Members are classified as ordinary, probationary, associate, or junior. In The Hills Comms, we have additional member types: Reserve and Social.
An ordinary member is someone who has the below. Associate members may convert to ordinary membership if they meet the competency requirements and are accepted at an AGM or general meeting.
Completed at least six months probation;
Met all NSW RFS membership conditions;
Achieved the required minimum competency; and
Been formally accepted as an ordinary member at an AGM or general meeting.
A probationary member is someone:
Whose application has been accepted for processing by the NSW RFS; and
Who has not yet been accepted as an ordinary or associate member.
Additional provisions:
May be appointed a field officer once minimum competency requirements are met.
May be elected as an administrative officer.
Cannot vote unless appointed as a field officer or elected as an administrative officer (and if so, are counted toward quorum).
Any time served as a junior member counts toward the probationary period.
An associate member is someone who has:
Completed at least six months probation;
Met NSW RFS membership conditions;
Achieved the appropriate competency level; and
Been accepted as an associate member at an AGM or general meeting.
Additional provisions:
Ordinary members may convert to associate membership if they meet competency requirements.
Categories of associate members are set by the Brigade Management Handbook.
May attend and speak at AGMs and general meetings.
Cannot vote, nor be elected or appointed as a field or administrative officer.
A junior member is someone who:
Is 12–18 years old;
Is not an ordinary or associate member;
Has had their application accepted under NSW RFS requirements; and
Has been accepted by the Brigade.
Additional provisions:
May participate in brigade activities once minimum competency is achieved, in line with youth participation standards.
May attend and speak at AGMs and general meetings;
Cannot vote, except for junior leader elections;
Cannot be a field officer or an administrative officer (except junior leader);
Not counted for quorum purposes.
A request must be made in writing to thehillsrfscomms@gmail.com if you wish to change your member status, detailing the change you want to make and a brief description of why you are making this request. This will then be assessed and then forwarded to the FCC to be actioned.
CAD is the Computer Aided Dispatch system that is used to manage resources and incidents. If you would like to nominate yourself to be trained in CAD, contact the Training Officer. More information available on the Systems & Technology page.
The Operational Command Vehicle (OCV) is a mobile communications and command centre, often deployed to complex incidents to assist the Incident Controller (IC) with incident management and coordination. In The Hills, the OCV is a modified caravan and is equipped with communication systems, radios, and is used to manage the incident at a location closer to the incident.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering with the OCV, contact DC Tony Derwin via tonyderwin@bigpond.com.
We have many support positions in the brigade to assist Officers with their portfolios.
While these positions are typically voted on at the AGM, there are always opportunities to join working groups, fill vacancies, or get involved in the social committee or community events throughout the year.
No specific experience is required, and we encourage all members to speak with their shift supervisor, Captain, or SDC about taking on additional roles.
We hold regular information sessions for new members throughout the year. All prospective members must complete the online application form and follow the required steps.
Existing RFS members wishing to transfer to Comms or become dual members must also complete this form. A brigade member will then contact the applicant to discuss attending the next information session to continue their application process.