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.
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
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.
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