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The annual CFA Memorial Service is being held in Healesville this year on Sunday 5 May.
The event honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of service and is held on the closest Sunday to 4 May, which is St Florians Day (the patron saint of firefighters) and International Firefighters Day.
This year the service will particularly reflect on the 1939 fires, 80 years ago, that led to the establishment of CFA. Other events that will be part of reflections are the 1943 Tarrawingee fire, at which 10 firefighters lost their lives; the devastating fires of 1969 where two firefighters perished; and the 2009 Victorian bushfires that led to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
Fifty years ago on 8 January 1969 there were 230 fires burning across Victoria, of which 21 were serious including fires in Lara, Darraweit Guim, Daylesford, Bulgana, Yea, Kangaroo Flat and Korongvale. During that fire more than 250,000 hectares, 230 houses and 12,000 livestock were destroyed. Tragically 21 people died, including two CFA volunteers, and hundreds were injured.
The annual memorial is a time for us to come together either in person or in spirit and remember and honour the 79 CFA firefighters (including 11 pre- 1944 Country Fire Brigades Board firefighters) who have selflessly given their lives to protect the lives of other Victorians.
VFBV will join CFA to show our respect to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the course of protecting their community. For those not attending the service, you can watch a live stream of the event on the day from here: https://livestream.com/cfavic/memorial2019
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International Fire Fighters’ Day - The IFFD ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours also are internationally recognised as representing emergency service. |
The 2019 Emergency Management Conference will be held on the 28th and 29th May 2019, at the Pullman Albert Park Hotel.
Thee theme of the 2019 conference is Placing people at the heart of all we do, the conference is presented by the Emergency Services Foundation.
The conference will cover areas such as: mental health and wellbeing, future emergency management, leadership, volunteers and diversity.
Featured speakers at the conference include:
- Kelly McKinney
- Phil Shepherd
- Prof Susan Pascoe AM
- Patrick Cairns
A conference brochure is available for download at the bottom of this page.
For more information about the conference, schedule and registration forms can be found on the conference website https://www.hpe.com.au/upcoming-events/emc
My long last word and a big thank you
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
This will be my last Fire Wise editorial as I will be stepping down as VFBV CEO at the end of this month. Wow, it starts to set in when I write it down that plainly. What a journey it has been! And because it’s my last I am taking the liberty for it to be a long one. Apologies to anyone too busy to read it.
The most important thing I want to say is THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone I have worked with throughout my 27 years with CFA and VFBV. You are incredible people doing an outstanding and sometimes undervalued job. CFA volunteers aren’t just something that this state is lucky to have, you are fundamentally and absolutely vital to Victoria’s fire and emergency management arrangements. Value what you do, be proud of what you do and keep up the good work.
I have said this to many people outside CFA but perhaps not enough to those of you who are CFA – CFA volunteers, along with volunteers from other organisations, are the epitome of selflessness and a glue in society that we cannot do without. CFA volunteering is a legacy that we inherited from wise people who came before us and being a part of sustaining that legacy has been an honor and a privilege. Many of the most outstanding people, leaders, exemplars of true decency and humble professionals, are people I have met through my work with CFA and VFBV.
Deciding to step down as VFBV CEO has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make for a long time. Having made the decision I must say I am extremely happy with it but it was hard all the same. I am leaving as VFBV CEO but I leave with many friendships that I know will be lifetime friendships, many fond memories and proud achievements plus a bond to CFA volunteering that will transcend whatever I do next in life. Like many others CFA has become family to me and I’m not going far. I hope I haven’t seen the last of the best of CFA and I hope CFA remains a strong and proud organisation for years to come.
Stepping down as VFBV CEO on 30 April will bring an end to a significant chapter in my working life and the 27 years with CFA, including 15 years as an employee of CFA in senior management roles at both corporate HQ and CFA regional management and the last 12 as CEO Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria. It is a hard decision and one that I sadly see many valuable, experienced and dedicated CFA people grappling with.
Count back 27 years and you will see that my time with CFA started in 1992. CFA of today is a vastly different, more modern and more capable organisation than it was then. Don’t believe the rubbish our current State Government spins when it says CFA is still operating as it did back then.
Back in 1992 I remember the future planning discussions talking about big challenges and opportunities. There was great energy and constant drive, proud drive, to improve and modernise. Back then and I expect well prior there was constant effort to evolve, adapt and innovate to ensure CFA could cope with urban service growth, changing demographics, increasing community expectations. And apart from where government funding hasn’t allowed for this CFA has risen to the challenge.
I remember during my role as CFA’s Manager Corporate Planning people mocking when we forecast wild future ideas such as the possibility that people would one day have ‘PEDs’ (Personal Electronic Devices) with computing power similar to desk top computers and how these would transform the way people worked and lived. The iPhone we all rely on today are way beyond what we dreamed of. And wanting a pager that would let volunteers tell their brigade whether they were responding or not, crazy space cadet stuff supposedly. Sadly, even today when such technology readily exists, brigades have had to buy such a system without the endorsement of the government policy makers!!
Back then the CFA budget was about $80M per year, there were about 300 paid firefighters supporting volunteers in 26 integrated brigades, about 70,000 volunteers and a few hundred paid staff in management, administration, specialist and technical roles. CFA scratched to fund fire truck replacement and upgrades or issue Personal Protective Clothing, training was nothing like it is today and inter agency cooperation was patchy. There were perpetual discussions about challenges such as the need for radically better funding of CFA to resource modern training, truck replacement, personal issue PPC, communications systems, upgraded facilities and equipment to cope with urban population growth and the need for flexible local brigade support options to sustain and strengthen CFA brigade capacity in Melbourne’s urban growth corridors.
Right back in 1992 and in the decades that followed, the strategic discussions about the future direction and modernising the fire services included the need for fire service resourcing priorities to move beyond a preoccupation with response and suppression to a greater focus on community awareness and communities sharing responsibility for their own safety. There was active discussion, albeit sometimes unpopular, about the logic and need to reform the paid-only MFB fire service model to introduce volunteers and an integrated service model like the CFA fully integrated model (paid firefighters and volunteers working together as one team) throughout the MFB area. For my whole time with CFA there has been deep recognition of the need for fire services to work together and the notion of more joined up fire and emergency services. Sadly now the current Victorian State government wants to split it further apart and institutionalise a more fragmented fire service.
Throughout my time in CFA there has been a concern across all sides of politics, successive Governments and officials in agency command roles (both CFA and MFB) about the impact and future risk of escalating industrial restrictions on how the fire services are able to manage and deploy their scarce and expensive paid resources; a view that industrial interference was crippling fire service efficiency and driving an unaffordable increase in the cost of fire services and dragging resource allocation away from areas that would actually have a bigger impact on community safety outcomes. Even as recently as 2015 I recall the current Victorian Premier supporting a view that the EBA demands (now supported by this Government) were unaffordable, unrealistic and unworkable.
As far back as I can recall review after review, including the Productivity Commission and Victoria’s own Auditor General’s Office have been saying that fire services should be focussing on community safety outcomes not just fire truck response times. And all of the progressive talk, not just in Victoria but the world over, has been that any future planning and modernisation of the fire services must be driven by a paradigm shift in focus away from a simple fire suppression focus to a more wholistic approach that also includes a better focus on prevention, preparedness and recovery underpinned by building local community awareness, capability and resilience and ideally underpinned by local community embedded emergency management capability. Alas, a community embedded, volunteer- based service delivery model with the flexibility to be supplemented by paid staff support in a fully integrated manner when and where risk or service demand requires it. Pretty much like the world class CFA model. Who woulda thought!!
Throughout my career, all of the experts and all of the evidence-based reviews, including the pivotal 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, called for the sector to be more joined up, to move toward working as one, to work more seamlessly across jurisdiction borders. And look where we are now, looking down the barrel of the current Victorian Government’s plan to further fragment the fire service and institutionalise division, inflexibility and a narrow focussed service paradigm.
Since I joined in 1992 and every year since, there has been strong awareness amongst agency experts of the opportunity to invest more in and pay much greater respect to the experience, professionalism and capacity of volunteers. Volunteers after all are not just a handy, ‘cheap’, resource they are a core ingredient of communities sharing responsibility for their own safety and unmistakably the only economically viable emergency management capability model for a place such as Victoria being one of the most fire prone areas in the world.
Throughout my years there has also much talk about the need for local community needs, operational priorities, capability planning for major catastrophes, fire prevention, active community involvement and community safety outcomes to be the driver of fire service policy, funding and resource allocation. And above all there has been strong recognition of the importance of the CFA Chief Officer and CFA Board’s statutory role and powers to ensure these things drove fire service direction not politics, bureaucrats or bean counters.
The message in all of this? CFA is a vastly more modern and better equipped organisation now than it was in 1992. CFA and the CFA volunteer-based model delivers incredible and vital capability. The model and CFA volunteers have demonstrated a continual capacity to innovate, adapt and modernise.
Even though there are significant holes in CFA’s budget, often creating a feeling of a ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and a concern that still too much of CFA’s budget is chewed up on low priority ‘waste’, CFA today is a highly professional and predominantly well-equipped service. Volunteers undertake nationally accredited training, get to utilise modern firefighting equipment capable of responding to any risk from complex industrial to urban to remote rural, and have sophisticated operational systems.
Today’s existing CFA arrangements deliver a world regarded and flexible resource model that, if applied and funded properly, allows CFA brigades to be allocated with whatever additional support (equipment, paid firefighters, systems, training) might be required to cope with urban expansion. Today CFA’s budget is more than a 300% increase in real $ terms than it was in 1992, there are more than 2600 paid staff working with and in support of volunteers and whilst volunteer numbers have declined to their lowest levels since 1992, there are still 55,000 CFA volunteers.
