This Site Was Last Updated On 27th August 2025
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!
Annual luncheon. This year the Annual Luncheon will be held on
15th October 2025 at Club York, 99 York Street, Sydney. Unfortunately we no longer receive support from Firefighters Mutual Bank and as such the Committee have no alternative but to pass on the full charge to our members and guests who will be attending. This year the cost is $84.00. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
(27/08/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of retired Captain
Edward (Ted) TAYLOR AFSM (375001),
formerly of 375 Manilla Fire Station. Ted passed away peacefully on Thursday, 21st August 2025 aged 82 years.
Ted joined New South Wales Fire Brigades on 15th August 1963 serving the Manilla Community for 62 years.
Funeral
(27/08/2025)
We have received the email below.
If you can help please contact David.
"Hi, I hope you can help me. Being an ex-member of the NSWFB I need to ask you a question, do you have or
know of a company that can supply me an original NSWFB issued pocket line (which was carried by all firemen) which I am in need of
to finish my old turn out uniform. I have the pocket line holder but can’t find the PL anywhere. As you can imagine all my leads are in the same boat as me,
retired. Thank you for your time. Yours sincerely, David Tyszkiewicz
(Tysh) dtysh@bigpond.com +61(0) 455298023
"
(21/08/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise the passing of retired Retained Captain
Trevor Goldthorpe (507001) formerly of 507 Woolgoolga Fire Station.
Trevor passed away on 15th August 2025. Trevor commenced with NSW Fire Brigades on 15th March 1977 and retired 29th December 2005, serving for 28 years.
Note:- The
funeral is tomorrow. Funeral
(20/08/2025)
Send Off for: 6407 Peter Harwood,
Tuesday, 14th October 2025,
1800 hours until late.
Merrylands RSL - Blueys Lounge, 8/12 Miller St, Merrylands.
Flyer
(16/08/2025)
The Commissioner regrets to advise of the passing of Retired Senior Firefighter
Noel BEST (6756), formerly of 251 Cardiff Station. Noel sadly passed away on Friday the 8th August 2025.
Noel joined NSW Fire Brigades on 20th November 1987 and served until his retirement on 21st November 2016, serving for 29 years.
Noel served at Headquarters 001, Waratah 486 and Cardiff 251 Stations.
(14/08/2025)
Latest
Commissioner's Orders
2025/16 received.
(09/08/2025)
The Retirees Association have received this email from Ian McCleary
of the Canberra Fire Museum. regarding the passing of (4839) Tim
Cody formerly of Headquarters (1) and Crows Nest (36). " It is with a very heavy heart that I advise that the Canberra Fire
Museum has been advised this morning of the death of our esteemed brother #102 Tim Cody. He was based in Brisbane and died overnight
following a extended period of ill health. At this time we have no advice of any funeral arrangements but should some come to hand I will
provide a update. Our records show that Tim joined the NSWFB (4839)
on 29th Aug 1975 and resigned from the ACTFB 16th Jun 1981. Tim was a executive member of the
UFU during his time with the ACTFB and saw some difficult times in that
tumultuous period of industrial actions. Tim will be missed. Vale Tim.
Regards Ian McCleary for the Canberra Fire Museum."
(09/08/2025)
Two Paddle Outs in honour of 4982 Senior Fireman Mark Phelan 01.07.1954 - 11.07..2025.
First is 23rd August 2025 at Bronte Beach. Meet at 1030am, paddle out 11am. You are welcome to join us after at Clovelly Surf Club @12.30 to celebrate
Mark's life. Second at Wamberal Beach Saturday 30th August
2025, meet 1030am, Paddle Out 11am. After join us at Breakers Country Club @ 12.30 to celebrate
Mark's life. Flyer1
Flyer2
(23/07/2025)
Another descriptive Fire News report from Retirees Fire News Editor Kernin Lambert
of the Bulk Carrier Iron Chieftain Fire Port Kembla Monday, 18th
June 2018. This uncontrollable ferocious major ship fire of nearly a weeks duration presented Firefighters with unique, hazardous and highly challenging conditions and
circumstances. Article
(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)
(22/05/2025)
Send Off for: 6885 James "Shako" Shackleton Saturday, 30th August 2025 at 6pm.
Gymea Bowls
691-699 Kingsway Gymea Flyer
(25/03/2025)
The next E District Reunion is on Friday, 26th September 2025 at The Redfern Hotel Cnr Redfern and George Sts Redfern Midday onwards. Everyone welcome, not exclusive to E District members. Come along for a few drinks and catch up with old mates. Meals can be ordered at the bar.
Contact Paul Demi Roussis on 0434813131 for more details.
Permanent Messages
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.
(11/08/2023
INTRODUCTION – FIRE NEWS EDITOR
The NSWFB Retirees’ Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of current serving FRNSW Inspector, Kernin Lambert as Fire News Editor. This position on our website has been vacant for some time.
Kernin has been a Member of the NSWFB / FRNSW for twenty-seven years and is currently a Deputy Commander at Metropolitan West 1, C Platoon, Western Sydney.
Since joining the fire service Kernin has always had a strong desire to contribute to the improvement of operations by studying and learning from operational incidents of an unusual, complex or significant nature. His knowledge, coupled with an enormous insight into all aspects of Fire Service operations Statewide, enables him to produce comprehensive operational submissions.
Kernin sent his first article to Fire News in 1997 and in 2000 the Commissioner generously allowed him to write an insert in Fire News known as Fire Operations Journal. Over the years this publication has come and gone a number of times due to changes in editorial direction. However, he never stopped believing in the importance of learning and sharing from operational incidents.
Kernin’s aims have always been to improve fire fighter safety and the effectiveness of operations. This is particularly important as the materials involved in building construction are constantly changing. Some important examples include insulated sandwich paneling, combustible external cladding, tilt slab buildings and now we are seeing a wave of fires due to lithium-ion batteries, not to mention the always present dangers of bush fires.
Congratulations Kernin on this very important appointment of Fire News Editor. We are looking forward very much to reading, viewing and enjoying your Fire News reports, the first of which is already on our website – Port Kembla Ethanol Storage Tank fire.
Regards,
Bill Powell AFSM 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
Commissioner
Corner 25/03/2017
*** Funeral
Notices 27/08/2025 ***
*** Commissioner's
Orders 14/08/2025 ***
Photo Gallery
11/12/2024
Regional
Retiree Reunions 03/10/2024
*** Retirement
Functions 20/08/2025 ***
*** Social Events
20/08/2025 ***