Thomas Norman (pictured), a dedicated Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer from Illabo, has received a significant boost for his mission to recruit more young people into the ranks of rural firefighters.
Backed by a $50,000 grant from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF)’s Backing the Futures program, Norman plans to launch a social media campaign aimed at showcasing the realities and rewards of RFS membership through the eyes of young volunteers.
The Backing the Futures initiative supports early-stage ideas that empower young people aged 12–30 in rural New South Wales, with 10 grants available in the state and one in Queensland.
Norman’s project, titled My RFS Story, will feature 240 short videos produced for Instagram and Tik-Tok.
Filmed authentically on his phone, the series will include interviews with young RFS members discussing the challenges, excitement, and personal growth they experience.
“There’s an ageing volunteer base – our average age is around 50 or 55,” Norman explained. “I’m keen to get more young people involved to ease the pressure on our senior members.”
He highlighted the inter-generational benefits, noting that experienced older volunteers, like his grandparents in their 70s, can pass on decades of knowledge while younger, fitter members handle demanding call-outs.
“For example, when the siren goes off at 1 am, my grandparents no longer feel the need to respond because I’m there representing our family,” he said.
Norman emphasised the profound personal impact of volunteering: “If you join the RFS, you’ll become a better person – even without trying. It changes you through serving your community on a purely voluntary basis.”
He shared stories of community sacrifice, such as farmers abandoning harvest operations – at significant financial risk– to fight neighbours’ fires.
“That’s what makes it special: the community sacrificing for each other, even when it’s hard,” he said.
As much as volunteers give to their communities, Norman believes they gain even more through skill development, lifelong friendships, and character growth.
The project also addresses recent changes, including Australia’s social media restrictions for those under 16.
While content will target users over 16, Norman encourages younger teens (from age 12) to join as cadet members and explore full firefighting roles from age 16.
Content production is set to begin next year. Interested young people or their parents can follow Norman’s social media account@AussieFarmerTom for updates, links to application forms, or to contact local brigades directly.
– Jack Murray
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