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The Annual Memorial Service that honours those members who have lost their lives in the line of duty is being held on Sunday 6 May 2018.
The service will commence at 2pm at the South Barwon Civic Centre, 2 Colac Road, Belmont near Geelong.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of the five Geelong West firefighters (2/12/1998) at Linton and also 35th Anniversary of Ash Wednesday (16/2/1983) where CFA Members from Nar Nar Goon, Narre Warren, Panton Hill and Wallacedale lost their lives on that day at various areas around Victoria.
The Annual Memorial service is held on the Sunday closest to International Firefighters’ Day and St Florian’s Day (4 May). St Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.
The Annual Memorial Service is an event to honour and commemorate the lives of CFA firefighters who have not returned home from the fireground. It's a time for reflection and just one of the ways we can remember the lives of 67 CFA members and 11 Country Fire Brigades Board and Bush Fire Brigades Committee firefighters (prior to the formation of CFA), who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in service to protecting our communities.
All are welcome to attend this service.
Please RSVP by Friday 21 April to Chelsea Collister (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone on 9262 8513).
Invitation open to all volunteers to apply.
Current VFBV Board vacancy, and forthcoming vacancies, for which applications are invited from interested volunteers include:
- Current VFBV Board vacancy (retired member not eligible to apply), with term of appointment until 1st October 2019. Closing date for applications 25th May 2018
- Forthcoming VFBV Board vacancies will arise when the terms of Andy Cusack, Nev Jones, Bill Maltby and Bruce Pickett expire on 1st October 2018; all members are eligible for re-appointment. The four terms of appointment will be for two years, expiring 1st October 2020. Closing date for applications 1st August 2018.
VFBV is the representative body (Association) for CFA Volunteers and is established under Victorian law, the Country Fire Authority Act, to represent CFA volunteers on all matters that affect their welfare and efficiency.
VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.
The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. Also actively contributing to policy discussion at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to actively advocate for the benefit of all CFA volunteers and ultimately the Victorian community.
A Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria is available from the VFBV office or can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.
If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees.
It is requested that your application clearly states whether you are applying for the casual vacancy (term until 1st October 2019), or the forthcoming vacancies (terms until 1st October 2020), or both. Applications can be for both if received by 25th May 2018.
Applications must be lodged for these vacancies with VFBV by Friday 25th May 2018 and/or Wednesday 1st August 2018 to:
VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151
Enquiries can be made via Tel: 9886 1141; Fax: 9886 1618; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A reminder for everyone to consider getting along to the VFBV State (Rural) Championships to be held at Warrnambool this weekend (Saturday 7, Sunday 8 April).
The Seniors will be competing on the Saturday, and the Juniors will be competing on the Sunday.
This will be the 62nd Senior State Rural Championship and the 40th Junior State Rural Championships.
Events at the rural championships which evolved in the 1950's are based around more current fire ground practices and most use either tankers or replica tanker stands for most of their events.
Results from this weekends Championships will again be posted here: https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer-Fire-Brigades-Victoria-Championships-451309545285820/
And we also be running our live stream of Photo's from the weekend via our Flickr account at; https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfbv/albums/with/72157693786197555
State Championships allow volunteer firefighters to test their skills and prowess against opposing Brigades in a congenial atmosphere and provides an opportunity to strengthen existing friendships and form new bonds with Brigade members throughout Victoria and interstate. Unlike a real bushfire or structural fire situation, which often pits firefighters against mother nature and where lives and property are at risk, these drill competitions are more firefighter versus firefighter, and Brigade versus Brigade, which allows for a more friendly opponent than mother nature.
The Top 10 benefits and objectives of our competitions and State Championships are to:
- increased operational firefighting efficiency and discipline
- develop, maintain and enhance the operational skills of firefighters by providing a competitive environment to promote and hone training and skills maintenance in core and fundamental firefighting skills and practices
- develop teamwork and leadership skills of individuals and Brigades
- increased health and fitness development and promotion of healthy lifestyle and its correlation to increased firefighting efficiency and effectiveness
- promote comradeship amongst firefighters, sense of belonging and networking
- encourage family participation and strengthen community engagement and involvement in local Fire Brigade’s
- encourage our future CFA volunteer firefighters and provide early exposure to young people to instil a sense of community service and the importance of local Fire Brigade’s
- promote a professional image of CFA to the community
- instil and promote the Australian tradition of having a go, and doing your best
- promote and recognise our future CFA, Brigade and VFBV leaders and celebrate excellence
Government Fire Services Legislation has not passed Parliament Upper House
Written by Adam Barnett
NOTE TO MEMBERS – Saturday 31st March 2018
Yesterday the Victorian Upper House voted to reject the Governments Fire Service restructure legislation. This is an extremely good outcome for CFA, Victoria's Fire Services and all Victorians.
