Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is enhancing its tactical operations by including the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Western Sydney Wanderers in its partnership program designed to support firefighters' health and wellness.
This initiative, called the Tactical Athlete Resilience Program (TARP), was officially launched in August after a successful trial period.
Through TARP, FRNSW firefighters gain access to top-tier strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and facilities utilized by some of Australia's elite athletes.
Preventative Readiness Component
TARP features a preventative readiness component that aims to maintain firefighters in peak condition while also offering rehabilitation services for those injured on duty.
The Sharks and Wanderers join an array of other sports teams, including the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, and NSW Swifts, in supporting this program.
Their involvement broadens TARP's reach across Sydney's southern and western areas, providing increased access for local brigades and personnel.
New Training and Rehabilitation Opportunities
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter highlighted that the inclusion of the Sharks and Wanderers would present new training, treatment, and rehabilitation opportunities for firefighters.
"It is important we continually boost the resilience of our workforce by finding ways to decrease the incidence and impacts of illness and injury," said Commissioner Baxter.
"TARP has already proven to be a game-changer in this respect, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting our firefighters in innovative ways."
Immersive Engagement Activities
To integrate the clubs into the program, Sharks players Blayke Brailey and Blake Hosking, alongside their Elite Pathways Physical Performance Manager Daniel Miladinski, recently participated in a 'Firefighter for a Day' experience at FRNSW's Emergency Services Agency in Orchard Hills.
The NSW Swifts also engaged in this immersive activity, which aims to help sports teams understand the unique challenges and hazards faced by firefighters, thus enabling better-tailored support strategies.
TARP is supported by workplace injury insurer EML, and FRNSW is actively seeking ways to extend the program to include more sporting codes and locations.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is bolstering its forward pack, adding two more elite sporting clubs to a partnership program supporting firefighters’ health and wellbeing.
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Western Sydney Wanderers have now signed onto the Tactical Athlete Resilience Program (TARP), a unique initiative which officially launched in August following a successful trial.
TARP gives FRNSW firefighters access to the first class strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and facilities used by some of Australia’s top sportsmen and women.
Preventative readiness component
It includes a preventative readiness component, which keeps firefighters at the top of their game, as well as rehabilitation services for firefighters injured on the job.
The Sharks and Wanderers join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons and NSW Swifts in supporting the program.
Their addition expands TARP’s footprint across Sydney’s southern and western suburbs, improving access for local brigades and personnel wishing to benefit from the partnerships.
New training, treatment and rehabilitation options
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the Sharks and Wanderers would create new training, treatment and rehabilitation options for those on the firefighting frontline.
“It is important we continually boost the resilience of our workforce by finding ways to decrease the incidence and impacts of illness and injury,” said Commissioner Baxter.
“TARP has already proven to be a game-changer in this respect, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting our firefighters in innovative ways.”
Immersion activity
As part of their club’s introduction to the program, Sharks young-guns Blayke Brailey and Blake Hosking recently joined their Elite Pathways Physical Performance Manager Daniel Miladinski in a ‘Firefighter for a Day’ experience at FRNSW’s Emergency Services Agency in Orchard Hills.
The NSW Swifts also participated in the immersion activity, which is aimed at deepening the sporting clubs’ understanding of the unique occupational demands and hazards firefighting presents and therefore allow them to tailor their support.
TARP has the backing of workplace injury insurer EML. FRNSW is exploring ways to expand TARP across more sporting codes and locations.
