Free coffee and a chance to serve: Bega firefighters launch On-Call recruitment drive

Fire and Rescue NSW is taking a practical, community-first approach to recruitment in Bega, inviting locals to sit down over a free coffee, ask questions and find out what it takes to become an On-Call firefighter.

The South Coast recruitment drive is aimed at strengthening the Bega brigade while giving residents a low-pressure way to learn more about both fire safety and a paid part-time role protecting their local community.

Coffee with a firefighter

Two informal “coffee with a firey” sessions are being held in Bega this week. Firefighters will meet members of the public at Osteria Da Franco on Auckland Street at 11am on Tuesday 18 August, followed by a second session at Café Evolve on Carp Street at 10am on Thursday 20 August.

The coffee is on the fire crews, but the conversation is expected to range well beyond recruitment. Residents will be able to discuss home fire safety, ask what On-Call firefighters actually do, and learn how the paid role can fit around other work and family commitments.

For people who want more detail before deciding whether to apply, a recruitment information night will be held at Bega Fire Station at 6pm on Tuesday 25 August.

The brigade will also take the recruitment campaign into the community at the Ayers Walkway from 10am to midday on Thursday 27 August and again from 10am to midday on Saturday 29 August.

What an On-Call firefighter does

On-Call firefighters respond to emergencies and help deliver fire safety education in their communities. Fire and Rescue NSW says previous firefighting experience is not required, making the role accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds who are willing to train and be available when needed.

Training can include structural firefighting, advanced first aid, general land rescue, working safely at heights, atmospheric monitoring, gas detection and incident management. Recruits can also work towards nationally recognised qualifications and a medium rigid driver licence upgrade.

The role is paid on an hourly basis and is designed to operate alongside other employment. Fire and Rescue NSW says increased pay and leave provisions were awarded to On-Call firefighters in August 2025, and for some people the part-time role can become a pathway into a permanent firefighting career.

Local service with wider skills

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said On-Call firefighters play an important role in keeping communities prepared for emergencies. He described the position as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work closely with a team and build skills that can transfer into other careers.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said the district benefits from firefighters who are prepared to step forward when the community needs them most. He encouraged people who have considered firefighting to meet the local crew and learn more about the role.

The recruitment push comes at a time when Fire and Rescue NSW is also continuing to stress the importance of basic household fire protection.

Free home fire safety visits

Bega firefighters are encouraging local households to book a free home fire safety visit. During a visit, firefighters can provide personalised safety advice and, where required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm at no charge.

According to the Fire and Rescue NSW release, firefighters were unable to locate a working smoke alarm in 46 per cent of more than 2,300 residential fires attended by the service in 2026. The figure underlines why the brigade is combining its recruitment activity with a direct safety message for local households.

Residents can request a free safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW home fire safety visit service.

Applications close on 30 August

Candidates interested in joining the Bega On-Call brigade can apply until 11:55pm on Sunday 30 August 2026. Fire and Rescue NSW says applicants do not need previous experience, but they should be prepared to train, respond to incidents and become part of the local emergency response team.

The current vacancy is listed through the Fire and Rescue NSW careers portal.

For Bega residents who are curious but not yet ready to apply, the upcoming coffee sessions and information night offer a chance to hear directly from firefighters before making a decision.

Source: Fire and Rescue NSW media release, issued 17 August 2026.