Despite the Governments spin - the proposed restructure provided no additional resources, capacity or flexibility for Victoria's fire services than exists today and in fact the proposed changes proposed to dismantle the CFA integrated model, further fragment the fire services, erode the CFA Chief Officers powers and ability to manage CFA operations and posed a dire threat to Victoria's future capacity to deal with major fires and sustain the volunteer surge capacity required for major fires and emergencies.
BRIEF RECAP
To recap, this proposed legislation change was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister James Merlino in May 2017 and subsequently received wide spread condemnation for being ill-conceived, driven by an industrial interference agenda, diminishing and discouraging volunteer capacity, dismantling the CFA integrated model and eroding the CFA Chief Officers power and control of CFA resources.
Despite Government spin, the proposed legislative changes provide no additional service capacity or service interoperability than exists today and in fact the proposed changes further fragment the fire services. During the past year, the Governments own messaging indicates the proposed changes were motivated by a Government and United Firefighters Union desire to find a way to push ahead with an over reaching EBA that limits how CFA supports, equips, recognises, respects and consults with volunteers.
People will recall that the proposed legislation was introduced in May 2017 without consultation with volunteers, and without involvement of representatives from Emergency Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority or the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION
Appallingly, the proposed legislation combined two totally separate issues, one being firefighter’s presumptive compensation rights for cancer illness caused by firefighting duties and the other being the proposed fire services structure and arrangements changes that essentially carve up CFA, one as a ransom note for the other.
There was a motion put by Daniel Young on behalf of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to split the Bill and appropriately separate the firefighter’s presumptive compensation rights for cancer illness aspects of the Bill from the proposed fire services restructure, allowing the presumptive compensation aspects of the bill to proceed, and be put to a vote. This motion was supported by the Coalition and Vote 1 Local Jobs member, James Purcell.
This motion was defeated by one vote, with Labor, the Greens and Reason Party MP’s voting against a motion that would have allowed Presumptive Legislation for firefighters to have been passed this week.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ALL-NIGHT SITTING
Yesterday's final vote in the Upper House came on the back of an unprecedented all night sitting of the Upper House on Easter Good Friday. The Legislative Council began at approx. 0930am on Thursday morning, and was forced to sit for close to 26 hours, (with this being the first time in Victoria's history of the Council being forced to sit on Good Friday) with the all night marathon sitting forced to push through to continue sitting well into Good Friday. This move was heavily criticised by many MPs and was clearly driven by the Government seizing on the misfortune of a sick MP, Dr Rachel Carling-Jenkins and thinking that without her vote opposing the Bill they could sneak the vote through.
Once again, the rejection of this ill-conceived legislation is well received and volunteers and communities across Victoria have already started actively voicing their gratitude for the sustained effort and support from those MPs who rejected the Bill and prevented the destruction of CFA.
NEXT STEPS
There will be further information forwarded during the coming week, with more details of the debate and next steps.
VFBV officers have received dozens of calls from volunteers asking for their comments of appreciation and thanks to be passed on to MPs, particularly to the MPs from the Coalition and independent MPs James Purcel (Vote One Local Jobs), Jeff Bourman and Daniel Young ( Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party) and also to Dr Rachel Carling-Jenkins, who has previously made public comment on her concerns and opposition to the proposed fire service restructure legislation, and despite being unable to attend the Upper House committee debate released public statement confirming her position with regard to the Bill had not changed. People wishing to pass messages to these MPs are encouraged to this directly with them.
Volunteers are also encouraged to contact Labor, Greens and the Reason Party MPs who were pushing for the Bill to be supported, to see what can be done to build their understanding of how CFA actually operates, the professionalism and first class services provided by volunteers and to correct numerous incorrect comments they made during the Upper House committee debate. VFBV will be reviewing the Upper House committee debate transcript in detail and will provide volunteers with further briefing as soon as possible on some of the comments, assertions and propositions that need follow up.
