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Victorian Forest Fire Management & Parks Victoria In The Line of Duty Death
VFBV was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Slade who died near Omeo on 12 January. Bill was a Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter and a Parks Victoria employee.
Bill had been a firefighter for over 40 years and was on active duty was part of a taskforce working in the vicinity of Anglers Rest near Omeo when he was struck by a tree.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Bill’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues at this time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We are mourning this loss alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria firefighter brethren at this very sad time.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all crews and their safety.
Extraordinary Contribution
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
In last month’s column I reflected on the incredible contribution that CFA was making to the QLD and NSW campaign fires. Our world-renowned volunteer surge capacity instantly swinging into action to deploy over 2,000 cumulative personnel deployments interstate to NSW and QLD to assist them in their time of need.
And while I write this month’s column, it is estimated that we have again deployed another 2,500 CFA volunteer deployments to deal with the East Gippsland Fires. It is expected that this contribution will significantly increase as the Corryong, Abbeyard and Alpine fires continue to burn, not to mention the NSW fires across the border with another peak fire danger day looming as I write.
To be able to support interstate colleagues and then instantly redeploy to our own increasing operational activity back home demonstrates the incredible size, strength and capacity of our world-renowned volunteer model. Joining us have been hundreds of emergency management volunteers from the relief and recovery sector.
I have been so incredibly proud of our members and brigades as I have observed them swing into action preparing, defending and protecting their communities. I attended and observed community meetings run by local brigades throughout East Gippsland to support and prepare their communities prior to and during emergency warnings and evacuation calls. Over half a million emergency warnings have been delivered by text and land line to communities in danger. With many community members feeling scared, isolated and worried, these meetings have been critical to reinforce the leave early messaging.
On display has been the incredible trust and respect that the public have for their local brigades and volunteers, with many in the fire zones heeding the call to relocate or leave early ahead of critical spike days. This, along with improved community warnings and advice backed up by authentic and honest conversations between brigades and their communities is likely to have been a key contributor to the relatively small number of fatalities experienced during these major bushfires when compared to Black Saturday.
With over a million hectares burnt, three fatalities, the loss of 286 properties and 400 other and out-buildings is an extraordinary outcome. And while we grieve and feel every loss, we must force ourselves to recognise the sheer size and scope of what has been saved.
VFBV delegates and officials have been on the ground working alongside affected brigades and members - ensuring welfare support and recovery resources are made available as soon as possible. With many communities still inaccessible, this work continues. Any member, brigade or group who requires any assistance or support should reach out to a VFBV State Councillor or Support Officer as soon as possible so we can arrange any additional or specialist support you may require.
Meeting with members directly impacted has been a deeply humbling and moving experience and one that I will struggle to put into words. The resilience, outlook and humility of our people, some who have lost so much has been truly inspirational. Through the very worst of times, we see the very best in people shine through. The generosity and care for others that has been shown by people directly impacted has been truly amazing, as too has the outpouring of appreciation and support by the wider public for everyone involved.
To all CFA members and those from our partner emergency service and recovery agencies thank-you. To all the incredible people assisting with relief centres and restoring access and essential services to impacted communities thank-you. To those of you contributing to welfare support of not just our own members but fellow Victorians - thankyou. Those of you in your local areas making yourselves available so fellow members can be deployed on strike teams further afield – thankyou. It is our collective efforts that make our response to these significant events so effective and admired across the world. Well done and thank-you. Be proud of your efforts and the part you have played.
I also want to make special reference to our emergency broadcasters who have done a wonderful job under very testing circumstances. The number of emergency warnings alone has put enormous pressure on them, and their calm and professional approach has been magnificent.
I will repeat what I said last month regarding fatigue and watching out for each other to guard against overcommitment. It is in our nature to put others ahead of ourselves. Please look out for each other to ensure your commitments are sustainable and as least disruptive to your families, careers and work/life balance as possible. During disaster, I understand the incredible drive you each have to give your all and rush to the aid of others. This will be a long season and we will need to pace ourselves.
