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The following member communique was sent to members on Saturday 14th March 2020:
Dear Members,
As many would be aware, CFA announced last night that the State Championships to be held in Mooroopna on the 28th and 29th of this month (March) has been cancelled. This follows the Commonwealth Governments announcement yesterday afternoon that in response to COVID-19 that mass gatherings of more than 500 people should not go ahead.
Our State Council Executive met today, and agreed that while we will explore any and every opportunity to reschedule later in the year, the reality is the prospect of a rescheduled competition being possible is very remote. COVID-19 still has a long way to go yet, and many sporting bodies seasons are likely to be interrupted or extended which will leave very little opportunities for rescheduling remaining. For this reason we don’t wish to give false hope, and the feeling of the Competition Committees and State Council Executive is there is unlikely to be another opportunity, so it is very likely there will be no State Championship held this year, and we will need to put our sights on next year’s competition, which will again be held in Mooroopna.
I want to acknowledge the disappointment that many of you will be feeling. Being part of a very large, iconic organisation like CFA brings with it a responsibility, and one that frequently calls upon us to make a sacrifice. We all share that responsibility to put our communities first and do our part to ensure we set a good example, and focus on the difficult periods ahead. Our brigades, groups, competitors, judges, officials, competition committee’s and the local host committee have put more than 12 months preparation into what was going to be a fantastic celebration of our Urban and Rural Competitions and the fantastic spirit of CFA. That work will not be lost, and how we handle this unavoidable set back will also be a demonstration of the pride and community spirit we carry and will always have for our communities safety.
Please also understand that this decision not only impacts on us, but there is significant impact on the Greater City of Shepparton that was to host this years competition, as well as many local traders, sponsors and partner organisations that were all looking forward to this historic event.
Work has been underway to respectfully and diligently make the appropriate arrangements to advise these organisations. On Monday, we will be personally contacting all competing brigades and groups who have entered, in case any have not been advised via electronic means. We will also provide a refund of any and all entry fees for any brigade or group that has made payment.
We are intending to hold further discussions with CFA over the coming weeks, and will do our best to support and assist any brigade or group that has trouble getting any accommodation refunds or finds themselves out of pocket. Could we please request that as Brigades/groups work through these logistics that you keep in mind that for many of these local organisations they too will be experiencing financial loss as a result. So please be polite and calm, and we’ll calmly work through the various arrangements and issues as they arise. We are committed to supporting you as best we can.
Thank-you to all members who play an active role in supporting the Championships, whether as an organiser or a competitor. On behalf of VFBV and State Council, please allow me to convey how terribly sorry we all are that this has occurred, and we share your disappointment. As it is still very early days, there are still many arrangements that are unfolding, and we’ll keep members updated as changes occur.
Stay safe, and keep your heads up.
Response to recovery
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Two significant milestones were reached over the last two weeks. On the 19th February, after 90 days of sustained activity – the Tambo complex fire was declared contained. Just eight days later and following 98 days of active fire activity - the Snowy complex fire was also declared contained on the 27th February.
Incredibly, this marks the first time during the current fire season that Victorian fire crews are not responding to broad acre out of control fires. Despite many hundreds of local personnel (including international and defence force crews) remaining deployed managing contained fires and new starts, these events signal what is hopefully a permanent downward trend in the current fire season.
And while there is still much work ahead of us, I want to echo the many heartfelt well wishes that are coming from many grateful and humbled Victorians. The tireless and selfless efforts of so many of you and our fellow emergency service partners over what has been such a prolonged period of high operational activity is most deserving of praise and thanks. Your commitment to your communities and public safety is exemplary.
As operational tempo begins to fall, our efforts and priority will continue to swing to recovery operations.
As I explain to others, this is one of the key areas that differentiate emergency management volunteers and is part of what makes you so special.
Not only are you amongst the first ones moving into communities during periods of response but long after the fire front has passed - you are also amongst the ones remaining in these communities to lead and support the sustained recovery operations that are needed to help rebuild those very same communities impacted.
In this vein, there are two important initiatives I want to highlight this month. The first is the joint recovery task force that is being formed by VFBV District Councils 8 and 13 (see page 6 of this edition).
This initiative is being led by VFBV State Councillor Bill Watson AFSM and is modelled on the recovery task forces we assembled following Black Saturday back in 2009.
The task force will be deploying over the coming months to undertake community- based recovery projects in areas recently affected by this season’s fires and will also target any CFA volunteers whose own properties have been impacted. The task force will only deploy by invitation from a local community, brigade, resident or member and priority will be given to supporting local communities by ensuring any additional resourcing, tools or equipment required is drawn from local businesses, thereby boosting and supporting the local economy.
The activities undertaken will be unglamorous but of great import and benefit to local communities, members and residents.
It will involve tough and exhausting work, mostly conducted over weekends and the aim is for the task force to be as self-sufficient as possible with self-catering and camp style accommodation. Tasks chosen are aimed to cover cracks left by insurance and government support and picking up those areas in between; it might be felling trees and cutting them up, general maintenance, fencing, clearing up and other jobs not covered by insurance. It’s about helping fellow community members, firefighters and others in their time of need and helping them move on.
Expressions of interest are being sought for experienced and endorsed chainsaw operators, drivers and safety officers, as well as labourers, able bodied helpers and personnel willing to assist. Members are encouraged to discuss their involvement with their Captains and BMTs prior to committing and all personnel must be current CFA members.
CFA is supporting the task force and arrangements and I want to recognise and thank them for supporting this initiative. These kinds of initiatives are often a little outside the box and can sometimes challenge our process and systems and I want to congratulate the local CFA management for enthusiastically getting behind it and supporting a fantastic community based and focussed initiative.
Bill is coordinating resources being drawn from District 8 and VFBV State Councillor Rod Stebbing is the lead for District 13.
If you’d like to help, please contact an executive member from either District Council 8 or 13 or visit the VFBV website for further details.
The second initiative I want to highlight is to remind members that we are ramping up our efforts to identify any CFA volunteers who have lost their homes, stock, fencing, outbuildings, machinery or anything else that will impact on that members livelihood.
Connecting members up with grants and recovery services is a priority as well as topping up or providing additional grants to bridge any gaps from our welfare fund or our volunteer support and recovery trust. If you have been impacted, or you know someone who has been, please get in touch with your local VFBV Support Officer or District Council as soon as possible so we can assist you immediately.
Experience tells us – many of those affected will not self report, so we need your help. This is one of the rare times I will ask members to put their selflessness to one side, and please reach out or encourage someone else to. Disbursement of grants requires careful planning and management and we don’t want anyone to miss out simply because they were too proud to ask for help.
Please, if you were impacted or you know a fellow member who was – please contact VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan if you are from the North East Region, or VFBV Support Officer Colin Booth if you are from the South East Region.
We need an accurate register of impacted members so that the Trustees of our VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust (formerly known as the Black Saturday Trust) & our Welfare Fund can assess demand and make arrangements for appropriate disbursement and fund raising.
The Trust alone has distributed more than $880,000 to CFA members and their families since Black Saturday and is just one way we can continue to support those members who have been directly impacted.
Stay safe, rest when you can and continue looking out for one another. You are all doing incredible work.
16/17 year old operational firefighters
The deadline for submissions has been extended, with a new closing date set for 15 May 2020.
With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member.
State Championship Under 18's
CFA requires all parents and guardians of any person under the age of 18 who is competing in this year’s State Championships to provide parental consent and supply relevant personal and medical information of their child, utilising the secure online platform CareMonkey.
Parents and Guardians of any member under 18-years-old participating should have been sent a link by CFA via email which will take them to the required CareMonkey online form to complete.
Simply click on the link, create a profile (if you don’t have one already) and fill out the form. FAQs are available on Brigades Online.
If you have not received the link please contact CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ASAP.
Harvey wins State Urban Junior title
Harvey from WA won the Grand Aggregate title at the 2020 State Urban Junior Championship at Horsham recently, in the closest finish at a Junior state for many years.
At the start of the final event, Melton’s A team were in the lead by one point on 56 points to Harvey second on 55 points - but Harvey took out third placing in this event, giving them the lead on 58 points in the Grand Aggregate. Close behind was Melton A with 56 points, and Melton B with 46 points.
VFBV congratulates Horsham Brigade and its Championship Committee on hosting a very successful Junior Championship, and thanks the Brigade members for their work and efforts and for their commitment to host the Junior State Championship again next year at Horsham. We also pass on our appreciation to the Horsham Rural City Council for their support to the Horsham Brigade and the Junior Championships.