THANK YOU
Thank you to the huge number of volunteers and supporters who are tuned into this vitally important issue. It is unclear what the Government will do next but for now the flawed legislation to carve up the CFA has been rejected by Parliament. Great news for all Victorians.
It is also worth reflecting on the fact, that whilst the Upper House was debating the carve up and destruction of the world renowned fully integrated CFA, volunteers along with our paid colleagues, were out selflessly raising money shoulder to shoulder for the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday appeal.
In an outstanding result, CFA is reported to be the biggest contributor to a record breaking Good Friday appeal, with CFA members raising in excess of $1.67 million dollars for the appeal. CFA members have been participating in this appeal for 67 years, with over $30 million raised over the years by CFA members for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Werribee Fire Brigade, celebrating the raising of over $1 million for the appeal over the last 40 years, presented the CFA cheque for $1,677,628.35 to this year’s appeal during the Channel 7 live telecast.
In closing, please be respectful to one another, including those who were driving an agenda that we disagree with. For now, our focus should be about everyone getting on with keeping CFA the great organisation it has always been, making it even stronger into the future and continuing to do what we are all motivated by, serving and protecting our communities.
Have a safe and happy Easter.
Andrew a Ford.
CEO, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Government Fire Services Reform Legislation is Being Debated
Written by Adam Barnett
Dear Members,
Please be aware that the Government has exploited Dr Rachel Carling-Jenkins illness and hospitalisation, and has used its numbers to move its Fire Services Reform Legislation to a vote. The Upper House (Legislative Council) is debating the bill, and has been forced to sit all night overnight, and is extending into good Friday. They have not been allowed to adjourn and are continuing to debate.
This is the first time in Victoria's history that the Legislative Council has been forced to sit on Good Friday, and all motions to adjourn debate to allow MP's to observe the religious holiday have been defeated.
You can access the Parliaments live stream from here; https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/video-and-audio/live-broadcasting
We wish all members undertaking today's Good Friday Appeal on behalf of the Children's Hospital a successful day.
The Spirit of CFA Awards recognise outstanding achievements and significant contributions made by CFA staff and volunteers to CFA, local communities and the state of Victoria.
The Spirit of CFA Awards, which are proudly supported by BankVic and the Victorian Government Valuing Volunteers Program, have the potential to positively impact members, and improve CFA’s standing in the community as an organisation of choice for volunteering and employment. Recognising achievements is an important element of a healthy workforce.
Local communities, organisations, government agencies, brigades, districts and regions are welcome and encouraged to nominate a CFA individual or team for an award.
We’re especially interested to hear about the quiet achievers who go about their daily work without any thought of being recognised.
To be eligible for an award, the nominees must be a current CFA member and demonstrate an outstanding achievement and/or significant contribution to CFA and the community within the past two years (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017)
Nominate a CFA member or team now (by clicking here)
Nominations close 11.59pm Sunday 8 April 2018 and Finalists will be announced early May.
For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Category descriptions:
Youth Award (proudly supported by Bank Vic)
The Youth Award acknowledges CFA members between the age of 11 and 25 who inspire others through their commitment to their brigade and community and consistently demonstrate collaboration, initiative and leadership.
This award is open to all individuals between the age of 11 and 25 at the time of nomination.
Seniors Award
The Seniors Award pays tribute to CFA members over the age of 60 who inspire and mentor others through their commitment to their brigade and community and consistently demonstrate collaboration, initiative, and leadership.
This award is open to all individuals over the age of 60 at the time of nomination.
Living the Values Award
The prestigious Living the Values Award honours CFA members who have and continue to exemplify CFA's Values. Nominees promote safety at all times; they show respect, empathy, and understanding, they act with integrity, honesty, and fairness. Nominees also work collaboratively, maintaining open communication and are able to respond and adapt to change.
This award is open to individuals of all ages, locations, and roles.
