RFS Benevolent Fund

The 2019/20 fire season was unparalleled in its ferocity and duration – and in the remarkable generosity of the community in response to the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters.

People around Australia and the world donated a total of $110 million to the NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Trust throughout Black Summer.

This funding has enabled the RFS to deliver a range of projects to assist its members, including new helmets and breathing apparatus for firefighters, improvements to stations and a variety of new equipment. For more information on this funding, visit the NSW RFS and Brigade donation page.

In perhaps its most meaningful investment in the welfare of our people, the RFS is now establishing the RFS Benevolent Fund to better support our members and their families at times of hardship.

The Trust has allocated $10 million to establish this important charity to help care for our people when they need it the most, especially the families of firefighters killed on duty and those injured on the fireground.

The Fund will also be working to provide practical, tangible and compassionate support such as counselling, support services and welfare grants to any of our members experiencing poverty, distress or other difficulties.

The Benevolent Fund has been registered with Australian Securities and Investments Commission and now has an Australian Company Number, as well as, an Australian Business Number on the Australian Business Register.

The application to register the Fund with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and establishment of the Benevolent Fund board are both progressing.

To learn more about the RFS Benevolent Fund visit the website here.

Questions can be directed to Benevolence@rfs.nsw.gov.au.