For those of you who have been deployed and come across some challenging arrangements that have tested your patience and goodwill - try not to let it get you down. Make a note of it and ensure you raise it during future debriefs and post season reviews that are sure to follow. We all need to have a real good think about how some of these systemic frustrations continue to occur every season and how we might work with CFA to fix them in the future once and for all. Many of you are understandably tired and frustrated. Please be kind to one another. I say that not to patronize but to reassure. We are all in this together, and our communities are looking to us for hope, leadership and reassurance. There will be plenty of time to review and reflect. Its not about ignoring or brushing it under the rug, but for now our focus is responding to our community’s needs.
VALE
I along with you were heartbroken to learn of the recent in the line of duty deaths of three NSW RFS firefighters, and one Victorian firefighter from Forest Fire Management Victoria. On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members I express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, loved ones, fellow brigade members and work colleagues. We mourn alongside our NSW and Victorian forest firefighter brethren for these devastating losses.
Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Volunteer Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Fire Brigade were tragically killed while on duty at the Green Wattle Creek fireground, near Buxton in south western Sydney on the evening of Thursday 19 December 2019.
Volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Rural Fire Brigade, was tragically killed while on duty at the Green Valley fireground east of Albury NSW on the evening of Monday 30 December 2019.
Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter Mat Kavanagh died on Friday 3rd January 2020 when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the Goulburn Valley Highway Victoria.
Each of these firefighters were bravely defending their communities at the time of their deaths and their sacrifice and service will be forever remembered.
Our thoughts are also with all the other firefighters who were injured alongside each of these during the accidents. I pass on our thanks and gratitude to our fellow emergency service workers who were involved and assisting members at each of the scenes.
STAY SAFE
To all members, please take care of yourselves and stay safe for what will be an extended fire season.
We will stand by our communities for as long as they need us. After the fires have passed, we will then shift our focus to assisting with their recovery. And just like the fire ravaged landscape will heal and regrow, so will our resolve and dedication to helping our communities rebuild. Be proud of what you have achieved and thank-you for all you do in keeping our communities safe. CFA volunteers – ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Welfare Fund
The Welfare Fund Committee has moved quickly to provide expedited support for members directly impacted by this season's bushfires. With the large number of members directly impacted, high demand on the fund is expected and is being planned for. Brigades are requested to contact a VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer as soon as they become aware of members requiring assistance.
Bushfire Relief and Recovery Resources
On the 4th January, VFBV issued a comprehensive News Note to members outlining available bushfire relief and recovery resources, such as Commonwealth, State and VFBV grants available for members impacted by the fire activity. It and updates are available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website.
An updated News Note outlining additional bushfire relief and recovery resources was released on 16 January and is available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website.
A list of support for CFA volunteers that has been generously donated by the corporate sector is also available at our website. Offers from Coles, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and AGL are available to all CFA volunteers as at time of writing. Any additional donations will be progressively added.
National Enquiry on Bushfires
Given the significance of this year’s fire season, affecting multiple States, and the fact that there has already been a Commonwealth response including from the defence force, it is VFBV’s view that some form of review or enquiry into the fire season is inevitable.
Whether the review is a State based inquiry or a Federal one, the principles of this review should remain the same. And while any review has the potential to divert time and effort, volunteers have always taken a cooperative approach to these types of reviews and VFBV’s position is consistent with this.
VFBV also request that decision makers slow down and hold off on finalising any review terms of reference while operational and community effort is still being undertaken on the ground.
To read VFBV’s full statement, visit the VFBV website.
16/17 year old operational firefighters
A reminder that the views of members on the continued use of 16- and 17-year old’s as operational members is being sought.
With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member. Submissions are due by Monday 2nd March 2020.
State Championships Under 18's
CFA and VFBV have worked together to implement a new registration process for any competitor under the age of 18 taking part in this year’s Horsham or Mooroopna State Championships.
