From the Newsroom

Firing up community interest

Emma Pritchard

 

It is an extremely rewarding occupation, and one that will equip you with life-saving skills.

While most people assume firefighters simply fight fires, their specialist roles encompass a broad range of abilities which see them perform a variety of jobs throughout their local communities.

And crew members at Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station and South Grafton Fire and Rescue 307 Station are encouraging residents to join them.

Fire and Rescue NSW currently employ 33 people in Grafton to support both stations, and South Grafton Fire and Rescue 307 Station Captain Paul Danvers is inviting Clarence Valley residents interested in pursuing a career with emergency services to visit an information stall at the Jacaranda TAFE Markets at the Grafton TAFE Campus from 8am on November 5, and attend an open day at South Grafton Fire and Rescue 307 Station, 64 Wharf Street, South Grafton, from 5:30pm onwards on November 8.

“We are looking to recruit people who want to work closely with their local community and have daytime availability,” Captain Danvers said.

“There is no formal experience required, and full training is provided and ongoing.

“After 28 years in the job, for me the reward is the sense that we have made a bad or distressed situation better for people.”

Captain Danvers said Fire and Rescue NSW currently employ locals as on call firefighters who balance work, study, sport and family commitments alongside attending emergency situations including fires, hazardous material spills, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescues and natural disasters.