When Braeden Stephens joined FWSR Group in August 2025, it was the variety of the fire protection industry - and the opportunities it could open up - that caught his attention.

Now working as a Fire Technician from FWSR Group’s Albury/Wodonga branch, Braeden spends his days travelling throughout north-east Victoria, inspecting and testing fire protection equipment and getting to know the people and businesses along the way.

Getting to know Braeden

Originally from Forbes, a small town in central New South Wales, Braeden moved to the Albury/Wodonga region in 2021 and has called it home ever since.

At 32, or a "spring chicken" as he puts it, life outside work includes playing rugby league for Albury Thunder.

Braeden joined FWSR Group at the end of August 2025 after seeing an opportunity to move into an industry offering plenty of variety.

“What really attracted me to the fire protection industry was the vast range of work and the many different avenues it could lead to down the track,” he said.

Life on the road in north-east Victoria

Working from FWSR Group’s Wodonga branch means Braeden’s workplace can look very different from one day to the next.

His role involves inspecting and testing fire and safety equipment to ensure it is compliant, operating correctly and meeting current standards.

“A typical day might involve travelling to several different businesses or schools and completing six-monthly or annual servicing for our customers,” Braeden said.

“It can vary quite a bit depending on the site - one business might have five assets and another could have 55.”

The travel involved in servicing customers throughout north-east Victoria has also taken him to plenty of different places - something Braeden sees as one of the perks of the job.

“It’s been great. The variety of businesses and places I get to visit on a daily basis has given me the opportunity to build some great working relationships.”

More than meets the eye

One of the biggest discoveries for Braeden since entering fire protection has been just how much goes into keeping buildings and their occupants protected.

“There’s so much more to the industry than I originally thought, and there’s a really good reason and purpose behind everything we do when it comes to fire protection and keeping people and property safe.”

It’s something he thinks would surprise many people outside the industry too.

“Most workplaces have a lot more fire protection equipment than people probably realise.”

But for Braeden, the people are just as important as the technical side of the role.

“I enjoy all the different people I meet every day and being able to build good working relationships with business owners, managers and their teams.”

Looking ahead
Over the next 12 months, Braeden is keen to continue learning and broaden his experience across FWSR Group’s range of services.

“I’m looking forward to working with more of the team across FWSR Group and continuing to develop my skills across some of the other areas and services we cover.”

And his advice for anyone considering following a similar path into fire protection?

“If you don’t like driving, it’s probably not for you! And if you do - find yourself some good podcasts.”

Quick-fire questions

AFL team?
I follow NRL more, but I’ll stick with the Brisbane theme and say the Lions.

Early start or late finish?
Early start.

If you won $1 million tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Buy a house and go on a holiday.

Favourite place to visit in north-east Victoria?
Some of the smaller towns, like Yackandandah or Beechworth.

If you could spend a day working in any other role across FWSR Group, what would it be and why?
I’d have to say Rhys’ role (Regional Operations Manager). I think it would be great to see just how much we cover and get a look at that side of the business. Also, the office is always the perfect temperature!