CFA will require all parents and guardians of any person under the age of 18 to provide parental consent and supply relevant personal and medical information of their child, utilising the secure online platform CareMonkey. CareMonkey may be a familiar tool for many parents as it is utilised by many schools, scout groups and sporting clubs across Australia.
Parents and Guardians of junior members participating in this year’s State Championships will be sent a link by CFA via email to their nominated email address which will take them to the required online form to complete.
Simply click on the link, create a profile (if you don’t have one already) and fill out the form. FAQs are available on Brigades Online or you can contact CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spirit of CFA Awards
Due to the high level of operational activity the deadline for nominations has again been extended to Sunday 1st March 2020. With some of the incredible stories coming from this year’s fire season, this is a terrific opportunity to recognise those people you think make an incredible contribution to CFA.
More information, the criteria for the awards and the process for nomination can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/spiritofcfa
Cancellation of BA courses
VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee have expressed disappointment and escalated complaints arising from some Districts that are reporting cancellation or non-running of Breathing Apparatus courses due to the rollout of the new MSA BA Sets.
Some trainers have claimed that because training materials have not been rewritten to cover the new MSA sets that they are therefore unable to schedule courses using the current content.
VFBV delegates have strongly criticised this lack of planning and approach and have called on CFA to urgently resolve the issue. VFBV also continues to pursue delays experienced by volunteers attaining BA Search and Rescue components required for internal structural attack.
VESEP Grants Announced
Minister Neville recently approved the outcomes for VESEP 2019/20. CFA was awarded $10 million under this year’s program. All applicants either successful or unsuccessful received notification by CFA early this month.
Of the 180 successful CFA grant applications, 43 are replacing or upgrading firefighting and specialist vehicles, 33 volunteer amenities improvements, 63 equipment and 41 minor works projects.
In addition to the Brigade projects, $2.4M has been allocated to state wide initiatives which include:
- Road Crash Rescue Equipment for volunteer Pumpers @ Warragul, Werribee, Berwick & Bacchus Marsh
- Retrofit Kits for loss of Quenchmaster loss of prime for tankers
- Cool Climate Jackets. Final phase completing the order from the VFBV survey results.
- Retrofit non slip steps tankers
- Big Fill Trailer Pumps (single axle) for 4 Regions - North West, South East, South West and West
- Crew Spray Protection development for Ultra Light Tankers
- Personal Protective Clothing for chainsaw operations - Phase 1
Emergency Services Foundation Scholarship Scheme
Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) 2020 Scholarships.
ESF scholarships provide an opportunity for paid staff and volunteers from Victorian Emergency Services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. ESF scholarships are granted annually to provide recipients with funds to cover the expense of travel to advance their knowledge and expertise. Typically, four scholarships are awarded each year.
Priority for scholarships in 2020 will be given to applications that address issues of mental health and wellbeing, applications are open to all CFA volunteers and will close on 16 March 2020. With successful applicants announced at the Emergency Management Conference in July 2020.
Further information can be found on the ESF website https://esf.com.au/services/scholarships/ or by contacting Craig Shepherd, Chair of the ESF Scholarship Committee on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0400 124 690.
CFA 2020 Draft Strategy Brochure Consultation
CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July next year.
VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.
Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy
The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.
It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share its thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.
Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left-hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".
If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.
2020 State Champs
Urban Juniors – Horsham, 22 and 23 February
Urban Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 and 29 March
Rural Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 March
Rural Juniors – Mooroopna, 29 March
Entry forms for the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships are due by 28th February 2020, and are available from the VFBV website or VFBV office.
Although entries for the State Urban Junior & Senior Championships were due 1st December 2019, late entries will be accepted – please contact the VFBV office.
VFBV encourages all Brigades and members to participate - as spectators, team supporters or competitors. There are events for all size teams, from one or two competitors up to eight competitors - and for all ages, genders and abilities.
For Brigades new to competitions needing further information or assistance, please contact your District VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.
Update 2 - replaces original News Note issued 4 January 2020.
Information concerning bushfire relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated.
This News Note update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. Links to further resources can be found at the bottom of this News Note.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Emergency financial assistance is available to eligible fire-affected community members in Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Indigo, Mansfield, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga council areas.