The Championship was well attended, with an estimated 2,000 people attending and 61 entered teams from across the state including 12 junior competitors from Harvey WA, with well over 400 junior members competing in total.
We look forward now to the State Urban Senior Championship events, and the State Rural Championship Senior & Junior events, at Mooroopna on the weekend of 28th & 29th March 2020 – which will see a combined event of Rural and Urban events conducted on their own traditional tracks alongside each other for the first time in history.
The weekend will be an exciting showcase of competitions and of CFA to the community, and we encourage all members to attend whether as a spectator, team supporter, competitor or just to see and participate in the great variety of CFA activities that will be available, or see the spectacular Torchlight Procession on the Saturday evening, with Brigades marching around Victoria Park Lake Shepparton in an impressive display of CFA. Any queries in taking part in events or the Torchlight Procession can be directed to the VFBV office on 9886 1141.
Full results of the 2020 State Urban Junior Championship can be found on the VFBV website or in the March 2020 edition of Fire Wise.
Below: the victorious Harvey team
Stawell Club Fundraiser
Following this year’s significant bushfires, the Stawell Club had a special fundraising effort and generously offered to donate the funds raised to VFBV’s Volunteer Support & Recovery Trust Fund to assist CFA volunteers impacted by the bushfires.
At the Official Opening of the State Junior Championship at Horsham, President Russell Jones and Secretary Barry Sertori of the Stawell Club, presented a cheque for $13,800 to VFBV CEO Adam Barnett.
VFBV’s Volunteer Support & Recovery Trust Fund (formerly the Black Saturday Trust Fund) was initially established in 2009 following the Black Saturday fires to provide assistance to CFA volunteers who had suffered loss.
The Trust Fund was established to respond to significant natural disasters impacting on CFA volunteers. It provides swift monetary grants to assist members recover from loss of home, loss of outbuildings, fencing, stock, livelihood and any other impacts resulting from large scale natural disasters.
VFBV covers all administration fees, and 100% of funds received are used for the payment of volunteer grants. Members of the public are invited to donate via VFBV’s website.
VFBV passed on its thanks and appreciation to the Stawell Club for its generous donation, which will be used directly in assisting our volunteers who have suffered losses following the recent bushfires.
Below: Pictured is President Russell Jones and Secretary Barry Sertori of the Stawell Club, presenting VFBV CEO Adam Barnett with a cheque for VFBV’s Volunteer Support & Recovery Trust Fund.
Workwear tender announced
In welcome news, the long-awaited tender for Volunteer Workwear was announced by CFA on 21 February 2020. Tender responses are due via the Victorian Government procurement website Tenders VIC and close on 1 April 2020.
The VFBV working party met with CFA representatives on 22 February to view updated prototypes and discuss next steps. It is hoped that final prototype garments will be available for public display to the membership at the State Championships in Mooroopna later this month.
This is an exciting development, and we look forward to seeing this project enter its final phases to deliver a high-quality functional garment that has evolved considerably over time based on direct member feedback and consultation.
Thank-you to all members who participated through the member surveys and assisted with the considerable advocacy that has been required to push this project along. It is expected the tender will be finalised by the end of July and distribution to follow shortly thereafter.
International Women's Day
Sunday March 8 is International Women’s Day, and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria wish to recognise the women who contribute so much to VFBV, CFA, Emergency Services and their communities.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is “Each for Equal” where an equal world is an enabled world. Collectively we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively each person can contribute to creating a gender equal world.
With more almost 12,000 female CFA volunteers there is plenty to celebrate. To all the fabulous, dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in CFA and across the fire services, thank you for today and every day.
Let’s work together and encourage women as CFA members and together we can all make a difference.
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8, with the first International Women’s Day gathering occurring in 1911.
International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Seeking Expressions of Interest - Combined District 8 and District 13 Recovery Task Force
Written by VFBV
VFBV District Council 8 in conjunction with VFBV District Council 13 is working to assist recovery efforts for fire impacted communities in Eastern and North-eastern Victoria. Over the coming weeks, and possibly months, we will be deploying vehicles and equipment to undertake community-based recovery projects in areas recently affected by this season’s fires.
Each Task Force will be conducted as an approved CFA operational activity and to this end we are seeking expressions of interest from brigades and individuals who may have time available to participate. Details of the mostly weekend deployments will be determined in advance and teams selected will be briefed accordingly prior to departure.
As a combined effort between VFBV District Council's 8 and 13 brigades and groups, we require experienced and endorsed chainsaw operators, drivers and safety officers. Labourers, able bodied helpers and personnel to assist with catering and base camp style accommodation are also needed. Fit and able firefighters with specialised skills in fencing and light excavator work are strongly encouraged to apply. The aim of the task force is to be self-sufficient for the period of each deployment.
Please discuss your participation prior to applying, with your brigade Captain and Brigade Management Team. This is a CFA approved activity so all operational conditions and SOPs apply.
Please register your interest, skills and contact details with either one of the following:
District 8
VFBV State Councillor William (Bill) Watson, Wonthaggi Fire Brigade
(03) 5672 4731 or 0417 494 253
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
District 13
VFBV State Councillor Rod Stebbing, Monbulk Fire Brigade
(03) 9756 7735 or 0417 362 255
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MEDIA RELEASE - VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS JOIN FORCES TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS
Volunteers firefighters are banding together to help their fellow volunteers and other Victorian communities impacted by the summer’s disastrous bushfires.
The volunteers are forming a task force to carry out weekend recovery projects in eastern and north-eastern areas, with the main focus on volunteers who have lost homes and other property.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) state councillors Wonthaggi firefighter Bill Watson and Monbulk firefighter Rod Stebbing, who are organising the task force, said it showed another side of the work done by CFA volunteers.
“Volunteers are running this for volunteers,” Mr Watson said. “We were there to battle the fires but we’re all part of the same community and this is a great way to follow-up and help people in a tangible, hands-on way.
“Our main priority is volunteer firefighters but we won’t exclude anyone; If we’re doing a job and see a neighbour who needs help then we’ll help them.
“A number of Victorian volunteer firefighters lost homes and other property in the fires. Along with their respective brigades we will support them wherever we can.
The task force will be divided into separate teams to help in the recovery process and to facilitate multiple tasks at one time.
Mr Watson said the task force aimed to cover cracks left by insurance and government support. “We’ll pick up those areas in between; it might be felling trees and cutting them up, general maintenance, fencing, clearing up and other jobs not covered by insurance.
“It’s about helping fellow firefighters and others in their time of need and helping them move on.”
Ms Watson was involved in a similar recovery program after Black Saturday and said the work had been greatly appreciated. “We removed dead trees, installed fencing and general cleaning ups. We have also worked on flood recovery projects, standing up farmers’ fences after tons of stubble washed onto fences and held them down.”
More volunteers are being recruited, particularly those able to help with heavy labour and with skills such as using a chainsaw.
The first project will be dedicated to the memory of Don Bigham, a former member of the Gruyere Fire Brigade who Mr Watson described as a great humanitarian who supported previous efforts with time and personal equipment.
The task force is being coordinated by VFBV volunteers in Districts 8 and 13, covering Mornington Peninsula to Wonthaggi and Gembrook and District 13 covers Knox and Warrandyte to Warburton and Dandenong Ranges. it is an approved CFA operational activity.
People can register their interest with Mr Watson on 5672 4731, 0417 494 253 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Mr Stebbing on 9756 7735, 0417 362 255 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sunday March 8 is International Women’s Day, and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria wish to recognise the women who contribute so much to VFBV, CFA, Emergency Services and their communities.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is “Each for Equal” where an equal world is an enabled world. Collectively we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively each person can contribute to creating a gender equal world.
With more almost 12,000 female CFA volunteers there is plenty to celebrate. To all the fabulous, dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in CFA and across the fire services, thank you for today and every day.
Let’s work together and encourage women as CFA members and together we can all make a difference.
About International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8, with the first International Women’s Day gathering occurring in 1911.
International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Final results for the 2020 State Urban Junior Championships held in Horsham on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2020 are now available.
Grand Aggregate Results:
2020 Champion Team - Harvey A
Harvey A coaches are John Wellington and Ethan Harding, and competitors:
1. Brodie Hewer
2. James Hewer
3. Benjamin Martella
4. Daniel Martella
5. Stockden Ottrey
6. Eshean Rojo
7. Kyden Toop
8. Cam Wellington
Full results from each event and photo's of presentations can be found on VFBV's dedicated Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer-Fire-Brigades-Victoria-Championships-451309545285820/
The 2020 State Urban Junior Championships will be held this coming Saturday and Sunday, 22nd and 23rd February 2020 in Horsham.
