VFBV

Prevention is better than a cure 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Many of you would have heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And while this is often used in medical circles, it was actually a quote from Benjamin Franklin circa 1735. Often described variously as a writer, scientist, inventor and statesman, he was one of the founding fathers of the United States, and helped draft the declaration of independence, of which he was also a signatory. Most will associate Franklin from their school curriculum with his scientific proposal of flying a kite in a storm to prove that lightning was electricity.

Less known, was that he created one of the first volunteer firefighting brigades (companies as they were called) in America. Colloquially called ‘Franklin’s Bucket Brigade’, it was the first formally organised all volunteer fire company in the American colonies. What made his brigade distinct was that rather than only being established to protect its members (in the same way early insurance brigades operated in Australia) his brigade protected the entire community, akin to what CFA volunteer brigades do today.

The quote ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ came from a letter Franklin wrote and published in his own newspaper ‘The Pennsylvania Gazette’ entitled ‘Protection of Towns from Fire’ that laid out his argument about how a city should prepare itself for a fire. It was motivated by his visit to Boston in 1733 where he was deeply impressed with that city’s fire prevention methods.

Looking at how prevention gets completely ignored in fire service outcomes measurements these days makes you wonder how this knowledge was so apparent to Franklin 289 years ago, yet lost on today’s legislators.

I remember a previous Chief Officer who frequently reminded members that we have saved more people through CFA’s community education and safety activities than over our entire history with big red fire trucks. Unsurprising, the very first recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (Recommendations 1 to 7) all dealt with improvements to community advice, planning and education. In its final report, the Commission stated it was axiomatic (meaning self-evident) that the most effective way of reducing fire damage and protecting human life is to prevent fires from starting in the first place. It noted, that while it is impossible to eliminate fires, it is possible to reduce the risk and incidence of fires.

And while the Commission was referencing bushfires, it is important to consider that on average more than one person dies in a house fire in Australia every week. In fact, residential fires cause more deaths each year than floods, storms and bushfires combined.

So what is each fire service actually doing to treat that risk?

CFA’s volunteer and community embedded model achieves stronger community resilience than any other comparable model in operation across Australia. In fact, CFA is Australia’s second largest urban fire service, second only to Fire Rescue NSW. Consistent with the shared responsibility approach, CFA volunteers are embedded in the very same communities they protect and support community members to recognise and understand their role in fire safety. Much more than just response, CFA brigades cover the entire gamut of prevention, suppression and recovery across the rural and urban environment. Very few other services can claim that.

Judge L Stretton of the 1939 Victorian Bush Fires Royal Commission similarly acknowledged the critical importance of prevention, protection and education. So its not a new concept.

Studies researching preventable residential fire fatalities in Australia are instructive of the key risk factors that contribute to preventable residential fire fatalities. So, what does the data tell us?

Researchers of the most recent report into preventable residential fire fatalities establish that the conceptualisation of fire fatality risk is complex, and that a single risk factor on its own is unlikely to significantly increase a person’s risk of dying in a residential fire. It is a combination of individual risk factors mostly centred around the personal circumstance of the individual that has the most bearing. Therefore, fire services that not only treat the symptom but also the cause are the most effective in preventing preventable deaths. Research the Fire District Review Panel would be well advised to consider.

Let’s look at some specifics.

Freestanding houses/residences were the housing type where the majority of fatal fires occurred. Residential fire fatalities occur mostly in the winter months, and most commonly occur between the hours of 8pm to 8am, with the most significant spikes between the hours of midnight and 4am. Almost half lived on their own.

Older people represent over a third of total fatalities; and two thirds are people who had a disability. Two thirds were male. Collectively, two thirds had medications or alcohol present in their blood. Social and financial disadvantage was also a significant factor.

Over two-thirds of fatalities were smokers. And despite smoking rates in Australia dropping significantly over the last 30 years (down to 15.5% of the population in 2015), the proportion of preventable residential fire fatalities who are smokers has not significantly changed, meaning they are significantly overrepresented in the fatalities. Further, smoking materials themselves are a major source of ignition, with over a third of fatalities relating to smoking in bed.

From a fire service perspective, we don’t have much influence over how many people smoke or use medication or alcohol that impairs their ability to awaken. But what we do have influence over is raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms. Research from AFAC reports that the absence of smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

This is where the CFA model really comes to the fore, as it does not simply provide fire suppression. Brigades and volunteers are equally involved in community education and community safety programs that have a larger impact on reducing preventable fire fatalities than any other action, yet inexplicably these programs and measurements do not form part of Victoria’s formal performance monitoring framework that is only interested in looking at minutes out the door.

