The local RFS District received the Training Encouragement Award for their diligence in getting local volunteers  trained and keeping their skills up to date.

The bi-annual NSW RFS Learning and Development Forum is for RFS instructors, assessors and District Learning and  Development Officers.  

In addition to training demonstrations there were also sessions with guest speakers from other emergency service agencies and interstate bushfire organisations.

There were only six awards presented at the event which covered the whole state.

Cudgegong District Learning and Development Officer Andrew Williams said that the award is recognition for the extra effort that local RFS personnel put in to keep their skills sharp.

“This shows the effort of, not only the staff, but the volunteers to put in the time to attend these kind of training days,” he said.

“We do a lot of training within the district but it’s also important that they go to more advanced training which is run by the state and then bring those skills back are share them with local volunteers.

“We send our members away to advanced workshops and these learning and development forums where they do professional development which keeps their skills up to date and teaching them new ones.”

In the lead up to the Learning and Development Forum, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said training was an important part of the organisation.

“NSW RFS members train regularly in order to prepare for the many and varied types of incidents they face,” he said.

“Having a well informed and skilled team of trainers across the State ensures that our members get the critical skills needed to serve their communities safely and effectively.”