-call.

David is renowned for his operational excellence and the way he looks after his people. He has built a strong station culture marked by respect, unity and genuine personal connection, and his crew holds him in the highest regard. That kind of trust is earned over years, through consistency, fairness, and leading from the front.

The AFSM is an honour for fire service personnel in Australia, and this ceremony was a proud moment for FRNSW.

Congratulations, Trent and David – your dedication, leadership and service inspire us all.