The next generation of NSW firefighters will be trained in new state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney’s west with purpose-built props to simulate fire, rescue, hazardous material handling and other emergency situations.
The official opening of the new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy by Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter today marked a new chapter for the agency that has trained recruits at Alexandria since 1974.
Mr Grant said the academy is set to be a world-class training facility, ensuring the best possible preparation for our firefighters in their vital work protecting lives and property.
“The men and women of FRNSW invest a great amount of time in intensive training and the NSW Government is investing in them with the facilities they need to ensure they can undertake their important work,” Mr Grant said.
“Our firefighters operate in an increasingly complex and ever changing environment and this training academy has the ability to adapt to these changes now and into the future.
“This new FRNSW Emergency Services Academy will be the home of where great firefighting careers start and continual professional development is undertaken with the very best in new technology and equipment.”
The six-hectare site at Mamre Road at Erskine Park includes six lecture rooms, offices, a large gymnasium and outdoor exercise area, a virtual reality training room and a fire station simulation area, complete with a watch room and pole.
The recruits will also have access to a new five-storey fire tower to learn how to deal with fires in high-rise complexes and a simulated collapsed building for Urban Search and Rescue training to ensure they’re prepared to respond in times of natural disaster.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the official opening was not just a celebration for the emergency service but also a great win for the Western Sydney community.
“The academy is another example of our Government’s commitment to relocating public-service jobs and boosting the economy of Sydney’s western region,” Mrs Davies said.
“We want to see our community continue to be a place where people feel confident to live, work and invest, now and in the future.”
Commissioner Baxter said the academy will replace the existing FRNSW training college at Alexandria, which is more than 40 years old and about one-third the size of the new site.
“The college has served our organisation since 1974, but 40 years is a long time in firefighting and our training needs have evolved,” said Commissioner Baxter.
“Firefighting and rescue methods have changed dramatically, particularly as the emergencies we tackle become more complex, more diverse and, potentially, more dangerous.
“This new academy will ensure our firefighters are prepared for anything – and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
The fire tower development is expected to be completed in early 2019, while the simulated Urban Search and Rescue collapsed building will be relocated from Ingleburn.
About 150 permanent staff, both uniformed and civilian will relocate to the academy, which will welcome its first class of recruit firefighters next year. On any given day, there will be up to 350 people at the academy campus.
The official opening of the new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy by Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant, Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter today marked a new chapter for the agency that has trained recruits at Alexandria since 1974.
Mr Grant said the academy is set to be a world-class training facility, ensuring the best possible preparation for our firefighters in their vital work protecting lives and property.
“The men and women of FRNSW invest a great amount of time in intensive training and the NSW Government is investing in them with the facilities they need to ensure they can undertake their important work,” Mr Grant said.
“Our firefighters operate in an increasingly complex and ever changing environment and this training academy has the ability to adapt to these changes now and into the future.
“This new FRNSW Emergency Services Academy will be the home of where great firefighting careers start and continual professional development is undertaken with the very best in new technology and equipment.”
The six-hectare site at Mamre Road at Erskine Park includes six lecture rooms, offices, a large gymnasium and outdoor exercise area, a virtual reality training room and a fire station simulation area, complete with a watch room and pole.
The recruits will also have access to a new five-storey fire tower to learn how to deal with fires in high-rise complexes and a simulated collapsed building for Urban Search and Rescue training to ensure they’re prepared to respond in times of natural disaster.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the official opening was not just a celebration for the emergency service but also a great win for the Western Sydney community.
“The academy is another example of our Government’s commitment to relocating public-service jobs and boosting the economy of Sydney’s western region,” Mrs Davies said.
“We want to see our community continue to be a place where people feel confident to live, work and invest, now and in the future.”
Commissioner Baxter said the academy will replace the existing FRNSW training college at Alexandria, which is more than 40 years old and about one-third the size of the new site.
“The college has served our organisation since 1974, but 40 years is a long time in firefighting and our training needs have evolved,” said Commissioner Baxter.
“Firefighting and rescue methods have changed dramatically, particularly as the emergencies we tackle become more complex, more diverse and, potentially, more dangerous.
“This new academy will ensure our firefighters are prepared for anything – and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
The fire tower development is expected to be completed in early 2019, while the simulated Urban Search and Rescue collapsed building will be relocated from Ingleburn.
About 150 permanent staff, both uniformed and civilian will relocate to the academy, which will welcome its first class of recruit firefighters next year. On any given day, there will be up to 350 people at the academy campus.