Emergency Relief Assistance Payments
The Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for Victorians directly impacted by the current bushfire emergency. This payment helps people directly impacted cover the cost of emergency food, accommodation, clothing, medication and personal items.
- Payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child (up to a maximum of $1960 per eligible household).
- The payments are designed to help eligible people experiencing personal and extreme financial hardship due to the fires.
- The payments have strict eligibility requirements and are distributed via a prepaid debit card that can be used to make purchases via EFTPOS or withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
- To find out if you are eligible, visit a relief centre in the area. Go to https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#relief_and_recovery_centres to check which relief centres are open.
- If you have relocated to Melbourne or other areas away from these relief centres you can call: 1800 961 054 (9am – 5pm, 7 days per week) for more information.
Relief payments are NOT available for:
- to cover the costs of cleaning up fallen trees or branches in people's yards
- to cover the cost of repairing fences from fallen trees. If a tree has fallen on your house, please call the SES or your local council for more information.
- to people impacted by power outages. Contact your energy distributor if you have any questions.
- Business losses or compensation for the loss of income
- the replacement of fencing
- motor vehicle repairs or towing
- paying insurance excess
Emergency Re-establishment Payments
Emergency re-establishment assistance is available if your principal place of residence (your home) is uninhabitable for more than seven days because of an emergency.
- Provides up to $42,250 per eligible household experiencing financial hardship, who have been affected by fire at their primary place of residence.
- The grants will be available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.
- Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance.
- https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
The Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of setting up a team who will begin to undertake re-establishment assessments. If you think you may be eligible for a re-establishment payment, you can speak to the payment assistance helpline 1800 961 054. They will take your details and the department will be in contact soon.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
People in Towong and East Gippsland Local Government areas are eligible for these payments.
- $1000 per adult and $400 per child
- For people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or are the immediate family members of a person who has died, as a direct result of the bushfires.
- For further information, visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
Disaster Recovery Allowance
- Up to 13 weeks income support for those who have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires
- Equivalent to Newstart or Youth Allowance
- Further information is available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance
Personal Hardship Grants
Red Cross Emergency Grants
People who have lost homes in the 2019/2020 bushfire season can apply to Australian Red Cross for an emergency grant of $5,000. Emergency grants are available across Australia to people whose primary place of residence has been destroyed or made uninhabitable by the fires since July 2019.
The grants are available to help bushfire-affected people to meet basic recovery needs.
- If your home has been destroyed by a bushfire, please get in touch through their website redcross.org.au/grants. You can also call 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) during business hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- The grants are part of a broader program to support people and communities affected by severe bushfires across the country. We provide psychological first aid and community support, assist people at evacuation centres, offer information and connect people to services they need.
- Recovery from disasters like bushfires can be long and complex. We know people and communities can manage their own recovery with the right support in place.
VFBV Welfare Fund
The Welfare Fund Committee have established an expedited application and approval process for any CFA volunteer who has lost their primary residence in the recent fires.
Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.
- Grants up to $5,000
- Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing brigades
- Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process
Other Services
Financial counselling
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is available to farmers, offering free and independent financial support to primary producers and non-agriculture related small businesses.
The service can be contacted on 1300 735 578.
Financial counsellors are professionals, regulated by federal legislation and employed by not for profit community organisations. They provide information, advice and advocacy support free of charge, assisting people in dealing with life situations involving debt and hardship, dealing with creditors, and stabilising finances. The National Debt Helpline is staffed by financial counsellors and can be contacted on 1800 007 007
Insurance
If you have property or contents insurance you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire.
- Ask your insurer for advice on actions you should take
- Do not discard or throw away damaged items without first consulting your insurance company
- Make a list of items that have been damaged and take photographs if possible
- Keep receipts for any emergency repair work
For assistance with insurance contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24 hour hotline). You can find information on lodging a claim following a disaster here: www.disasters.org.au
Replacing documents and identification
The Australian Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages will replace certificates that were lost in the recent bushfires, free of charge. You can call the Department of Justice on 03 5215 8500 and they will mail the forms to you.
