Will Frederick and Aurelia Parsley at the Wentworth Falls Station. (Photo: Quintin Handley)
Story by Quintin Handley
Aurelia and Will, two inspiring local teenagers, are making a difference in their community by volunteering with the Wentworth Falls Rural Fire Brigade. Learn more about their motivations and how you can get involved.
Key Points:
The number of young people in the RFS is steadily growing over time, according to members themselves.
The next generation of up and coming rural firefighters in Wentworth Falls are encouraging others to sign up to their local brigades.
Aurelia Parsley and Will Frederick are two otherwise regular local teenagers in their final year of High School, the kind you might grumble at for being loud on public transport. Aurelia hopes to study Agricultural Sciences at university, and volunteers at Taronga Zoo during the school holidays, and Will Frederick plans to join the army after school. But by night, on the weekends, and during their summer holidays, they are training to stand between your homes, lives, and property, and the devastation of bushfires.
The pair are just two of the many local volunteers in the Wentworth Falls Rural Fire Service Brigade.
Fire is not the only experience in the RFS however, and as Aurelia pointed out, it’s a close knit community of friends: “Sometimes it’s like a second family to me.” She stresses that though there is some danger, there is also excitement, opportunities for personal growth, and the fulfilling knowledge that you are doing something for the sake of your community that is both vital and difficult, and possibly even directly saving the lives and livelihoods of fellow locals.
“I one hundred per cent absolutely recommend it to anyone with an interest in helping others,” says Aurelia of joining the RFS, adding that they are ready to take more people on, and that the RFS as a whole has been experiencing a large influx of young volunteers in recent years. Anyone older than 16 is free to join up and, with parental permission, get out fighting fires once their basic training has been completed. Those older than twelve can serve in auxiliary roles away from danger.
Will Frederick said he found the RFS to be very welcoming and friendly, and that it was “definitely a good eye opener for those interested in jobs serving the community.”
Will Frederick working on one of the fire trucks kept at the Wentworth Falls Brigade. (Photo: Tim Parsley)
Aurelia officially joined up in 2018 at the age of 12, but told us that she had already been heavily involved in the community through her father Tim Parsley, who is captain of the brigade. “Growing up it was always a thing I was surrounded by. My parents were the inspiration really,” she said of her motivation to join. She explained that the process for joining is very simple, and that an online form followed by an in-person interview forms the bulk of the process.
Will said he joined “to help my community. Living in a bushfire-prone area, that gave me the urge to join, especially after the 2019/20 bushfire season.” The process started early this year after he participated in work experience for the Katoomba Fire Control Centre, where he was encouraged to volunteer for the RFS by the employees.
Left: Aurelia suiting up in RFS operational gear. Right: Aurelia Parsley and another RFS member during vehicle fire-fighting training. (Photo: Tim Parsley)
Aurelia gave us a description of the first fire she ever fought in the RFS at the age of 17: “My first fire was way down Westbourne Avenue in Wentworth Falls. It was my first time going to a fire in a truck and it was lights and sirens all the way there, really cool. The fire had started up a hill and was creeping down into a valley, so we were just chasing this fire with our hoses. It was a hard day, but a really fun one for a first time. Before you’re 16 it’s hard, wanting to go out and not being able to, but that day was great.”
Of the work in the RFS both said they found it adaptable and fun. “Training is pretty flexible, usually once a week. You’re always accommodated,” said Will. The time it takes to complete basic training and being able to get out and actually fight fires depends on the dates at which the course exams are held and the amount of time you are willing to spend each week to get towards that goal, but Aurelia estimated that on average it would usually take no longer than six months.
During that time the volunteer can assist in maintenance and auxiliary roles such as clearing fire trails in preparation for hazard reduction burning. As for responding to fires after basic training is complete, Aurelia said that “generally call-out is only if you’re already at the station, for routine fires we’re usually called when it’s near lookouts, deep in the bush, etc.”
There are 22 brigades throughout the Mountains which young prospective volunteers may consider joining, so there is sure to be one near you. Interested persons may apply through the RFS website, or by contacting the brigade they wish to join directly. Links are provided at the end of this article.
Statewide the RFS has more than 70,000 volunteers, which makes it larger than the entirety of the ADF. Though the role carries a deal of responsibility, as Aurelia said it takes “some courage – and a lot of resilience,” the brigade is a warm and welcoming community eager to teach those with the will to learn and the heart to serve.
Aurelia Parsley using the fire hose during an operation. (Photo: Tim Parsley)
Take Action:
Join up! All brigades are constantly looking for new members. The details of all 22 brigades in the Blue Mountains can be found here
If you don’t wish to join up or can’t join, but still want to support those protecting you and your family from bushfires, secure donations can be made to the RFS online here
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable final Skill Share Saturday for the year yesterday with Qigong, Fashion Upcycling, Seed Saving and Bushcare! We shared seeds from local gardens and harvested carrots, as well as Mizuna, Broad Bean, Daikon and Land Cress seeds from the Planetary Health garden. We then packaged up (and shared) our first Upper Mountains Seed Savers packs for our fledgling Seed Bank. In Bushcare it`s very exciting to see whole new areas of the Planetary Health Precinct open up as we remove invasive weeds. It`s been a year of great progress as we`ve restored habitat for wildlife and given local native plants the opportunity to flourish and re-establish on the site.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Quintin is a student studying history at the University of Sydney and a graduate of Penrith High School. He is currently writing for the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative’s Local News and wishes to pursue a career in journalism.
In Katoomba, a grassroots litter-picking group tackles rubbish before it reaches our water supply. Their story shows how local environmental action, fueled by community connection, can drive meaningful change for planetary health.
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_threadsIcon_order" in /srv/users/katoomba/apps/production/public/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 165
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_blueskyIcon_order" in /srv/users/katoomba/apps/production/public/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 170
Warning: Undefined array key "sfsi_bluesky_display" in /srv/users/katoomba/apps/production/public/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-social-media-icons/libs/controllers/sfsi_frontpopUp.php on line 266
Enjoyed this article? Please help spread the word :)
Support the Future of Solutions-Focused Neighbourhood News
