Group leaders take command in NSWRFS course

This is the second CFA group to participate in the program under the current arrangement.  

More than 20 CFA members - including CFA instructors and representatives from the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) - completed the course in Dubbo in 2023. That group helped evaluate the course’s suitability as a foundation for CFA’s Sector Commander, Divisional Commander and Level 2 Operations Officer training pathways. 

Delivered by NSWRFS, the course covers the principles of fire behaviour and suppression in field command roles, command, control and communications in multi-team incidents, and reacting and responding to unforeseen events.   

Members who complete the course are awarded national units of competency in PUAOPE016 – Manage a multi-team sector and PUAOPE023 – Manage operations for a Level 2 incident.     

“We’ve had great feedback from members who completed both course offerings, especially around the practical knowledge and real-life experience that NSWRFS trainers bring,” DCO Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said. 

“We’re excited to incorporate elements of their approach into the future rollout of our own courses.” 

Rohan also acknowledged the commitment of those who took part. 

“Thank you to all the members who put their hand up for this training,” he said.  

“It’s a demanding course that requires focus and time, and we’re pleased to see that it’s delivering not just the competencies we need, but also keeping members highly engaged throughout.” 

The Group Leader training opportunity aligns with a recommendation from the AFAC Training Review to encourage collaborative training and the integration of off-the-shelf training opportunities into CFA’s training offering.