Come and see tomorrow’s CFA volunteers proudly demonstrate their skills. If you are not involved with the CFA juniors program or haven’t witnessed the value the State Junior Championship provide young volunteers to develop practical skills and to be actively involved in CFA, then get along and be inspired.
Urban junior competitions have a proud 47-year history, with the 2020 Championship attracting 61 teams including 2 teams travelling over to compete from Western Australia. For more information about the history of the Championships is available here.
The 2020 Championship are being held at:
BJ Reither Track
Park Drive, Horsham
Results from the Championship will be progressively posted over the weekend on VFBV’s dedicated Championships Facebook Page.
VFBV delegates and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.
About
CFA Volunteer Fireifghter's devote their time to help others but sometimes can find themselves in difficult financial crisis. Unforseen emergencies such as loss of work, family illness &/or death, accidental injury or even drought, can place significant financial burden on volunteers. The fund has been established to assist in ensuring the ongoing health and welfare of Volunteer members and their families experiencing significant financial hardship.
How will the funds be used?
Support the ongoing health and welfare of Country Fire Authority Volunteer members, past members and their dependants, experiencing personal financial hardship/crisis by providing welfare grants, on a needs assessed basis, that may assist in alleviating stresses impacting on the individual's ability to maintain their involvement as a Volunteer.
The fund works as a capital fund and provides small welfare grants, on a needs basis, that may assist in alleviating stresses impacting on the individuals' ability to maintain their involvement as a volunteer. The funds provides assistance to: Members, their Families and eligible past members.
History
The Fund began its long history of helping volunteers in need in 1913, when it was first established by urban volunteers as the VUFBA Welfare Fund.
On 1 November 2008, the newly formed Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, with generous support from the Victorian Government, launched the VFBV Welfare Fund and extended that offer of support to all CFA volunteers.
Over the years, the Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants, and today more than 1,000 CFA Brigades subscribe to the Fund each year.
For the 2018/2019 financial year, the VFBV Welfare Fund distributed a total of $96,735 to assist 30 volunteers in need.
The Fund offers small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, uses only State Government approved investments, and the welfare grant and investment decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers.
Investments are managed to provide an enduring fund that has existed since 1913 and ensures volunteers now and in the future are protected by fund income that outperforms inflation and minimises annual brigade subscriptions for each member brigade.
To subscribe to the Welfare Fund, Brigades must be affiliated with VFBV, which covers the operating costs so that 100% of any money the Fund receives is used entirely to help volunteers in need.
Donate
People wishing to donate to the Welfare Fund they can do so by:
Online donations can be done via GiveNow: https://www.givenow.com.au/vfbv
Or Direct Deposits can be sent to the following account:
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Account Name: |
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Welfare Fund |
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Account Number: |
135 312 478 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
Volunteer Time is Priceless
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
The anniversary of February 7 2009 stands as a stark reminder that our fire season still has a way to go yet. Each year we pause and reflect on the 173 precious citizens who were tragically lost during those fires.
The anniversary is a reminder of our collective promises to them and all fellow Victorian’s that we will do everything we can to ensure our communities are best prepared for future disasters.
In the words of the Bushfires Royal Commission’s final report “The lives of many Victorians were changed forever, and many showed they are capable of deeds of great courage and compassion. Although some communities were physically destroyed, their members also displayed ingenuity, strength and resolve in the face of this calamity.”
While public and media attention to this year’s fires have started to wane, the fact is we still have a lot of fire in the landscape and will for some time. As at writing, Victoria has seven going bushfires, two contained and 48 under control, with a total area burnt so far this season currently more than 1.5 million hectares.
And while we are only potentially halfway through the Fire Season, I want to continue my call for everyone to keep looking out for one another and to ensure our commitments are sustainable. If you are over committed and things are getting on top of you – please talk to someone ASAP.
If you or your Brigade keep getting approached for deployment, unless someone has said something – the system is likely to just keep tapping you until something is said. One of my priorities following this season will be to speak with State Council about pulling together some interested vols to think about how we can design some more robust human resource availability and utilisation tracking systems.
As many of the current CFA systems are localised they have the potential to be disjointed. As such it is often very easy to keep hitting the same brigades or groups over and over and lose track of how fairly (or not) the load is being shared across our Statewide network of Brigades. For every brigade that has approached me about over utilisation, another has raised the fact that they haven’t been asked to provide any resources at all.
If this is happening to you, please don’t just suffer in silence. Make contact with your Captain or Group Officer and nudge it up the chain. I have seen some really good planning to try and buddy up Districts so that calls for resources are evenly rotated across Regions, but unless brigades are reporting under or over utilisation issues – some of the micromanagement issues might be being lost.
And when it comes to people’s time – your time - there is no more precious resource, and it must be respected far more than it is now.
Your time is not free, and it is absolutely not worthless. At the risk of sounding like a Mastercard advertisement – every second a volunteer is giving should be treated as if it were priceless. We must ensure line managers and incident management teams respect the time that volunteers are donating to the State – and recognise that many of you are making significant sacrifices in order to deploy.
Sacrifices you make willingly, but none the less your time and sacrifice deserves to be respected and managed well, with full accountabilities and transparency. Volunteer time must be respected and must be managed like the precious resource that it is. And utilisation doesn’t stop at activation.
Ensuring volunteer time is being used for best community effect and benefit. Ensuring crews on deployment have meaningful roles that are well planned, communicated and understood by all crews. Ensuring briefings and incident action plans are prepared in advance and delivered to crews on time. Ensuring meals and accommodation are well planned and coordinated. Ensuring travel arrangements are safe and effective and well-coordinated and supported.
These are all important ways to show respect for the incredible volunteer contribution underway.
BUDDY BRIGADES
I would like to encourage brigades to consider buddying up with a brigade from the fire affected areas. This isn’t charity – it’s about reminding brigades that we are all in this together, and no matter how tough it gets, we’ll look after each other and be there during thick and thin. In fact, the information exchange that occurs through buddy brigades from different Districts or Regions can be incredibly rewarding for each.
The concept of buddy brigades has been around for a while and mirrors the concept of cities or towns linking up to create ‘brother/sister’ cities or ‘twin towns.’ This concept was made popular following the second Word War and back then was intended to foster friendship and understanding among different cultures and between former foes to build peace.
In the CFA context it is about brigades linking up with brigades from different areas and fostering some friendship and linkages that extends far beyond traditional connections like group or district. The more diverse the brigade differences the better. Each brigade learns from the other, and you’d be surprised how alike and how different all at the same time each of our brigades can be.
In the current context, it is about partnering with a brigade that may have been heavily impacted by this season’s fires, with a brigade that hasn’t. Brigades can then form a special relationship between them.
What this looks like is completely up to you.
Some run joint training that gives brigades the opportunity to travel and catch up with people from different Districts. Others arrange working bees or exchanges of members for small ‘holidays’ away from home. Some are able to arrange fundraising opportunities that allows a more resource rich brigade to help a smaller more isolated one.
And smaller brigades can share their unique community connections or local produce/ crafts with perhaps more metropolitan brigades that perhaps don’t have those very personal connections that are inherent in smaller and more isolated brigades.
The point is for each brigade to provide something unique that allows each to learn from the other. They are equals and are partners. They are sharing their experience and their community with the other. Maybe it’s only once or twice a year – but it’s the connection that matters.
If you have an interest, discuss it over with your Captain. Captains - pick up the phone and have a chat with a local Group Officer or District Council from a fire affected area and see what you can find. The more organic the matching process is - the better.
But if you run into a complete brick wall, phone the VFBV office or drop us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Be creative but also please respect that some brigades are still under very high operational workloads and might just want some space to get through the current season.
MEMBER RECOVERY & WELFARE
VFBV Support Officers and District Councils in the fire affected areas are working to identify any CFA volunteers who have lost their homes, stock, fencing, outbuildings, machinery or anything else that will impact on that members livelihood.
Connecting members up with grants and recovery services is a priority as well as topping up or providing additional grants to bridge any gaps from our welfare fund or our volunteer support and recovery trust. If you have been impacted, or you know someone who has been, please get in touch with your local VFBV Support Officer or District Council as soon as possible so we can assist you immediately.
