It aims to honour the heroes who risk their lives to safeguard their communities.
It serves as a day to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of firefighters who protect their communities and save lives while putting their own in danger.
This date was chosen for its connection to the feast day of St Florian - the patron saint of all firefighters.
On December 2nd, 1998, five firefighters lost their lives while battling a fierce wildfire in Linton, Victoria.