Jim Smith

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.

Veteran firefighters Jim Smith and Mark Dobson
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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
How to protect your pets and livestock
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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
How climate change is affecting bushfire season
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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
A family sitting by the fire in their backyard
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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
Australian bushfire season
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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
Prepare your bushfire emergency stockpile shopping list
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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
Bushfire preparation tips to protect your home
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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
Bushfire preparation when you’re stuck at home
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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
How to prepare for a bushfire mentally
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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
Bushfire preparation
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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
Bushfire safety
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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
Outside jobs to do now
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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