Firefighters Burns Unit Fund

22/08/2025

💥 Class 9 / 2025 – Setting the bar high! 💥

Today we welcomed Class 9 of 2025 at the Emergency Services Academy, and what a class they are. Thanks to their sign-ups, our workplace giving numbers have skyrocketed once again.

💸 $43,000 in annual donations added this year alone
👩‍🚒 183 new members
📈 Total annual giving is now over $220,000

What’s most inspiring? The average donation across our nearly 3,000 members sits at $2.90, but this year’s recruits are averaging nearly $10 per fortnight. That’s a 167% increase in giving from just an 8% rise in membership.

We're not just watching the numbers grow. We're witnessing the power of purpose, the legacy of generosity, and the spirit of every firefighter who came before.

Thank you, Class 9, and thank you to every single person who gives. Your support directly enables a higher standard of care for burns patients — a level of treatment, research, and recovery support that simply wouldn’t be possible without you. This is your legacy.

Fire and Rescue NSW
Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Firefighters for the Burns Unit

29/07/2025

🔥👨‍🚒 On the same day Fire and Rescue NSW proudly welcomed over 200 new firefighters into the ranks, we had the privilege of speaking with Recruit Class 8 about the legacy of the Firefighters Burns Unit Fund.

For over 40 years, firefighters have contributed through workplace giving to support The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead — honoured as the official No. 2 Station of Fire and Rescue NSW.

We loved chatting with Recruit Class 8 and are incredibly grateful for their generosity. With their support, the combined efforts of Recruit Classes 1 through 8 this year have added a phenomenal $37,000 to our annual workplace giving — pushing our rolling total to $220,000!

To our newest firefighters: we wish you all the best in your careers ahead. You’ve joined a proud tradition of protecting not just life and property, but the future of children recovering from burns. 💛🔥

01/07/2025

Firefighters Continue Proud Tradition Supporting Children with Burns
For over 40 years, firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW have quietly and consistently supported children with burn injuries through the Firefighter’s Burns Unit Fund — a grassroots initiative built on generosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community.

What began in 1984 with a group of visionary recruit instructors has grown into a proud statewide tradition. Officially recognised in 1986 by the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Fund has become a powerful symbol of the firefighting family’s dedication beyond the fireground.

That legacy is stronger than ever.

In the past year alone, more than 3,000 FRNSW staff have contributed through payroll deductions, with new recruits giving in record numbers. The Fund is now delivering over $209,000 annually to The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

But this partnership is more than financial — it’s personal. The hospital proudly holds the honorary title of Fire Station No. 2, a reminder of the bond between firefighters and the young patients they support.

Behind every dollar is a firefighter choosing to make a difference. Some sign up on day one. Others increase their contribution quietly over time. While some retire, a new generation steps up to carry the torch.

We thank every contributor — past and present — for helping build something truly meaningful. What started as $1-per-pay has grown into something extraordinary, funding vital equipment, research, and world-class care for young burn survivors and their families.

This year, under the banner of Firefighters for the Burns Unit, we proudly handed over $523,247 in our first joint cheque presentation alongside our partners at Beat The Burn.

Of that, $198,958 came from the Fund, joined by an incredible $324,289 from Beat The Burn.

It’s a staggering total — and a powerful testament to the leadership of Dan and the Beat The Burn team, and to the buy-in, passion and generosity of firefighters and stations right across the state.

25/06/2025

🔥 Firefighters for the Burns Unit 🔥

As of 25 June 2025, our workplace giving platform proudly boasts 2,925 members of Fire and Rescue NSW contributing over $210,000 every year.

This incredible generosity helps support burns survivors and the vital work of the Burns Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, in association with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, our shared vision with Beat The Burn, and all funds raised going through your official charity Firefighters for the Burns Unit.

💼 Are you a FRNSW employee and not yet involved?
🧾 Already contributing but want to do more?

👉 Email: [email protected]

Together, we’re making a difference—one pay cycle at a time. 🙌

15/06/2025

🔥 Want to know where we come from? 🔥

Our story began over 40 years ago with a handful of NSW Fire Brigades instructors and a simple idea: firefighters helping burns patients by donating a small portion of their pay.

Today, the Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund, along with Beat The Burn, falls under the umbrella of Firefighters for the Burns Unit Inc., as the official registered charity. The fund now boasts more than 3,000 members contributing over $200,000 annually through workplace giving—making it one of the most enduring and impactful firefighter-led fundraising efforts in Australia.