Stay safe and keep your heads up. Rest when you can, and look out for one another. You are all doing incredible work and we are all so incredibly proud of you all and the amazing role and contribution you are making to your communities.
Fire Wise Quarterly Supplement
February's edition of Fire Wise also contained the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of important news and updates, and includes links to additional resources and updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and to table at your meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
VFBV District Councils are collecting feedback and leading discussions on several important items for consultation. Brigades and Groups are encouraged to consult and provide feedback to VFBV District Council's as soon as possible.
State Champs Under 18's
CFA and VFBV have worked together to implement a new registration process for any competitor under the age of 18 taking part in this year’s Horsham or Mooroopna State Championships.
CFA will require all parents and guardians of any person under the age of 18 to provide parental consent and supply relevant personal and medical information of their child, utilising the secure online platform CareMonkey.
Parents and Guardians of junior members participating in this year’s State Championships should have been sent a link by CFA via email which will take them to the required online form to complete. Simply click on the link, create a profile (if you don’t have one already) and fill out the form. FAQs are available on Brigades Online. If you have not received the link please contact CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Workwear Tender Delay
VFBV was advised by CFA last year that the tender for the new volunteer workwear was finally due to go to market just prior to Christmas. We have now been advised that this did not occur, and work is underway to release it shortly. We are obviously disappointed with another delay but will keep members apprised of progress and continue to encourage progress.
In other news, CFA has advised that prototypes are due to be completed by the end of this month that will enable them to be displayed at future meetings and events.
16/17 year old operational firefighters
A reminder that the views of members on the continued use of 16- and 17-year old’s as operational members is being sought. With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member.
Replacement PPC
A reminder that State Council has resolved a zero-tolerance approach to any members being refused replacement PPC due to budget constraints or other factors.
Any member who has been denied replacement PPC are to log the incident in CFA Safe and approach your local District Council who will then escalate with CFA as a matter of priority.
All operational members are entitled to have PPC that is fit for purpose and in good working condition. When approaching District Council, members are requested to have a record of who has denied the request, and as much date and detail information as possible so that appropriate action can be taken.
Any rejected applications for replacement PPC should be requested in writing, and best endeavour used to escalate internally for resolution first.
In most cases VFBV officials have been able to resolve the issue quickly and at the local level to the satisfaction of the member involved.
Brigade Officers are encouraged to report any instances where members have not been provided appropriate replacement items within reasonable timeframes.
Spirit of CFA Awards
Due to the high level of operational activity the deadline for nominations has again been extended to Sunday 1st March 2020. With some of the incredible stories coming from this year’s fire season, this is a terrific opportunity to recognise those people you think make an incredible contribution to CFA.
More information, the criteria for the awards and the process for nomination can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/spiritofcfa
Reform Update
VFBV issued a News Note Update #3 on the 4th February. This update includes important information on current status of the Governments Fire Services Reform and current areas we are seeking feedback and comment on to help inform VFBV views.
VFBV is also seeking feedback and validation on updated FRV Boundary maps that have been sent to affected brigades. The boundaries should match the current CFA assignment areas of each of CFA’s current integrated brigades. If your Brigade borders a CFA Integrated Brigade and therefore is likely to be impacted by the new FRV boundary, Brigade Captains or Secretaries can contact Mark Dryden (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for a copy of the proposed map if you haven’t received it. CFA has advised that it has provided maps to all affected brigades.
Our News Note update is available from the VFBV website, or follow the link provided on the cover page of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement that is included with this month’s Fire Wise.
Asbestos Reminder
VFBV has come across instances where members’ PPC, suspected of being contaminated with asbestos, is still being delayed for laundering.
Brigades are reminded that following strong and sustained VFBV advocacy back in 2017, that CFA changed its laundering processes to a more streamlined process that ensures faster turnaround times. Members should refer to Operations Bulletin 004/2017 for details. In essence, all PPC suspected of being contaminated by asbestos should be bagged and tagged correctly as detailed in this bulletin, and then sent immediately to CFA’s new structural PPC laundering contractor (IDS) to be decontaminated and laundered in one process.
There is no need to delay sending PPC until analytical test results confirm the presence of asbestos or not. Each District has its own contractual arrangement to safely courier the gear to the laundry (as TOLL cannot be used for suspected asbestos) and this should be activated through the RDO.
A reminder that Bushfire PPC is not microchipped, so members should ensure their name is on each item of clothing sent for laundry to assist with the matchup process at the end.
CFA 2020 Draft Strategy Brouchure Consultation
CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July this year.
VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.
Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy
The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.
It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share its thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.
Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left-hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".
If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.
2020 State Championships
Urban Juniors – Horsham, 22 and 23 February
Urban Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 and 29 March
Rural Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 March
Rural Juniors – Mooroopna, 29 March
Entry forms for the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships are due by 28th February 2020, and are available from the VFBV website or VFBV office.
Although entries for the State Urban Senior Championships were due 1st December 2019, late entries will be accepted – please contact the VFBV office.
VFBV encourages all Brigades and members to participate - as spectators, team supporters or competitors. There are events for all size teams, from one or two competitors up to eight competitors - and for all ages, genders and abilities.
For Brigades new to competitions needing further information or assistance, please contact your District VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.
Emergency Service Women to be acknowledged at Women’s T20 World Cup Final
Written by VFBV
Victoria’s emergency service women will be acknowledged on International Women’s Day at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the MCG, on Sunday 8 March 2020.
A bay at the MCG has been reserved so that people from across the emergency services sector can sit together for this unique opportunity.
Women from the emergency services in Victoria will be acknowledged as part of the pre-game entertainment. Along with entry to the game, Katy Perry will be providing pre-and post-game entertainment which is included in all tickets.
Tickets for seats in the emergency services bay can be booked until 17 February 2020 via this link http://bit.ly/EMSFINAL2020 (this link is specifically for seating in the emergency services bay and can be used by anyone in the sector to book tickets for themselves, friends and family.) Tickets start at $5.00 for children and $20 for adults.
FIRE SERVICES REFORM MEMBER UPDATE # 3 / 3 FEBRUARY 2019
This News Note supplements the previous two updates provided on the 11th September 2019, 1st November 2019 and our updates via Firewise and newsletters.
Presumptive Legislation
The Presumptive Rights Compensation part of the Bill became active immediately following the Bills Royal Assent on the 2nd July 2019.
VFBV continues to seek information and clarity around the application process, the assessment process and how results will be reported. This has been slower than expected.
VFBV continues to progress the following issues:
- A clear application process that provides targeted support for the sick firefighter. VFBV continues to raise its concerns around the poor application process, confusing forms and lack of information pack and targeted support for sick firefighters presenting to the process.
- VFBV has raised its concerns with the level of assessment being conducted by the Advisory Panel for volunteer claims. The commitment provided by Government and Parliamentarians was for an easy “tick and flick” type process to simply determine if a volunteer was operational or not. Early indications are the Advisory Panel is requesting very detailed information about the activity levels of volunteer applications (which do not apply to career firefighters) to assess the “reasonably extent necessary” portion of the legislation. We will continue to investigate and monitor.
- We are in discussions with Government and Worksafe about how to report on the results of cases presented to the Advisory Panel. Early indications are the majority of cases have been supported. We are seeking a process for public reporting of results, while maintaining individual confidentially.
Government are facilitating additional meetings between VFBV and Worksafe to resolve these issues over the coming weeks, and we will update members on progress.
Strategic Governance
The VFBV Reference Group continues to monitor the strategic governance layer. Members of the group have raised concerns with the slower than expected progress and lack of detail that has been available for consultation. The group is seeking better reporting of actions underway by the Agency Coordination & Transition Group, as well as the working parties in order to better understand current progress. Anxiety is building that timelines are becoming very tight and very little time will be left to openly consult and engage before the deadlines for decisions.
Despite slow progress, our assessment is this is largely due to the under-estimation of the complexity of some of the arrangements that will need to be in place to support aspects of reform, as well as operational workload that has impacted agency resources to progress certain work parcels. VFBV does not underestimate the difficulty in trying to align the expectations of all the different stakeholders and is working constructively with EMV and Government to find solutions to better support open engagement and consultation, however we continue to express the feelings of members that very little information is actually available to discuss and engage on.
VFBV will continue to advocate for enough time to consult with volunteers on issues prior to decisions being made, and arrangements that facilitate this approach.
Engagement
VFBV continues to express its position that strong engagement and communication with the field is required to keep members engaged and involved in discussions, and the lack of communications and field engagement is significantly impacting on morale.