To say today’s CFA is not a modern firefighting agency is irresponsible community scare mongering bull dust.
But sadly, despite the significant improvements there are some elements of 1992 that still exist today; some of the hairy problems and constraints still holding the fire service back from being as good as it could be; funding shortfalls that mean volunteer brigades still don’t have the infrastructure and equipment required for them to perform at their best and; way more political and industrial interference today than anyone could have dreamed of back in 1992.
On my darker days my answer to some people when they ask why am I leaving is a glib, I’m dizzy. Dizzy from going around the same circle on some of these issues and tired of arguing with people who will ultimately not face any accountability for their flawed interference in the statutory role of CFA and CFA decision making or their own failure to fund CFA properly.
On my brighter days I would rather say I am leaving because I have stayed a long time and it is simply time to have a break and try a few other things.
It’s probably a combination of both.
And rather than talk about leaving CFA I would prefer to focus on why I have loved my CFA experience so much, how much I respect and appreciate CFA volunteers and the people who support them to do their great work and how proud I am to be able to say I am part of CFA. I would rather talk about why I have stayed so long and why I will continue on in a support role for VFBV.
I have stayed because of the incredible dedication and contribution of CFA volunteers; because of the amazing work CFA does and the importance of the CFA model remaining as strong as it can possibly be for the future; and because of my deep commitment to encouraging and strengthening CFA volunteerism for the benefit of future Victorians. I am staying on in an advisory and project capacity part time because I am deeply concerned about the difficult times ahead for CFA given that the Government has said that it still intends to proceed with the dismantling of CFA.
So I guess it is good bye, but at the same time, I’ll see you around. Thanks again.
Workwear
VFBV had a very productive meeting between CFA representatives and the VFBV Uniform Working Party on 9 March 2019. More than 3,300 volunteers participated in the Volunteer Workwear Survey conducted by CFA late last year, and the results were shared and discussed.
Volunteer feedback to the survey was comprehensive and detailed, if at times blunt, and provided CFA with a clear picture of volunteer expectations and aspirations for workwear. VFBV delegates have reported the discussion was refreshingly open and constructive, and they had a renewed optimism that CFA has heard volunteer feedback and is responding constructively.
The turnaround is welcomed after significant historical controversy and disappointment about consultation and listening to volunteer feedback, and is a positive indicator that significant progress is being made. VFBV gained a number of commitments from CFA on how it will incorporate the volunteer feedback into a revised design.
VFBV is pleased CFA committed to publicly releasing the results of the survey shortly, and will provide more information, including next steps after the survey results have been released.
SOP 6.06 consultation
CFA is currently consulting on proposed changes to SOP 6.06: Practical and Hot Fire Training. CFA is proposing significant changes to this SOP, and members are asked to review these and provide feedback to VFBV as soon as possible. Information on how to access the proposed SOP can be found on the VFBV website.
Brigades and Groups are urged to assess the changes and discuss the potential for any of the proposed changes to impede or create barriers to operational training conducted by Brigades and Groups. Members are encouraged to also discuss feedback at upcoming District Council meetings to ensure VFBV is informed of any concerns or difficulties.
beyondBlue fundraiser
The State Urban Championship concluded with the hotly contested “W.A./Victoria Challenge event”, a Hose & Reel 8s event between Western Australia and Victoria with both states making up a team from competitors at the Championship.
The Western Australia team easily won the Challenge event this year, with a time of 27.49 seconds.
This year’s fundraiser auction of a number of the Victorian Challenge team’s competition shirts raised $3,100, and included monies raised from an auction of one of the ‘Chief Officer’s Chargers’ competition shirts, an event run on the first day of the Championship between a team of the CO and his deputies, against the top 2019 Junior teams.
The $3,100 will be donated to beyondblue, which works to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention, as well as tackling the stigma surrounding these issues, and encourages people to seek support when they need it. VFBV is proud to support such a worthy cause and thanks the sponsors - the Firefighters Credit Co-operative, Haughton Plumbing Eaglehawk, and R & G Jilbert Plumbing – for providing the Challenge shirts for auction.
Full results of the 2019 State Championship can be found on the VFBV website.
Dandenong wins State Urban Grand Aggregate
Dandenong won its 5th Grand Aggregate title at last month’s 2019 State Urban Championship at Bendigo. The Championship was closely contested right up until the very last event, the Champion Fours. With Dandenong taking out third placing in this event, it finished the Championship in the lead with 85 points in the Grand Aggregate. Close behind was Maryvale with 80 points, and Kangaroo Flat on 76 points.
A long-time 1978 record for the Champion Fours event set by the Carrum Brigade (now Patterson River) of 16.05 seconds was broken by the Kangaroo Flat Brigade with a time of 15.90 seconds, which created an exciting finish to the Championship.
VFBV congratulates the Bendigo and Districts Fire Brigades Championship Committee on hosting yet another very successful Championship. VFBV sincerely thanks members of the Committee and neighbouring brigades for their significant work and efforts in hosting three successive State Urban Championships. A great effort by all concerned.
VFBV also expresses sincere appreciation to the City of Greater Bendigo for its significant financial support to our State Championships over the past three years.
The Championship was well attended, with more than 2,000 people attending and 52 entered teams from across the state totalling well over 400 competitors, and also included teams from Harvey from Western Australia and Wyong from New South Wales.
The number of female competitors continues to increase, with many mixed teams now competing in the more traditional male events such as the Ladder Race, Hydrant Race and the reel events.
You could win!!
Brigades or Groups that pay VFBV affiliations before 30 June 2019 will automatically go into the draw for a chance to win one of four great prizes!
The 2019/20 Affiliation notices for your Brigade/ Group’s VFBV affiliation and VFBV Welfare Fund Subscriptions are with your Secretary now with a due date of 30 June 2019.
As a gesture of appreciation to Brigades and Groups that pay their VFBV affiliation prior to 30 June, VFBV will automatically place your Brigade or Group into a draw for a chance to win one of the four great prizes, kindly donated by GAAM Emergency Products and Powdersafe Pty. Ltd.
For further details, checkout the “You Could Win” flyer included with your 2019/20 VFBV Affiliation Notice sent out to your Secretary last month.
TAE upgrade reminder
Members are reminded that volunteer trainer and assessors who wish to be involved in the assessment of national training qualifications need to ensure their Training & Assessing Qualifications are up-to-date. CFA has established a panel of recognised providers that will work with members to upgrade older qualifications to the new requirements.
Districts and Regions have been responsible for identifying and contacting relevant members to schedule and provide upgrade programs locally. Members holding the older TAE10 qualifications being prioritised.
In welcome news, the federal government has announced an extension to the original 1st April deadline, to 1st July 2019 to help individuals complete their gap training.
However, members are urged to not delay their upgrade as the Education Department has advised there will be no further extensions.
A number of volunteers have made VFBV aware of upgrade courses that were cancelled by CFA at the last minute earlier this year. VFBV delegates on the Joint Training Committee have expressed disappointment and concern about the factors leading to these cancellations. CFA has taken this feedback onboard, apologised and given assurances that this will not occur again.
Members are encouraged to ensure their training and assessing qualifications are up-to-date and should speak with their District Training staff urgently should they be required to complete any upgrade or gap training to bring their qualifications up to the new standards.
Position Vacant - Executive Officer
VFBV is seeking a talented and motivated person for the position of Executive Officer to work fulltime based at our Burwood East office.
Reporting to the CEO, this senior position involves working in a team environment to address issues impacting on all volunteers and representing VFBV on committees and working parties. You will work actively with VFBV State Council and District Councils with an aim to ensure volunteers’ views are understood and that issues of concern can either be resolved locally or escalated through appropriate channels.
The role has responsibility for the provision of expert technical, practical and strategic advice on matters affecting CFA volunteers. The role provides important leadership support to VFBV’s network of consultative forums, committees and working parties, as well as providing senior level support to the CEO in developing and managing relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders.
We need a person who can effectively represent volunteers within CFA, to Government, to other organisations and the general public. The role involves considerable liaison with CFA at Executive and senior management levels; working closely with brigades and District Councils; and influencing external decision makers. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills is essential.
Applicants need to have an understanding and appreciation of issues relevant to CFA brigades and volunteerism in general. You need to be able to demonstrate an ability to establish productive relationships within our own membership base and also with people who influence decisions about matters affecting volunteers. It is important that you are a self starter and can demonstrate success while managing multiple concurrent issues and challenging work demands. You need to be a good communicator and someone who understands how to lead and influence others to achieve outcomes.
This is a permanent position, based at our Burwood office. Recognising that the position supports brigades across Victoria, the position involves considerable travel including weekend and evening work required to support our volunteer membership base.
All applications must include current resume and cover letter addressing key result areas and selection criteria outlined in the Position Description found on our website.
Please contact Cathie Smith for any queries by phone on 03 9886 1141 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inviting Applicants for CFA Board
The CFA legislation recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, CFA legislation provides for four of the CFA Board's Members to be appointed from a panel of names submitted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, two being representatives from brigades predominantly service urban communities and two being representatives from brigades predominantly serving rural communities.
The terms of CFA Board Members Hazel Clothier, Lynda Hamilton, Peter Shaw and Tim Young expire 19th July 2019, triggering the need for VFBV to seek applications for a panel of names to be nominated for the next term commencing 20th July 2019.
VFBV is seeking applications for volunteers interested in filling one of the four VFBV nominated positions on the CFA Board.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA, are invited to apply for nomination to the CFA Board. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following: knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; or expertise in fire or emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
From applications received and following interviews, VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services.
The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require commitment of one half day per month. Attendance at official functions is also expected.
CFA Board Members current annual remuneration is $58,598 (including Superannuation).
The CFA Board Charter is available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV - contact details below.
