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Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is committed to developing a workplace culture which embraces workforce equity, diversity and inclusion to create a culture and environment which is respectful, free from any form of discrimination or harassment, where diversity is valued, and our workforce reflects the communities we serve and protect.

 

Our Employee Networks

FRNSW has a number of staff-led support networks with the purpose of improving the psychological safety, wellbeing and life cycle of every employee. 

The support networks contribute to improved service delivery, develop employee networks, and encourage collaboration across business units. The networks also promote a culture of learning, growth and development, trust, and improved communication. 

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ATSIAC

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council (ATSIAC) was designed to assist FRNSW to appropriately acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their culture, their history and the role they play in FRNSW; and the importance of providing a supportive link to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in a constructive and culturally respectful manner.

The ATSIAC establishes avenues for staff networking, social activities and communication opportunities both internal and external to FRNSW, and provides FRNSW with a mechanism for consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff on key issues including policy, strategy and cultural issues. 

Notable milestones of the ATSIAC include increasing education and awareness for FRNSW Executive and Senior Leadership Teams in relation to Indigenous affairs with events such as the Cultural Immersion in September 2022 at Bateman’s Bay, and the overall inclusion of more Indigenous culture within FRNSW. 

FRNSW demonstrates its commitment to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and communities it serves through recognising events including Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.  

FRNSW has also partnered with Reconciliation Australia and is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan. 

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FRINGE (LGBTQIA+)

The purpose of the FRINGE Network is to provide a safe place to connect with LGBTQI+ staff and allies and provide the Senior Executive Leadership Team and Organisational Development and Leadership Unit with advice and/or feedback for improved cultural support and service delivery across FRNSW.

We are committed to increasing LGBTIQI+ visibility in FRNSW, especially in our regional communities. FRNSW have been present at Pride events in Newcastle and Tamworth, has marched in the Mardi Gras Parade since 2006, and had stalls at the Parramatta and Mardi Gras Fair Days.

FRNSW support LGBTIQ+ youth through attending high profile events such as Wear It Purple, and this has strengthened our relationships with community and other emergency services.

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WIN

The Women's Inclusive Network (WIN) provides an opportunity for staff to gather on a regular basis, discuss issues that they face in the workplace and workshop ways to move forward. It is also a way for the organisation to connect with the participants and provide updates on the work we are doing in this space.

The WIN acknowledges important dates and events – this includes International Women’s Day female guest speakers who are leaders in their fields.

The network is open to both men and women, and while it deals with issues facing our female staff, the benefits are reaped organisation wide.

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CALD

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) staff network was recently established, with the first meeting held in July 2020. 

The CALD network aims to support and advocate for CALD staff across the organisation and identify areas of improvement including policy development, training and access to opportunities. This is an opportunity for CALD staff to network and engage together, identify any issues or areas of improvement and feel empowered in their points of difference.

Key events embraced by the CALD network and wider FRNSW employees includes Harmony Week, Diwali, Lunar New Year and Eid.