In positive news, CFA have responded by advising they are now scheduling targeted engagement sessions for each affected Integrated Brigade and any Group that contains an Integrated Brigade in their catchment. The sessions will occur between the 3rd February and the 3rd March. These sessions will cover;
- an overall Fire Services reform update
- a workshop on the future CFA
- a question and answer session.
VFBV supports these engagement activities and encourages volunteers to be involved. CFA has provided a schedule of current visits which are attached at the bottom of this page. We will continue to help promote the dates and times as we become aware of them. If members could please provide feedback to State Councillors and VFBV Support Officers as to how these sessions go and if you are receiving the information you need and opportunity for feedback and comment.
Appliance Allocation
VFBV has been requested to provide feedback on a draft set of principles for appliance allocation between CFA and FRV. These principles only apply to appliances located at Integrated Brigades and the two staff only CFA Brigades. In principle, VFBV has indicated support for;
- Any primary appliance which is currently crewed under Schedule 1 of the EBA is to be transferred to FRV. (This reflects current practice at the majority of Integrated Brigades.)
- If an appliance does not have fulltime crew allocated to it, then it will remain with CFA. (This supports the Unions ban on cross-crewing of appliances.)
- All Brigade owned vehicles at integrated locations will remain with CFA
- All ground observing vehicles and forward command vehicles will be retained by CFA
VFBV has requested that each Brigade be individually engaged to assess what equipment is stowed on each appliance being transferred from CFA to FRV. Where equipment has been purchased by Brigades or through volunteer grants that are above standard stowage and are currently on an appliance to be transferred to FRV, VFBV has advocated for a discussion to occur between the Brigade and the career staff to determine the fairest way to allocate the equipment. We have suggested that Brigades should have the option of choosing to donate the equipment, agree to a formal sharing arrangement, or seek replacement/reimbursement. VFBV has requested that the senior volunteer at each integrated brigade should be provided a formal opportunity to dispute any allocation – prior to Ministerial sign-off.
CFA has indicated its support for the BA Vans at Ballarat, Bendigo, Corio and Frankston to also be transferred to FRV. VFBV has indicated that it does not support this position until we have had an opportunity to engage with each of the Brigades affected. This work is currently underway.
If members wish to provide any comment or feedback on these draft principles, if you could please discuss with your local State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer so that your feedback can be considered. Districts Councils will also be encouraged to provide opportunities for discussion at upcoming meetings.
In related news, CFA has provided preliminary information on its proposal to explore a different support arrangement for the supply and refilling of BA cylinders. VFBV has requested additional information in order to establish formal communication and consultation with the field. As soon as this information has been received, VFBV District Councils will be notified and volunteer feedback requested.
Building and Equipment Allocation Statements
EMV has indicated that it wishes to commence the process to identify the building and equipment allocation statement that needs to be prepared for presentation to the Minister.
VFBV has requested a respectful and inclusive process be established that will ensure:
- that volunteers have an opportunity to be present during station visits when asset registers are being reviewed or discussed
- that volunteers have an opportunity to dispute any assets proposed to be transferred to FRV prior to Ministerial sign-off
- that an appeal process be established to resolve any instances where volunteers disagree with CFA’s determination and that any issues remaining unresolved be communicated to the Minister prior to sign-off.
VFBV is also advocating through the Reference Group that integrated Brigades be directly engaged as soon as possible to discuss a Tenancy Agreement. Under the legislation, current CFA Integrated Brigades will be transferred to FRV, with CFA becoming the tenant at those locations where a CFA Brigade will be co-located within what will become a FRV building. It is VFBV’s view that these arrangements need to be documented and agreed well before the July 2020 deadline, in order to allow enough time for genuine discussions and consultation to occur.
Agreement should be reached on arrangements for:
- Continued volunteer access to stations and station amenities
- FOB access to all appropriate shared area’s and facilities
- Arrangements to share access or the use of designated equipment
- How volunteer amenities and spaces will be maintained
- Commitments to ensure volunteer areas, equipment, storage and access are preserved during future station modifications
- Commitment on engine room layout and reserved area’s for appliances
During discussions with many Brigades, it has become clear that a brigade’s comfort level with the proposed reforms are significantly influenced by how they see current arrangements working, and their assumption that things are likely to continue as they are now.
VFBV encourages brigades to document the principles that Brigades feel are important to how they currently interact with integrated brigades. If things have worked well, it is important to document those arrangements so that;
a) they are understood and shared with new personnel or shift changes and;
b) principles can be articulated for inclusion in future doctrine or memorandums of understanding to ensure these arrangements continue in the future
Fire Equipment Maintenance
VFBV has received enquiries from FEM brigades following CFA’s communique to Integrated Brigades last week indicating that FEM boundaries and arrangements remain unknown.
VFBV has been a strong advocate for the continuation of FEM activity for CFA brigades operating in the FRV District.
VFBV was successful in having amendments introduced to the legislation that amended the original 2017 version of the Bill. In the original Bill the power to conduct FEM activities which is provided under the CFA Act s20AA(2)(b) was not included. This power was added via amendment to section 77 which adds a new section 20AB into the CFA Act which outlines what powers a CFA Brigade located in the FRV district can exercise. The amendment adds power s20AA(2)(b) back into the legislation for brigades located within FRV Districts.
It is VFBV’s position based on extensive historical discussion with Government and Minister on the issue of FEM, that arrangements for CFA FEM to operate within the FRV District will remain unchanged to how it works now. It is VFBV’s understanding that the reason for present confusion is that technically the CFA must obtain written consent of the Minister before it can exercise this power. While this is correct, VFBV has no reason to believe that this consent will be withheld, and believes this has not yet occurred simply because the Minister is not able to provide that consent until FRV actually exists.
VFBV will continue to monitor and is pursuing written confirmation of these arrangements.
Fire Rescue Victoria Boundary Maps
On Friday last week, VFBV advised members that VFBV has been provided maps from EMV showing the planned Fire Rescue Victoria boundaries, and requesting VFBV comment. These maps were included in the original 2017 legislation, but require updating to reflect the current boundaries and several staff locations that did not exist at the time of the original 2017 legislation.
The maps are required to define the new FRV District, due to the way the legislation operates. At present, the Metropolitan Fire District is gazetted though maps provided to the Central Planning Office and lodged as part of the MFB Act, with the CFA legislation then determining that any area outside this gazetted metropolitan fire district is defined as ‘the country area of Victoria’ for the purposes of defining CFA areas.
The new legislation operates on a similar basis. FRV areas must be gazetted through plans lodged and appended to the FRV Act, and then all areas outside those are defined as the country area of Victoria.
VFBV has been advised by CFA that;
- These maps mirror CFA’s Assignment areas for each of the current integrated locations
- Any changes that have occurred to CFA assignment areas since the legislation was first drafted has been through CFA’s internal approval process and consultation stages with affected Brigades, including Brigade signoff
- The largest changes will be to those integrated brigades that didn’t exist back in 2017 – and maps for these locations are therefore new – but again modelled on current CFA response boundaries – with the exception of staff only locations which have operated on a hub and spoke support basis.
VFBV has advised EMV that it will seek consultation on the maps with impacted brigades prior to making comment. This upholds VFBV’s principle that local Brigades will know their areas better than anyone, and the only way for the maps to be verified is to provide those affected brigades an opportunity to comment.
VFBV has committed to consulting with impacted Brigades prior to providing feedback and is now awaiting confirmation that the maps are current and available. Brigades should only need to look at a map if their current response boundary currently abuts a CFA integrated brigade.
We are told there has been no change to the MFB boundary.
With the exception of the new maps for Latrobe and Lucas – given all other areas have been based on current assignment areas this process should be fairly unremarkable. CFA has also committed to providing the maps for consultation, and we’ll advise as soon as they are ready.
Upcoming Consultation
CFA has indicated it is preparing for targeted consultation with integrated Brigades around:
- What a viable co-located Brigade will look like and how can they be supported to remain effective and sustainable
- The appropriate Brigade classification and Brigade Operational Skills Profiles for a CFA Brigade operating within an FRV area without a primary area
- Future Community Safety and Community Education roles within the FRV District
- Election of Brigade Captains for former Integrated Brigades
- What support is required for the brigade during the transition period
VFBV continues to encourage volunteers to participate in these sessions, as well as encouraging volunteers to continue discussions amongst themselves to document and discuss how you want the future to look.
