IFARES - Indigenous Firefighter Pathway

About IFARES:

IFARES is a recruitment readiness training program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people residing within NSW and ACT (when applicable). This initiative has been designed by Aboriginal Fire and Rescue NSW staff together with our training partner, TAFE to increase the access for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people of NSW to enter careers with FRNSW. IFARES participants complete training from FRNSW and undertake Certificate III qualification provided by TAFE NSW.

While IFARES is not a paid opportunity, it may lead to a permanent role as a firefighter with FRNSW. The next intake will commence early December 2025 with a 2-day in-person workshop in Sydney. The IFARES program concludes in September/October 2026.

About you:

To be considered for IFARES, you:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• Are an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen

• Are 18 years of age or older

• Reside within NSW for the duration of the program

• Hold a valid Australian driver's licence, minimum Provisional (Red P1 or State/Territory equivalent) with demonstrated eligibility for Green P2 by the conclusion of the IFARES program

Successful applicants are required to meet the satisfactory driving requirements for permanent firefighter candidates:

• Full licence holders must not exceed a maximum of 7 demerit points
• Provisional licence holder must not exceed a maximum of 1 demerit point
• Safe and responsible driving history

On successful completion of the program, IFARES graduates are required to meet criminal record requirements for permanent firefighter candidates.

For more information on the opportunity, including driving history requirements, please review the IFARES Applicant and Participant for please contact

About us:

FRNSW is one of the world's largest urban fire and rescue services and is the busiest in Australia. Our overriding purpose is to enhance community safety, quality of life, and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, property, environment and economy of NSW. We are prepared for anything – helping anyone, anywhere, anytime. Visit our Careers Page to learn more about Fire and Rescue NSW.

Our commitment to diversity:

Great people come from all walks of life and at Fire and Rescue NSW we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects the community we serve.

We welcome people with diverse experience, skills and backgrounds, and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals who identify as LGBTIQ, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages.

If you are a person with disability and require specific arrangements to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the FRNSW Talent Acquisition Team by email at

How to apply:

There will be a two-step application process with a written application followed by a video interview question.

To be considered for this role, please provide an up-to-date resume which details your skills and experience as relevant to this role.

Please answer the following two targeted questions. It is recommended you draft your responses in a Word document then paste into the required field in the online application.

A response to two (2) targeted questions:

1.What has motivated you to apply for the IFARES program?

1. Describe your unique skills, knowledge and experiences you will bring to the role.

At the conclusion of the written application period eligible applicants will be sent a link by 3.00pm Friday 17 October 2025 to complete a video interview.

Applicants need to provide their current resume/CV, proof of citizenship such as birth certificate or passport and a screen shot of their driver's licence and demerit points.

Visit the PSC website for helpful information on writing your application:

Written applications close: 11:55pm Thursday 16 October 2026