If you've been affected by the recent fires VicRoads can:
- refund your remaining registration without any admin fees for any fire damaged vehicles or,
- replace vehicle and/or boat registration documents required for insurance claims
- replace your licence/learner permit/marine licence card for free.
Visit the VicRoads website for more information: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Fodder
Landholders needing emergency fodder for livestock should contact the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) on 1300 882 833 between 9am and 5pm or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Superannuation
Early access on compassionate grounds: 1300 131 060
Accommodation
If you’ve been displaced or are helping with relief efforts, you can book free accommodation between 2 January 2020 and 16 January 2020. More information can be found on the Airbnb website https://www.airbnb.com.au/openhomes/disaster-relief/victoriabushfires20?af=196660319&c=general_DRR_victoriabushfires20_2020Q1
Banks
Westpac, Bendigo Bank, Bank of Melbourne, Bank Australia and ANZ have announced Disaster Relief Packages is available for customers who are suffering hardship as a result of the recent fires.
CommBank's Emergency Assistance Package is for customers and businesses affected by bushfires and also to all volunteer firefighters. The package includes loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.
Donations
Material goods are not requested at this time. Clothing and supplies is difficult to transport to fire affected areas and relief centres have been inundated with donations. The best way the public can help is by donating money to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal or to a registered not-for-profit organisation helping with the relief and recovery effort (or to a local Community Relief Fund, if established).
Bendigo Bank has established a Bushfire Disaster Appeal to support community members affected by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and Hume.
You can donate at: https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/
National appeals such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross can be accessed from:
Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal
Information on how members of the public can donate to CFA Brigades can be found at: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa
VFBV Welfare Fund Donations
VFBV delegate and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.
If Brigades and members wish to donate to the VFBV Welfare Fund they can do so by making a deposit to the following account:
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Account Name: |
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Welfare Fund |
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Account Number: |
135 312 478 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
CFA Volunteer Corporate Donations and Assistance
The following companies are offering discounts or promotions for CFA Volunteers in appreciation of your service.
Telstra will cover the cost of mobile phone bills for volunteer firefighters over the period of December and January. This available to all volunteer firefighters registered with the official volunteer fire services within their state, such as the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and the Regional Fire Service (RFS). Additionally, if an eligible volunteer has a Pre-Paid mobile service they can instead receive 10GB of prepaid data and free calls with a 30-day expiry to their nominated Pre-Paid service number. Firefighter volunteers should contact Telstra on 13 22 03 when convenient to register for the free calls over December and January.
Optus will waiver the costs of eligible volunteer firefighters’ mobile services for December 2019 and January 2020. If you’re an active volunteer firefighter with an Optus bill, call 1300 301 671 to see if you qualify.
Vodafone will waive any mobile network usage charges for all volunteer firefighters during December and January. To be eligible for a credit for December 2019 and January 2020 bills, Volunteers customers can call 1300 650 410 or visit a local Vodafone store and quote their official volunteer ID number and a credit for service charges will be applied to their Vodafone account.
Coles have offered a $500 voucher to each CFA brigade. Brigades should have been provided with a unique link to claim this voucher. For further information about this donation, please contact Sally Bodman from the Communications & Stakeholders Relations directorate on 03 9262 8389 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
AGL is offering CFA volunteers a $150 credit on their next power or gas bill. The offer is open to current and new AGL customers who volunteer with CFA. To access this offer, call 13 12 45. The customer service centres are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alinta Energy is offering $200 credit to be applied to your Alinta Energy account. Simply fill out an enquiry form and they will get in contact with you with the details or call them on 13 37 02. Please make sure to choose “Volunteer Firefighter” as the Enquiry type and include your Alinta Energy Customer Account Number and your Volunteer ID Number for the state fire service you are a part of.
Lumo Energy is offering $200 bill credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Lumo Energy customers (regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Lumo Energy Customer Care Team on 1300 714 563.