Inclusion and Fairness Champion Award
CFA's Inclusion and Fairness Champion consistently demonstrates honesty and fairness, they are a champion for equality, diversity and inclusion by challenging the status quo and breaking down the systemic barriers to inclusion and diversity. This CFA member encourages mental health awareness and promotes both physical and mental safety and wellbeing.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Excellence in Community Engagement Award
The Excellence in Community Engagement Award recognises CFA members who have worked collaboratively to develop and apply innovative approaches to community engagement. Their dedication to community safety and resilience has created meaningful and lasting relationships and results.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Excellence in Interagency or Group Cooperation Award
The Excellence in Interagency or Group Cooperation recognises members who engage with other emergency management agencies before, during, and/or after an emergency. By building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and working in collaboration, nominees promote and practice interoperability to ensure the needs of the community are met.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Excellence in Partnership Development Award
The Excellence in Partnership Development recognises CFA members who engaged with other agencies and community organisations before, during, and/or after an emergency. By collaborating with key stakeholders, nominees have improved the efficiency of emergency management arrangements in their brigade and local area to meet stakeholder and community needs.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Excellence in Sustainability Planning Award
The Excellence in Sustainability Planning Award acknowledges the contribution made by CFA members in ensuring we have the capability and resources to keep the community safe. By showing leadership in planning and preparation, and encouraging the development of our people, CFA will meet community needs now and into the future.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Excellence in Innovation Award
The Excellence in Innovation celebrates CFA members who lead transformational change to our services, systems, governance, and processes to improve service delivery outcomes; meeting organisational and community needs now and into the future.
This award is open to individuals and teams of all ages, locations, and roles.
Government Fire Services Reform Legislation Update
Written by Adam Barnett
NOTE TO MEMBERS – 28th March 2018
GOVERNMENT FIRE SERVICES REFORM LEGISLATION UPDATE
SUMMARY
This is a brief note to provide an initial update regarding developments in the Victorian Parliament Upper House yesterday specifically relating to the Governments proposed fire services restructure and presumptive legislation Bill.
The legislation was considered by the Upper House yesterday along with some ineffectual amendments tabled at the last minute. Beyond the fundamental concerns about the legislation, the Government received strong criticism about the last-minute tabling of these amendments, the lack of briefing prior to them being tabled in the Upper House and the sudden haste to push the legislation through whilst parts of Victoria and many volunteers have been involved in major fire events.
Seizing on the absence due to illness of one MP who has indicated she does not support the legislation, the Government used its numbers to extend the sitting of the Upper House late into the evening. And due to the ill MP being hospitalized and unable to return to parliament yesterday the Government, with the support of the Greens and Reason Party MPs, was able to get the numbers to get a supporting vote through. The legislation was supported by one vote and has now passed the second reading stage.
The legislation was supported by one vote in an outcome that would have been totally different if the Government had followed standard practice of pairing a vote with the sick MP who had to urgently depart Parliament.
This is an alarming and very disappointing outcome and puts the future of CFA under serious doubt.
The legislation is scheduled to go back to the Victorian Upper House for further debate and questions tomorrow. If passed the legislation will bring an end to integration and the CFA as we know it.
BRIEF RECAP OF THE JOURNEY SO FAR
To recap, this proposed legislation change was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister James Merlino in May 2017 and subsequently received wide spread condemnation for being ill-conceived, driven by an industrial interference agenda, diminishing and discouraging volunteer capacity, dismantling the CFA integrated model and eroding the CFA Chief Officers power and control of CFA resources. Despite Government spin, the proposed legislative changes provide no additional service capacity or service interoperability than exists today and in fact the proposed changes further fragment the fire services. The Governments own messaging indicates the proposed change has been motivated by a Government and United Firefighters Union desire to find a way to push ahead with an over reaching EBA that limits how CFA supports, equips, recognises, respects and consults with volunteers.
The proposed legislation was introduced in May 2017 without consultation with volunteers, and without involvement of representatives from Emergency Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority or the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
Appallingly, the proposed legislation combines two totally separate issues, one being firefighters presumptive compensation rights for cancer illness caused by firefighting duties and the other being the proposed fire services restructure and arrangement changes that essentially carve up CFA, one as a ransom note for the other.
Based on concerns raised about the proposed legislation, including fundamental flaws and the lack of transparency underpinning its development, the legislation was referred to a Fire Services Bill Select Committee back in mid 2017. That Committee provided a detailed report in August 2017 making a number of key findings and recommendations (see attached), specifically including findings and recommendations completely opposite to the effect of the legislation now before parliament again yesterday.
Since August 2017 the proposed legislation has sat to the side-lines, well down the Upper House agenda list and not debated, no doubt because there has been strong indication from coalition and cross bench MPs that the legislation would not be supported if put to the vote.
