NSW RFS - Chifley Operations Support Brigade

23/10/2026

Every year, two of our Community Engagement members do One Foot Forward to raise money for reasearch and mental health awareness for the Black Dog Institute.

Please support these legends 🥰 Together, we can help create better mental health for all.

We're walking 150km this October to help fund support services for Australian's living with mental illness.

23/10/2026

We love our comms people!! Join the crew 🥰

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Chifley Operations Support - Communications Unit
Support the Incident, Support the Team. Make a Difference!

Our brigades are seeking members interested in joining the Chifley Comms Team!

Communications Unit personnel play a critical role in ensuring effective communication between incident management teams, field crews, and supporting agencies across Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon. Reliable communications are essential to safe and efficient emergency operations, and this role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to incident outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Establish and maintain communication systems during incidents and planned operations.
• Support radio network operations and message management.
• Assist with the setup and operation of communications equipment.
• Support Incident Management Teams and field operations.
• Help ensure accurate and timely information flow across operational environments.

Who Should Apply?
We are looking for members who:
• Have an interest in communications and technology.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Remain calm and focused in dynamic environments.
• Are committed to supporting emergency response operations.
• Are willing to undertake relevant training and maintain competencies.

What You'll Gain!
• Specialist communications training.
• Experience supporting emergency operations.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• The satisfaction of contributing to community safety and emergency response.

Strong communications save time, improve coordination, and support safer operations. Join the Ops Support Comms Team and help keep our brigades connected when it matters most.

✅ No previous communications experience required
✅ Training and mentoring provided
✅ Develop specialist skills and operational experience
✅ Support emergency operations across the district
✅ Be part of a highly valued and growing capability

Whether you're interested in technology, radio communications, or simply looking for another way to contribute to operational readiness, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills while supporting your fellow volunteers.

Interested? Contact the District Office on 1300 258 737 to learn more about how you can be part of something special.

Keeping our people connected when it matters most. Join the NSW Rural Fire Service!

📡🚒

18/10/2026

After devastating fires impacted their community on the NSW Central Coast. Residents Elise, Paul and Chui Yin reflect on their experiences, what they had done to prepare, what they wish they had known, and the lessons they will take into the future in this final video of three.

What would you do if a fire impacted your community?

Preparation starts long before a fire arrives.

Find out how you can prepare for a bush or grass fire at
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and create your bush fire survival plan today at www.myfireplan.com.au

18/10/2026

When fire impacted the community of Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast in December of 2025 it moved so quickly that people only had minutes to make life saving decisions.

In this second of three videos, residents Elise, Paul and Chui Yin were all in their homes that day. They reflect on the decisions they made and the actions they took as the fire impacted their community.

Their experiences provide valuable insights into the importance of understanding your risk and knowing what you will do when fire threatens.

What would you do if a fire starts near you?

Preparation starts long before a fire arrives.

Find out how you can prepare for a bush or grass fire at
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and create your bush fire survival plan today at www.myfireplan.com.au.

18/10/2026

In December 2025, the community of Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast was impacted by bush fire.

In this first video of a series of three, residents Elise, Paul and Chui Yin share how they prepared ahead of the fire, the conversations they had with their families, and the steps they took to get ready.

Preparation starts long before a fire arrives.

Find out how you can prepare for a bush or grass fire at
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and create your bush fire survival plan today at www.myfireplan.com.au.

11/10/2026

What a way to end the “Great Race”! 🏁

As we all start to head home over the coming days, there’s a few things to keep in mind…

CAMPFIRES 🔥
Can you all pretty please promise to extinguish them all before leaving? Don’t wait for them to run out of the… FUEL, that you’ve been burning…

ROAD SAFETY 🏁
Be mindful of others around you. Being “unsportsmanlike” on public roads, can have much worse consequences than on the track!

BE PATIENT 😴
It’s been a big few days. Good things like waiting for the traffic to clear, taking an alternative route, or waiting for others to run out of fuel will pay off!

Why not checkout our local areas of Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon, and drop a “Thanks” below to our incredible NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers who have dedicated their time to ensuring everyone had a fun, and safe weekend on The Mount ❤️

09/10/2026

Are you heading up to “The Mount” this weekend for the REPCO Bathurst 1000? 🏁

A number of Chifley Lithgow District volunteers are scattered around supporting the event, ensuring everyone has an enjoyable and safe time…

If you see them around, be sure to give them a wave, so they know you’ll put out your campfire before departing, and never leave it unattended!

Outside of the event and want something bigger than a campfire? Remember that Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon is now in the bushfire danger period and permits are required 🔥🚒

Head to the NSW Rural Fire Service to find out more on obtaining a permit, and notifying of your burn.

08/10/2026

Welcome home to the Queen of aviation! 🥰✈️

01/10/2026

A great idea getting the lightning app!! Know where it has struck your property so you can investigate before it gets out of hand 🔥👍

⚡ Storm season is here — and lightning doesn't always leave with the rain ⚡

Last week we had two lightning storms roll through the valley. Thankfully both brought some rain with them, but rain is no guarantee that a strike hasn't started something.