VFBV will continue to monitor and is available to provide any support or assistance required. VFBV Support Officers and State Councillors are staying in regular contact with each integrated brigade 1st Lieutenants to offer any assistance or support requested. Several District Councils have also arranged targeted engagement with their integrated brigades to help workshop and discuss idea’s on future operating models.
If Brigades require any additional contact or support, members are encouraged to contact a VFBV Support Officer who will arrange appropriate escalation from either the local level or State to further support the brigade.
Consultative Pathways Reminder
VFBV facilitates numerous regular state and local consultation forums and engagement activities to ensure that the views of volunteers are known and represented. Through a state-wide network of twenty-one District Councils and elected volunteer representatives, VFBV maintains direct links with grass roots volunteers over their issues, needs and concerns.
District Council members play a key role in being a direct connection between CFA and volunteers, as well as providing advice at a District/Regional level on a wide range of issues affecting volunteers. The District Council will take forward issues and opportunities to help influence policies at the local levels. Members are reminded to stay engaged and connected with your local District Councils, and for members to explore local solutions for local problems.
The role of District Councils is to:
i. Provide a forum for affiliated brigades to express volunteer concerns/views.
ii. Help brigades resolve matters of concern at the local level.
iii. Provide volunteer leadership and represent volunteers at CFA District and Regional level.
iv. Provide a conduit for communication and information flow between the Association Board, State Council and brigades/groups.
v. Refer matters that cannot be resolved at the local level to the State Council or CEO.
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Victorian Forest Fire Management & Parks Victoria In The Line of Duty Death
VFBV was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Slade who died near Omeo on 12 January. Bill was a Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter and a Parks Victoria employee.
Bill had been a firefighter for over 40 years and was on active duty was part of a taskforce working in the vicinity of Anglers Rest near Omeo when he was struck by a tree.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Bill’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues at this time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We are mourning this loss alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria firefighter brethren at this very sad time.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all crews and their safety.
Extraordinary Contribution
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
In last month’s column I reflected on the incredible contribution that CFA was making to the QLD and NSW campaign fires. Our world-renowned volunteer surge capacity instantly swinging into action to deploy over 2,000 cumulative personnel deployments interstate to NSW and QLD to assist them in their time of need.
And while I write this month’s column, it is estimated that we have again deployed another 2,500 CFA volunteer deployments to deal with the East Gippsland Fires. It is expected that this contribution will significantly increase as the Corryong, Abbeyard and Alpine fires continue to burn, not to mention the NSW fires across the border with another peak fire danger day looming as I write.
To be able to support interstate colleagues and then instantly redeploy to our own increasing operational activity back home demonstrates the incredible size, strength and capacity of our world-renowned volunteer model. Joining us have been hundreds of emergency management volunteers from the relief and recovery sector.
I have been so incredibly proud of our members and brigades as I have observed them swing into action preparing, defending and protecting their communities. I attended and observed community meetings run by local brigades throughout East Gippsland to support and prepare their communities prior to and during emergency warnings and evacuation calls. Over half a million emergency warnings have been delivered by text and land line to communities in danger. With many community members feeling scared, isolated and worried, these meetings have been critical to reinforce the leave early messaging.
On display has been the incredible trust and respect that the public have for their local brigades and volunteers, with many in the fire zones heeding the call to relocate or leave early ahead of critical spike days. This, along with improved community warnings and advice backed up by authentic and honest conversations between brigades and their communities is likely to have been a key contributor to the relatively small number of fatalities experienced during these major bushfires when compared to Black Saturday.
With over a million hectares burnt, three fatalities, the loss of 286 properties and 400 other and out-buildings is an extraordinary outcome. And while we grieve and feel every loss, we must force ourselves to recognise the sheer size and scope of what has been saved.
VFBV delegates and officials have been on the ground working alongside affected brigades and members - ensuring welfare support and recovery resources are made available as soon as possible. With many communities still inaccessible, this work continues. Any member, brigade or group who requires any assistance or support should reach out to a VFBV State Councillor or Support Officer as soon as possible so we can arrange any additional or specialist support you may require.
Meeting with members directly impacted has been a deeply humbling and moving experience and one that I will struggle to put into words. The resilience, outlook and humility of our people, some who have lost so much has been truly inspirational. Through the very worst of times, we see the very best in people shine through. The generosity and care for others that has been shown by people directly impacted has been truly amazing, as too has the outpouring of appreciation and support by the wider public for everyone involved.
To all CFA members and those from our partner emergency service and recovery agencies thank-you. To all the incredible people assisting with relief centres and restoring access and essential services to impacted communities thank-you. To those of you contributing to welfare support of not just our own members but fellow Victorians - thankyou. Those of you in your local areas making yourselves available so fellow members can be deployed on strike teams further afield – thankyou. It is our collective efforts that make our response to these significant events so effective and admired across the world. Well done and thank-you. Be proud of your efforts and the part you have played.
I also want to make special reference to our emergency broadcasters who have done a wonderful job under very testing circumstances. The number of emergency warnings alone has put enormous pressure on them, and their calm and professional approach has been magnificent.
I will repeat what I said last month regarding fatigue and watching out for each other to guard against overcommitment. It is in our nature to put others ahead of ourselves. Please look out for each other to ensure your commitments are sustainable and as least disruptive to your families, careers and work/life balance as possible. During disaster, I understand the incredible drive you each have to give your all and rush to the aid of others. This will be a long season and we will need to pace ourselves.
For those of you who have been deployed and come across some challenging arrangements that have tested your patience and goodwill - try not to let it get you down. Make a note of it and ensure you raise it during future debriefs and post season reviews that are sure to follow. We all need to have a real good think about how some of these systemic frustrations continue to occur every season and how we might work with CFA to fix them in the future once and for all. Many of you are understandably tired and frustrated. Please be kind to one another. I say that not to patronize but to reassure. We are all in this together, and our communities are looking to us for hope, leadership and reassurance. There will be plenty of time to review and reflect. Its not about ignoring or brushing it under the rug, but for now our focus is responding to our community’s needs.
VALE
I along with you were heartbroken to learn of the recent in the line of duty deaths of three NSW RFS firefighters, and one Victorian firefighter from Forest Fire Management Victoria. On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members I express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, loved ones, fellow brigade members and work colleagues. We mourn alongside our NSW and Victorian forest firefighter brethren for these devastating losses.
Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Volunteer Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Fire Brigade were tragically killed while on duty at the Green Wattle Creek fireground, near Buxton in south western Sydney on the evening of Thursday 19 December 2019.
Volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Rural Fire Brigade, was tragically killed while on duty at the Green Valley fireground east of Albury NSW on the evening of Monday 30 December 2019.
Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter Mat Kavanagh died on Friday 3rd January 2020 when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the Goulburn Valley Highway Victoria.
Each of these firefighters were bravely defending their communities at the time of their deaths and their sacrifice and service will be forever remembered.
Our thoughts are also with all the other firefighters who were injured alongside each of these during the accidents. I pass on our thanks and gratitude to our fellow emergency service workers who were involved and assisting members at each of the scenes.
STAY SAFE
To all members, please take care of yourselves and stay safe for what will be an extended fire season.
We will stand by our communities for as long as they need us. After the fires have passed, we will then shift our focus to assisting with their recovery. And just like the fire ravaged landscape will heal and regrow, so will our resolve and dedication to helping our communities rebuild. Be proud of what you have achieved and thank-you for all you do in keeping our communities safe. CFA volunteers – ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Welfare Fund
The Welfare Fund Committee has moved quickly to provide expedited support for members directly impacted by this season's bushfires. With the large number of members directly impacted, high demand on the fund is expected and is being planned for. Brigades are requested to contact a VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer as soon as they become aware of members requiring assistance.
Bushfire Relief and Recovery Resources
On the 4th January, VFBV issued a comprehensive News Note to members outlining available bushfire relief and recovery resources, such as Commonwealth, State and VFBV grants available for members impacted by the fire activity. It and updates are available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website.
An updated News Note outlining additional bushfire relief and recovery resources was released on 16 January and is available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website.
A list of support for CFA volunteers that has been generously donated by the corporate sector is also available at our website. Offers from Coles, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and AGL are available to all CFA volunteers as at time of writing. Any additional donations will be progressively added.
National Enquiry on Bushfires
Given the significance of this year’s fire season, affecting multiple States, and the fact that there has already been a Commonwealth response including from the defence force, it is VFBV’s view that some form of review or enquiry into the fire season is inevitable.