Applications including a current resume must be emailed or faxed to VFBV by COB on Friday 24th May 2019 to: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax: 03 9886 1618.
Inviting to Apply: Board Members of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV)
INVITATION OPEN TO ALL VOLUNTEERS TO APPLY
Closing date for written applications is 31st July 2019
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.
Vacancies for Four Board Members will arise when the terms of Samantha Rothman, Kate Boschetti, Jan Cleary and Libby Hay expire on 1st October 2019; all members are eligible for reappointment.
The term of appointment will be to 1st October 2021 (two years) and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.
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 from the VFBV website.
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.
Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Wednesday 31st July 2019 to:
VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151
Tel: 9886 1141; Fax: 9886 1618
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CFA Proposed Changes to SOP 6.06 - Practical and Hot Fire Training
Written by VFBV
CFA has commenced consultation on proposed changes to SOP 6.06 Practical and Hot Fire Training. CFA is proposing this SOP replace the existing SOP 6.06 which is called Hot Fire Training -PAD Briefs. VFBV is now calling for volunteer feedback and discussion on the proposed changes to assisit with formal VFBV comment and feedback that will be provided to CFA.
A copy of the draft SOP provided by CFA for consultation can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. Please note that this is draft and for discussion purposes only.
Any comments on suggested improvements or clarifications volunteers have on the proposed changes would be welcome, as would any practical limitations or difficulties members may identify. Feedback to VFBV via email or post would be most preferred, and feedback is welcome from any individual, brigade, group or District Council. We would be most keen to hear from Brigade/Group Training officers as to the practicality of the proposed changes.
If feedback could please be directed to VFBV Support Officer – Chris Dent in the first instance, Chris will be coordinating and collating field feedback, that will then be used by VFBV to provide a formal response to CFA.
Feedback is due no later than the 14th June 2019 – but much earlier if possible.
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback To:
| Email: | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| Post: | 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151 |
| Fax: | (03) 9886 1618 |
| Feedback Due: | Friday 14th June 2019 |
UPDATE: Final Results can can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
A reminder for everyone to consider getting along to the VFBV State (Rural) Championships being held at Bendigo this weekend (Saturday 6, Sunday 7 April).
The Seniors will be competing on the Saturday, and the Juniors will be competing on the Sunday.
This will be the 63rd Senior State Rural Championship and the 41st 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://flic.kr/s/aHsmCBUCDJ
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 instill a sense of community service and the importance of local Fire Brigade’s
- promote a professional image of CFA to the community
- instill 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
The Structural Helmets project includes the procurement and deployment of a new European-style helmet for eligible CFA volunteer firefighters with both Breathing Apparatus and Search and Rescue competencies.
As part of the tender evaluation process simulated field trials of shortlisted helmets will be conducted with volunteers at several locations across the state. Volunteer feedback on the design, comfort and usability of the shortlisted helmet options in field conditions will help to determine the best solution. The project was funded as part of the State Government's $60 million investment in the Victorian Fire Services as part of the 2017 Fire Services Statement.
CFA is looking for expressions of interest from a range of CFA volunteers to assist in the field trial of structural helmets.
To be considered to participate in these field trials you must hold both current Operate Breathing Apparatus competency and Conduct Search and Rescue. It is important that Volunteers hold these pre requisites to be eligible to participate in field trials as they will include practical drills and live fire. The number of participants is limited however all EOIs will be assessed and candidates shortlisted to ensure that the required spread of demographics including location, gender, age and experience are represented in the trials.
To be considered to participate in the trial please complete the EOI Form below before the 4 April 2019. Note all participants in the trial will be required to follow probity protocols and sign both a Confidentiality Agreement and a Conflict Of Interest Declaration.
The field trials will be held at training grounds across Victoria:
| Location | Date |
| West Sale | 28 April 2019 |
| Penshurst | 4 May 2019 |
| Bangholme | 11 May 2019 |
| Huntly | 12 May 2019 |
Visit the following link to register your interest to participate in the field trials: https://cfacommunications.cmail19.com/t/r-l-jtukkykd-uijuqbdj-d/ Applications close on April 4th.
Thank-you and Well Done
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Once again I need to express my deep admiration for the hundreds and hundreds of CFA volunteers from around the state who dropped everything to provide vital surge capacity to those communities in need, including our friends from interstate.
There’s never really enough that can be said about how amazing and admirable our volunteers are. They provide such a huge contribution to the safety and response capacity of CFA and the protection of Victoria.
And as always, we thank the families of volunteers who put up with the disruption and the absences – you are also a major part of why the CFA can succeed.
I also want to thank employers. Some volunteers are self-employed and make personal sacrifices to join strike teams deployed across the state, and many have wonderful employers who are also part of Victoria’s response in their willingness to support the emergency services members who work for them – we thank them for being so understanding and generous.
A lot of people have lost property, pets and livestock in the fires – but importantly, a lot of them have been saved as well, as a direct result of Victoria’s volunteer and career firefighters providing their highly trained and professional response capabilities.
We are still in a very dangerous time of the year, with significant damage potential from the fires already burning and plenty of risk of further fire activity as we have many areas of bush that are still in peak dryness and with high fuel loads. I have received report after report of new fire starts being controlled very quickly and dozens of houses being saved directly because of our firefighters’ efforts. It is the work of CFA volunteers and our valued colleagues that have avoided greater losses and spared many residents from great loss. As with every fire there will be opportunities to investigate what learnings can be gained and that will happen in due course.
We all know how traumatising fires can be. We understand and sympathise with people who are facing the mountain of challenges that come when fire has ripped through their communities. They deserve our compassion and empathy, and we grieve alongside them.
Victorians are a resilient people, and there’s a reason CFA is one of the most respected fire service models in the world and once again our response to these fires have proven why.
Take care of yourselves, keep safe and know that we and the people of Victoria are proud of you and have your back. Well done and keep up the good work, there is still much to do.
CEO succession plan activated
By Nev Jones AFSM, VFBV State President
In February VFBV CEO Andrew Ford advised the VFBV Board of his desire to step down as VFBV CEO as of end April 2019.
While this is sad news for VFBV, I am sure you will share with me in recognising that Andrew has made an outstanding contribution to VFBV, CFA volunteers and the community over many years, and truly deserves our support as he chooses to pursue other career and family objectives.
Andrew was appointed to VFBV CEO in February 2007 and prior to that held various senior management positions as a CFA employee during a 15 year career commencing in 1992, and involving appointments as CFA Manager Corporate Planning and General Manager CFA Westernport Area.
Through Andrew’s leadership, VFBV operates as a highly professional organisation and we have a well-established succession strategy in place. As a result of this the VFBV Board has appointed experienced CFA volunteer and VFBV Executive Officer Adam Barnett as the new VFBV CEO from 1 May 2019.
The Board is grateful that Andrew has agreed to continue his outstanding commitment to CFA volunteers and stay on with VFBV in a part-time strategic advisory role. Andrew will focus his energy and expertise on helping VFBV navigate the complex and challenging period ahead that will almost certainly see the Victorian State Government push ahead with its plans to create Fire Rescue Victoria.
As members know, this involves plans to separate operational paid staff out of CFA and discontinue Victoria’s world-renowned model of integrating volunteers and paid staff working as one unified team. VFBV has been very clear that it poses significant risks to the sustainability and effectiveness of CFA.
Andrew and Adam will work with the government and other decision-makers to achieve the strongest possible CFA despite the significant downsides of a very flawed fire service reform proposition.
In addition to continuing part time with VFBV, Andrew will be pursuing some other career interests and taking the opportunity to establish a better family/work balance following what has been a very demanding role as VFBV CEO over the past 12 years.
Adam Barnett will transition into the VFBV CEO role from 1 May 2019. Adam is well known throughout both VFBV and CFA and is a highly experienced and well regarded operator. Adam has acted as VFBV CEO on numerous occasions and brings 13 years CFA experience to the role.
Adam will hit the ground running with regard to the continued day-to-day leadership of VFBV, the strategic challenges presenting to us and the important ground work we must always do to support, engage with and advocate for CFA volunteers and the work volunteers do to protect Victorian communities.
VFBV’s strength comes not just from our leadership positions but from you our members, and I take this opportunity to express my ongoing gratitude to all of you for the contribution you make to ensuring the voice of volunteers is respected and heard.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to represent volunteers on all matters that affect them so that on behalf of all Victorians we sustain strong volunteerism and the strongest possible CFA for the benefit of our communities.
A truly meaningful role
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
In February I announced that I was stepping down as CEO of VFBV. I will leave the role at the end of April and, as part of our long-standing succession plan, I’m delighted that Adam Barnett, our current Executive Officer, will step into the CEO role from 1 May 2019.
One of the things I love about my role as CEO at VFBV is that it is truly meaningful. I get to meet and represent people who actively protect their communities and who go above and beyond for the CFA and the whole of Victoria. I have felt privileged to work with and represent volunteers across Victoria, which quite reasonably meant working hours that suited them; on weekends and beyond normal 9-5 hours. And that’s fair enough, given the hours and effort of CFA volunteers, especially our Brigade and Group leaders.
However, as most people would in a role with big time commitments, it was always my plan to move on after a few years and give myself a new challenge – and spend time with family and new interests. In fact I spoke to the VFBV Board about my thoughts on this a few years ago and worked with them to put in place a succession plan.
The dangerous and damaging games being played with our fire service in the past few years made me decide to stay longer to give my best and strongest possible defence of CFA volunteers and the communities we serve. I realised the VFBV and volunteers were under attack by those who should be our strongest supporters, and by forces that were not acting in the interests of CFA, volunteers or the safety of Victorians.
Like many, I think there is always a room for improvement in our service. But dismantling the CFA and our critical surge capacity with a proposal based solely on political and industrial benefits just couldn’t be left unchallenged.