When lightning hits a tree, it can smoulder quietly inside the trunk or root system for days. Then, once the weather warms up and the wind picks up, those "sleeper" fires can flare up, often well after everyone has forgotten about the storm.

Here's a simple tip to help keep an eye on your place:

📱 Download the My Lightning Tracker app.
📸 When a storm passes over, screenshot the strikes near your property.
🔍 Once it's safe, check those spots for smoke, scorched trees, or a burning smell, and keep checking over the following days, especially on warmer, windy afternoons.

The strike data is surprisingly accurate, so it gives you a good idea of exactly where to look.

If you see smoke or fire, call Triple Zero (000) straight away. Don't assume someone else has reported it.

Stay safe and stay aware this season.
— Glen Alice Rural Fire Brigade 🚒

21/08/2026

The Bathurst Farmers Market is on tomorrow at the Bathurst Showground from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Come along and enjoy fresh local produce, delicious food, and support our local growers and makers.

While you're there, learn how to prepare for the upcoming fire and storm season with local emergency service representatives from:

🔥 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)
🚒 Fire and Rescue NSW
⛈️ NSW State Emergency Service (SES)
🏗️ NSW Reconstruction Authority

Get practical tips on protecting your home, preparing an emergency plan, and staying safe during severe weather and bushfire events.

📍 Bathurst Showground
🕗 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
📅 Tomorrow

See you there! 🚜🥕🍓

14/08/2026

Today, three of our very own Chifley Lithgow team will finish their training at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho 🔥🚒🇺🇸

They departed on Tuesday for a 6 week deployment assisting with the devastating fires in the United States as part of a 240 strong contingent from Australia and New Zealand.

With Sid working as an “engine” crew, and George and Jordan on separate incident management teams, we are sure they’ll do the NSW Rural Fire Service and Area Command Western proud ❤️

It’s so amazing to see three from our own little slice of heaven flying the flag for Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon internationally 🇦🇺

03/08/2026

Chifley Lithgow members are stepping up with hundreds of others from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW 🔥🚒

951 Steps. One Fight 👊

Every step we climb is a reminder of the battle thousands of Australians living with Motor Neurone Disease face every single day.

MND doesn’t just take away movement. It gradually steals independence, speech, the ability to swallow, and eventually the ability to breathe. Simple things many of us never think twice about—walking to the letterbox, hugging a loved one, sharing a conversation—become incredibly difficult.

There is currently no cure 😥

Behind every diagnosis is a family adapting to a new reality, carers providing around-the-clock support, and loved ones making every moment count.

That’s why firefighters from across Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon are climbing 🧑🏻‍🚒👩🏽‍🚒👨🏼‍🚒

951 steps isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a show of solidarity with those who face a far greater climb every day. Every donation helps fund vital research, improve care and support services, and bring hope to families living with MND.

Donate if you can and share this message. Together, we can make every step matter!

Together, we climb. Together, we fight ❤️

📲 Head to https://firiesclimbformnd.org.au/page/ChifleyLithgowDistrict to donate today!

01/08/2026

Some hydraulics TRAINing, with a twist! 🚒🚂

Earlier today, Capertee and Marrangaroo Brigades assisted with topping up the water gin coupled to 3801 for its venture over the Blue Mountains, just as these gins provided a vital water supply to fire crews during the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, particularly in the Southern Highlands 🔥

For a quick turnaround, the two Category 6 Tankers were an excellent solution to ensure the strict timetable stayed on TRACK 😁

From bushfires to water outages and everything in between the RAILS, these appliances are proving their worth in the Lithgow LGA and well beyond the Ch-Ch-Chifley Lithgow District.

Have you ever thought about joining the NSW Rural Fire Service? It’s not all about being on the end of the hose and sometimes, moments like this come and are never forgotten…

Thank you to Transport Heritage NSW for letting us be part of this incredible journey 💚

20/07/2026

It’s a bit frosty this morning, and with a bit of ice on the road, please drive with care 🥰

13/07/2026

With Capertee Brigade caretaking Chifley 6B, we are please that Marrangaroo Brigade will now run with Chifley 6A, further strengthening our capabilities within the Chifley Lithgow District and beyond.

03/07/2026

23/06/2026

🤔 Ever wanted to know how incident response can be seamless between a number of agencies?

Have a look at the video below on how the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance and NSW SES all coordinated their approach to the simulated incidents run by the Bathurst Regional Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) and Local Rescue Committee (LRC) 🔥🚒🚓🚑

A huge thank you to Rise Again Smash Repairs and Loaders Towing for the cars used in the evening!

Note: None of the dummies (including the live one) were injured during these exercises 🤭

18/06/2026

Briefings are underway for a joint exercise between the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, the NSW SES and NSW Ambulance 🔥

This event will include live fire, flashing lights and the use of a drone at the Chifley Fire Control Centre on Hampden Park Road in Kelso.

If you see this and are concerned, don’t be! There are more than enough emergency services on scene to deal with anything 😁

If you do see an unattended fire, be sure to still call 000 as someone will be present with this exercise at all times!

Be sure to follow this page to see exactly what we get up to in the coming days 🤫

Bathurst Regional Council 🚒🚓🚑