OUTCOME FROM THE UPPER HOUSE YESTERDAY
The legislation was eventually put for debate in the Upper House yesterday. Appropriately, there has been much criticism about the disrespect this shows by the Government for the parts of Victoria still experiencing or recovering from the impact of major fires and the fact that volunteers from across Victoria have been heavily involved in major firefighting and recovery deployments.
As indicated above, the legislation was debated in the Upper House yesterday along with 29 pages of amendments that were apparently tabled to MPs yesterday. From a quick read, these amendments do not address concerns raised by VFBV including many concerns known to be shared by many senior officers within CFA.
Due to the volume of amendments and the late tabling of these there was a motion put to parliament yesterday for the debate to be adjourned for a day or two so that due consideration could be given. This motion was voted down by Labor, Greens and the Reason Party MPs.
Due to an illness and hospitalisation yesterday of one of the cross bench independent MPs, who has indicated she does not support the legislation, the Government was able to have the numbers to get a supporting vote through late last night.
VFBV understands that it is a long standing standard practice that when an MP from one side of an argument falls ill or cannot attend parliament sitting they will be paired with a corresponding MP from the other side of an argument, to keep the deliberations of parliament ‘fair play’. VFBV also understands that this request for a pairing was rejected by the Government yesterday.
The outcome is that by days end yesterday the Upper House voted on the second reading of the proposed legislation and the proposed legislation now progress to a committee phase and potentially final decision tomorrow.
There was then a motion put by the Victorian Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to split the Bill and appropriately separate the firefighters presumptive compensation rights for cancer illness aspects of the Bill from the proposed fire services restructure, allowing the presumptive compensation aspects to proceed. The motion to split the Bill, allowing presumptive rights aspects to proceed, was voted against by Labor, Greens and the Reason Party MPs. The motion was defeated by one vote.
NEXT STEPS
The legislation will now be considered by the Victorian Parliament Upper House again tomorrow with a process of MP’s working through the legislation in detail and an opportunity to ask questions, seek further amendments etc. Depending on progress of these discussions the legislation could be voted again tomorrow and either supported or rejected. If the legislation is voted and supported tomorrow without amendment, it will become law.
VFBV has already provided very detailed briefings to MPs about our concerns with this legislation and will continue to advocate these concerns today, tomorrow and beyond. Pending the outcome of tomorrows debate there will be further campaign action activated and further information will be provided to support and coordinate this.
Between now and the close of tomorrows debate volunteers are encouraged to re activate contact with your local MP and voice your views about the impact of the changes of the proposed legislation and also the foul play used to push this legislation through by seizing on the illness of an MP to rort the numbers and vote outcome.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELVES AND WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER
During these difficult times, it is extremely important that you look after yourself, and your fellow peers.
While emotions are running high, it is now more important than ever to support one another, and be kind to one another. Show compassion and empathy for those you interact with, and act with honour and respect. We would urge members not to resign, we joined to protect our communities, and our communities still rely on us. We will not be taking this lying down, and we will pursue this until the end.
This also a good opportunity to remind members of the following services available to all CFA members:
Emergency contacts
If your query is urgent, you should seek immediate assistance using one of the contacts below:
CFA Member assistance program
Access to psychologists and counsellors who can provide support to members and their families in managing the impacts on their psychological health and safety.
Phone 1300 795 711 (24 hours)
Lifeline
Lifeline provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone 13 11 14 (24 hours)
BeyondBlue Support Service
Access free, confidential support from a trained mental health professional.
Phone 1300 22 4636
Non-urgent contacts
There are a number of services available to members and their families to deal with non-urgent issues:
Member assistance program
Access to psychologists and counsellors who can provide support to members and their families in managing the impacts on their psychological health and safety.
Phone 1300 795 711 (24 hours)
Peer support program
CFA Peers are trained to provide Psychological First Aid following Potentially Traumatic Events, one on one support and links to other services for members and their families.
Phone your local Peer Coordinator. A complete listing of all peers by District can be found at; http://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=publicDisplayDoc&docId=017975
Chaplaincy program
Chaplains are allocated on a district basis. They provide pastoral care to members and their families including spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional care. Support is not limited to a faith.
Chaplains can also be contacted directly. Contact your local CFA office for more details.
Phone 1800 337 068 (24 hours)
* * *
Update 12/03/2018 1500: Final Results
Final results from the weekend can now be downloaded from the bottom of this page, under Attachments.