That is why I’m stepping down as CEO but I will continue to help VFBV fight for a strong and sustainable CFA in the future, given we expect that this Government will revive its ill-considered and poorly formulated legislation and has a stronger position in parliament than it has had before.
By the way, I don’t agree with claims that the election gave the Government a ‘mandate’ to change the CFA. It was pretty clear during the election that the Government wanted to say as little as possible about its fire services legislation given how polarising it was in previous campaigns, so it’s not an issue that voters focussed on during the election campaign.
Regardless of that, it’s still deeply flawed and dangerous to the safety of Victorians, and VFBV will work with the Government and other decision-makers to try to protect the invaluable attributes that make the CFA so admired around the world – the meaningful and vital role of volunteers and CFA surge capacity in particular.
As I write this, the fires in Victoria’s east remind us why the current CFA operating model is world-renowned for its ability to generate surge capacity of highly trained firefighters over long-duration fires.
I am looking forward to working with Adam Barnett, as CEO of VFBV, and the VFBV Board to carry out our duties under the CFA Act 1958 to represent volunteers to the CFA and other decision-makers on the matters that affect us and our welfare and efficiency. I’m also looking forward to spending a bit more time with family and on other interests, which I will be able to do with Adam in the driving seat.
Finally, I would like to thank all our members and supporters for their support, teamwork, integrity, persistence and courage. Thanks also to the VFBV Board, who have been tireless and excellent representatives of CFA volunteers and VFBV, and everyone in the VFBV office, our Support Officers and all VFBV delegates around Victoria.
Last Chance: Cold Climate Jackets
Brigade and Group orders for fully funded Cold Climate Jackets were due by the 28th February. Order forms and information were sent to all Brigade Captains and Secretaries and all Group Officers and Group Secretaries in December 2018. Hard copies were also posted in January.
Any Brigades/Groups that have not yet returned their order forms are requested to do so ASAP or risk missing out.
For Brigades or Groups that do not wish to receive any further jackets, please return the forms so any unwanted jackets can be allocated to other Brigades/Groups. There is a section on the order form to indicate you do not wish to order any Jackets.
Order forms can be found on the VFBV website.
Thank you for members' strong show of support
VFBV’s Brigade affiliations in 2018-19 were maintained at a high 95%, demonstrating yet again strong support for the important work VFBV does on behalf of all CFA volunteers.
This month VFBV will be sending out notices for 2019-20 Brigade or Group VFBV affiliation and VFBV Welfare Fund Subscriptions. These will be posted out to Brigade and Group secretaries with a due date of 30 June 2019.
VFBV is established under the CFA Act to represent CFA volunteers on all matters affecting their welfare and efficiency. Without doubt it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united, independent and respected voice. Affiliating with VFBV demonstrates unity and support for the important work VFBV does on behalf of all CFA volunteers. It also helps build volunteer influence and entitles your brigade or group to participate in VFBV forums and decision-making.
The VFBV Welfare Fund has been helping volunteers since 1913 and provides small grants of up to $5,000 to assist volunteer members and long serving ex members. The grants support members and their families experiencing personal financial hardship/crisis by providing welfare grants, on a needs-assessed basis, that may help alleviate stress impacting their ability to maintain involvement as a volunteer.
More information about the Welfare Fund can be found on the VFBV website or by contacting your local VFBV State Councillor.
FEM Advocacy
VFBV has continued discussions with the regulator on how best to support CFA Brigades through the implementation of the new Plumbing Regulations that were bought in late last year. Amongst the changes were new limitations that prevent CFA members servicing fire hose reels, with the regulations only providing for licensed plumbers to conduct this service.
VFBV has joined other stakeholders in working with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to properly scope the impacts of these changes and discuss appropriate arrangements to minimise the impact on CFA Brigades. There are more than 300 Brigades and more than 1,500 CFA volunteers trained and accredited to provide this service. CFA Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) services raise hundreds of thousands of dollars across the state for Brigades to purchase essential appliances and equipment for emergency response.
Discussions have been positive. All stakeholders have exhibited respect for the role CFA volunteers play in providing this service to communities and sympathy for the unintended consequences arising from the new Regulations. We have provided comment and recommendations to the regulator and are now awaiting final confirmation from the VBA’s deliberations on these proposals. VFBV will continue to advocate for a common-sense approach that would ensure CFA volunteers can continue to provide this valued and essential service to communities across Victoria.
Melton wins the 2019 Junior State Championships
An impressive performance saw Melton win its first State Junior Championship by a significant lead - coming first place with 90 points over second placed Harvey WA on 39 points and Tatura third on 27 points.
The Championship was held in Kerang on 23-24 February. It was hosted by the Kerang Fire Brigade, which did a sensational job welcoming Brigades and competitors and running a very slick and smooth competition.
Feedback has been very positive of the success of the weekend, which attracted nearly 500 junior competitors, with 63 teams from across the state including Harvey and Kellerberrin from Western Australia. Hundreds more CFA volunteers and staff, including members of the general public enjoyed seeing the future firefighters of CFA on display.
Melton A was the clear winners of the Under 14 Years age group winning six of the nine events and the team also won three events in the Under 17 Years age group, taking a clear sweep of all the aggregates, in winning the Dry, Wet, Under 14 Years, Under 17 Years and the Grand Aggregates.
Other strong performances came from Harvey, Tatura and Kangaroo Flat.
Full details and results can be found on the VFBV website. Photo's from the weekend can be found here.
Workwear
CFA has advised us that it is now collating all the responses received to the CFA Workwear Survey run late last year. More than 3,300 volunteers participated in the survey, validating VFBV’s long advocacy that volunteers have a desire and expectation that they be consulted and involved in decisions affecting them.
CFA has asked to meet with the Uniform Working Party and is due to sit down with the Committee in early March to provide the results of the survey and discuss feedback.
It is VFBV’s desire that the results of the survey then be made public and that CFA adjust the workwear proposal based on volunteer feedback and suggestion. We would then like to see CFA proceed to conduct a timely and transparent process to finalise the specifications, moving as quickly as possible through a tender and procurement process to final implementation.
We will keep you informed as we learn more.
Wire rope barrier success
For many years VFBV has advocated on behalf of volunteers the importance of early and close engagement with CFA Brigades on any plans to install wire rope barriers along roadways. Early consultation and engagement allow Brigades to clearly understand what is proposed and allows volunteers to work with VicRoads staff to mitigate any impacts on local firefighting operations, including access/egress to bushland and sufficient turnaround points large enough to accommodate emergency vehicles.
Late last year VFBV officials sat down with VicRoads senior management on behalf of the VFBV Community Safety Committee, and discussed the importance of engaging with the local Brigades and volunteers, and some practical tips on how to do it effectively and constructively. We are pleased to report that following these discussions, we have had reports from several Brigades that have recently been approached by VicRoads, which then worked closely with the Brigade to alleviate and in some cases resolve concerns with planned works.
The Joint VFBV/CFA Community Safety Committee has requested that CFA work with VicRoads to plot out and map all current planned works across the State so that Brigades can identify works that may impact on their Brigade areas. As soon as this information is available, we will work with CFA to ensure it is well communicated and a process for Brigades to be identified and involved in planning is made available.
Leadership Training
In October last year CFA publicly announced the results of its tender process for its Leadership Development programs, advising that the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) had been successful in obtaining a five year contract to deliver these courses across the sector.
While VFBV was disappointed that volunteers had not been consulted during this process, and with the loss of the highly respected Fireline Leadership program it is set to replace, CFA has worked hard with the Joint VFBV/CFA Training Committee to restore trust and confidence in its new programs.
A small working party of subject matter experts and volunteer representatives has been assembled and is working with CFA and AIM to gain an understanding on the new proposed program.
We are told the program is based on the new Leadership Capability Development Framework for Fire and Emergency Services that was reviewed by CFA in 2017 and consists of Team member and Team leader training based around three themes; model ethics; self-awareness; and strategic thinking. CFA is expecting to release a pilot program this month.
VFBV has requested that the working party continue to be actively involved in reviewing the pilot, and that an opportunity for broader consultation and feedback is developed. We will keep you updated with progress as it is available.
Position Vacant - Executive Officer
VFBV is seeking a talented and motivated person for the position of Executive Officer to work fulltime based at our Burwood East office.
Reporting to the CEO, this senior position involves working in a team environment to address issues impacting on all volunteers and representing VFBV on committees and working parties. You will work actively with VFBV State Council and District Councils with an aim to ensure volunteers’ views are understood and that issues of concern can either be resolved locally or escalated through appropriate channels.
The role has responsibility for the provision of expert technical, practical and strategic advice on matters affecting CFA volunteers. The role provides important leadership support to VFBV’s network of consultative forums, committees and working parties, as well as providing senior level support to the CEO in developing and managing relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders.
We need a person who can effectively represent volunteers within CFA, to Government, to other organisations and the general public. The role involves considerable liaison with CFA at Executive and senior management levels; working closely with brigades and District Councils; and influencing external decision makers. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills is essential.
Applicants need to have an understanding and appreciation of issues relevant to CFA brigades and volunteerism in general. You need to be able to demonstrate an ability to establish productive relationships within our own membership base and also with people who influence decisions about matters affecting volunteers. It is important that you are a self starter and can demonstrate success while managing multiple concurrent issues and challenging work demands. You need to be a good communicator and someone who understands how to lead and influence others to achieve outcomes.
This is a permanent position, based at our Burwood office. Recognising that the position supports brigades across Victoria, the position involves considerable travel including weekend and evening work required to support our volunteer membership base.
All applications must include current resume and cover letter addressing key result areas and selection criteria outlined in the Position Description found on our website.
