Riverina Highlands RFS

28/10/2026

🚨 GET READY NSW – SNOWY VALLEYS EMERGENCY SERVICES & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE EXPO! 🚒🚑🚒

📣 Join us for a fantastic FREE community event and meet the people who help keep our community safe!

Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of learning, connection and emergency preparedness at the Snowy Valleys Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo.

📅 Sunday, 8 November 2026
⏰ 10am – 3pm
📍 Batlow Showground, Park Avenue, Batlow
🎟️ FREE ENTRY!

✨ What’s happening on the day?
👨‍🚒 Meet the RFS, SES and other emergency services and local agencies
🎯 Enjoy interactive activities for the whole family
🍔 Support local food vendors
🤝 Learn about the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) and how it supports our community
🎁 Enjoy the chance to win prizes!

Come along, connect with your local emergency services, learn how to be better prepared and discover how we can all help build a safer, more resilient community. 💚

Proudly sponsored by HumeLink West.

🔗 Find out more at nsw.gov.au/GetReadyNSW

💪 Being prepared is in your hands!

Tag your family and friends and spread the word! 👇

24/10/2026

🚒 Volunteer RFS CAD Operator – Expressions of Interest
Are you willing to join the RFS as a Volunteer or currently an RFS member with good computer skills and an interest in technology?
We are seeking expressions of interest from the public willing to become RFS volunteers or current volunteer members interested in becoming a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Operator.

💻 One-on-One Training
Successful volunteers will receive one-on-one training and support to learn the CAD system and operational procedures.
You don't need previous CAD experience. If you are tech-savvy, confident using computers, willing to learn, and have good attention to detail, we can provide the training and support you need.

What We're Looking For
• Current RFS volunteer member or willing to join the RFS as a member
• Good computer and technology skills
• Willingness to learn
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to follow procedures accurately
• Reliable and committed
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Availability to undertake one-on-one training
⭐ Get Involved
This is a great opportunity to expand your RFS skills, develop experience in CAD and operational communications, and provide valuable support to your fellow volunteers.

📧 Apply Now
Expressions of Interest can be submitted via email to:
[email protected]
Please include your name, brigade, contact details, computer/technical experience, and a brief explanation of why you are interested in becoming a CAD Operator.

This is not a full time role but is needed to support operations when called upon.

📞 Further Information
For further information, please contact Peter Jones 02 6981 4222 during business hours.

21/10/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! JOIN THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE TEAM! 🚒🔥

Are you passionate about supporting local communities and making a real difference? A career with the Operational Officer (OpO) Program could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation across NSW. Our people work hard to protect lives, property and communities from bush fires and other emergencies.

The Operational Officer (OpO) Program offers a unique opportunity to build your skills and experience across a diverse range of RFS activities, district and regional roles, and specialised sections throughout the organisation.

If you’re adaptable, enjoy working as part of a team and want a rewarding career that supports community safety, we’d love to hear from you!

Applications Close 1 November 2026

📍 Location: Tumut, Riverina Highlands District

💼 What we offer:
✅ Ongoing, full-time employment
✅ 35-hour working week
✅ RFS Level 4/5
✅ Salary of $88,378–$96,767 per annum
✅ 12% superannuation on top of your salary

🔥 Be part of a team that makes a difference. Help protect our communities and support the people of NSW.

👉 Interested? Find out more and apply today! https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/operational-officer-level-1-605737

OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 1 (RIVERINA HIGHLANDS) If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting loc...

19/10/2026

Getting ready for a bush fire is easier than you think. Review your bush fire survival plan so youknow exactly what to do when a fire threatens your property.
Create your plan online at MyFirePlan.com.au

16/10/2026

🔥 BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD COMMENCES 1 NOVEMBER 🔥

📍 Snowy Valleys Local Government Area (LGA)

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) commences in the Snowy Valleys LGA on 1 November.

From this date, anyone planning to conduct a pile burn or other permitted burn must obtain a valid Fire Permit before lighting the fire.

