Indigenous graduates take next step toward career in fire and rescue

Callan Morse Published September 7, 2026 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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A group of Indigenous graduates are a step closer to a potential career with Fire and Rescue NSW after completing the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy program. (Image: Fire and Rescue NSW)

A group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates are a step closer to a potential career with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) after completing an Indigenous pathway program.

The 15 candidates recently completed the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) program, which blends face-to-face education with weekly online learning over seven months.

The participants also completed a nationally-recognised Certificate III in fitness with FRNSW partner, TAFE NSW, and took part in simulated emergency scenarios, career readiness workshops and firefighter familiarity sessions.

Among this year's graduates is 22-year-old Tyler Moodie, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father, Jason, a firefighter based at Charlestown and a former NSW State of Origin rugby league player.

Senior Firefighter Moodie graduated from the annual IFARES program in 2017 and says his son shares his desire to help the community.

"Tyler's been saying for a long time that he wants to be a 'firey' and that's his passion, to engage with the community," Senior Firefighter Moodie said.

"It's very achievable for anybody, you just have to show the program respect and put in the required focus."

The participants also completed a nationally-recognised Certificate III in fitness with FRNSW partner, TAFE NSW, and took part in simulated emergency scenarios, career readiness workshops and firefighter familiarity sessions. (Image Fire and Rescue NSW)

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Charishma Kaliyanda, lauded the program.

"IFARES gives participants the basics so that once they reach the recruitment stage, they can apply competitively," they said.

"Each student is paired with a FRNSW Indigenous mentor who provides guidance and support.

"These particular graduates, aged from their mid-20's to late 30's, could become firefighters by early next year."

More than 80 indigenous people have previously completed the program, progressing to firefighting careers in NSW and the A.C.T.

*The 15 candidates recently completed the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) program, which blends face-to-face education with weekly online learning.(Image: Fire and Rescue NSW)*

FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said the program is helping build a firefighting capability with strong local connections and knowledge, while supporting the commitments of FRNSW's 'Reflect' Reconciliation Action Plan.

"Seeing an Indigenous firefighter behind the wheel of a fire truck bearing the name of their local mob is a powerful source of pride for communities," Mr Fewtrell said.

"These graduates often bring valuable local knowledge of fire behaviour, passed down through generations."

Applications for the 2027 IFARES course open in September.