Please contact Cathie Smith for any queries by phone on 03 9886 1141 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inviting Applicants for CFA Board
The CFA legislation recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, CFA legislation provides for four of the CFA Board's Members to be appointed from a panel of names submitted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, two being representatives from brigades predominantly service urban communities and two being representatives from brigades predominantly serving rural communities.
The terms of CFA Board Members Hazel Clothier, Lynda Hamilton, Peter Shaw and Tim Young expire 19th July 2019, triggering the need for VFBV to seek applications for a panel of names to be nominated for the next term commencing 20th July 2019.
VFBV is seeking applications for volunteers interested in filling one of the four VFBV nominated positions on the CFA Board.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA, are invited to apply for nomination to the CFA Board. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following: knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; or expertise in fire or emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
From applications received and following interviews, VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services.
The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require commitment of one half day per month. Attendance at official functions is also expected.
CFA Board Members current annual remuneration is $58,598 (including Superannuation).
The CFA Board Charter is available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV - contact details below.
Applications including a current resume must be emailed or faxed to VFBV by COB on Friday 24th May 2019 to: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax: 03 9886 1618.
Orders for Cold Climate Jackets were due back on the 28th February. Late orders are being accepted, but Brigades and Groups must hurry before final orders are confirmed, or risk missing out all together.
Order forms are available at the bottom of this page for download, and hard copies were posted to all Brigade/Group secretaries in January.
Original Story posted in December 2018:
We are pleased to announce that the bid for additional Cold Climate Jackets through this year’s Volunteer Emergency Service Equipment Program has been successful. We thank CFA for their support for the bid.
Though the final amount approved was less than hoped – it is envisaged that the allocated funding will cover up-to an additional 1,900 jackets State wide.
VFBV has offered to run the ordering process so that Brigades and Groups can be assured of having the opportunity to order specific sizes relevant to their membership profile.
Brigades/Groups can download Order forms from the bottom of this page, and paper copies have been posted to all Brigade/Group secretaries in the January VFBV Mailout.
Completed order forms are due back by 28th February, so please follow-up with your Brigade/Group secretary ASAP.
VFBV will continue to advocate for additional funding to further increase allocations. Delivery of the new Jackets are expected late June early July ready for the winter season.
VFBV is seeking a talented and motivated person for the position of Executive Officer to work fulltime based at our Burwood East office.
Applications Close Friday 24th May.
Reporting to the CEO, this senior position involves working in a team environment to address issues impacting on all volunteers and representing VFBV on committees and working parties. You will work actively with VFBV State Council and District Councils with an aim to ensure volunteers’ views are understood and that issues of concern can either be resolved locally or escalated through appropriate channels.
The role has responsibility for the provision of expert technical, practical and strategic advice on matters affecting CFA volunteers. The role provides important leadership support to VFBV’s network of consultative forums, committees and working parties, as well as providing senior level support to the CEO in developing and managing relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders.
We need a person who can effectively represent volunteers within CFA, to Government, to other organisations and the general public. The role involves considerable liaison with CFA at Executive and senior management levels; working closely with brigades and District Councils; and influencing external decision makers. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills is essential.
Applicants need to have an understanding and appreciation of issues relevant to CFA brigades and volunteerism in general. You need to be able to demonstrate an ability to establish productive relationships within our own membership base and also with people who influence decisions about matters affecting volunteers. It is important that you are a self starter and can demonstrate success while managing multiple concurrent issues and challenging work demands. You need to be a good communicator and someone who understands how to lead and influence others to achieve outcomes.
This is a permanent position, based at our Burwood office. Recognising that the position supports brigades across Victoria, the position involves considerable travel including weekend and evening work required to support our volunteer membership base.
All applications must include current resume and cover letter addressing key result areas and selection criteria outlined in the Position Description found at the bottom of this page.
Please contact Cathie Smith for any queries by phone on 03 9886 1141 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click the image below to view the Photo Album from the weekend.
Final Results
Detailed Results
SATURDAY, 9th MARCH
Event 1 - DISCIPLINE CONTEST
A Section:
|
1st |
MELTON A |
89.55 % |
|
2nd |
EAGLEHAWK |
87.73 % |
|
3rd |
HARVEY |
86.82 % |
|
4th |
DANDENONG |
86.36 % |
|
5th |
DROUIN/BUNYIP |
83.64 % |
B Section:
|
1st |
KNOX GROUP |
90.91 % |
|
2nd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
86.36 % |
|
3rd |
MORNINGTON |
84.09 % |
|
4th |
KYNETON |
83.18 % |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK |
81.82 % |
Event 2 – Ladder Race - One Competitor
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT A (1): Jackson Dargaville |
6.26 seconds |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE (2): Matt Royal |
6.34 seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG (1): Jon Murphy |
6.39 seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY A: Rhys Landweher |
6.52 seconds |
|
5th |
MARYVALE (1): Chris Johnson |
6.59 seconds |
Event 3 – B Section Pumper & Ladder – Five Competitors
|
1st |
WERRIBEE: Dominic Trifilo, Michael Trifilo, Michael Davey, Ben Watterson & Liam Brittian |
15.25 seconds |
|
2nd |
MAFFRA |
15.52 seconds |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK |
15.72 seconds |
|
4th |
MOE |
19.35 seconds |
|
5th |
EUROA |
19.45 seconds |
Event 4 - A Section Marshall - One Competitor
|
1st |
HARVEY A (2): Marc Papalia |
23.15 seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON A (1): Bailey Rhodes |
24.09 seconds |
|
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT A (1): Tom Dargaville |
24.31 seconds |
|
4th |
KANGAROO FLAT A (2): Jamie Hart |
24.52 seconds |
|
5th |
MARYVALE (2): Matt Royal |
24.70 seconds |
Event 5 - A Section Hose and Ladder Eights
|
1st |
MARYVALE: Matt Royal, Dominic Keating, Chris Johnson, Jordan Royal, Tristan Salerno, Dallas Flowers, Gavin Stevenson & Cole Miller |
19.72 seconds |
|
2nd |
DANDENONG |
21.14 seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE |
21.50 seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY A |
22.12 seconds |
|
5th |
TATURA |
22.21 seconds |
Event 6 - B Section Marshall - One Competitor
|
1st |
HORSHAM (1): Brandon Scott |
24.70 seconds |
|
2nd |
KNOX GROUP (1): Jack Lewis |
25.99 seconds |
|
3rd |
MOE (1): Matthew Van Tilburg |
26.33 seconds |
|
4th |
EUROA (1) |
26.96 seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY B (2): M Golding |
27.18 seconds |
Event 7 - B Section Hose and Reel Sixes
|
1st |
MOE: Matthew Van Tilburg, R Drakatos, P Walsh, T Angus & J Van Tilburg |
31.41 seconds |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE |
32.19 seconds |
|
3rd |
NARRE WARREN |
36.68 seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY B |
37.02 seconds |
|
5th |
HORSHAM |
37.25 seconds |
Torchlight Procession
|
1st |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
93 % |
|
2nd |
KNOX GROUP |
92 % |
|
=3rd |
MILDURA & MELTON |
91 % |
SUNDAY, 10th MARCH
Event 8 – Hydrant Race – One Competitor
|
1st |
TATURA (2): Matt Rennie |
11.64 seconds |
|
2nd |
DANDENONG (1): Jon Murphy |
11.67 seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA (1): Nathan Rennie |
11.84 seconds |
|
4th |
MARYVALE (2): Matt Royal |
11.91 seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY A (2): Rhys Landwehr |
12.17 seconds |
Event 9 – A Section Pumper and Ladder – Five Competitors
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT A: Tom Dargaville, Jackson Dargaville, Jamie Hart, James Murphy & Rino Powluch |
13.34 seconds |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE |
13.43 seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
13.54 seconds |
|
4th |
DROUIN/BUNYIP |
14.10 seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY A |
15.33 seconds |
Event 10 – B Section Marshall – Two Competitors
|
1st |
WERRIBEE (1): Dominic Trifilo & Michael Trifilo |
15.95 seconds |
|
2nd |
MOE (1): Matthew Van Tilburg & Trevor Angus |
16.61 seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY B (2): M Golding & Khloe Harding |
16.83 seconds |
|
4th |
SWAN HILL (2): Jesse Schifferle & Kadisha Bruton |
16.85 seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING (1): Brenton Lawrence & Kyle Sulman |
17.01 seconds |
Event 11 - B Section Hose and Ladder - Five Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK: Dean Jordan, James Mullins, Steve McNally, Nathan Bolger & Matt Bolger |
22.07 seconds |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE |
22.41 seconds |
|
3rd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
22.59 seconds |
|
4th |
ST ARNAUD |
22.96 seconds |
|
5th |
CRESWICK |
23.79 seconds |
Event 12 - A Section Marshall – Two Competitors
|
1st |
DANDENONG (1): Jon Murphy & Millar Anderson |
14.75 seconds |
|
2nd |
GOLDEN SQUARE/BENDIGO (1): Daniel Young & Brad Watt |
14.96 seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG (2): Matt Wilson & Dale Hucheson |
15.40 seconds |
|
4th |
SALE (1): David Monck & Gil Aitken |
15.77 seconds |
|
5th |
TATURA (2): Matthew Rennie & Harry Browning-Briese |
15.77 seconds |
Event 13 - A Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights
|
1st |
MARYVALE: Matt Royal, Dominic Keating, Chris Johnson, Jordan Royal, Shane Flowers, Tristan Salerno, Dallas Flowers & Aaron Winkler |
