NEW AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER CAMPAIGNS

Two new campaigns to improve auxiliary firefighter recruitment and retention have been launched in Toowoomba today.

Attending the Toowoomba Community Cabinet, Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said the new Employer Recognition Project had been developed to acknowledge the support provided by the employers of auxiliary firefighters.

“Employers are continually asked to release the auxiliary firefighters they employ for firefighting duties as a lot of callouts are during business hours,” he said.

“So it’s essential that we build and maintain a strong level of goodwill with those employers – their support is essential for us to be able to continue to provide high quality fire services to local communities.

“Also, many of the firefighters are self-employed or run their own business so when they’re called out their partners or staff cover for them, so this project will also recognise their significant contribution.”

Mr Purcell said stage one of the project includes increased contact between employers and their local Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Area Directors as well as the production of promotional resources for the businesses to display.

The campaign will be trialled in the South Western region initially, with a view to rolling it out statewide.

Mr Purcell also launched a new auxiliary firefighter recruitment campaign that will air on ABC Local Radio across Queensland.

“Along with many other organisations, the QFRS is facing ongoing challenges in recruitment as people try to balance their work, family, and outside commitments,” he said.

“Like our firefighters, ABC Local Radio is an important part of local communities right across Queensland and I thank them for their strong support of this campaign.”

Listeners throughout Queensland can hear these auxiliary firefighter recruitment messages on their ABC local radio over the coming weeks.

Auxiliary firefighters are employed on an on-call basis by the QFRS to respond to emergencies in their local communities.

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.