Driving better training: CFS rolls out new Rural Training Trailers

Rural Training Trailers Hero

SA Country Fire Service volunteers will receive more learning opportunities closer to home thanks to the rollout of six new custom-built Rural Training Trailers across the state. 

The $360,000 project provides a practical, purpose-built solution that equips Regional Training Officers (RTOs) to deliver more training programs at local brigades and groups, including in remote areas such as the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY). 

 “These trailers will allow our volunteers to train where they live and serve, without compromising operational readiness while adding significant adaptability and capability to the excellent learning opportunities that already exist within the CFS,” Senior Operations Manager Ben Pettman said. 

Region One Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island Regional Training Officer Wayne Bowman welcomed the new equipment. 

“The trailers will increase the number of sites at which we can hold training, and it also means we are less reliant on having brigade equipment offline for the sessions,” Mr Bowman said. “There’s also flexibility in the types of training we can offer, with Basic Firefighting, Rural Firefighting and pump operations courses able to be undertaken utilising the trailer – you just hook it up, and off you go.” 

Trailer features 

Rural training trailer on car

The project was scoped and driven by RTOs and delivered by Regional Operations, with support from Infrastructure and Logistics, which ensures the design reflects real operational needs. 

“This is a great example of listening to our people and delivering a solution that makes their job easier and safer,” Mr Pettman said. 

Each trailer has been designed to be practical, durable and easy to use in the field. They: 

  • carry a complete rural training kit, ready to deploy anywhere 
  • include additional equipment, such as:  
    • 1,000-litre portable dam 
    • Engel fridge 
    • three-stage ladder 
  • support ergonomic access and efficient stowage, reducing strain on users 
  • enable training in remote and regional locations across South Australia. 

“We’ve focused heavily on usability and safety,” Mr Pettman said. “Everything has a place, everything is easy to access, and that makes a real difference for trainers and participants.” 

Stronger capability, less operational impact 

The trailers will transform how training is delivered by: 

  • reducing reliance on frontline appliances for training activities 
  • keeping operational trucks available for emergency response 
  • allowing RTOs to deliver flexible, localised training 
  • expanding opportunities to train volunteers closer to home 
  • providing standardised training resources and equipment across the state. 

The rollout is also delivering measurable Work Health and Safety (WHS) benefits by minimising repetitive manual handling when loading/unloading equipment, reducing fatigue and injury risk for staff and volunteers and streamlining setup and pack-down between courses. 

“No matter where you train in South Australia, you’ll now get a consistent and safe experience with the same high-quality resources,” Mr Pettman said. 

The trailers were designed and built locally by Fire Trucks Australia and engineered using South Australian suppliers and additional training equipment was funded by the CFS Foundation and RAA through small equipment grants.