Operational
Members that have firefighting qualifications or recognised experience. This classification includes members who are firefighters and members who fulfil specialist or support roles.
For example: Firefighter, Air Base Operations, Field Communications and Catering, and other members who fulfil a role that requires Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Operational Support
Members who do not require firefighting qualifications or recognised experience but fulfil equally important roles.
For example: Catering, Communications, Community Engagement, Chaplaincy, and Junior Members. PPE and uniforms may be issued.
Administration
Other important roles where PPE is not required and members do not participate in field activities.
For example: Brigade Administration, Fundraising and Social Secretaries. PPE is not required, but uniforms may be issued or acquired.
Reserve
Members whose participation is infrequent but available for operational or operational support roles during major incidents.
For example: Members awarded Life Membership honours, who are no longer active within the brigade, members on leave of absence, or members that cannot participate regularly. PPE and uniform may be required depending on the role.
Social
Members who are involved only on a social or ad-hoc basis. They may infrequently contribute to brigade events, fundraising, or promotions, or occasionally be called on to assist in non-firefighting roles, but otherwise do not wish to participate in brigade activities. PPC/PPE or uniform is not required.
Probationary members
5.6 A probationary member is a person:
(a) who is aged not less than 16 years;
(b) whose application for membership of the Brigade has been accepted in accordance with Service Standard 2.1.6 Joining the NSW RFS as a Volunteer Member (including Transfer Applications);
(c) who has not yet been accepted as an ordinary member of the Brigade; and
(d) whose role in the Brigade is to coordinate its activities and/or participate in the training and supervision of its junior member. 5.7 A probationary member may be appointed as a cadet coordinator, deputy cadet coordinator, or cadet leader.
Ordinary member
is a person who has:
(a) satisfactorily completed a probationary period of at least six months;
(b) complied with any conditions of membership imposed by the NSW RFS;
(c) been accepted as an ordinary member by the district manager and, if the Brigade is sponsored by a school, the principal; and
(d) whose role in the Brigade is to coordinate its activities and/or participate in the training and supervision of its junior members as a cadet coordinator, deputy cadet coordinator or cadet leader.