Whether the review is a State based inquiry or a Federal one, the principles of this review should remain the same. And while any review has the potential to divert time and effort, volunteers have always taken a cooperative approach to these types of reviews and VFBV’s position is consistent with this.
VFBV also request that decision makers slow down and hold off on finalising any review terms of reference while operational and community effort is still being undertaken on the ground.
To read VFBV’s full statement, visit the VFBV website.
16/17 year old operational firefighters
A reminder that the views of members on the continued use of 16- and 17-year old’s as operational members is being sought.
With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member. Submissions are due by Monday 2nd March 2020.
State Championships Under 18's
CFA and VFBV have worked together to implement a new registration process for any competitor under the age of 18 taking part in this year’s Horsham or Mooroopna State Championships.
CFA will require all parents and guardians of any person under the age of 18 to provide parental consent and supply relevant personal and medical information of their child, utilising the secure online platform CareMonkey. CareMonkey may be a familiar tool for many parents as it is utilised by many schools, scout groups and sporting clubs across Australia.
Parents and Guardians of junior members participating in this year’s State Championships will be sent a link by CFA via email to their nominated email address which will take them to the required online form to complete.
Simply click on the link, create a profile (if you don’t have one already) and fill out the form. FAQs are available on Brigades Online or you can contact CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spirit of CFA Awards
Due to the high level of operational activity the deadline for nominations has again been extended to Sunday 1st March 2020. With some of the incredible stories coming from this year’s fire season, this is a terrific opportunity to recognise those people you think make an incredible contribution to CFA.
More information, the criteria for the awards and the process for nomination can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/spiritofcfa
Cancellation of BA courses
VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee have expressed disappointment and escalated complaints arising from some Districts that are reporting cancellation or non-running of Breathing Apparatus courses due to the rollout of the new MSA BA Sets.
Some trainers have claimed that because training materials have not been rewritten to cover the new MSA sets that they are therefore unable to schedule courses using the current content.
VFBV delegates have strongly criticised this lack of planning and approach and have called on CFA to urgently resolve the issue. VFBV also continues to pursue delays experienced by volunteers attaining BA Search and Rescue components required for internal structural attack.
VESEP Grants Announced
Minister Neville recently approved the outcomes for VESEP 2019/20. CFA was awarded $10 million under this year’s program. All applicants either successful or unsuccessful received notification by CFA early this month.
Of the 180 successful CFA grant applications, 43 are replacing or upgrading firefighting and specialist vehicles, 33 volunteer amenities improvements, 63 equipment and 41 minor works projects.
In addition to the Brigade projects, $2.4M has been allocated to state wide initiatives which include:
- Road Crash Rescue Equipment for volunteer Pumpers @ Warragul, Werribee, Berwick & Bacchus Marsh
- Retrofit Kits for loss of Quenchmaster loss of prime for tankers
- Cool Climate Jackets. Final phase completing the order from the VFBV survey results.
- Retrofit non slip steps tankers
- Big Fill Trailer Pumps (single axle) for 4 Regions - North West, South East, South West and West
- Crew Spray Protection development for Ultra Light Tankers
- Personal Protective Clothing for chainsaw operations - Phase 1
Emergency Services Foundation Scholarship Scheme
Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) 2020 Scholarships.
ESF scholarships provide an opportunity for paid staff and volunteers from Victorian Emergency Services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. ESF scholarships are granted annually to provide recipients with funds to cover the expense of travel to advance their knowledge and expertise. Typically, four scholarships are awarded each year.
Priority for scholarships in 2020 will be given to applications that address issues of mental health and wellbeing, applications are open to all CFA volunteers and will close on 16 March 2020. With successful applicants announced at the Emergency Management Conference in July 2020.
Further information can be found on the ESF website https://esf.com.au/services/scholarships/ or by contacting Craig Shepherd, Chair of the ESF Scholarship Committee on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0400 124 690.
CFA 2020 Draft Strategy Brochure Consultation
CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July next year.
VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.
Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy
The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.
It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share its thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.
Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left-hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".
If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.
2020 State Champs
Urban Juniors – Horsham, 22 and 23 February
Urban Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 and 29 March
Rural Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 March
Rural Juniors – Mooroopna, 29 March
Entry forms for the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships are due by 28th February 2020, and are available from the VFBV website or VFBV office.
Although entries for the State Urban Junior & Senior Championships were due 1st December 2019, late entries will be accepted – please contact the VFBV office.
VFBV encourages all Brigades and members to participate - as spectators, team supporters or competitors. There are events for all size teams, from one or two competitors up to eight competitors - and for all ages, genders and abilities.
For Brigades new to competitions needing further information or assistance, please contact your District VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.
Update 2 - replaces original News Note issued 4 January 2020.
Information concerning bushfire relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated.
This News Note update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. Links to further resources can be found at the bottom of this News Note.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Emergency financial assistance is available to eligible fire-affected community members in Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Indigo, Mansfield, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga council areas.
Emergency Relief Assistance Payments
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for Victorians directly impacted by the current bushfire emergency. This payment helps people directly impacted cover the cost of emergency food, accommodation, clothing, medication and personal items.
- Payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child (up to a maximum of $1960 per eligible household).
- The payments are designed to help eligible people experiencing personal and extreme financial hardship due to the fires.
- The payments have strict eligibility requirements and are distributed via a prepaid debit card that can be used to make purchases via EFTPOS or withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
- To find out if you are eligible, visit a relief centre in the area. Go to https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#relief_and_recovery_centres to check which relief centres are open.
- If you have relocated to Melbourne or other areas away from these relief centres you can call: 1800 961 054 (9am – 5pm, 7 days per week) for more information.
Relief payments are NOT available for:
- to cover the costs of cleaning up fallen trees or branches in people's yards
- to cover the cost of repairing fences from fallen trees. If a tree has fallen on your house, please call the SES or your local council for more information.
- to people impacted by power outages. Contact your energy distributor if you have any questions.
- Business losses or compensation for the loss of income
- the replacement of fencing
- motor vehicle repairs or towing
- paying insurance excess
Emergency Re-establishment Payments
Emergency re-establishment assistance is available if your principal place of residence (your home) is uninhabitable for more than seven days because of an emergency.
- Provides up to $42,250 per eligible household experiencing financial hardship, who have been affected by fire at their primary place of residence.
- The grants will be available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.
- Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance.
- https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
The Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of setting up a team who will begin to undertake re-establishment assessments. If you think you may be eligible for a re-establishment payment, you can speak to the payment assistance helpline 1800 961 054. They will take your details and the department will be in contact soon.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
People in Towong and East Gippsland Local Government areas are eligible for these payments.
- $1000 per adult and $400 per child
- For people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or are the immediate family members of a person who has died, as a direct result of the bushfires.
- For further information, visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
Disaster Recovery Allowance
- Up to 13 weeks income support for those who have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires
- Equivalent to Newstart or Youth Allowance
- Further information is available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance
Personal Hardship Grants
Red Cross Emergency Grants
People who have lost homes in the 2019/2020 bushfire season can apply to Australian Red Cross for an emergency grant of $5,000. Emergency grants are available across Australia to people whose primary place of residence has been destroyed or made uninhabitable by the fires since July 2019.
The grants are available to help bushfire-affected people to meet basic recovery needs.
- If your home has been destroyed by a bushfire, please get in touch through their website redcross.org.au/grants. You can also call 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) during business hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- The grants are part of a broader program to support people and communities affected by severe bushfires across the country. We provide psychological first aid and community support, assist people at evacuation centres, offer information and connect people to services they need.
- Recovery from disasters like bushfires can be long and complex. We know people and communities can manage their own recovery with the right support in place.
VFBV Welfare Fund
The Welfare Fund Committee have established an expedited application and approval process for any CFA volunteer who has lost their primary residence in the recent fires.
Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.
- Grants up to $5,000
- Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing brigades
- Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process
Other Services
Financial counselling
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is available to farmers, offering free and independent financial support to primary producers and non-agriculture related small businesses.
The service can be contacted on 1300 735 578.
Financial counsellors are professionals, regulated by federal legislation and employed by not for profit community organisations. They provide information, advice and advocacy support free of charge, assisting people in dealing with life situations involving debt and hardship, dealing with creditors, and stabilising finances. The National Debt Helpline is staffed by financial counsellors and can be contacted on 1800 007 007
Insurance
If you have property or contents insurance you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire.
