Neighbourhood Safer Places

A Neighbourhood Safer Place is a place of last resort for people to shelter during a bushfire when other protection measures cannot be implemented or have failed.

The NSW Rural Fire Services developed guidelines for the identification of Neighbourhood Safer Places across the state of NSW. The primary purpose of a Neighbourhood Safer Place is the protection of human life.

A Neighbourhood Safer Place is an identified building or space that can provide a higher level of protection from the immediate life threatening effects of a bushfire. Using a Neighbourhood Safer Place still entails some risk, both in moving to them and while sheltering in them and cannot be considered completely safe.

  • Neighbourhood Safer Places do not cater for pets.
  • When using a Neighbourhood Safer Place do not always expect emergency services to be present.
  • Neighbourhood Safer Places do not provide meals, amenity or cater for special needs (e.g. for infants, the elderly, the ill or disabled).
  • They may not provide shelter from the elements, particularly flying embers.

Title Location
Willoughby Leisure Centre 2 Small Street, Willoughby
Gore Hill Oval Pacific Highway, St Leonards
Northbridge Plaza Carpark Harden Avenue, Northbridge
Chatswood Oval - Chatswood High School 4 Centennial Avenue, Chatswood
Willoughby Park Fourth Avenue, Willoughby

These Neighbourhood Safer Places have been sign posted and are ready for use, if required. Additional information on Neighbourhood Safer Places can be found on the NSW RFS web site www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.