More than a thousand volunteer firefighters will gather at or dial into the Hunter Valley this weekend to learn the latest on firefighting education, training, mental health and leadership.
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The conference is being hosted by the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA), which represents almost 50,000 volunteer rural firefighters and RFS staff around NSW.
RFSA President Brian McDonough says over three days, RFSA members will hear from a dozen speakers, including keynotes from leadership experts and mental health support workers.
"The RFSA Conference ensures that our volunteers continue to have the latest and best knowledge, skills, techniques and support to look after their communities, as well as their fellow members," Mr McDonough said.
"From drone use to lessons learned, it's an investment in preparation and safety for the volunteers, their families, and for the communities they seek to protect."
The Conference will be addressed by a range of expert presenters, as well as the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon David Elliott MP, RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM, and Resilience NSW Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM.
"For our volunteers, the 2021 Conference holds special significance - it is the first gathering since the devastating Black Summer Fires in 2019/2020," Mr McDonough said.
"It's also the first update on so much activity.
"Since the Black Summer Fires, the NSW RFSA has trained 900 members in mental health first aid and piloted a welfare program "Guitars for Firies" with partner Noro.
"We've delivered more than 4000 Christmas hampers and toys for families to Brigades and provided more than $620,000 in financial welfare support to members, in particular to those who lost their homes or were injured while protecting the community.
"Since the last Conference, the RFSA has provided equipment grants worth more than $1.7 million to almost 400 Brigades, Groups and Districts, supported members at major fire incidents with food, refreshments, and clean clothing worth $380,000, and supported dozens of members with professional development scholarships."
The Conference is being held at the Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley from June 4 to 6.