29.52 seconds |
|
2nd |
DANDENONG |
29.75 seconds |
|
3rd |
WARRACKNABEAL |
32.25 seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
33.71 seconds |
|
5th |
MELTON A |
34.57 seconds |
Event 14 - B Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
|
1st |
HORSHAM – New Record Time: Jonathon Hornsby, Brandon Scott, Troy Johnston & Michael Zeirsch |
12.93 seconds |
|
2nd |
MOE |
13.33 seconds |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK |
13.59 seconds |
|
4th |
WERRIBEE |
13.67 seconds |
|
5th |
WARRNAMBOOL |
14.07 seconds |
Event 15 - B Section Disabled Hose and Reel Sixes
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK: Dean Jordan, James Mullins, Leigh Barclay, Nikla Jakson, Matt Bolger & Nathan Bolger |
33.48 seconds |
|
2nd |
HORSHAM |
33.62 seconds |
|
3rd |
COBDEN |
34.31 seconds |
|
4th |
MAFFRA |
34.88 seconds |
|
5th |
KYNETON |
35.29 seconds |
Event 16 - A Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
|
1st |
MELTON A: Ashley Goudie, Anthony Rhodes, Bailey Rhodes & Cooper Rhodes |
11.92 seconds |
|
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT A |
12.48 seconds |
|
3rd |
DROUIN/BUNYIP |
12.92 seconds |
|
4th |
MARYVALE |
13.67 seconds |
|
5th |
SALE |
13.97 seconds |
Event 17 - A Section Hose and Reel Sixes
|
1st |
DANDENONG: Jon Murphy, Matt Wilson, Millar Anderson, Ben Sullivan, Steve Miles & Dale Hucheson |
26.75 seconds |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE |
27.48 seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY A |
27.93 seconds |
|
4th |
PATTERSON RIVER |
29.43 seconds |
|
5th |
DROUIN/BUNYIP |
29.83 seconds |
MONDAY, MARCH 11th
Event 18 - B Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT B: Andrew Smith, Tyler Harris, Kylie Miller & Liam Miller |
15.21 seconds |
|
2nd |
MAFFRA |
15.24 seconds |
|
3rd |
HORSHAM |
15.35 seconds |
|
4th |
WERRIBEE |
15.46 seconds |
|
5th |
MOE |
15.53 seconds |
Event 19 - A Section Y Coupling – Four Competitors
|
1st |
DANDENONG – New Record Time: Jon Murphy, Matt Wilson, Millar Anderson & Dale Hucheson |
7.31 seconds |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE: Matt Royal, Dominic Keating, Chris Johnson & Jordan Royal |
7.72 seconds |
|
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT A: Tom Dargaville, Jackson Dargaville, Jamie Hart & James Murphy |
7.92 seconds |
|
4th |
WENDOUREE: Peter Every, Delaney Armstrong, Damon Sutton & Thomas Moloney |
8.11 seconds |
|
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL: Devon Winsall, Jordan Winsall, Shaune Winsall & Cameron Whelan |
8.48 seconds |
Event 20 - A Section Y Coupling – Two Competitors
|
1st |
DANDENONG – New Record Time: Rick Owen & Murray Anderson |
11.10 seconds |
|
2nd |
WENDOUREE: Craig Briody & Anthony McGratt |
11.62 seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA: Luke Rennie |
11.91 seconds |
|
4th |
KANGAROO FLAT A: Shane Henderson & Glen Scholtes |
12.14 seconds |
|
5th |
MORWELL: Jackson Raeburn & Jack Pavey |
12.82 seconds |
Event 21 – B Section Y Coupling – Four Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK: Dean Jordan, James Mullins, Steve McNally & Leigh Barclay |
7.91 seconds |
|
2nd |
MOE: Matthew Van Tilburg, R Drakatos, P Walsh & T Angus |
8.51 seconds |
|
3rd |
MAFFRA |
8.62 seconds |
|
4th |
HOPPERS CROSSING: Christopher Trawn, Brenton Lawrence, Kyle Sulman & Leonnard Lawrence |
8.70 seconds |
|
5th |
HORSHAM: Jonathon Hornsby, Brandon Scott, Troy Johnston & Michael Zeirsch |
8.79 seconds |
Event 22 – B Section Y Coupling – Two Competitors
|
1st |
KNOX GROUP: Ian Gaertner & Will Johnson |
12.15 seconds |
|
2nd |
WHITTLESEA |
13.02 seconds |
|
3rd |
PYRAMID HILL |
13.18 seconds |
|
4th |
MOE |
13.45 seconds |
|
5th |
EUROA |
14.38 seconds |
Event 23 - A Section Hose and Reel Eights
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT A: Tom Dargaville, Jackson Dargaville, Jamie Hart, James Murphy, Rino Pavluch, Shane Henderson, Jack Mactier & Glen Scholtes |
26.55 seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA |
26.95 seconds |
|
3rd |
MARYVALE |
27.80 seconds |
|
4th |
GEELONG WEST A |
31.99 seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY A |
33.43 seconds |
Event 24 - Champion Fours
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT A – New Record Time: Tom Dargaville, Jackson Dargaville, Jamie Hart & Rino Pavluch |
15.90 seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA |
16.56 seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
17.01 seconds |
|
4th |
MARYVALE |
17.21 seconds |
|
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL |
17.73 seconds |
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
Dry Aggregate
|
1st |
DANDENONG |
35 Points |
|
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT |
17 Points |
|
3rd |
TATURA |
15 Points |
Wet Aggregate
|
1st |
MARYVALE |
66 Points |
|
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT A |
58 Points |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
48 Points |
SECTION AGGREGATES:
‘A’ SECTION
|
1st |
DANDENONG |
85 Points |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE |
80 Points |
|
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT A |
76 Points |
‘B’ SECTION
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK |
53 Points |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE |
52 Points |
|
3rd |
MOE |
47 Points |
2019 CHAMPION BRIGADE: DANDENONG
The team members of DANDENONG are Coach Andy Waterson, and competitors:
- Millar Anderson
- Murray Anderson
- Tam Chan
- Wayne Charlton
- Stu Hucheson
- Dale Hutchison
- Steve Miles
- Jon Murphy
- Rick Owen
- Rach Rendell
- Matt Wilson
Results for the 2019 Champion Competitor:
|
1st |
Jon Murphy, Dandenong |
28 Points |
|
|
2nd |
Matt Royal, Maryvale |
20.5 Points |
|
|
=3rd |
Matt Wilson, Dandenong Dale Hucheson, Dandenong Tom Dargaville, Kangaroo Flat 19 points |
|
|
The Victoria / Western Australia Challenge took place after the final event, the Champion Fours, and was won by the W.A. team in a time of 27.49 seconds.
The State Urban Senior Championships is being held in Bendigo this long weekend (Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Monday 11th March).
The Bendigo and Districts Fire Brigades Championship Committee in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo are proudly hosting the 136th Annual Urban State Championships in Bendigo this weekend.
This will be the 136th State Urban Championships, with this year attracting 49 Senior teams, including two teams from Western Australia and one team from New South Wales.
Results from this weekend’s 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
The City of Bendigo will also be hosting a live musical festival, to coincide with the Torchlight procession, on Saturday evening at 2030hrs, on Bull Street, Bendigo. Visit www.facebook.com/thejohngrossmanproject
More...
“We will challenge stereotypes and bias.”
Today is International Women’s Day, and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria salutes the women who contribute so much to VFBV, CFA, our Emergency Services and their communities.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is “More Powerful Together” – that’s absolutely true for all our CFA members, whether they are on the front line as firefighters or providing the invaluable coordination behind the scenes.
With more than 11,800 women CFA volunteers – we have plenty to celebrate. To all of the fabulous, dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in the CFA and across the fire services: thank you for today and every day.
Let’s challenge bias and encourage more women as members - and as leaders. Together, we can make a difference.
https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/-/encouraging-women-to-put-their-hand-up
Once again I need to express my deep admiration for the hundreds and hundreds of CFA volunteers from around the state who dropped everything to provide vital surge capacity to those communities in need, including our friends from interstate.
There’s never really enough that can be said about how amazing and admirable our volunteers are. They provide such a huge contribution to the safety and response capacity of CFA and the protection of Victoria.
And as always, we thank the families of volunteers who put up with the disruption and the absences – you are also a major part of why the CFA can succeed.
I also want to thank employers. Some volunteers are self-employed and make personal sacrifices to join strike teams deployed across the state, and many have wonderful employers who are also part of Victoria’s response in their willingness to support the emergency services members who work for them – we thank them for being so understanding and generous.
A lot of people have lost property, pets and livestock in the fires – but importantly, a lot of them have been saved as well, as a direct result of Victoria’s volunteer and career firefighters providing their highly trained and professional response capabilities.
We are still in a very dangerous time of the year, with significant damage potential from the fires already burning and plenty of risk of further fire activity as we have many areas of bush that are still in peak dryness and with high fuel loads. I have received report after report of new fire starts being controlled very quickly and dozens of houses being saved directly because of our firefighters’ efforts. It is the work of CFA volunteers and our valued colleagues that have avoided greater losses and spared many residents from great loss. As with every fire there will be opportunities to investigate what learnings can be gained and that will happen in due course.
We all know how traumatising fires can be. We understand and sympathise with people who are facing the mountain of challenges that come when fire has ripped through their communities. We also understand that initial reactions come from grief and frustration, and some people need time and space to deal with their loss and the enormity of what they have been through. They deserve our compassion and empathy, and we grieve alongside them.
Victorians are a resilient people, and there’s a reason CFA is one of the most respected fire service models in the world and once again our response to these fires have proven why.
Take care of yourselves, keep safe and know that we and the people of Victoria are proud of you and have your back. Well done and keep up the good work, there is still much to do.
Andrew Ford
CEO, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
One story coming out of the of the bushfires in Victoria’s east this month touched CFA people very personally, as it showed the dedication volunteers have to the service they love and the safety of Victorians.
Well-respected 30 year CFA veteran Michael Wright, 1st Lieutenant at Caroline Springs, lost his battle with cancer on Sunday. Despite this, his father Ray and son Lauchlan did their part in CFA’s surge capacity response at the Bunyip fire the next day.
