This Site Was Last Updated On
24th September 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!
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 (14/10/2026).
Nominations for the following positions must be made in writing (email or paper) and forwarded to the Secretary by
Wednesday, 7th October, 2026. President/Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer/6 x Committee.
(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.
(12/09/2026)
Retired Firefighters Annual Parramatta Bar - B - Q 11am Thursday 5th November 2026. 27 stn. Parramatta welcome’s retired firefighters to come together in November to enjoy old friendships and good memories to share a meal with today's firefighters “ D “Plt.
Please support this special day with your attendance. It started in 1998 with Ins. Peter Malek and “ C “ platoon.
Contact : Alan Hitchell 0414 477 467 96285675 alan.hitchell@gmail.com
Ray Kelly 0458 687 765 nswfbretirees@gmail.com
Station Officer 27 stn. 94931027 -98954620 Numbers attending by
Friday 31 / Oct. / 2026 Flyer
(11/09/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Captain
Douglas WHITE (078003) formerly of 78 Dunheved Fire Station.
Douglas passed away 4th September 2026. Douglas commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 1st November 1978 serving the community of Dunheved and St
Marys.
Funeral
(10/09/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Senior Firefighter
David Frederick LEONARD (1909). David passed away on Tuesday 18th August 2026.
David commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 1st August 1955 and retired on 28th August 1972 serving for 17 years.
A memorial service was held for David to honour his memory on Friday 4th September 2026.
(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
(07/09/2026)
Send Off for: Kevin Schmitzer Saturday 10th October 2026 from 5.30pm
at Cambelltown Catholic Club, 20 Camden Rd Campbelltown NSW. Let's give Kevin the send off he deserves!
Flyer
(06/09/2026)
Updated:
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of the recent passing of retired Station Officer
Kevin Alan FORREST (2090) on 15th August 2026. Kevin joined the NSWFB on 06/04/1956 and retired on 15/03/1996, serving for 40 years.
Kevin Forrest Memorial Service, Wednesday 16th September, 11am-Morning Tea,
Northmead Bowling Club-Windsor Room. Kevin Forrest Memorial Service-
Wednesday 16th September, 11am-Morning Tea,
Northmead Bowling Club-Windsor Room.
(04/08/2026)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Firefighter
Peter KUHN (259018) formerly of 259 Condobolin Fire Station.
Peter passed away on 27th August 2026. Peter joined the NSW Fire Brigades on 1st November 1992 and retired 15th February 2001 serving for 9 years.
A private service has been held for Peter. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the celebration of Peter's life on
Friday 18th September at the Condobolin Sports Club, commencing at 2.00pm.
(30/08/2026)
E District Reunion 25th September at THE REDFERN Cnr George and Redfern Streets Midday onwards. Food and drinks can be purchased at the bar. To celebrate Darrell Bubba Boon please wear a Hawaiian shirt if you wish. Demi 0434813131
Flyer
(21/08/2026)
Updated:
The NSWFB Retirees Association has been advised of the passing of retired Station Officer
Warren BUCHANAN (2713) on Monday, 17th August 2026. Warren joined the NSWFB on 03/06/1960 and retired on 18/03/2003, serving for over 42 years.
Warren was the father of serving Insp. Raymond BUCHANAN, brother of the late retired S/O Ian BUCHANAN and brother-in-law of the late retired S/O Ian SALTER.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the funeral service for Warren.
A wake will be held immediately following the service at the Pagewood Hotel, located across the road from the funeral venue.
Funeral
(19/08/2026)
Latest Commissioner's Orders
2026/16 received.
(19/08/2026)
Tribute page for 5999 S/O Kevin CAREY: If any firey would like to leave a message
here's the link. https://tributes.smh.com.au/au/obituaries/smh-au/name/kevin-carey-obituary?id=62189606
(14/08/2026)
The Retirees Association has arranged a visit to the Emergency Services Academy at 1-5 Distribution Drive ORCHARD HILLS NSW 2748 off Mamre Road on
16th September, 2026 from 11:00 to 14:00 hours. Anyone wishing to attend please contact the Secretary no later than
09/09/2026 by email nswfbretirees@gmail.com
or telephone 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 Items Last Updated
*** Funeral
Notices 23/09/2026 ***
Commissioner's
Orders 19/08/2026
*** Photo Gallery
18/09/2026 ***
*** Retirement
Functions 07/09/2026 ***
*** Social Events
15/09/2026 ***