There are many situations not limited to emergency service issues that are important to our members. We are very aware of the impact that the drought and the economic climate can have upon our us all and we would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the assistance and support that is available.

Local support

You are encouraged to talk about your concerns with someone. Family and friends can form an important network of support and assistance during tough times.

We can also offer professional assistance, counselling and support through our newly appointed Chaplain.

Rev Jenni Roberts has joined up as a volunteer firefighter and as the Monaro Team Chaplain. Having a Chaplain who is in touch with the firefighting culture, emergency service demands and local issues is invaluable.

Jenni can be contacted on 6453 3277 or go to our contacts page to send Jenni an email.

NSW Rural Fire Service Counselling and Support Unit

Operating within the Health Safety & Welfare Section is the NSW Rural Fire Service Counselling and Support Unit which provides professional counselling and support services to members of the NSW Rural Fire Service and their families.

Services are provided via a dual mechanism of trained volunteer peer support personnel and an external contracted agency of qualified psychologists experienced in the provision of counselling to Emergency Service personnel.

For all enquires relating to counselling and support services please contact Counselling & Support Service personnel on the following numbers:

1. For urgent requests regarding Critical Incident Support Services dial 1800 049 933
2. For enquiries to the Counselling & Support Unit dial 02 8741 5223
3. For the Member Assistance Program dial 02 8741 5223

The welfare of emergency service personnel has long been recognised as being essential to the maintenance of efficient and effective emergency services agencies.

Counselling and support services available to volunteers and their immediate family members are the Critical Incident and Support Services (CISS) and the Member Assistance Program (MAP).

Critical Incident & Support Services (CISS)

This service has been established to provide critical incident support services to all members of the NSW Rural Fire Service experiencing critical incident stress reactions during or after an operational incident.

Critical Incident Support Services available include:

1. pre-incident information education;
2. one-to-one interventions;
3. on-scene support;
4. a range of group intervention;
5. individual counselling;
6. referrals;
7. chaplaincy; and
8. family support.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

There are a number of ways for helping emergency service personnel deal with critical incident stress, including relaxation training, strenuous physical exercise, defusing and critical incident debriefing. However, the most effective method has been found to be the processes involved in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).

CISM is used by most emergency services in Australia and the western world and is designed to mitigate or reduce the severity of the impact of a critical incident, and accelerate the normal recovery process of people who have been exposed to very unusual events.

Accessing Critical Incident Support Services

When Critical Incident Support Services are required, the Team may be activated at any time during the day or night through the CISS Duty Officer contacted via State Operations on  1800 049 933 – 24 hours. All information is treated in strict confidentiality.

General Enquiries or Education Requests

For general information, or to arrange education sessions, contact Paul Scott, CISS Manager at Head Office during business hours on (02) 8741 5223.

For more information, download the brochure by clicking the link below.

Your experience is a very personal one and this brochure may help you to know how others have reacted to similar situations. It will also show how you can help normal healing to occur and to avoid some pitfalls. 

Member Assistance Programme (MAP)

The Service recognises the need to support its volunteer members who may be affected by situations or circumstances not directly relating to their RFS membership or operational activities. In these cases, information and referral assistance is available, which helps members and their families identify options to address their needs and will endeavour to locate an appropriate practitioner within their local area.

For confidential enquiries, please contact Paul Scott, Manager Counselling & Support Unit on (02) 8741 5223.