VFBV Board member Bill Maltby presented Michael with his 30 year VFBV Gold Star just a week before he passed away and praised him as a very active leader in the Caroline Springs brigade and the championships. “Michael and his family have three generations of service to the CFA. Michael was deeply respected by the volunteers and staff at the Caroline Springs brigade. It’s a tragic loss of a very active leader who built great rapport in his brigade and more broadly,” Bill said.
“To the Wright family, the volunteers and staff at Caroline Springs and those from Melton, Michael’s previous brigade, and across CFA who’ve known Michael, VFBV extends our sincere sympathy.”
For a truly inspirational story and read, please following the link below to read the full story published on news.com.au this week.
Your welfare is important. Remember that the Member Assistance Program is available 24 hours a day on 1800 959 232. Experienced psychologists, counsellors, peers and chaplains are available to all members and their immediate families through this free and confidential service.
The Wright’s story: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/firefighter-battles-bushfires-the-day-after-his-son-dies/news-story/a6e5adbcb17fe8376b9c576b629e7d67
Picture: Michael, Lauchlan and Ray Wright. Source: Facebook.
VFBV CEO Andrew Ford stepping down as CEO
A message from the VFBV State President Nev Jones AFSM
VFBV CEO Andrew Ford has advised the VFBV Board of his desire to step down as VFBV CEO as of end April 2019. While this is sad news for VFBV, I am sure you will share with me in recognising that Andrew has made an outstanding contribution to VFBV, CFA volunteers and the community over many years, and truly deserves our support as he chooses to pursue other career and family objectives.
Andrew was appointed to VFBV CEO in February 2007 and prior to that held various senior management positions as a CFA employee during a 15 year career commencing in 1992, and involving appointments as CFA Manager Corporate Planning and General Manager CFA Westernport Area.
Through Andrew’s leadership VFBV operates as a highly professional organisation and fortunately, in recognition that this time would eventually arrive, we have a well-established succession strategy in place. I am pleased to also announce that the VFBV Board has appointed experienced CFA volunteer and VFBV Executive Officer Adam Barnett as the new VFBV CEO from 1 May 2019.
Andrew has agreed to continue his outstanding commitment to CFA volunteers and stay on with VFBV in a part-time strategic advisory role. This will allow Andrew to focus his energy and expertise on driving VFBV’s focus on navigating the complex and challenging period ahead that will almost certainly see the Victorian State Government push ahead with its plans to create Fire Rescue Victoria. As members know, this involves plans to separate operational paid staff out of CFA and discontinue Victoria’s world-renowned model of integrating volunteers and paid staff working as one unified team and VFBV has been very clear that it poses significant risks to the sustainability and effectiveness of CFA.
The VFBV Board is extremely grateful to Andrew for remaining with us in this part-time capacity to support a smooth transition for our new CEO and enable an even stronger focus on navigating the very vulnerable times that the Governments fire service reform agenda will create. Freeing Andrew up from the day to day leadership of VFBV will allow him to dedicate his significant expertise to help us influence an outcome that can achieve the strongest possible CFA despite the significant downsides of a very flawed fire service reform proposition.
In addition to continuing part time with VFBV, Andrew will be pursuing some other career interests and taking the opportunity to establish a better family /work balance following what has been a very demanding role as VFBV CEO over the past 12 years. We wish Andrew well with these endeavours and will watch with interest as the next steps in his career evolve.
Andrew, I take this opportunity to thank you personally for your wisdom, leadership, integrity and courage. Your knowledge and expertise on matters relating to CFA particularly and Victoria’s emergency management sector generally is second to none. Your understanding and expertise on matters relating to CFA and other emergency management sector volunteers is an invaluable asset that we must somehow remain connected to. You will be sorely missed as VFBV CEO and greatly appreciated in the role you will continue to play with VFBV and CFA into the future.
I take this opportunity to welcome Adam Barnett into the VFBV CEO role. Adam is well known throughout both VFBV and CFA and is a highly experienced and well-regarded operator. Adam has acted as VFBV CEO on numerous occasions and performed excellently during these periods. Adam brings 13 years CFA experience to the role, joining VFBV in July 2007, and is well known to members through his role as VFBV Executive Officer since 2010. Adam has worked on behalf of CFA volunteers for many years and his preparation to operate in the CEO role has been underway as part of VFBVs ongoing strategic planning for some time.
Adam will hit the ground running with regard to the continued day-to-day leadership of VFBV, the strategic challenges presenting to us and the important ground work we must always do to support, engage with and advocate for CFA volunteers and the work volunteers do to protect Victorian communities.
Having Adam take on ongoing management and leadership of VFBV and at the same time being able to retain the expertise of Andrew during what will be a very challenging and vulnerable time for CFA in the year ahead is the best possible way to transition to Andrew’s departure from the CEO role. As VFBV President I am very proud that VFBV has established such a mature transition arrangement that provides continuity and stable leadership despite a period of significant vulnerability and upheaval in the emergency sector and CFA.
Further announcements will be made about an opportunity to recognise Andrew’s outstanding contribution to VFBV and to give him an appropriate farewell from his role as VFBV CEO.
Work will commence immediately to recruit a new VFBV Executive Officer to replace Adam. Rest assured that VFBV is well positioned to make this milestone transition.
VFBV’s strength comes not just from our leadership positions but from you our members, and I take this opportunity to express my ongoing gratitude to all of you for the contribution you make to ensuring the voice of volunteers is respected and heard. We remain steadfast in our commitment to represent volunteers on all matters that affect them so that on behalf of all Victorians we sustain strong volunteerism and the strongest possible CFA for the benefit of our communities.
A time to remember and reflect
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
At a personal level it doesn’t take hot February weather to remind me of the 2009 fires; the conditions leading up to them, that morning of the 7 Feb 2009, the days of firefighting, the recovery effort, nor the dreadful pain as we heard news of the loss of life, livelihood and property.
I remember telling my children on the morning of 7 Feb as I went up to the brigade ready for deployment to ‘sit quietly and take it in because I think today is probably going to be a terrible day in history’. I know exactly where I was when I said this and it still jolts me when I think about how awfully profound that conversation was.
Like many CFA members and affected community people I don’t need a 10 year milestone to remind me of the extent and impact of the tragic losses, the impact on individuals, families and communities nor the anxiety I have about the possibility of experiencing anything like that again and the worry I have about how we would go if it does happen.
The 2009 fires were a dreadful period in history, and I know they live in many of us every day. It is difficult to articulate a mix of feelings and a ‘knowing’ something we probably wish we didn’t know.
At the same time, it is a ‘knowing’ that is real and vitally important not to ignore, because what we now know and what we learned from that experience must inform how we plan and lead for the future.
It is important that we use this milestone to quietly stop and reflect on the tragedy and it is also important that we remember the enormous effort that prevented even further loss, the constructive things, lessons and incredible human spirit that emerged from that tragedy.
It’s hard to know what to say or do at this time and it is impossible to get it right for everyone. Each of us will deal with the memory and the ‘knowing’ in our own way and my biggest hope is that no one is doing this alone. This is a time for quiet reflection and a time to remember each single life impacted, each family impacted, each community impacted. The quantum of loss was devastating and the impact on communities is still profound.
My thoughts and prayers are with every person who suffered loss, every firefighter or emergency worker who did what they could to help and every person feeling pain any time and particularly now as the events of 2009 and Black Saturday will raise in profile as the 10-year commemorations take place.
And in addition to remembering the losses and the personal impacts we should proudly remember the incredible effort and resilience as people put lives and communities back together. However hard the memory is, we must use this time as a stark reminder that fires like this do happen and could happen again.
It is also a time to reflect on the incredible contribution of CFA volunteers and the CFA paid staff who work alongside them; the huge number of volunteers and paid staff from a whole range of agencies; and people across all parts of the community and business world who came together to combat the fires, deal with the impacts, recover and learn so that we could be better placed to deal with future emergencies.
A lot was learned both during and following these dreadful fires. Many of our lives did change forever after February 2009 and everyone put in an amazing effort to prevent what could well have been an even more catastrophic loss.
I hate to think that there are some people who won’t learn from our experience of the 2009 fires without having to go through something like it themselves and some people who were there but have forgotten the important things to take from the 2009 fires.
I hesitate to say it here, and I will not dwell on it at this time, but I get very frustrated when I think that there are decisions being made today and plans still being hatched together that will weaken Victoria’s ability to handle fires such as those we experienced in 2009. I hope you are listening decision- makers because you have been told in no uncertain terms what our concerns are and if you break CFA and its ability to deal with events like the Black Saturday fires in the future it will be on your head. My apologies readers but this must be said.
To anyone in a position of authority I ask, as you pay your respects and remember the suffering and incredible rebuilding that followed the Black Saturday fires, search into your conscience and ask how the actions and decisions you are taking today position Victoria to deal with a 2009 Black Saturday fire situation when or if it happens again in the future. It will be too late to ask yourself this in retrospect and wish you had done something different.
That is all I am going to say about the frustrations for this column because I want our thoughts and our care to be focused on those who are no longer with us, for those who lost loved ones and for the communities and people who have been impacted by the 2009 fires.
To everyone who remembers the fires referred to now as the Black Saturday fires and the other fires of the 2009 summer take care and lean on someone if you need to talk or need support.
A reminder that the Member Assistance Program is available through the support line, 24 hours a day on 1800 959 232. Trained and experienced Psychologists, Counsellors, Peers and Chaplains are available to all members and their immediate families through this free and confidential service.
Reminder: Cold Climate Jackets
Brigades and Groups are reminded that they have until 28 February 2019 to return Cold Climate Jacket Order Forms to VFBV.
VFBV has mailed copies of the order form to all Brigade/Group Secretaries during January and the order forms are also available for download on the VFBV website here.
