Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new Commissioner, Trent Curtin, to lead the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The RFS is the lead emergency service agency in NSW for bushfires, providing support for communities through its 70,000 volunteer members across a network of almost 2,000 brigades.
The RFS also provides fire and emergency services to protect homes, attend motor vehicle incidents and during search and rescue operations. The RFS works closely with other emergency services in responding to emergencies and natural disasters including recent events like Cyclone Alfred and the mid-north coast floods.
Mr Curtin commenced his career 30 years ago as a volunteer firefighter with the Country Fire Authority in Victoria and has served in senior leadership roles in the emergency services in both Victoria and NSW. These roles included Acting Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner at Fire and Rescue NSW with responsibility for Community Fire Unit volunteers. He also served as Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Fire Rescue Victoria between 2015 and 2020.
Mr Curtin has extensive experience battling major fires, floods and coordinating large-scale responses involving multiple agencies to significant emergency incidents.
The incoming Commissioner will also bring to the RFS a strong track record in crisis management, organisational strategy and a lifelong commitment to safety. He joins the RFS from SafeWork NSW where, as head of SafeWork, he led efforts to reestablish the agency as a strong and independent work health and safety regulator.
The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Curtin will take up his role as Commissioner from Monday, 14 July 2025.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"I am pleased to announce Trent Curtin will be the new Commissioner of the NSW RFS.
"Mr Curtin has extensive experience as an emergency services leader in NSW and Victoria, where he has been involved in managing significant fires and large-scale natural disasters and working with volunteers.
"RFS volunteers are at the forefront of the State's natural disaster response. From the 2019-20 bushfires to more recent flood events, they are a reassuring presence for communities in need.
"Mr Curtin started his firefighting career 30 years ago as a volunteer and I look forward to working with him as he brings his emergency service expertise to an organisation at the frontline of bushfire response.
"I thank the outgoing Commissioner Rob Rogers who will finish in the role on 4 July for his four decades of service to NSW communities."
Incoming Commissioner for NSW RFS Trent Curtin said:
"Having spent most of my life as a firefighter, I am honoured to be appointed Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service and to work alongside the committed volunteers and staff who represent the very best of community spirit.
"The RFS plays a vital role in our communities, responding in the most difficult circumstances to help others in their time of need.
"I look forward to honouring the legacy of the RFS as a community-centred agency, while ensuring we remain ready to meet the challenge of more frequent and intense natural disasters."
