IFARES

Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy

The Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) is an initiative designed to provide recruitment readiness for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to prepare, encourage and assist them in becoming Permanent Firefighters. It is specifically structured to break down long standing barriers to Indigenous recruitment of First Nations People.

This year there is a two-step application process with an online written application followed by an online video interview question.

Written applications will close 11:55pm, Thursday 16 October 2025.

All eligible applicants will be sent a link to complete a video interview on Friday 17 October 2025 which must be submitted by 11:55pm, Monday 20 October 2025.

You must complete both the written application and the video interview to be considered for the program.

What is IFARES?

IFARES is a recruitment readiness pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people residing within NSW. Designed by Aboriginal FRNSW staff, IFARES has been increasing access to FRNSW careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 2014.

The aim of the IFARES Program is to provide equity and opportunity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to gain employment with FRNSW.

IFARES provides participants with a genuine FRNSW recruit firefighter experience by immersing them into simulated training activities and routines of emergency first responders.

Participants will also complete a Nationally Recognised Certificate III qualification provided by our training partner , TAFE NSW. The qualification will be delivered via a culturally safe and supportive adult learning environment with flexible online and face-to-face delivery.

Another key outcome for participants is exposure to the FRNSW recruitment process. They will have targeted learning opportunities that provide unique insight into the recruitment of permanent firefighters. Throughout the program participants undertake physical, emotional, intellectual and social activities designed to build the confidence, resilience and courage which will empower and inspire them towards a career with FRNSW.

IFARES Program schedule and timeline

Phase 1: Application timeline

IFARES applications open in September/ October each year, with a minimum of 2 weeks for submission. Applications are assessed in November, with applicants notified within four weeks of applications closing.

Phase 2: Tracks to IFARES timeline

Tracks is delivered in-person over 2 days, scheduled in December. The Tracks assessment is conducted during this session, with participants advised of the outcome within 2 weeks.

Phase 3: IFARES training timeline

IFARES training commences in March/April, with training scheduled in blocks of 4 days, face to face every 5 weeks along with weekly online components over a minimum of 6 months. Each block will focus on either Certificate III qualification with TAFE , FRNSW-specific training, cultural learning and/or career readiness.

Phase 4: Permanent firefighter recruitment pathway

The FRNSW Permanent firefighter recruitment pathway is conducted over one week. The recruitment process is scheduled in September/October each year.