Hi Wolecki
I'm retained in Tayside - good luck, btw. After the application went in I got called to a selection where they did a few physical tests: a jog / run bleep test, climbing a ladder, running out / making up some hose a few times, a couple of lifting tests, a quick breathing apparatus check and a confined spaces test (you wear bulky breathing gear, boots and the big hat and have to crawl/climb your way through a dark cage / maze). After this was an interview with 2 fire personnel. Everything was explained well, there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions etc. It was bloody snowing.
After passing this bit, I got called back for a pretty thorough medical / physical a while later. Step test, grip test, a few others and more prodding and poking than I expected.
If you pass all that, you'll get on to the basic training (which is when you start getting paid). Tayside have their own training centre in Perth now so you'll get home every night. Again, good luck