We've just shared a look back at our origins—and how our journey has led to a $5 million pledge to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and a future filled with events like City2Surf, the 002 Ball, and Beat the Burn.

📖 Want to read more? Visit our full article on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-firefighters-burns-unit-incorporated-0eklc/?trackingId=e6WjUACLQlWR45X2OEHkmw%3D%3D

Thank you to every firefighter, friend and supporter who’s been part of this legacy. We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited for what’s ahead. 🙌

(EDIT: Not everyone could access the LinkedIn article — but good news! You can now read the full story on our website:
👉 https://burnsunitfund.org/history )

Establishment and Purpose In September 2024, Firefighters for the Burns Unit Incorporated was officially registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. This milestone reflects over four decades of unwavering commitment from firefighters dedicated to supporting

21/04/2025

🐾🔥 Heroic Hound Supports Our Burns Unit! 🔥🐾

A huge congratulations to Gandalf — one of FRNSW’s incredible ignitable liquid detection canines — who was just crowned Canine Hero of the Year in the Service Dog category at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show! 🐶🏆

Not only is Gandalf a certified good boy, but he's now officially a certified generous one too! 💛

Instead of treating himself to a lifetime supply of rolled-up towels (his prized possession!), Gandalf chose to donate his $1,500 prize to Firefighters for the Burns Unit Inc., the registered charity behind both Beat The Burn and the Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund.

These funds will be proudly directed to the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, supporting vital care, equipment, research and recovery for some of our most vulnerable young patients.

Thank you Gandalf, Team Leader Tim Garrett, and all at FRNSW for your incredible generosity and support. 🐕‍🦺💙

Fire and Rescue NSW
Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Flashover - Australian Firefighting

07/04/2025

🔥 FRNSW Recruit Class 1 / 2025 – Welcome to the Frontline! 🔥

Last Friday marked a special moment for the Firefighters Burns Unit Fund — Recruit Class 1 / 2025 graduated and proudly joined our cause on the very same day we signed up Class 4. 👏

All 21 new Firefighters from Class 1 have committed to supporting the Burns Unit Fund, contributing a collective $157 per fortnight — that’s an incredible $4,082 every year towards burn injury research, recovery, and care. 💪

As of today, we now have 2,987 active members across Fire and Rescue NSW, together generating $7,692 per fortnight — a staggering $199,992 per year. We are now just a whisker away from cracking the $200K annual milestone!

To Class 1 — we wish you all the very best as you begin your careers at stations across NSW. May you find joy in serving your communities, pride in your team, and the deep satisfaction that comes from answering a higher calling.

Welcome to the job — and thank you for standing with us. ❤️‍🔥

📸 Photo supplied by Kayle Barton

25/03/2025

🔥 Big News from Firefighters for the Burns Unit Incorporated 🔥

We're proud to announce that Firefighters for the Burns Unit Incorporated is now officially a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status — meaning all donations are now fully tax deductible 💥

Run exclusively by firefighters, this new charity now oversees our two powerhouse fundraising programs:
🚒 Beat the Burn
🔥 Firefighters Burns Unit Fund

Thanks to the generosity of over 2,800 firefighters who contribute directly from their fortnightly pay, the Firefighters Burns Unit Fund has raised an incredible $689,000 since September 2019, and is now generating over $200,000 annually.

Meanwhile, what started as a one-off charity ride in 2006, raising just $8,000, has grown into the fundraising juggernaut that is "Beat The Burn" — now also raising in excess of $200,000 per year through multiple events, including the annual Jindy ride, City2Surf, and other fundraising activities throughout the year.

The creation of this new registered charity is a natural next step in our journey — providing greater legitimacy, transparency, and governance to ensure both programs continue to thrive and deliver real impact for burns patients and their families.

A dedicated website is on the way, but for now, if you have questions about the charity or either of the programs, please reach out via our socials.

Thank you for your continued support — we couldn’t do this without you ❤️

📌 ABN: 13 462 669 626
✅ You can verify our GST, Income Tax and FBT exemptions, and our Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement via the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website.



Beat The Burn
Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation

10/12/2024

🚴‍♂️ Celebrating 20 Years of Beat The Burn! 🚴‍♀️

In 2006, a couple of determined firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Station #20 Hurstville fire swapped hoses for handlebars, cycling 400 kilometres from Campbelltown to Wagga Wagga. Their goal? To support kids with life-changing burns at The Children's Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit.

