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

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.

How to protect your pets and livestock

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.

How climate change is affecting bushfire season

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.

A family sitting by the fire in their backyard

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.

Australian bushfire season

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.

Prepare your bushfire emergency stockpile shopping list

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.

Bushfire preparation tips to protect your home

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.

Bushfire preparation when you’re stuck at home

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.

How to prepare for a bushfire mentally

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.

Bushfire preparation

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.

Bushfire safety

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.

Outside jobs to do now

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.