Communities and Justice

New RFS training centre opens in Dubbo

Last published on 25 Jul 2019 

A state of the art training facility for rural firefighters was unveiled today to deliver expert qualifications for the men and women who put their lives on the line protecting regional communities.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott visited Dubbo today with Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders as well as Rural Fire Service (RFS) Acting Commissioner Rob Rogers to officially open Stage One of the NSW RFS Training Academy valued at $18.2 million of a total $23.8 million investment.

The academy includes a large auditorium and lecture theatre, training rooms, outdoor training areas, and other services. It allows for a variety of environments for emergency services training, either in a classroom or with practical outdoor scenarios.

Mr Elliott said the modern facility will further enhance the skills of RFS members to deal with fires and other emergencies.

“Our state is hugely indebted to the volunteer firefighters who respond in an instant to fires that threaten regional areas. They perform a vital role in enhancing community safety. It is only fitting that the NSW Government is delivering this state of the art training centre in regional NSW to support them,” Mr Elliott said.

Both Mr Elliott and Mr Saunders then joined Mayor of the Dubbo region Ben Shields at the official opening ceremony for the new Dubbo State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) combined unit.

Earlier in the day they also met with Rural Crime Investigators at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Yards to announce six new Rural Crime officers will be introduced to the NSW Police Force as part of the first allocation of the Government’s 1500 extra police.

Mr Saunders said supporting first responders was vital to community safety.

“Whether you are a firefighter on the way to a blaze, a police officer responding to a crime or any other kind of first responder, it is important to know the NSW Government is there to support you. The level of investment in police and emergency services across regional NSW is unlike anything the State has seen,” he said.

Download Media Release: New RFS training centre opens in Dubbo (PDF , 170.2 KB)

Last updated:

13 Apr 2023