This Site Was Last Updated On
10th November 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.
(10/11/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Firefighter Patrick
MORGAN (910402) formerly of 219 Bega Fire Station. Patrick was tragically killed on 2nd November 2026.
Patrick commenced service with Fire and Rescue NSW on 25th October 2024 and continued to serve with commitment and professionalism until his passing.
Funeral details to be advised.
(02/11/2026)
Reminder: NSWFB Retirees Luncheon Wednesday
25th November 2026 at Club
on York. Details
(31/10/2026)
Farewell notice for 6676 S/O Dean 'Magic' Wellfare - Friday, 4th December 2026
4pm Wests League Club Leumeah. Flyer
(31/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of Deputy Captain
Desmond ANNABEL (301003), formerly of 301 Glenbrook Fire Station.
Desmond sadly passed away on Tuesday, 27th October 2026. Desmond joined the New South Wales Fire Brigades on 15th August 1969 and retired 1st March 1995 serving for 26 years.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ for Des will be held on Wednesday 4th November 2026 at 10:00hrs at Lower Mountains Anglican Church, Glenbrook.
1 Wascoe Street, Glenbrook NSW 2773
Updated: (31/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Station Officer
David George FISHER (7354)
formerly of 98 Cranebrook Fire Station. David passed away on 27th October 2026.
David commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 9th December 1994 and retired on 24th February 2020 serving for 26 years.
David served at various fire stations including 27 Parramatta, 86 Penrith, 78 Dunheved, 102 Regentville, 67 Northmead, and 32 Mount
Druitt.
David is the father of Senior Firefighter Mark Fisher, who is actively serving in Alexandria Communications Centre.
Funeral
(29/10/2026)
A ‘Celebration of Life’ for Gordon H WHEATLEY (3778) will be held on:
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time 18:00hrs – 22:00hrs The Edinburgh Castle – 294 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Dusk Bar & Bistro (upstairs)
(29/10/2026)
Latest In-Orders 21/2026
received.
((28/10/2026)
Received from Dennis Cornell Jr - Sickness Notice: Hello.
My father 2951 Retired S/F
Dennis Cornell
has just been informed he has a terminal illness.
I was just wondering if you could post this notice attached onto your website. Just in case some of my dad’s old mates aren’t aware of his condition.
Thanks in Advance Dennis Jr. Notice
Updated: (28/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Captain
Robert HAWKINS AFSM (401006), formerly of 401 Narromine Fire Station.
Robert passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 17th October 2026.
For over four decades, Robert served the Narromine community with exceptional dedication and pride through his membership at 401 Narromine Fire Station. As Captain for 25 years, he provided steadfast leadership and selfless service, culminating in his retirement in 2009 after an extraordinary 40-year contribution.
For generations, the Hawkins family has been an integral part of 401 Narromine Fire Station, exemplifying a proud tradition of service, commitment and community spirit. Robert carried this legacy forward with great dedication.
Today, that proud family tradition continues through his grandson, Captain Lucas Walsh who serves at 401 Narromine Fire Station.
In recognition of his outstanding service and dedication, Robert was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal January 2010.
Funeral
(27/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Senior Firefighter
John WEST (4628) formerly of 64 Lakemba Fire Station. John passed away suddenly on 25th October 2026.
John joined NSW Fire Brigades on 8th October 1971 and retired 1st July 2004 serving for 33 years.
John served at various Fire Stations including 10 Redfern, 21 Kogarah, 01 City of Sydney, 29 Rockdale, 52 Campsie, 54 Cronulla, 25 Mosman, 46 Sutherland, and 20 Hurstville.
John's family has advised that a Private Cremation Service for John is being arranged
(26/10/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Station Officer
Wayne NICHOLS on 24th October 2026 after a long illness. Whilst Wayne joined and retired from the NSWFB, he also served for a period with the ACTFB returning to the NSWFB when responsibility for the ACTFB was transferred to Canberra.
Wayne served at various fire stations including 24 Manly, 36 Crows Nest, 50 Hornsby, 01 City of Sydney, 23 Drummoyne, 28 Marrickville, and 05 Newtown.
Funeral details will be made available when received.
(23/10/2026)
Berry Merry Xmas for Perm/Retained/Retired FFs. Friday 4th December 2026 at Great Southern Hotel Berry.
Flyer
(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
(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.
(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 of Items Last Updated
*** Funeral
Notices 10/11/2026 ***
*** Commissioner's
Orders 29/10/2026 ***
Photo Gallery
18/09/2026
*** Retirement
Functions 22/10/2026 ***
*** Social Events
29/10/2026 ***