Members lead through learning at forum
Five members travelled to Dubbo to take part in the 2026 NSWRFS Learning and Development Forum, sharing their experience and learning alongside more than 240 NSW RFS volunteers and staff.
Held from 31 July to 2 August at the NSW RFS State Training Academy, the forum explored the theme Leading Through Learning, with a focus on sharing practical knowledge and experience and preparing for the future of training.
The three-day program covered a wide range of topics including leadership, volunteer development, training pathways and new technologies.
A highlight for CFA was a presentation on CFA’s new driving simulators, delivered by volunteer instructor and Sebastopol firefighter Darren Pickles. Darren shared the CFA’s process of developing the simulators and how the technology will enhance volunteer driving capability.
The presentation was well received, with around 50 to 60 people attending and strong interest in how CFA had worked with Motum Simulation to develop the simulators.
“The portability of the simulators was a real point of interest,” Darren said.
“Being able to tow them to different locations as required, along with the breadth of training that can be delivered, really caught the attention of RFS personnel.”
Darren said the forum was also an opportunity to see how another emergency service organisation approaches some of the same challenges CFA faces.
“It was interesting to see that both organisations have common issues with training, particularly around improving access while maintaining the quality and evidence requirements of an RTO,” he said.
There was also interest from the RFS Association (RFSA) in having CFA bring one of the simulators to its conference in Tamworth, highlighting the potential for the technology to support broader collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Senior Manager Quality and Evaluation Amanda Norris said the forum highlighted the value of cross-agency collaboration and learning from each other.
“The forum was a valuable opportunity for our members, particularly our volunteer instructors, to build connections and learn from different approaches to training and development,” Amanda said.
“For CFA, it provided an opportunity to showcase our driving training program, in particular our new mobile driving simulators, as well as see what capability NSW RFS is rolling out to their members.”
For Darren, the three days provided a valuable opportunity to share CFA’s work, learn from NSW RFS and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
“It was an interesting three days and well worth the time to go and be a part of,” Darren said.