- Ask your insurer for advice on actions you should take
- Do not discard or throw away damaged items without first consulting your insurance company
- Make a list of items that have been damaged and take photographs if possible
- Keep receipts for any emergency repair work
For assistance with insurance contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24 hour hotline). You can find information on lodging a claim following a disaster here: www.disasters.org.au
Replacing documents and identification
The Australian Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages will replace certificates that were lost in the recent bushfires, free of charge. You can call the Department of Justice on 03 5215 8500 and they will mail the forms to you.
If you've been affected by the recent fires VicRoads can:
- refund your remaining registration without any admin fees for any fire damaged vehicles or,
- replace vehicle and/or boat registration documents required for insurance claims
- replace your licence/learner permit/marine licence card for free.
Visit the VicRoads website for more information: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Fodder
Landholders needing emergency fodder for livestock should contact the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) on 1300 882 833 between 9am and 5pm or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Superannuation
Early access on compassionate grounds: 1300 131 060
Accommodation
If you’ve been displaced or are helping with relief efforts, you can book free accommodation between 2 January 2020 and 16 January 2020. More information can be found on the Airbnb website https://www.airbnb.com.au/openhomes/disaster-relief/victoriabushfires20?af=196660319&c=general_DRR_victoriabushfires20_2020Q1
Banks
Westpac, Bendigo Bank, Bank of Melbourne, Bank Australia and ANZ have announced Disaster Relief Packages is available for customers who are suffering hardship as a result of the recent fires.
CommBank's Emergency Assistance Package is for customers and businesses affected by bushfires and also to all volunteer firefighters. The package includes loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.
Donations
Material goods are not requested at this time. Clothing and supplies is difficult to transport to fire affected areas and relief centres have been inundated with donations. The best way the public can help is by donating money to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal or to a registered not-for-profit organisation helping with the relief and recovery effort (or to a local Community Relief Fund, if established).
Bendigo Bank has established a Bushfire Disaster Appeal to support community members affected by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and Hume.
You can donate at: https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/
National appeals such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross can be accessed from:
Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal
Information on how members of the public can donate to CFA Brigades can be found at: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa
VFBV Welfare Fund Donations
VFBV delegate and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.
If Brigades and members wish to donate to the VFBV Welfare Fund they can do so by making a deposit to the following account:
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Account Name: |
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Welfare Fund |
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Account Number: |
135 312 478 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
CFA Volunteer Corporate Donations and Assistance
The following companies are offering discounts or promotions for CFA Volunteers in appreciation of your service.
Telstra will cover the cost of mobile phone bills for volunteer firefighters over the period of December and January. This available to all volunteer firefighters registered with the official volunteer fire services within their state, such as the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and the Regional Fire Service (RFS). Additionally, if an eligible volunteer has a Pre-Paid mobile service they can instead receive 10GB of prepaid data and free calls with a 30-day expiry to their nominated Pre-Paid service number. Firefighter volunteers should contact Telstra on 13 22 03 when convenient to register for the free calls over December and January.
Optus will waiver the costs of eligible volunteer firefighters’ mobile services for December 2019 and January 2020. If you’re an active volunteer firefighter with an Optus bill, call 1300 301 671 to see if you qualify.
Vodafone will waive any mobile network usage charges for all volunteer firefighters during December and January. To be eligible for a credit for December 2019 and January 2020 bills, Volunteers customers can call 1300 650 410 or visit a local Vodafone store and quote their official volunteer ID number and a credit for service charges will be applied to their Vodafone account.
Coles have offered a $500 voucher to each CFA brigade. Brigades should have been provided with a unique link to claim this voucher. For further information about this donation, please contact Sally Bodman from the Communications & Stakeholders Relations directorate on 03 9262 8389 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
AGL is offering CFA volunteers a $150 credit on their next power or gas bill. The offer is open to current and new AGL customers who volunteer with CFA. To access this offer, call 13 12 45. The customer service centres are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alinta Energy is offering $200 credit to be applied to your Alinta Energy account. Simply fill out an enquiry form and they will get in contact with you with the details or call them on 13 37 02. Please make sure to choose “Volunteer Firefighter” as the Enquiry type and include your Alinta Energy Customer Account Number and your Volunteer ID Number for the state fire service you are a part of.
Lumo Energy is offering $200 bill credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Lumo Energy customers (regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Lumo Energy Customer Care Team on 1300 714 563.
Red Energy is offering $200 bull credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Red Energy customers regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Red Energy Customer Care Team on 131 806.
Southern Phone is waiving all internet, broadband, mobile and home phone usage fees and charges for volunteer firefighters and SES volunteers involved in the bushfire disaster. To access this offer, contact Southern Phone on 13 14 64.
Woolworths is offering a 10% discount in store for Emergency Services and Volunteer Firefighters at Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, BWS and Dan Murhpy's from 21 January 2020 through to 31 January 2020. Offer only available in store and upon presentation of valid Emergency Services ID. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
Member Welfare and Support
Support services are available to provide you additional support:
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.
Further Resources
EMV: http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance
CFA Donations: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/donate1
Offers Available to Members: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=BushfireSupportAssistance
VFBV notes the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Federal Government is considering a proposal for a national review or enquiry into this year’s bushfires.
VFBV would cautiously welcome a federal enquiry and believes there are learnings and observations that could be best explored at a national level. Just as fires don’t respect lines on a map a national perspective and overview to bushfire preparation, planning, response and recovery could be invaluable. We reject the view that duplication cannot be adequately managed or planned for, and believe the Federal Government has an important role to play.
Australia’s 250,000 emergency management volunteer workforce is a national treasure, and VFBV would welcome discussions on how they can be best supported, equipped and protected.
Any enquiry must be carefully planned and thought out to ensure terms of reference are adequately balanced to ensure any review is targeted and focussed for best effect and effort.
Having witnessed the cooperative approach taken by the Victorian and Commonwealth Government during the current campaign fires, we are optimistic that a federal review or enquiry could equally be progressed in good faith.
VFBV is strongly advocating that emergency management volunteers should equally have input into the terms of reference.
There are many factors volunteers would be keen to explore including volunteer support, safety, culture, resourcing and recognition. Building stronger integrated relationships and effort and removing artificial barriers are important factors to consider.
Volunteers would also make valuable contributions and provide a unique perspective on land management and planning, fuel reduction, and emergency warning education and standardisation amongst others. A national approach to some of these issues would provide a valuable blueprint for State based agencies and governments of the future.
As with enquiries in the past, VFBV would fully cooperate with any enquiry or review called. As history has shown, volunteers have always actively engaged in these types of discussions in a highly constructive way.
VFBV would support a review of previous enquiries as part of a national review and believes this could form part of terms of reference.
VFBV respectfully submits that the lack of independent, evidence based, and authoritative assessment of the progress and status of previous reviews and enquires would be a significant improvement to assist the emergency service sector in realising the benefits and continuous improvement sought by previous enquiries.
A national approach would enable all State’s to benefit from the valuable lessons learned across the nation.
VFBV shares the frustration of many volunteers who have participated in a plethora of reviews, often with perceptions of little ultimate improvement to the support of volunteers and their communities with local service planning, preparation, delivery and recovery.
Volunteers support active questioning about whether things can be done better, how to plan and prepare for the future and a need to address problems that need to be fixed. Many of these problems require long term planning and investment. A holistic approach is urgently needed and presents one of the greatest opportunities to leverage off the strengths of each jurisdiction, while diligently pursuing improvements that resonate and have real world practical effect ‘on the ground’ and in our communities.
An enduring and national coordinated approach and oversight of the work done to build, strengthen and sustain emergency management volunteers would be most welcome and is a fitting way to recognise and respect the incredible work volunteers undertake in our communities 365 days of the year.
For now, our focus and energy is on supporting our incredible volunteers and the immediate demands of the current fire season. There will be time to pursue calm and focussed reflections and learnings at the end of the season. We urge decision makers at both the Commonwealth and State levels to respect the current operational workload and community relief and recovery works that are currently underway, and provide sufficient time for stakeholders to have input and offer advice on future reviews before terms of reference are settled.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Victorian Fire Forest Management and Parks Victoria In Line of Duty Death
Written by Adam Barnett
VFBV was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Slade who died near Omeo on 12 January. Bill was a Forest Fire Management Victorian firefighter and a Parks Victoria employee.
Bill had been a firefighter for over 40 years and was on active duty was part of a taskforce working in the vicinity of Anglers Rest near Omeo when he was struck by a tree.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Bill’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues at this time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We are mourning this loss alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria firefighter brethren at this very sad time.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all crews and their safety.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
