FERST is the trusted fire safety, emergency response training and compliance specialist for ACT and NSW organisations. Since 2007, we’ve delivered expert training, risk management, and emergency planning solutions to over 800 clients across 1,800+ sites throughout the region.
Emergency Response Training Services: Our team delivers Fire Safety Training Chief Training, Warden training, Fire Warden certification, building evacuation exercises, fire extinguisher training, and Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) facilitation. All training is customised to your facility and complies with AS3745-2010: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities.
Evacuation Diagrams & Emergency Plans: We create high quality professional evacuation diagrams, emergency management plans, and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) that meet Australian Standard AS3745-2010 requirements. Every diagram is site-specific and reflects your facility’s actual layout and emergency procedures.
Experienced Emergency Trainers Every FERST trainer delivering fire safety training, brings real frontline experience from Fire & Rescue, Australian Defence Force, Rural Fire Service, or emergency management roles. Our team has over 120 years of combined operational experience responding to actual emergencies.
Industries We Serve
- Government agencies (Commonwealth, State, Council, Agencies)
- Universities, schools and early learning centres
- Healthcare and aged care facilities
- Corporate offices and commercial buildings
- Hotels, motels, cafes, restaurants, retail centres and hospitality venues
- Industrial facilities and warehouses
- Community organisations
Why Choose FERST for Emergency Training? ✓ 15+ years serving ACT & NSW organisations ✓ 800+ clients, 1,800+ sites under management ✓ FPA corporate members ✓ Nationally Recognised and Compliance training options ✓ 100% Australian-based—never outsourced ✓ Tailored, site-specific solutions ✓ Fast response times and flexible scheduling ✓ Fire safety training site specific
Compliance with Australian Standards: FERST training and documentation meets and exceeds:
- AS3745-2010: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities
- AS4083-2010: Planning for Emergencies in Healthcare Facilities
What We Do
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Emergency Training & Courses – We design and deliver customised training packages that reflect the unique risks and needs of your workplace, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and current legislation.
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Evacuation Diagrams & Response Tools – Our in-house team produces professional evacuation diagrams, emergency response manuals, and other compliance tools for your facility.
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Ongoing Compliance Support – We continuously update our materials and courses to align with the latest laws and regulations, keeping your workplace compliant and your people safe.
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Online & Face-to-Face Training – From nationally recognised units to workplace-specific courses, we deliver flexible learning options both online and in person to suit your team’s needs.
Why Choose FERST?
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Trusted Experience – Close to 20 years of proven service across diverse sectors.
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Real Expertise – Delivered by specialists with frontline emergency backgrounds.
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Secure & Local – All work is completed by our Australian-based team. We never outsource or send client floorplans overseas.
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Tailored Solutions – Every service is adapted to your facility, your people, and your compliance requirements.
Our Team
Gary Cheeseman is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of FERST Training Solutions, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience across government and private sectors. Since establishing FERST in 2007, Gary has grown the business into a trusted emergency response and safety training provider servicing clients across the ACT, NSW, and beyond. With a strong focus on client relationships, tailored service delivery, and compliance excellence, Gary has led FERST to secure long-term contracts with government, education, and corporate organisations. He is recognised for his ability to build strategic partnerships, oversee complex projects, and deliver consistent value through practical, standards-aligned training solutions.
Brent Wallis is a Senior Emergency Response Trainer with extensive experience delivering structured training across government, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors. Since joining FERST in 2019, he has specialised in facilitating Chief Warden and Warden programs, evacuation exercises, fire awareness training, and scenario-based drills, all aligned to AS3745-2010. With over 25 years of service in the NSW Rural Fire Service, Brent also brings advanced bushfire management expertise, having served as Captain and Deputy Group Captain. His hands-on operational background ensures that FERST’s clients receive training that is both practical and realistic.
Joseph Kuit is FERST’s Drafting Specialist, with more than six years of experience preparing compliant evacuation diagrams and fire safety plans. Combining 20 years in the construction industry with technical drafting expertise, Joseph ensures that all diagrams and safety documents meet AS3745-2010 requirements and accurately reflect each site’s risks and layout.At FERST, Joseph works closely with trainers and clients, conducting site inspections, updating plans, and producing evacuation documentation tailored to each facility. His precision and attention to detail support FERST’s reputation for high-quality, compliant safety documentation.
Kerri-Lea Borchard is an Emergency Response Specialist with over 25 years of frontline firefighting, emergency management, and adult training experience. Since joining FERST in 2023, she has delivered compliance-based training programs across government, healthcare, education, and commercial sectors.Kerri-Lea is highly skilled in facilitating Warden and Chief Warden training, evacuation exercises, fire extinguisher training, and guiding EPCs and ECOs. With a long career in Fire & Rescue NSW as a Deputy Captain and Unit Trainer, she brings extensive operational knowledge and leadership to every training session.
Martin Price – Emergency Response Specialist
Martin Price is one of FERST’s most experienced Emergency Response Specialists, with more than 40 years in fire protection, training, and safety services. Since 2007, he has provided FERST clients with AS3745-compliant evacuation diagrams, tailored emergency plans, and warden training across government, health, aged care, education, and commercial facilities. Martin’s career spans senior roles with Chubb Fire, National Fire Solutions, and Canberra Fire Services, along with earlier service in the Australian Army. His technical expertise in fixed fire protection systems, risk assessments, and compliance documentation makes him a highly trusted advisor to clients.
Scott Mackay – Emergency Response Specialist
Scott Mackay is an Emergency Response Specialist with more than 20 years’ experience spanning military service, construction project leadership, and emergency preparedness. Since joining FERST in 2019, he has delivered AS3745-2010 compliant training programs, evacuation exercises, warden courses, and emergency response documentation for a wide range of clients. A former Australian Defence Force Combat Engineer and Instructor, Scott has led teams in high-pressure environments and brings those leadership skills into his training delivery. His combined expertise in emergency management, WHS, and construction ensures FERST clients receive adaptable, practical, and engaging safety solutions.
James Cheeseman – Senior Evacuation Diagram Specialist
James Cheeseman has been an Evacuation Diagram Specialist with FERST since 2017, delivering evacuation diagram projects, supporting client programs, and assisting with installations and emergency response projects. With a strong background in customer service, sales, and field operations, James combines practical communication skills with service delivery to help organisations improve their safety and compliance outcomes. His ability to build and maintain client relationships, source new opportunities, and technical eye makes him a valuable member of the FERST team. James’ versatile career across retail, construction, and safety services adds a broad base of operational knowledge to his design approach.
Trusted by Leading Organisations
“FERST’s practical, scenario-based training gave our wardens real confidence. The trainer’s frontline experience made all the difference.” — Safety Manager, Major ACT Government Agency
“We’ve worked with FERST for over 10 years across multiple sites. Their responsiveness and attention to detail keep us compliant and our people prepared.” — Facilities Manager, Education Institution
“As a regional business ourselves, we value FERST’s personalised approach. They understand our facility and tailor training to our actual procedures.” — Operations Director, Healthcare Provider