23 March 2026
About 300 Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and their families from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven were thanked and recognised on the weekend at Albion Park Rail at a Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) Family Day.
Attendees had free access to the HARS Aviation Museum, home to some of Australia’s incredible aviation history and a wealth of historic aircraft and aviation artefacts.
The RFSA team served up lunch to members and their families and provided complimentary health checks and access to mental health support services.
RFSA President Scott Campbell said the day recognised the significant contribution of volunteers in keeping people, homes and properties safe.
“RFS members play a critical role year-round, responding not only to bushfires, but other emergencies, including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents or electric car fires,” he said.
“When they aren’t responding to live scenarios, they’re preparing for the next emergency - undertaking training, hazard reduction works and other community engagement.
“RFSA Family Days are an important opportunity for us to give back to our volunteers and their family and friends.
“The RFSA exists to support the volunteers and staff of the Rural Fire Service who give up their time to be there for our communities on what can sometimes be their worst days.”
Media enquiries:
Amy Grodzicki
0448 519 000
[email protected]
About the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA): The RFSA is the representative organisation of the volunteers and staff of the NSW Rural Fire Service, recognised in the Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW). With over 40,000 members – more than 99% of them volunteers – the RFSA runs a range of assistance programs, including equipment grants for Rural Fire Brigades, sponsorship of RFS events, scholarships, volunteer family days and other mental health support programs, as well as advocating on behalf of members to the agency and government more broadly.