NSW RFS Training Academy

Last week, the NSW NSW Rural Fire Service was proud to facilitate the Level 3 Intelligence Officer course, bringing together participants from the other emergency services sector.

The training was facilitated at the NSW RFS Training Academy, where representatives from Fire & Rescue NSW, the ACT Rural Fire Service, QLD Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation of NSW learned alongside NSW RFS personnel.

While developing the knowledge and skills required for the role of an Intelligence Officer was the focus of the course, one of the greatest outcomes was the collaboration between agencies.

Throughout 2026, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has enjoyed a highly collaborative and productive partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). This year, we (NPWS) has utilised the NSW RFS Training Academy for a number of training courses, Crew Member, Level 2 IC and Op’s with consistently positive feedback received from participants and trainers alike.

Having access to such a professional facility and staff has been greatly appreciated by our learners and trainers and has played an important role in ensuring positive training outcomes for our staff.

We are proud to be able to collaborate with other emergency services to further develop their staff.

We look forward to welcoming more courses in 2026 and beyond.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson visited the RFS Training Academy in Dubbo today.

Hosted by Acting Commissioner Kelly Quandt AFSM, the visit included meeting with members of our Learning and Development team and students undertaking an aviation training course, providing an opportunity to showcase the facilities and programs that prepare our volunteers and staff to protect communities across NSW.

The visit formed part of a broader tour of the Central West and Orana regions.

Firies Climb for MND 2026 | Jacob Rapley This year, I've taken up the challenge to do . This challenge is hard, but not as hard as MND which is a progressive, terminal neurological disease. It affects the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow, causing them to deg...

Michelle & April travelled to the RFS Academy in Dubbo on Friday to participate in a weekend IMF Training course.

Incident Management Functions (IMF) is a training program which provides awareness in the IMT (Incident Management Team) functions of control, intelligence, planning, logistics, operations, and public liaison, as
well as human factors in incident management.

Both of members have advised this was a valuable learning experience and will assist with their capabilities within the Fire Control room as Comms Operators.

Our brigade continues to develop and train providing support to our district and communities when required.

🔥 The NSW RFS Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBAN) Course was recently held in Dubbo at the NSW RFS Training Academy , bringing together participants and trainers from across agencies and interstate for an intensive, hands-on learning experience. 🔥

FBANs play a vital role in supporting Incident Management Teams by analysing weather, fuel, and terrain conditions to predict fire behaviour. Using specialised modelling tools, they test potential fire scenarios and provide clear, time-based advice to planners and Incident Controllers, helping inform critical operational decisions.

Throughout the course, participants strengthened their skills in interpreting fire behaviour models, understanding uncertainty, and communicating complex information through concise briefings and mapping products. A key message reinforced throughout the training was that models are decision-support tools—not answers—and that professional judgement remains essential.

The course also highlighted the value of collaboration and shared learning, with knowledge and experience exchanged across agencies and jurisdictions. Programs like this continue to strengthen capability, build networks, and enhance our collective preparedness across the fire community.

👏 Thank you to all participants, trainers, and support staff who contributed to the success of the course.

NSW Rural Fire Service