Volunteering for cyclones, fire and disasters

Introduction

Volunteering is about helping others in your community, especially in times of need - such as during cyclones, fires and severe storms.

To work in some volunteer roles, you will have to get a criminal history check. For some you will need a working with children clearance notice, also called an Ochre Card.

Criminal history check

You can apply online for a criminal history check. You can apply in person at any Territory Business Centre or police station.

As a volunteer, the fee for this check is $5.

Your National Police Certificate will be sent to the volunteer organisation for their assessment. You will also be sent a copy.

For further information you should talk to your volunteer organisation or contact SAFE NT at safent.police@nt.gov.au or 1800 723 368.

Working with children clearance

You can apply online for a working with children clearance, or in person and by mail. You can also apply in person at any Territory Business Centre.


Volunteer with the NT Fire and Rescue Service

In remote areas that don’t have a nearby fire station, the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) relies on volunteers.

In some communities, fire and rescue volunteers respond to all types of incidents, with the nearest full-time firefighters often based hundreds of kilometres away.

As a volunteer you may be called upon to assist firefighters or local police in emergencies or natural disasters.

This could include:

  • fighting bushfires
  • bushfire hazard reduction by early season burning off
  • helping at vehicle accidents
  • helping during floods
  • helping during cyclones
  • teaching about fire safety.

Volunteer members respond in the first instance to emergency calls within their district.

They may also attend emergencies in other volunteer fire brigade areas when asked to help at major incidents.

How to volunteer

Find out more about volunteering with NTFRS on the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website or email firevolunteercoordination@pfes.nt.gov.au.


Apply to be a volunteer with Bushfires NT

A bushfire volunteer helps the community from the effects of the bushfires.

Bushfire volunteers are landholders and members of the community - men and women from all cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions.

Read about Bushfires volunteers and brigades.

Role of volunteers

There are a range of Bushfires NT volunteering roles that will suit a variety of people on and off a fire ground.

Volunteers take part in the following types of work:

  • fighting and preventing bushfires
  • fuel hazard reduction
  • going to bushfires and operating firefighting equipment
  • operational support during a bushfire
  • fundraising for local brigades
  • basic vehicle and equipment maintenance
  • joining a committee
  • community engagement.

If you join a committee, find out what your roles and responsibilities will be. Read about committee members of an association.

Eligibility

To be a volunteer with Bushfires NT, you must:

  • be 16 years or older
  • be a member of a volunteer bushfire brigade
  • get support from your local brigade captain to submit an application.

You will be given training to ensure you are a confident, safe and competent brigade member.

Your appointment will be considered based on the following criteria:

  • relevant skills and training
  • relevant health or medical factors
  • any history of serious criminal conviction.

How to apply

To become a volunteer with Bushfires NT, you should follow the below steps:

Step 1. Join a volunteer bushfire brigade. To find a brigade near you, contact your local volunteer brigade.

Step 2. Fill in the Bushfires NT application for appointment PDF (2.0 MB).

This includes:

  • an application
  • national police check
  • talent release authorisation
  • 100 points of identification.

Step 3. Get your application endorsed by the captain of your volunteer bushfire brigade.

Step 4. Submit your completed application to your local Bushfires NT office.

Member roles

Members who want to actively participate in fire mitigation and suppression activities are appointed as one of the following.

Authorised bushfire volunteers

Authorised bushfire volunteers are appointed by the executive director of Bushfires NT under the Bushfires Management Act 2016.

Their role is part of a chain of command when:

  • responding to a bushfire incident
  • conducting planned mitigation works.

To become an authorised bushfire volunteer, you must complete the Fire Fighting 1 (FF1), which includes 2 nationally accredited units:

  • PUAFIR210 - Prevent Injury
  • PUAFIR204 - Respond to Wildfire.

Fire wardens

The executive director, Bushfires NT may appoint a person to be a fire warden.

Fire wardens are experienced volunteers who can:

  • issue fire permits to landholders within their brigade area
  • provide command and control at bushfire incidents.

To become a fire warden, you must complete the PUAFIR303 - Suppress Wildfire accredited unit.

This training will provide the knowledge required to:

  • work as a member of a crew to apply appropriate fire control strategies and safe work practices to extinguish a bushfire
  • participate in mop-ups and patrol operations
  • prepare equipment.

If you are interested in applying, your brigade captain must support your application.

Training

Authorised bushfire volunteers must complete 2 days of mandatory training before participating in bushfire mitigation and suppression activities.

For more information, email bushfiresnt.training@nt.gov.au.

Injury and liability

Appointment as a Bushfires NT volunteer protects you from liability when you're:

  • participating in the chain of command
  • acting in good faith during a bushfire response.

Bushfires NT volunteers are eligible for compensation under the Return to Work Act 1986 while conducting brigade activities.

Other things you need to know

Volunteer Code of Conduct

The code of conduct sets the standard for how Bushfires NT volunteers are to behave when acting as a volunteer.

It also provides direction to ensure Bushfires NT maintains the support and confidence of the community.

Read the Bushfires NT Volunteer Code of Conduct PDF (446.8 KB).

Volunteer employee rights

Read about out how your employee rights are protected when responding to a bushfire.

Strategy

To develop and enhance volunteer programs, Bushfires NT consulted volunteers and stakeholders.

Read more about the strategy on the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security website.

Bushfire Volunteer Association

The association ensures the views of Bushfires NT volunteers are recognised.

If you are a Bushfires NT volunteer, your'e automatically a member.

The association influences decisions relevant to members and their future.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact your local volunteer brigade.


Volunteer with NT Emergency Service

Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) volunteers play a big role in keeping their communities safe in times of emergency and disaster.

Role of Emergency Service volunteers

Emergency Service volunteers undertake a variety of roles according to their abilities, training and interests, including:

  • helping people and their community after a storm or natural disaster
  • helping at a road crash
  • searching for a missing person
  • responding to a range of other incidents
  • administration
  • public awareness displays and community events.

Training and recognition

You will receive training that will help in developing leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Volunteer members may also receive certificates and medals for their service.

How to volunteer

Find out more about volunteering with an NTES unit on the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website or email ntes@nt.gov.au.