And for proponents of old and non-contemporary unscientific time-based performance measurement of fire services, please note the following.

In today’s homes, residents have a safe escape time of only three minutes. This ‘three minutes’ has often elapsed before emergency services have even been notified. So the most effective action we can take as a fire service is to encourage and support working smoke alarms (especially in high risk homes) and the adoption of residential sprinkler systems.

While public education is often viewed through the prism of TV commercials, boots on the ground is the gold standard. Actually getting out in the community and having these conversations one-on-one and in people’s homes is far more effective and what makes a CFA brigade different.

VFBV has long advocated for enhanced fire safety in the residential space, and CFA has partnered with multiple agencies and organisations at the National, State and local levels to explore options. In last year’s Community Safety Joint Committee 2-Minute- Briefings we covered the progress of low cost and affordable sprinkler systems that are being developed by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which is a partnership between AFAC and FPAA, and is modelled on an American model that has demonstrated significant success in reducing preventable residential fire fatalities.

Closer to home, CFA brigades like Noble Park Fire Brigade in District 8, for example, are putting theory into practice. The brigade has been documenting the successes of their local campaign, where volunteer firefighters conduct free smoke alarm assessments and replacements across their local community and have been running a very successful multilingual program for many years.

For example, in one weekend alone, the brigade visited 152 homes across the greater Dandenong local government area that resulted in; 325 new 10 year smoke alarms being installed; 162 non-compliant smoke alarms being found and replaced; 208 residents were engaged in discussions about improved home fire safety and more than 300 referrals for future installations where local residents were unavailable on the weekend in question.

These kind of numbers are simply unachievable by other models, yet because of how Victoria’s outcome frameworks are constructed – they are not seen as core service delivery responsibilities, and nor are they funded as such. As a CFA volunteer you should be exceptionally proud you are part of a fire service that provides unrivalled public safety across the entire prevention, detection, response and recovery gamut. Be proud of your work and be proud of your service. As Victoria’s most efficient, effective and value for money fire service, we must remain vigilant to the threat of further cuts that will not only impact CFA, but the very communities that we protect.

VALE

It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that we farewell ex-Captain Garry Mallen of Portland Fire Brigade in District 4, who was lost in the line of duty at a structure fire in the early hours of Tuesday, 30th January. Despite the efforts of CFA, FRV and Ambulance Victoria responders on scene, he was unable to be revived.

Garry was a highly respected and much-loved member and has been with CFA for more than 30 years. He will be deeply missed.

On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Garry’s family, friends and loved ones, including all officers and members of the Portland Fire Brigade and surrounding brigades who are grieving his loss.

I will finish this month by quoting the final paragraph of the firefighters’ prayer, that is recalled at each year’s annual memorial service; “And if it be, while on the job, I should lose my life, please bless with your sustaining hand, all those I’ve loved in life.”

Garry Mallen funeral details
The funeral of Garry Mallen, former captain of Portland Fire Brigade and the brigade's current 4th Lieutenant, will be held at 2pm tomorrow (Friday 9 February) at Portland Civic Hall, Bentinck St, Portland.

The service and guard of honour will be live streamed on CFA's YouTube channel from 2pm.

AFSMs

VFBV congratulates the four CFA members who were among the 1,033 Australians recognised in the Australia Day honours list.

Captain Paula Grosveld AFSM, Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan AFSM, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bill Johnstone AFSM and Commander John Katakouzinos were all recognised for their service, dedication and leadership within CFA and the broader Victorian Community.

VFBV congratulates Paula, Ross, Bill and John for their outstanding contribution to CFA as well as Kathryn Gosby AFSM and Stephen Grant AFSM from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change AFSMs and Costa Katsikis AFSM and Damien O’Toole AFSM from Fire Rescue Victoria who were also recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal.

You can read more about each of the CFA recipients on the VFBV website and page 3 of this months edition of ‘Fire Wise.’

Congratulations are also extended to a number of current and former CFA volunteers who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) also.

Nominations for the AFSM award are accepted at any time through CFA’s Honours and Awards Committee, for more information on how to nominate a deserving CFA member please visit the VFBV website.

Driver SOP feedback

We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering Driving.

These SOPs include: 12.01 Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO Vehicles; 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles; 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles; 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles; 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles; 12.08 Driver Endorsement. Copies of the revised SOP's are available from the VFBV website. 

To assist members in providing feedback, short feedback survey’s have been developed for the two SOP’s with the most significant changes:

SOP 12.01 – Driving or Travelling in CFA and ECO vehicles

SOP 12.08 – Driver Endorsement

Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.

Feedback can be provided by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via your local VFBV District Council or Support Officer.

