This Site Was Last Updated On 

14th October 2026

 
The NSW Fire Brigades Retirees Association Incorporated, is a voluntary association which aims to provide members with useful information, keep members advised of upcoming events, send offs, dinners and functions and maintains the comradeship and friendships formed during service with NSW Fire Brigades. Depending on privacy considerations it may be possible to help members keep in touch with or contact former comrades. The association is open to any retired member of NSW Fire Brigades both operational and administrative and includes wives and husbands. It costs nothing to join the Association, 
just write, call or email and give us your details or complete the Membership Form on line.

  Latest News! 

Updated: (07/10/2026)  ELECTION OF COMMITTEE: In accordance with the Model Rules, as used by the Association, an election for all positions of the Committee is to be conducted at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting 25th November 2026. Nominations for the following positions must be made in writing (email or paper) and forwarded to the Secretary by Wednesday, 11th November 2026. President/Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer/6 x Committee. 

(14/10/2026)
Latest In-Orders 20/2026 received.

(14/10/2026)
Just received this very late notification: Just a friendly reminder that our next Welfare Wednesday catch-up will be held tomorrow, Wed 14th October at the Georgia Rose Café, Shell Cove from 10 -11 am. We had a fantastic turnout at our first session in Kiama last month, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A sincere thank you to Fortem Australia for sponsoring these catch-ups and supporting the wellbeing and camaraderie of first responders across the Illawarra. We are also grateful to Fortem for arranging Garry Sims as our guest speaker for the Shell Cove session. Please share this invitation with any retirees in the area that might like to attend. Everyone is welcome, and we would be pleased to see another strong cross-agency turnout. Superintendent Daniel Pridham Zone Commander Illawarra

(13/10/2026)
From Alan HitchellL Re Parramatta BBQ: The Station Officer at Parramatta informed me today that due to 57 station working out of Parramatta he does not have room for the bar-b-q this year. I cannot think of a station close to a railway station with easy transport, our only option is to cancel for 2026 and hope someone can bring it back in 2027. Please ask everyone to pass the message on to other firefighters. Alan Hitchell J.P. SSAPS

(13/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Station Officer Brian PETER (5080) on 12th April 2026. Brian joined the NSWFB on 20/09/1974 and retired on 22/09/2001 serving for 27 years. Brian retired from the State Communication Centre on B Platoon.

(03/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Station Officer Gordon H WHEATLEY (3778) formerly of 65 Rydalmere Fire Station. Gordon passed away on 30th September 2026. Gordon commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 7th April 1967 and retired on 10th January 2002, completing 35 years of distinguished and dedicated service. Gordon served at various fire stations across Sydney including 01 City of Sydney, 55 Guildford, 04 Darlinghurst, 18 Glebe, 57 Wentworthville, 32 Mt Druitt, 30 Lidcombe, and 67 the old Northmead Fire Station. Between 1973 and 1975 Gordon served in Canberra Fire Brigades at Forrest and Belconnen Fire Stations. Gordon is the father of Inspector Cameron Wheatley, who is currently serving with the Fire Safety Compliance Unit. Funeral service details to follow.

(24/09/2026)
If anyone knows the contact details for Geoff COURTNEY,  Mark KEEGAN or Tom DENNIS, please contact the Secretary Ray Kelly on 0458 687 765.

(23/09/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the recent passing of retired Senior Firefighter Peter JOHNSTON (3598 & 4608) formerly of 040 Willoughby Fire Station. Peter commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 13th May 1966, resigned on 15th April 1970 before recommencing on 10th September 1971 at Lane Cove Fire Station. Peter served a collective 14 years before retiring on 6th November 1981. No funeral will be held.

(18/09/2026)
FRNSW Emergency Services Academy: From Alan Hitchell - I have had a visit to the Fire Rescue Academy at Orchard Hills . I went Paddington Collage for training my first time in a Academy the difference is like 7 Eleven to Westfields. About ten staff at Paddington over 200 staff at the Academy . The number of buildings, the type of training, the resources and the storage of equipment for any emergency . The best quality materials not just slides or photos but a curved screen two projectors and its in 3 D using a tablet . The 3 D made all of those photos look out of focus . Next time its open make the visit it is amazing . The staff working there display great skill and knowledge in their respective roles. Alan Hitchell J.P. SSAPS Photos of visit have been placed in the Photo Gallery.

(15/09/2026)
Updated: Date for your diary: The Annual NSWFB Retirees luncheon is now on Wednesday 25th November 2026 at Club on York. Invites and details will be available shortly.

(09/09/2026)
Assistant Commissioner Murray West's Farewell Function: Just a reminder it is not too late to RSVP to Murray West’s farewell Friday, 16th October 2026. MARCH OUT-2pm City Of Sydney Fire Station-FUNCTION 5pm Sydney Cidery, Rydges World Square, 389 Pitt St. Sydney. Doors Open From 4pm  Flyer

(26/02/2026)
From Paul Cullen FYI. Comms Lunch dates for 2026. Tuesday,  24th November the Zetland Hotel Green Square. All venues are from noon onwards. Do your best and spread the word. Cheers Cullo.

Permanent Messages

(28/02/2026)
Article from Chris Jurgeit re- Presumptive Cancer Legislation. Article.

(17/01/2026)
An article from Alan Hitchell on Tamworth Classic Fire Engine Museum.