Obtaining a permit is just one part of the process. If you’re planning to burn, please follow these important steps:

✅ 1. CHECK

Before applying for a permit, ensure your burn can be carried out safely and legally. Assess the surrounding fuels, weather conditions, available equipment and any site-specific risks.

📝 2. OBTAIN A FIRE PERMIT

A valid Fire Permit is required during the Bush Fire Danger Period before lighting your burn.

👉 Apply online via the NSW RFS Guardian portal:
https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp

📢 3. NOTIFY

Once suitable conditions have been identified and you intend to proceed, you must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before lighting your burn.

You must:
• Notify the NSW RFS online via the Guardian portal: https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp
• Notify all adjoining neighbours of your intention to burn.

⚠️ Remember: A permit does not automatically mean conditions are safe to burn. Always assess the conditions and follow all permit requirements before lighting your fire.

For further information, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website:
👉 https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

🔥 Stay informed. Burn safely. Help protect our community.

13/10/2026

Could a fire truck access your home in an emergency?

When bush fires occur, firefighters need safe and reliable access to your property.

Truck sizes can vary, but a good consideration is our Cat 1 tanker which can be up to 7.8 metres long, 2.5 metres wide, and require a turning circle of approximately 22 metres.

Overgrown vegetation, narrow access tracks, low branches, soft ground, or locked gates can delay emergency response and place crews at risk.

Inspect your property access before fire season and ensure emergency vehicles can enter and exit safely. Good access helps firefighters protect your home, your family, and your community.

The NSW Rural Fire Service recommends property access tracks and driveways have:
• A minimum width of 3.5 metres.
• A vertical clearance of 4 metres from overhanging branches or structures.
• Adequate turning space for large fire appliances.
• All weather surfaces capable of supporting heavy vehicles.
• Clearly accessible gates and entrances.
Clear access can help emergency services reach your property quickly when it matters.
Learn more: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/prepare

01/10/2026

🔥 Bushfire Danger Period Reminder 🔥

More Local Government Areas (LGAs) have commenced their Bushfire Danger Period overnight.

For Snowy Valleys LGA, the Bushfire Danger Period will commence on 1 November.

As we get closer to this date, bushfire risk will begin to increase, so now is the time to start preparing and taking extra precautions.

🌡️ Please monitor weather conditions carefully.
🔥 Take plenty of precautions when using fire outdoors.
📞 You must notify 24 hours in advance before conducting any burning — this applies all year round.
📝 Once the Bushfire Danger Period is in force, you will also need a permit to burn.

Please stay informed, stay prepared and help keep our community safe. 🚒

Today marks the official start of the bush fire season, with the Bush Fire Danger Period beginning in most NSW Local Government Areas.

If you’re planning on conducting a burn, you’ll require a fire permit from your local Fire Control Centre or brigade. Fire permits help ensure fire is used safely and reduces the danger to you, your property and the community.

Residents and land holders must know the rules when it comes to the use of fire. Along with having the required fire permits, you need to notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intent to burn at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information on the Bush Fire Danger Period and requirements around safe burning, visit our website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

29/09/2026

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS – GOOBARRAGANDRA

Riverina Highlands District RFS crews are currently assisting Snowy Valleys Council, undertaking a multiple-pile hazard reduction burn at Goobarragandra as part of ongoing efforts to reduce bush fire risk around the local community.

Residents and motorists in the area may notice smoke from the burns, particularly while the piles are being burnt and during subsequent mop-up operations.

Hazard reduction burning is an important part of preparing our communities for the upcoming bush fire season by reducing available fuels and helping protect homes, properties and surrounding areas.

The burns are being conducted under appropriate conditions and with consideration given to weather, smoke impacts and the safety of the community.

Location: Goobarragandra
Activity: Multiple-pile hazard reduction burning

Thank you to Snowy Valley Council, RFS volunteers and crews involved in this important work.

Please remember: if you see smoke, it doesn't always mean there is an emergency. However, if you are concerned or believe a fire is uncontrolled, call Triple Zero (000).

Snowy Valleys Council NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command