Unreasonable Complaints Policy

We are seeking feedback on a draft policy proposed by CFA to deal with unreasonable complaints.

CFA advises that unreasonable complaints, while a very small proportion of the total number of complaints, might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member, or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.

CFA is seeking ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a complaint might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public and ensure it is applied consistently across CFA.

VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to this draft policy. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.

Fire Medical Response

We are seeking feedback on a new SOP covering Fire Medical Response (FMR) that will commence later this year.

The draft SOP only cover brigades and members who are authorised to provide FMR, and covers procedures relating to PPC, equipment, responding, Firecom notifications, reporting and decontamination considerations.

Due to the relatively smaller number of brigades affected, the consultation window for this SOP will be shortened, and members are requested to provide feedback as soon as possible.

We are most keen to hear from brigades and members anticipating on being involved in the FMR program, and also welcome feedback from brigades and members currently involved in EMR (Emergency Medical Response).

Please visit the VFBV website for a copy of the draft SOP and information on how to provide feedback.

State Champs entries closing soon

A reminder that entries for the 2024 State Championships as well as Judge and Official nominations close on Sunday 18 February 2024.

For information on how to enter a team or nominate as a judge or official for any of the 2024 State Championships, please visit the VFBV website.  

A reminder also that brigades who are not competing in the State Championships are also welcome to take part in the Torchlight Procession which will be held in the evening of Saturday 23 March in Mooroopna. If your Brigade would like to be part of the Torchlight Procession please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

The VFBV website has information for competing brigades, including updated rule books for both the rural and urban competitions as well as information on local competitions being held in the lead up to the State Championships.

If you require any assistance during the registration process or for more information on the Championships please contact the VFBV office via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 9886 1141.

Survey last chance

This year’s volunteer survey will close within days.

The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing, the gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.

Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey.

Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.

Fire Wise – February 2024 online only edition

The February 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.

You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Recent articles on the VFBV website
Now Open – 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey

Open for Consultation Dashboard

Feedback requested – Unreasonable complaints policy

Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)

Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (FMR)

2024 State Championships – Entries Now Open

Australia Day Honours List 2024

Presumptive Legislation Update

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VFBV extends congratulations to four CFA members who were awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) on Australia for their service to CFA and the wider Victorian Community.

Paula Grosveld AFSM – Paula has been a CFA volunteer with the Golden Beach brigade since 1987 and has held many roles including Deputy Group Officer, Group Secretary and volunteer trainer and assessor and is currently serving her 18th year as Captain of the Golden Beach Fire Brigade.  As a trusted peer and mentor to fellow captains, group officers and members throughout Victoria, Paula has been recognised for her tenacity and selflessness in driving sustainable growth of young and emerging leaders throughout CFA. You can read more about Paula here. 

Ross Sullivan AFSM  - Ross has been a CFA member for more than 45 years, first joining the Bolinda and Monegeeta brigade as a member of their Junior running team before officially joining CFA as a volunteer in 1978.  As the current Deputy Chief Officer North East Region Ross has lead the region through major the 2019-20 fires and the October 2022 floods and has been commended for his leadership as well as establishing a process for rehabilitation and repair of areas damaged by firefighting activity. You can read more about Ross here.

Bill Johnstone AFSM – Bill started his service as firefighter as a junior member with the Gisborne brigade in 1977 and since then has spent time as a firefighter with the Australian Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) in Cairns before returning to Victoria and joining CFA’s career ranks in 2000.  During his time with CFA he has worked extensively in operational management in various roles including operations officer, manager and in his current role of Assistant Chief Fire Officer-Regional Commander for the North West Region.  You can read more about Bill here. 

John Katakouzinos AFSM – John joined CFA as a volunteer firefighter in 1991 with the Springvale brigade before becoming a career firefighter in March 1999 and currently holds the role of CFA Commander - Aviation.  John has been an operational firefighter across many parts of Victoria and has been a leader and mentor who consistently looks for ways to improve firefighting and community safety trough innovation, particularly in the field of fire service aviation and rescue.  He led the research, design, development and delivery of a fire aviation flight simulator for Victorian agencies which was one of the first of its kind in Australia. You can read more about John here.

VFBV also congratulates Kathryn Gosby AFSM and Stephen Grant AFSM from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Costa Katsikis AFSM and Damien O’Toole AFSM who were also awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day.

Also among the 1,033 recipients of awards on Australia Day were a number of past and present CFA members who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). VFBV congratulates Kaye Blackburn, Brian Keena, John Nihill, Jeffrey Robinson, Ian Thomson, Maria Cameron, Lindsay Tharle, Lavina Tharle and Bruce Wilson.