The 2018 Champion Competitor is Matt Royal, from Maryvale Fire Brigade. Jackson Dargaville & Jamie Hart both from Kangaroo Flat Fire Brigade came in equal second.
Update 12/03/2018 1330: Final Aggregate Results
Update 12/03/2018 0800: Champion Competitor Interim Results (As at end of Day 2)
Update: End of Day 2 Results
Results from this weekends State Senior Championships in Bendigo are being posted here: https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer-Fire-Brigades-Victoria-Championships-451309545285820/
You can also access a live photo feed from the weekend via our Flickr account found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfbv/albums/72157691269033832
Aggregate Results - End of Day 1
VFBV State Championships are one of Victoria's proudest and longest traditions, running for nearly 150 years with the first State Championship held in Melbourne in 1873.
Today, competitions and the State Championships remain an integral part of CFA activities and provide opportunities for many brigades across the State to come together to compete against each other in a range of events.
CFA is seeking to better understand the experiences of individuals in participating in championships and competitions which will help inform future initiatives to support the ongoing growth and sustainability of these events.
You are invited to complete a survey that CFA is conducting to share your experiences and provide valuable ideas and insights from the perspective of participants, officials and supporters. The survey will remain open until the end of April and all responses will remain confidential.
There will also be an opportunity to complete the survey and provide feedback at the upcoming State Championships. You can do this by visiting the ‘Championships – Have you say’ stand in the corporate marquee at the event during the following dates and times:
State Urban Championships – Bendigo
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March - 9am to 4.30 pm
State Rural Championships – Warrnambool
Saturday 7th April – 9am to 4.30pm
Sunday 8th April – 9am to 1pm
The survey can be completed online by following the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/championships1
If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of the survey you can request this by speaking to Raelene Williams on Ph: 0418 739 469 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A reminder for everyone to consider getting along to the VFBV State Urban Senior Championships to be held at Bendigo this weekend (Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Monday 12th March).
The Bendigo and Districts Fire Brigades Championship Committee in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo is again hosting the 2018 VFBV Urban State Championships in Bendigo this weekend.
This will be the 135th State Urban Championships, with this year attracting 49 Senior teams, including three teams from Western Australia.
Results from this weekends State Senior Championships will be posted here: https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer-Fire-Brigades-Victoria-Championships-451309545285820/
And we also be running our live stream of Photo's from the weekend via our Flickr account at; https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfbv/albums/with/72157693786197555
More...
Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Written by Adam Barnett
Note to Members: Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
This note seeks to bring to your attention some legislative amendments currently before the Victorian Parliament seeking to amend amongst other things the Emergency Management Act 2013 and consequential amendments to the CFA Act 1958, which for the most part are restricted to aspects relating to Regional and Municipal Fire Prevention committees and planning.
At a fundamental level the proposed legislative amendment removes the Regional and Municipal Fire Prevention Committees from the CFA legislation shifting the powers, responsibilities and arrangements previously assigned to CFA to now come under the EM Bill and Emergency Management Victoria (EMV).
VFBV became aware in recent days that this amendment Bill has now been introduced for consideration to the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Lower House) by Minister Merlino last week by way of a first reading speech on the 20th Feb 2018. Debate on the amendments is expected to resume on the 7th March before then proceeding to the Upper House.
Historical Issues
Following the introduction of IFMP (Integrated Fire Management Planning), arrangements surrounding Regional and Municipal fire prevention committees has been a topic of discussion amongst volunteers, CFA and within communities for quite some time.
For many years volunteers have been raising concerns including;
- The weakening of formal local engagement between Brigades/Groups, CFA and the Municipal fire prevention committee’s
- A reduced focus on wider community engagement in the development of Municipal fire prevention plans
- changes in volunteer representation to the Committee’s, and changes to meeting times and days that sometimes hinder volunteer/community involvement
- A reduced focus on the coordination and planning of fire breaks, and strategic fuel reduction plans for areas located within the municipality (but not located on public land)
These concerns have been discussed at length following changes to the composition and process of Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committees since about 2014 and both CFA and VFBV have previously identified that these and several other issues should be considered in any future legislative arrangements.
It would appear these concerns and previous input may have been lost along the journey, as they do not appear to have been addressed in the proposed legislative changes.