VFBV worked with CFA to obtain funding for the additional Cold Climate Jackets through the Volunteer Emergency Service Equipment Program and it is envisaged that this funding will provide up-to an additional 1900 jackets state wide.
As previously advised, VFBV will continue to advocate for additional funding to further increase the allocation of Cold Climate Jackets to brigades.
Delivery of the jackets is expected late June/early July to be ready for the winter season.
2020 State Champs
As previously advised, CFA and VFBV are working towards conducting the 2020 State Rural Championships (Juniors & Seniors) and the State Urban Senior Championship at the same venue on the same two day weekend.
The Rural and Urban Championships will retain their own individual events, and be conducted as separate competitions but conducted concurrently alongside each other on the traditional Rural and Urban competition tracks.
The chairs and members of both the VFBV State Rural & Urban Competition Committees have met on several occasions with CFA to discuss the proposal put forward by CFA, and both Committees have now agreed to a combined weekend as a means of increasing participation and a way forward to enhance and improve our State Championships.
Rob Waterson AFSM, chair of the Urban Competition & Rules Committee, says ‘we need to embrace this new concept and all work together to ensure our Championships remain viable and sustainable into the future’.
Gerry Neyenhuis, chair of the State Rural Competition Committee, agrees, and says ‘will be a major showcase for CFA, and display the skills, efficiency and teamwork of competitors, all attributes of today’s firefighters.’
CFA, VFBV and members of the Rural & Urban Committees met at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve last month and agreed the grounds well able to conduct both State Championships side by side, and in consultation with the Greater Shepparton City Council, agreed to the weekend of 28th & 29th March 2020.
A District Committee has already been formed, including CFA management, members of both the Rural & Urban Committees, VFBV members and staff. The District Committee will work over the coming year in the planning, preparation and management of the 2020 combined event and liaise and work with the Greater Shepparton City Council, which is very supportive of the 2020 State Championships being held at Mooroopna.
Any feedback or views from Brigades or members, can be directed to the VFBV Rural and Urban State Competition Committees by contacting Jenni Laing at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Low Voltage Fuse Removal
VFBV has received several inquiries from Brigades regarding the seemingly stalled rollout of Low Voltage Fuse Removal Courses across the state.
CFA has advised VFBV that the process hasn’t stalled but has slowed down over the Christmas/ New Year period, this is due to Federation University Trainers not being available over the Holiday season.
Due to Electrical Safety Victoria requirements, only endorsed personnel are able to conduct this training, in some instances CFA Instructors will be accompanied by an endorsed Electrical Safety trainer.
VFBV was happy to learn that LVFR training has already been delivered in six Districts across the state with a further seven courses booked in for the early this year. Electrical Safety Awareness Course is available online through the Training Hub and may be a pre-requisite for the course in your District depending on how you course delivery has been structured.
If Brigades are not sure when LVFR training is expected to reach their area VFBV suggest you contact your District Training Department for an update.
General Firefighter Project
VFBV is happy to report that the General Firefighter project is progressing well with continued consultation between brigades, VFBV Delegates and CFA.
VFBV’s Delegates have been kept up to date with the course content and have been able to discuss concerns and ideas openly with the CFA project team. It is expected the Foundation Skills Drills will be released for pilot and volunteer feedback in late January/early February.
E-learning and Face-to Face content is still being developed with expected pilot release at the end of the Fire Season. General Firefighter updates can be accessed on Brigades online or LMS and are updated monthly.
If you have any questions, please contact your local CFA training team or VFBV working party via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2,500 volunteers have their say
Who participated?
The seventh annual, VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey was conducted during the months of September and October 2018, with more than 2,500 CFA volunteers taking part.
The survey was also offered to fire service volunteers in Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia taking the total participants to approximately 6,000 volunteers nationwide. 2018 was the third year that the survey was offered to fire service volunteers from across Australia, with survey results and trends now being used as a catalyst for dialogue at both state and national levels.
The Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is thought to be one of the biggest surveys of volunteer satisfaction in Australia.
CFA Respondents
Analysis of the demographics of the respondents from the 2018 survey show that the respondents are representative of the wider CFA population. Some of the highlights include:
- 82% male, 17% female (2% of respondents indicated either transgender, prefer not to say or other)
- All age groups were represented, along with volunteers who have been with CFA for less than one year through to volunteers with more than 30 years of service with CFA
- Volunteers from every CFA district took part
- Brigade type:
- 61% volunteers from rural brigades
- 31% volunteers from urban brigades
- 7% volunteers from integrated brigades
- 1% volunteers from a CFA Coast Guard brigade
Understanding the results
The survey uses a 1 to 10 scale (to represent people’s attitudes to a topic). This 1 to 10 scale is used to capture views about the Importance that a particular factor represents for the respondent, and then the respondent’s view of Performance for that particular factor. 10 being high importance/performance and 1 being low importance/performance.
Determining the Gap and VolWEL Outcome
The Gap between how closely performance meets the expectation of Importance, is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.
The VolWEL outcome is a way to simply illustrate where things are working well or what needs attention.
A high VolWEL outcome is a sign that volunteer expectations are not being met while a low VolWEL outcome is a sign that volunteer expectations are closer to being met.
VolWEL Outcome
Key Observations from the 2018 Survey
Volunteer expectations are closest to being met in relation to:
Volunteer satisfaction is being negatively impacted on by:
Key results across the survey themes:
Volunteers are most satisfied, and their expectations are closest to being met, at their local brigade level. This includes that volunteers feel that diversity is welcomed and accepted within brigades, there are no barriers to the roles that women can occupy within brigades, and that the brigade environment is friendly, welcomes new members and creates good morale.
The biggest gap between volunteer expectations and performance of CFA is in relation to consultation with CFA volunteers at CFA corporate, regional and district levels. Additional feedback indicated that volunteer dissatisfaction with corporate level consultation includes consultation (or lack thereof) by government.
Volunteers also feel that CFA is not doing enough to provide training opportunities in formats, at times and at locations that makes it easy for volunteers to participate.
The survey also contains four questions relating to volunteer satisfaction which have shown either little of no improvement over the past three years.
The percentage of volunteers satisfied with their role as a CFA volunteer has not improved on the low levels reported over the last two years.
80% of volunteers who indicated they were leaders within their brigade are satisfied with their role, in comparison only 71% of respondents identifying either as a brigade member or a leader at a broader level indicated satisfaction with their volunteer role.
Of concern is only 56% of volunteers from integrated brigades indicated that they were satisfied with their role as a CFA volunteer. Satisfaction levels were highest amongst volunteers in rural brigades with 78% indicating they are satisfied with their volunteer role.
Satisfaction with the way volunteers are treated by CFA remains at a concerningly low level consistent with the decline first reported in 2016. This should be of significant concern to CFA and coupled with a decline in volunteers reported by CFA in 2018 it is possible that many dissatisfied volunteers have already resigned or withdrawn from CFA, meaning that this declining trend is likely understated in the reported results.
Higher than the overall average, 61% of females indicated that they were satisfied with how they were treated by CFA.
Volunteers from rural brigades are generally more satisfied with the way volunteers are treated by CFA (55%) than volunteers from urban and integrated brigades (43%). Of particular concern is the result that 39% of volunteers from urban and integrated brigades are actively dissatisfied with the way volunteers are treated by CFA.
There has been a slight improvement overall with the number of volunteers indicating they intend to continue their membership with CFA since the drop reported in 2016. This figure remains well below the 87% positive intention rate reported several years ago and coupled with the CFA reports of declining volunteer numbers is a trend that needs further analysis.
84% of members from rural brigades indicated that they intend to continue their membership of CFA, this intention is lower for volunteers from urban brigades at 78% and only 64% of volunteers from integrated brigades indicated that they intend to continue with CFA.
The overall result for recommending being a CFA volunteer to other people has increased slightly again in 2018 from 73% in 2017 to 74% in 2018.
Results from members from integrated brigades show that only 54% would recommend being a CFA volunteer to people they know. 79% of volunteers from rural brigades would recommend being a CFA volunteer to people they know, the results for urban volunteers is lower at 70% consistent with previous years.
Motivation for volunteering
Volunteers were given six choices to select what the single most important reason they are a CFA volunteer. The top two choices accounted for 94% of responses to this question. 60% of respondents indicated that their main reason for volunteering was to help protect the community I live in, while 34% selected a sense of fulfilment in supporting my community in a meaningful way.
Over the seven years of the survey there has been a shift away from volunteering for a sense of fulfilment in supporting my community in a meaningful way towards helping to protect the community that I live in. The change in reason for volunteering could be a lead indicator of a decreasing motivation of volunteers to contribute beyond their local area which could be a concerning trend for CFA’s surge capacity into the future.
Inviting Applicants for CFA Board
The CFA legislation recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, CFA legislation provides for four of the CFA Board's Members to be appointed from a panel of names submitted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, two being representatives from brigades predominantly service urban communities and two being representatives from brigades predominantly serving rural communities.
The terms of CFA Board Members Hazel Clothier, Lynda Hamilton, Peter Shaw and Tim Young expire 19th July 2019, triggering the need for VFBV to seek applications for a panel of names to be nominated for the next term commencing 20th July 2019.
VFBV is seeking applications for volunteers interested in filling one of the four VFBV nominated positions on the CFA Board.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA, are invited to apply for nomination to the CFA Board. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following: knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; or expertise in fire or emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
From applications received and following interviews, VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services.
The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require commitment of one half day per month. Attendance at official functions is also expected.
CFA Board Members current annual remuneration is $58,598 (including Superannuation).
The CFA Board Charter is available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV - contact details below.
Applications including a current resume must be emailed or faxed to VFBV by COB on Friday 24th May 2019 to: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax: 03 9886 1618.