Fast forward to 2025, and Beat The Burn (formerly 400in4) has grown into a year-round fundraising campaign of events, awareness, and prevention efforts. This year marks the 20th Anniversary Edition, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible legacy this event has built.

Over the past 19 years, they've raised over $1.35 million for the Burns Unit. These vital funds have supported research, life-changing equipment, pain and scar management advancements, and provided critical support to young burn survivors and their families.

🙌 Join Us in 2025
The 20th year is shaping up to be our biggest yet – but we can’t do it alone. We’re calling on our community to:

✅ Support our fundraising firefighters – every kilometre they ride or event they participate in makes a difference.
✅ Donate – no contribution is too small to help change a child’s life.
✅ Spread the word – awareness saves lives.

Get involved here: https://beattheburn.org/

🚒 A Huge Thanks to Our 2025 Sponsors
We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support of:
🔥 Fire and Rescue NSW
🤝 LHD Group
🌟 Entireti
🏗 National Fire Industry Association

Together, we’re making an impact. Together, we’re putting kids first.

Here’s to 20 years of resilience, community spirit, and incredible support for young burn survivors. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!

(Firefighters For the Burns Unit Inc. is the new parent of Beat The Burn and the Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund. An incorporated association with DGR status pending.)

🚴‍♂️🚒

FRNSW Firefighter’s raising funds for the kids in The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital Westmead. It's a cause close to all FRNSW Firefighters hearts. The premise of all our events is to have firefighters put their bodies to the test knowing that the pain they are experiencing is nothing com...

19/09/2024

Our sincerest thanks go to the newest Fire and Rescue NSW Recruit Class.

Class 7 of 2024 has signed up to contribute to the Firefighters Burns Unit Fund, collectively contributing a further $3,120 to our annual fundraising total. FRNSW's Chrissy Strickland delivered the presentation today, stepping in when the Fireys from the Burns Unit Fund couldn't get there due to a Total Fire Ban. We thank you immensely for doing this.

Now in its 38th year, Class 7's contribution elevates our annual fundraising amount to $183,000 for the Burns Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Our workplace giving platform continues to grow thanks to the generosity of 2,873 generous souls. If you would like to get involved then please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
Fire and Rescue NSW
Beat The Burn
Flashover - Australian Firefighting
Jihad Dib MP
Chris Minns
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM

09/07/2024

The Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund is proud to report that in 2024, the workplace giving platform of Fire and Rescue NSW donated $175,000 to the Burns Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The NSW Fire Brigades Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children Burns Unit Fund was set up in 1984 by the then Recruit Instructors Peter Stathis, Bob Dobson, Henry (Harry) Flood, John Anderson, and of course, the person behind the concept Ian Krimmer. As the Treasurer of the Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund, I would like to thank these gentlemen for their foresight and marvel at the wonderful legacy they leave behind.

When the new committee commenced in 2019, the fund was generating $83,000 per year. As of last pay cycle, 2,843 members of the fund contribute over $6,500 per fortnight, for a total of $173,000 per year. On top of this workplace giving, we also have some retired members who continue contributing regularly and receive the odd donation to help us deliver more than this.

While the current membership stands at 2,843, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of every member who has donated since the fund's inception.

This is an amazing contribution of which all members should be extremely proud!

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM
Fire and Rescue NSW

24/08/2023

So grateful for the work of Tallow at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington who organised a fundraising day dedicated to the Burns Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The Firefighters Burns Unit Fund was able to talk to the students about the work of Fire and Rescue NSW's educational programs, burns minimisation and prevention, as well as the long-standing relationship between the Burns Unit and Firefighters.

Matthew from Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation talked to the importance of charitable acts and philanthropy, and the huge wave of impact that can be generated by the "movement of many".

On behalf of the kids, staff and doctors at the Burns Unit, and the 2,800 firefighters who make up the Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund, thank you for your passion, dedication and generosity.

We have a sweet story to share! ✨😍

A few weeks ago, we got a call from Tallow who wanted to organise a fundraiser for her school, Our Lady of The Sacred Heart College Kensington. Tallow is in year 8. She was determined to get her entire school involved to raise funds for the Burns Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead. 💙

We put her in touch with our wonderful friends at Fire and Rescue NSW and yesterday they came together to raise funds and awareness for the Burns Unit atThe Children's Hospital at Westmead. 🌼

We are so inspired by Tallow’s drive to go and thank you Brett for all you and your team do to support the Firefighters Burns Unit Fund 💜