Proposed Advocacy
Having reviewed the amendments now outlined in the proposed Bill and consistent with concerns previously raised by volunteers with regard to Municipal Fire Prevention Planning and Municipal Emergency Management Planning it is VFBV’s intent to continue to advocate for:
- Ensuring the regulation/enforcement, audit and quality control arrangements are adequate and not eroded;
- Strengthening of formal arrangements to support local Brigade/Group engagement
- Ensuring that there is sufficient prescription and legislatively backed requirement for Municipal Emergency Management Plans to identify fire risks and drive mitigation treatments to address and prioritize the reduction of fire risk including land use, and the construction of fire breaks and fuel reduction on private land/and road/rail corridors within the municipality (The proposed new arrangements are silent on these matters)
- Effective arrangements to support compliance and accountability for the treatment of risks identified
- Ensuring mandatory volunteer and community engagement/consultation and representation
Next Steps
The proposed legislation is still before the Victorian Parliament and will need to be considered by the Upper House before it can be adopted. Although timing is impossible to predict, given that the proposed Bill is already before the Lower House, further debate and deliberations are likely to be within the coming weeks.
Given that there has been a long gap between the initial introduction of IFMP arrangements and initial discussions about changes to Regional and Municipal fire prevention committees you are encouraged to revisit this issue amongst your local networks; stocktake how the current arrangements are working and/or how they could be strengthened; and provide feedback as a priority if there are other issues you wish to raise regarding the proposed legislation.
Although the amendment Bill is already before Parliament, VFBV will continue to explore opportunity for consideration for amendment to the Bill. You are encouraged to engage in conversation at local MP level to ensure volunteer issues are understood.
At the bottom of this page, you can download the following attachments:
- VFBV News Note
- The Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
- Part IV of the CFA Act which it is proposed by this legislation to be repealed
You can also access further reading by clicking on the following links:
Junior Championships Results Feed and Photos
Written by Adam Barnett
Update 02 March 2018: Full results, including all team times have been posted here: http://www.vfbv.com.au/index.php/champs/urban/results
Results from this weekends State Junior Championships in Warrnambool are being posted here: https://www.facebook.com/Volunteer-Fire-Brigades-Victoria-Championships-451309545285820/
You can also access a live photo feed from our Flickr account found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmfXtoY4
Final Results can be downloaded from the bottom of this page under Attachments.
VFBV State Junior Championships - This Weekend
Written by Adam Barnett
A reminder for everyone to consider getting along to the VFBV State Urban Junior Championships to be held at Warrnambool this weekend (Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February).
Come and see tomorrow’s CFA volunteers proudly demonstrate their skills and if you are not involved with the CFA juniors program or haven’t witnessed the value the VFBV Junior Championships provide for young volunteers to develop practical skills and to be actively involved in CFA then get along and be inspired.
This weekends Championships is being held at:
Friendly Societies Park
3350 Koroit Street
Warnambool
VicRoads Map 514 Ref G6
To learn more about the history of the Championships, please visit: http://www.vfbv.com.au/index.php/champs/championships/history
2018 VFBV State Urban Junior Championships
The Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade is hosting the 2018 VFBV Urban Junior State Championships in Warrnambool, on 24/25 February 2018.
Urban junior fire brigade competitions have a proud 45-year history, with the annual State Championships attracting around 66 teams from across Victoria, and two teams as far away as Western Australia making 70 teams.
Program of Events
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24th
COMMENCES AT 0830 HOURS
OFFICIALS TO REPORT IN AT 0815 HOURS
ROLL CALL OF BRIGADES (for Opening Parade) 0815 HOURS
OPENING PARADE - COMMENCES 0830 HOURS
0830 OFFICIAL OPENING
Event 1 Hydrant Race – One Competitor, Under 14 Years
Event 2 Y Coupling – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 3 Wet Hose Striking Second Disc – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 4 Y Coupling – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 5 Wet Hose Striking First & Second Discs – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 6 Marshall – One Competitor, Under 14 Years
Event 7 Wet Hose Striking First & Second Discs – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 8 Marshall – One Competitor, Under 17 Years
Event 9 Wet Hose – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 10 Marshall – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 11 Wet Hose – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 25th
COMMENCES AT 0830 HOURS
OFFICIALS TO REPORT IN AT 0800 HOURS
ROLL CALL BRIGADES (for Events 12 & 13) AT 0815 HOURS
Event 12 Hydrant Race – One Competitor, Under 17 Years
Event 13 Y Coupling – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 14 Wet Hose Striking Second Disc – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 15 Y Coupling – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 16 Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
Event 17 Marshall – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
Event 18 Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
Queensland Emergency Fire Service Superintendent Tim Watkins has opened up about his personal story.
