
Jim Smith
Former Deputy Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW & General Manager of Ordinary Courage.
Jim Smith
Jim Smith is an active Rural Fire Service volunteer and former Deputy Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW. Jim served as NSW State Emergency Service Commissioner and is a recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal (2008) and the NSW State Emergency Services Commissioner’s Commendation for Service (2015). He is General Manager of workplace mental health consultancy Ordinary Courage, and volunteers as a solicitor with Youth Law Australia. Youi is proud to partner with Jim in the creation of this bushfire preparedness content.

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Introducing Jim Smith & Mark Dobson: Meet Our Bushfire Experts
Ordinary Courage's Jim Smith and Mark Dobson have teamed up with Youi to better physically and mentally prepare Australians for bushfire season.
March 04, 2025

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How to Protect Your Pets and Livestock from Bushfire
Whether your animals are part of your family or part of your livelihood, including them in your bushfire survival plan is essential not only for their safety but for yours, too.
March 04, 2025

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How Climate Change is Affecting our Bushfire Seasons
Climate change is causing hotter, drier conditions in Australia, and increasing the risk of bushfire frequency, intensity and unpredictability.
March 04, 2025

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Can I Have a Fire in My Backyard?
Are the warm summer nights tempting you to spark up your charcoal barbecue or gather around a fire pit?
March 04, 2025

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What Do We Know About the Coming Australian Bushfire Season?
Fire experts and meteorologists are warning that Australia could be in for a challenging bushfire season, with above average temperatures contributing to an increased risk of fire in parts of the country.
March 04, 2025

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Bushfire Planning: Your Emergency Stockpile Shopping List
There’s more to being properly prepared for bushfire season than outside jobs such as clearing your gutters and trimming overhanging branches.
March 04, 2025

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The Power of Bushfire Preparation: Stories from Real Life
If there’s one thing active firefighter Mark Dobson knows after years of fighting some of Australia’s worst bushfires, it’s the value of preparedness before and during bushfire season.
March 04, 2025

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What to do if You’re Stuck at Home During a Bushfire
How to increase your chances of survival if you’re caught in a bushfire: An essential guide to bushfire preparation and what to do during and after the fire.
March 04, 2025

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How to Prepare Your Mind for a Bushfire
Being bushfire ready means knowing how to prepare for a bushfire psychologically. Here’s what to expect, plus tips on how to prepare children and face stress.
March 04, 2025

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Bushfire Preparation Jobs to Do This Weekend, This Month and This Year
Get ready for fire season with essential bushfire preparation tips. Learn what tasks to do this weekend, this month and this year to help you stay safe.
March 04, 2025

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Bushfire Decision Time: Know When to Go
Australia faces intense bushfires, making leaving early your best bushfire safety plan. Here’s how to prepare your home and occupants to leave early.
March 04, 2025

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Outside Jobs to Do Now, Before Bushfire Season Begins
Being ready for bushfire season is all about planning ahead and preparing your home and property well before the fire season starts in your region.
December 11, 2024