Nominations for AFSM's

Nominations for AFSM's are accepted at any time through CFA's Honours and Awards Committee. 

The AFSM honours the distinguished service of members of fire services who make an exceptionable contribution to their communities. The AFSM recognises those whose service is above and beyond the normal zealous and faithful discharge of normal or ordinary service, either in the short or long term.

CFA volunteers are often modest and reluctant to seek out recognition for the service they have provided to their community and may not have a realistic appreciation of the impact they have had on CFA, their community, within VFBV or your Brigade or Group. They’re not in it for the honour or glory, but it’s up to each of us to ensure we take the time to say ‘thank-you’ to those people who have stepped up and help inspire us all to do better.

If you know a quiet achiever who has contributed to CFA, who goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of someone in a similar position, please consider nominating them for an AFSM.  

The Australian Honours system has been designed to break down artificial barriers and open the Australian Honours to all parts of our society. Any member of the community can nominate any other Australian citizen for an award.

It is also critically important we encourage nominations for groups who are typically under-represented in Australian Honours like the AFSM. In particular we are encouraging a greater gender mix.

Women in particular are under-represented in AFSM’s awarded when we consider the thousands of women within the fire services across the country. And while things are improving, much more can be done.

There are so many exceptional CFA women and men deserving to be recognised, so please consider nominating someone you feel is deserving.

A common misconception is that only those members who have decades worth of service are recognised by the Honours system. The AFSM is not a long-service award, its sole criterion is distinguished service. And while prolonged service forms part of the key criteria, ‘prolonged’ is considered by the honour and awards committee’s to be taken in context as to what is considered ‘longer than usual’ and in context of what is ‘above and beyond’ the normal or ordinary service expected. Exceptional service that is sustained over a period of time can be considered as satisfying the criteria. For example, has the members contribution been in excess of expectations for a ‘normal’ member and over what duration? The Committee will consider the nature of the service or achievement within the context of a member’s service history when weighing up the various criteria.

This is especially important for women within CFA who may have their service overlooked simply because they haven’t been a Captain or Group Officer for 30+ years. While these are important leadership roles – our service is a team environment, and everyone’s contribution is valued.

Nothing should take away from the incredible achievement decade long service is, but the Honours system is designed to recognise those that make a significant contribution, and to represent the things that our communities believe to be deserving of recognition, including from those who are perhaps trailblazers for others to follow. Think of those people who have pushed the boundaries or have been first to reach and hold leadership positions that has been inspirational to those around them. For example, think of members who have overcome additional barriers, like English not being their first language and who have toiled away to learn the language and become masterful communicators designing new innovative community safety engagements to CALD communities and serving as a role model for other community members. Who are the people you look up to? Who are the people who have really made a difference in your Brigade or Group? 

Distinguished service includes service that is above and beyond and can be short-term or prolonged. It is service that can be exemplified by; responsibility for an outstanding event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service or community; development of a new system, procedure or technique that is unique and made a significant contribution to the fire service; or outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth within the fire services.

While it can seem daunting to nominate a potential recipient, some guiding principles that could assist in completing a nomination for an AFSM are:

- In what role(s) has the nominee excelled?
- How has the nominee demonstrated service worthy of recognition?
- How has the nominee’s contribution affected a particular field, locality, brigade, group or community at large?
- Over what period has the nominee made a major commitment?
- Has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?
- What makes this person stand out from others?
- What specific examples can be provided to show how the nominee’s contribution(s) have been outstanding?

Nominations for awards are strictly confidential. The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of the confidential nomination at any stage of the process.

Additional Resources to Assist

Honours and Awards Toolkit

Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

AFSM Nomination Form

Want to discuss a potential nomination or need some more information? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    

About the Australian Fire Service Medal 

Introduced in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal recognised distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to both volunteer and paid members. The award recognised the distinguished service by members of a State or Territory Fire Service, a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the Fire Services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Island) and Norfolk Island.

The medal is awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day award and King's Birthday award announcements.

Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal 

To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has given service beyond the norm exemplified by:

1. Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance in a particular area that has proved significant benefit to the fire service; and one or more of the following.
2. Responsibility for and management of an outstanding/exceptional event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service, a community or community safety generally. 
3. Development of a new system, or procedure, or technique that is unique and has made a significant contribution to the fire service, a community or community safety generally. 
4. Outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth, within the fire service and the fostering and furthering of the aims of the fire service to the long-term benefit of the fire service and the community. 
5. Demonstrated creativity in the development and implementation of innovative changes that have made a significant contribution to the fire service, fire/emergency operations, or the interests of community safety.