He explains why mental health must be a focus in our workplaces, and he encourages anyone invited to participate in this groundbreaking survey to take the time to fill it out.
This is an opportunity for Australian emergency services personnel to again lead the world, not just in caring for communities, but in supporting themselves and their colleagues.
Reminder About the Survey
The world’s largest study on mental health across emergency services personnel is happening right here, right now.
Employees, volunteers and former employees from police, fire and rescue, ambulance and emergency services across Australia are being invited to participate in a short survey. In Victoria, VFBV has strongly advocated and supported CFA to be involved, and volunteers were sent invitations to participate on Friday 2nd February 2018. If you receive an invitation we encourage you to participate.
A representative random sample of CFA volunteers is being invited to participate in the survey. Participants have been selected at random and not on the basis of their wellbeing. This is to provide a representation of the needs of the whole police and emergency services sector. If you were randomly selected, you will have received an email at the email address recorded on CFA’s RMS system. For further information on the survey, please visit beyondblue.org.au/pesresearch and click on the ‘FAQs for participants’ link. You can also phone the research team on 1800 677 248 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Don’t miss out on having your say! Check your email to start the survey. Double check your SPAM or JUNK folders to see if you received it. The invitation were emailed on Friday 2nd February, and would have been sent from this address: (Beyond Blue PE Survey) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For further information, please click here to see a more detailed article.
I haven't received a link but want to be involved?
If you haven't received a link, but want to be involved, you can contact the research team at Roy Morgan, and they can provide you details on how you can participate. You can contact them by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Queensland Emergency Fire Service Superintendent Tim Watkins has opened up about his personal story.
TIM WATKINS: survey is time well spent for two reasons
No emergency services worker deserves to experience what Tim Watkins has been through.
The Queensland Emergency Fire Services Superintendent returned to work in Brisbane just months ago after almost two years dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The condition was triggered by two emergency response events involving road fatalities in the early 1990s.
It took years for the after effects to manifest.
Physically and emotionally drained, Supt Watkins began taking consecutive days off work in 2015.
“I’d actually got to the point where I knew there was something wrong and I just didn’t care anymore,” Supt Watkins said.
“I was on a slippery slope and I decided to not even apply the brakes.
“It was very fortunate that two days after I made that decision someone actually said ‘mate, are you ok?’”
Those four words flicked a switch in Supt Watkins and lit up his long path of recovery.
“I lost count of the number of times I regarded suicide as a viable and attractive solution to the pain I was experiencing, even after my diagnosis of post-traumatic stress.
“It was only the love and support of my family and the medical treatment I was receiving which prevented me from carrying through with my decisions.
“Eventually, I had to decide if returning to work was something I could do or even wanted to do.”
Having returned to work, Supt Watkins was one of many emergency services personnel around the country randomly selected to complete beyondblue’s Answering the Call survey.
The largest study of its kind in the world, it will build a comprehensive picture of the mental health and wellbeing of police and emergency services personnel across Australia and the best ways to provide support.
Supt Watkins wanted to tell his story to encourage those selected to complete the survey who have not filled it out will take the time to do so.
“If I can help one person not get to the point I got to, then I think it’s worthwhile,” he said about the survey and its aims.
“It is time well spent for two reasons. Doing the survey, I realised that this is a bit of a self-help check. The second thing is that the information is going somewhere where it’s going to be valued and used.
“There is certainly a desire in our own organisation to do something about this.”
beyondblue’s Answering the Call survey
The world’s largest study on mental health across emergency services personnel is happening right here, right now.
Some of you have been invited to participate, with the aim of the beyondblue Answering the Call survey to collect invaluable information about the issues affecting the mental health and wellbeing of police and emergency services personnel.
The data will give beyondblue the evidence it needs to determine the best ways to provide support.
The survey investigates the prevalence of common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide risk.
It will also collect important information about stigma, use of support services and programs, and factors that impact on the mental health of police and emergency services personnel.
Since October 2017, about 100,000 current and former employees and volunteers in police and emergency services agencies across Australia have been invited to participate.
Check your email account now to see if you’ve been randomly selected to take part in the survey.
