Ifares - Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy

Applications for IFARES close soon, at 11:55pm on Thursday 16 October 2025. Don’t miss your opportunity to take the first step towards a firefighting career. Apply at careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/ifares

The IFARES program helps participants learn about the permanent firefighter recruitment process. With targeted preparation and support, you’ll gain the skills, confidence and resilience needed to help with career as a firefighter.

Upon completion of the IFARES program, you will receive a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification from TAFE NSW . This certification is delivered alongside hands-on firefighter training and cultural learning opportunities.

To meet the requirements for IFARES, you must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, be at least 18 years old, live in NSW, and hold a valid driver’s licence. Applicants must also be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident.

Applications for the 2025 IFARES program open today. This program supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to prepare for a career as a permanent firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW. Find out more and apply at careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/ifares

This NAIDOC Week we’re proud to stand with our First Nations communities and celebrate Indigenous leadership in our ranks.

Through IFARES more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander firefighters have joined our ranks. They bring culture, care and leadership to every crew, every shift, every community.

Phase 3 of the 2025 IFARES journey is underway!

Today, 19 participants kicked off their Certificate III in Fitness with TAFE NSW, received their uniforms, and took part in a Yarning Circle led by Indigenous staff and Chief Superintendent Daron Lesslie.

We’re grateful for our partnership with TAFE NSW and proud of the legacy being built by both past and present participants, mentors, and coordinators.

Applications for IFARES 2026 open in October 2025. Learn more here: https://careers.fire.nsw.gov.au/ifares-faq-s

Fire and Rescue NSW have officially launched its first-ever, Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

You can learn more about our journey, and our commitment to reconciliation here: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=896

That's a wrap on Tracks! Run by FRNSW firefighters, Tracks is our 2-day intensive assessment for potential IFARES candidates.

It gives candidates the chance to meet and learn from firefighters before their individual interview and assessment.

Tracks assesses a range of criteria including fitness levels, teamwork and alignment with our FRNSW values. Successful participants will be notified within the next two weeks and move to Phase 3 IFARES Training.

Thank you to those who participated, it was a great group and we are wishing you all the best for progressing to the next phase!

Applications for our IFARES 2025 program close this Sunday! Don’t miss your chance to make lifelong connections while building the confidence, and knowledge needed for a career as a FRNSW firefighter.
Apply today: https://frnsw.net/IFARES