The first students to train at a new $23.8 million facility for firefighters at Dubbo are set to arrive on Monday as community members are encouraged to consider volunteering.
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NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) acting Commissioner Rob Rogers has promoted opportunities within the organisation that has more than 72,000 volunteers.
He said the state-of-the-art NSW RFS Training Academy unveiled at Dubbo on Thursday was a sign of its commitment to its members.
"I think it just shows we're prepared to invest in our people and hopefully that provides the impetus for people locally or regionally to join their local brigade, and you can make a difference," Mr Rogers said.
"And also for those people who may not see themselves as doing front-line firefighting, there's a lot of support roles behind the scenes, logistical support, communications operators, so there's a role for everyone.
So if you feel like doing something for your community and meeting a whole lot of great people, think about joining the RFS.
- NSW RFS acting Commissioner Rob Rogers
"So if you feel like doing something for your community, and meeting a whole lot of great people, think about joining the RFS."
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The academy, built in partnership between the NSW RFS and Dubbo Regional Council, includes a large auditorium, lecture theatre, indoor and outdoor training areas, gym and catering services with commercial kitchen.
Stage one includes residential-style accommodation for up to 30 people.
More blocks to be completed as part of stage two within 12 months will take the capacity to up to 97 people.
Mr Rogers said training would continue locally for brigades, but the academy would be used for state and regionally-run courses.
It is located at Dubbo City Regional Airport, with the RFS and emergency services minister David Elliott highlighting its connectivity.
Speaking at the opening, Dubbo mayor Ben Shields had praise for RFS members.
"This facility is going to be a centre of excellence for training for our RFS volunteers," he said.
"We know these volunteers, they are the salt of the earth, they protect us in some of the worst of times... in this Australian environment.
"To have this facility here in Dubbo is certainly an honour."
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Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