(01/07/2025)
A message from Perry Campbell: Just a short note to say thank you to all you hard working wonderful Committee Members of our NSWFB Retirees Association. I being a retired Firey, as you know, really appreciate the informative updates/happenings that you continuously provide by way of our web site & I also, like a number of other ex-Fireys, check for news nearly every day. I must say that anytime I have contacted any Committee Member I have always received excellent assistance/advice. A couple of recent instances where you people have made a huge difference to Family & Friends of 'passing' Retired Firefighters in my area, for which I sincerely especially thank you for. They are being Robert 'Bobby' Treseder, (late of Narromine Brigade) & Patrick 'Paddy' Hearne, (late of Trangie Brigade). Both gentlemen being not only colleagues of mine but also dear friends of some 35 years. RIP Gents. Also RIP one of the NSWFB real Gentlemen in Ross Freeman, with his recent passing. Please keep up the great work, & BTW, I can personally vouch for the sincerity & dedication of many of the current Committee Members, due to in my 33 plus years of service, I worked alongside or contiguously with, some 17 or 18 of you lovely people ! Thanks again. Kind regards, Perry Campbell 4479. (The Princess)

28/02/2025)
Invitation to Retired Firefighters and those contemplating Retirement Region North 3 – New England & NW Command. Details

(28/02/2025)
Invitation to Retired Firefighters and those contemplating Retirement Region North 2 – Northern Rivers.
  Details

(05/03/2024)
From National Emergency Worker Support Service | Black Dog Institute: Good afternoon NSWFB Retirees Secretary, I am an Implementation Practice Manager at Black Dog Institute, working on the National Emergency Worker Support Service (NEWSS). NEWSS is a free, confidential mental health support for emergency service workers – both active and retired. Details

(08/09/2023)
Workplace illness Claims including cancer - update from Darin Sullivan: Retirees are still advised to contact FRNSW Health and Safety Branch, as well as an experienced Solicitor, to ensure they receive support and guidance for workplace illness claims, including cancer related illnesses. Masselos and Co are still the FBEU preferred/suggested solicitors as the most experienced in these matters. Contacting the FBEU directly may still be of some benefit if having trouble navigating these difficult issues. - Darin Sullivan, Former FBEU President. 

(10/08/2023)
Updated: Further EAP provider information for retired members
The Association has received from FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support Officer, retired Superintendent Chris Jurgeit, the following new document recently published by FRNSW about Transitioning into Retirement. It contains great information both for staff contemplating retirement/separation and for those who have already made the move. Chris states - Two important points will be added at the next review of the document, however they are pertinent now ie 
- Page 10 (Section 4) - Under EAP that the service is now also available to staff who have left FRNSW (up to 5 years post leaving) - so they can continue to get support for their transition out of FRNSW after they have officially left
- Page 16 - All staff have access to 6 free sessions with a financial counsellor per year (through EAP "Money Assist" program) - this could be useful for those planning to transition away from FRNSW. Various sections of this document are both applicable and helpful to current retired firefighters. For example, Section 4 - Well Being, Section 6 - Volunteering, Section 7 - Know Your Finances and Page 21 - Check List. For information or questions, please contact the FRNSW Retirees' Peer Support Duty Officer 0477 342 750. 
Bill Powell AFSM President NSWFB Retirees Association

(02/03/2023)
FORMATION OF NSW FIRE AND RESCUE CEREMONIAL TEAM: Senior Fire Fighter George Lloyd, under the guidance of Superintendent Peter Stathis, (now retired), and Superintendent Greg Houston have assembled a  NSW Fire & Rescue Ceremonial Team. This team currently comprises twenty four Members who volunteer their time to represent FRNSW at funerals, as well as Anzac Day and Graduation ceremonies. Protocol procedures play out an important role in the Brigade’s future. Over the past two years the Ceremonial Team has attended a number of funerals for both retired and currently serving Members. Please find attached a short video of the Ceremonial Team at the funeral of Bruce Johnson. If any NSW retired fire fighters or their family would like to have the Ceremonial Team participate in a service, please contact the President, Bill Powell at bill.p133@live.com 

(1/12/2022)
Updated email address: Need someone to talk to? The Retiree’s Peer Support Team is a group of retired firefighters, who are there to support other firefighters when personal difficulties arise in their life. Right now, many people are experiencing further challenges caused by draught, bushfire crisis and now a worldwide pandemic. The members of retiree’s peer support are not counselors, but someone to talk to and if appropriate, guide you to professional help. All conversations are treated with confidentiality. Contact Information: Email: retiredpeersfrnsw@gmail.com Website: www.retiredfirefightersupport.com.au  Duty Officer: 0477 342 750

(04/06/2020)
Online Condolence Book: With the recent sad passing of firefighters within our FRNSW family, it is fitting to honour them and reflect on their service by creating a personalised online condolence book. Details

(09/03/2019)
From: Darin Sullivan: Hi all, If you have had a cancer that may be related to firefighting but think it may be outside the current legislation that we got through parliament, please contact me for more information. Feel free to pass this and my email address on to others this may also assist. Regards, Sully darinsullivan1@gmail.com

(12/10/2017)
Another report on the problem with old type Foam.

(16/08/17)
Latest PFAS information supplied by Chief Superintendent Dave Felton AFSM.
1. Information Sheet - PFAS Questions & Answers
2. Information Sheet Firefighting Foam and PFAS
3. Timeline - FRNSW Historical Use of PFAS Containing Firefighting Foam

(11/01/16)
Letter From Roger Bucholtz Re: Defined Benefit Income. Letter

(14/03/12)
The FRNSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.  These medals are not automatically issued to existing retirees. If you qualify you must submit a Request To Be Recognised For Long Service And Good Conduct Award form.  Form

Dates Items Last Updated
  *** Funeral Notices 13/10/2026 ***
  *** Commissioner's Orders14/10/2026 ***
Photo Gallery 18/09/2026
Retirement Functions 07/09/2026
Social Events 15/09/2026