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.

Written by Jim Smith

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.
Amanda Dardanis, Jim Smith, Mark Dobson, March 04, 2025
How to protect your pets and livestock
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How to Protect Your Pets and Livestock from Bushfire

Pets and livestock need to be part of your bushfire survival plan. Here is how to create a plan to keep animals and humans safe.
Jim Smith, Claire Burke, 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.
Claire Burke, Jim Smith, Mark Dobson, March 04, 2025
A family sitting by the fire in their backyard
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Can I Have a Fire in My Backyard?

Even if you’re allowed to light an outdoor fire in the backyard at your home during cooler months, regulations can change quickly during bushfire season.
Karen Fittall, Jim Smith, March 04, 2025
Australian bushfire season
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What Do We Know About the Coming Australian Bushfire Season?

Learn about the upcoming bushfire season, climate change impacts, risks in Australia and how to prepare your property during this high fire risk period.
Chelsea Spresser, Jim Smith, Mark Dobson, March 04, 2025
Prepare your bushfire emergency stockpile shopping list
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Bushfire Planning: Your Emergency Stockpile Shopping List

Prepare for bushfire season with our emergency stockpile shopping list. Plan for your family’s safety with evacuation essentials if you have to leave.
Chelsea Spresser, Jim Smith, March 04, 2025
Bushfire preparation tips to protect your home
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The Power of Bushfire Preparation: Stories from Real Life

Discover bushfire preparation tips to protect your home and family. Learn from experts and see real-life examples of why preparedness is important.
Chelsea Spresser, Mark Dobson, Jim Smith, 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.
Jim Smith, Amanda Dardanis, 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.
Amanda Dardanis, Jim Smith, Mark Dobson, 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.
Jim Smith, Mark Dobson, Chelsea Spresser, 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.
Mark Dobson, Jim Smith, Amanda Dardanis, March 04, 2025
Outside jobs to do now
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Outside Jobs to Do Now, Before Bushfire Season Begins

Prepare your home for bushfire season with these essential outdoor tasks. Learn what to do now to protect your property before the fire season begins.
Jim Smith, Chelsea Spresser, December 11, 2024