The first group of aviation specialists to undertake Air Attack Supervisor and Air Base Manager training at the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Training Academy in Dubbo has given the facility a big tick of approval.
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The facility provides NSW RFS volunteers and staff access to a dedicated training facility to improve further the skills and knowledge they need when responding to and managing emergencies across the state.
The Academy, built in partnership between the NSW RFS and Dubbo Regional Council, is located at the Dubbo City Regional Airport.
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The group confirmed the usefulness of the facility, according to NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Peter McKechnie, by using the facilities services to its full capacity.
Mr McKechnie said the Academy offers a total of six full courses for an array of staff and volunteers.
Mr McKechnie said the first run-through went "really well" and the Academy is "now bearing full fruition and providing value to the regional area."
"These courses were also very well supported by the Airport management team from Dubbo Council," Mr McKechnie said.
"The Academy has made coordination easier, access to technology, so the facility has been good, and already it's proven to be valuable.
"We have had participants from the RFS, both volunteers and staff members, but also other services, including other state emergency services.
"The ability to be able to provide such a facility to our regional area is fantastic and holds a huge significance in the impact it will have on staff and volunteers."
Lismore's Dan Purnell was among the first group to go through the new NSW Rural Fire Service Training Academy in Dubbo.
Mr Purnell said it was a "privilege" to be part of the first group to experience the new Academy, and he thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and experience of such a facility.
Mr Purnell spent three weeks at the training academy before embarking on his ten-hour trip home.
"Three weeks in Dubbo done and dusted," he said.
Training caters from aviation to mitigation and incident management.
Aviation Training refers to the training required for pilots and other responsible personnel to handle flight management.
Mitigation training focuses on the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters.
According to Mr McKechnie, the Academy caters towards all of the necessary training.