Red Energy is offering $200 bull credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Red Energy customers regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Red Energy Customer Care Team on 131 806.
Southern Phone is waiving all internet, broadband, mobile and home phone usage fees and charges for volunteer firefighters and SES volunteers involved in the bushfire disaster. To access this offer, contact Southern Phone on 13 14 64.
Woolworths is offering a 10% discount in store for Emergency Services and Volunteer Firefighters at Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, BWS and Dan Murhpy's from 21 January 2020 through to 31 January 2020. Offer only available in store and upon presentation of valid Emergency Services ID. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
Member Welfare and Support
Support services are available to provide you additional support:
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.
Further Resources
EMV: http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance
CFA Donations: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/donate1
Offers Available to Members: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=BushfireSupportAssistance
VFBV notes the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Federal Government is considering a proposal for a national review or enquiry into this year’s bushfires.
VFBV would cautiously welcome a federal enquiry and believes there are learnings and observations that could be best explored at a national level. Just as fires don’t respect lines on a map a national perspective and overview to bushfire preparation, planning, response and recovery could be invaluable. We reject the view that duplication cannot be adequately managed or planned for, and believe the Federal Government has an important role to play.
Australia’s 250,000 emergency management volunteer workforce is a national treasure, and VFBV would welcome discussions on how they can be best supported, equipped and protected.
Any enquiry must be carefully planned and thought out to ensure terms of reference are adequately balanced to ensure any review is targeted and focussed for best effect and effort.
Having witnessed the cooperative approach taken by the Victorian and Commonwealth Government during the current campaign fires, we are optimistic that a federal review or enquiry could equally be progressed in good faith.
VFBV is strongly advocating that emergency management volunteers should equally have input into the terms of reference.
There are many factors volunteers would be keen to explore including volunteer support, safety, culture, resourcing and recognition. Building stronger integrated relationships and effort and removing artificial barriers are important factors to consider.
Volunteers would also make valuable contributions and provide a unique perspective on land management and planning, fuel reduction, and emergency warning education and standardisation amongst others. A national approach to some of these issues would provide a valuable blueprint for State based agencies and governments of the future.
As with enquiries in the past, VFBV would fully cooperate with any enquiry or review called. As history has shown, volunteers have always actively engaged in these types of discussions in a highly constructive way.
VFBV would support a review of previous enquiries as part of a national review and believes this could form part of terms of reference.
VFBV respectfully submits that the lack of independent, evidence based, and authoritative assessment of the progress and status of previous reviews and enquires would be a significant improvement to assist the emergency service sector in realising the benefits and continuous improvement sought by previous enquiries.
A national approach would enable all State’s to benefit from the valuable lessons learned across the nation.
VFBV shares the frustration of many volunteers who have participated in a plethora of reviews, often with perceptions of little ultimate improvement to the support of volunteers and their communities with local service planning, preparation, delivery and recovery.
Volunteers support active questioning about whether things can be done better, how to plan and prepare for the future and a need to address problems that need to be fixed. Many of these problems require long term planning and investment. A holistic approach is urgently needed and presents one of the greatest opportunities to leverage off the strengths of each jurisdiction, while diligently pursuing improvements that resonate and have real world practical effect ‘on the ground’ and in our communities.
An enduring and national coordinated approach and oversight of the work done to build, strengthen and sustain emergency management volunteers would be most welcome and is a fitting way to recognise and respect the incredible work volunteers undertake in our communities 365 days of the year.
For now, our focus and energy is on supporting our incredible volunteers and the immediate demands of the current fire season. There will be time to pursue calm and focussed reflections and learnings at the end of the season. We urge decision makers at both the Commonwealth and State levels to respect the current operational workload and community relief and recovery works that are currently underway, and provide sufficient time for stakeholders to have input and offer advice on future reviews before terms of reference are settled.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Victorian Fire Forest Management and Parks Victoria In Line of Duty Death
Written by Adam Barnett
VFBV was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Slade who died near Omeo on 12 January. Bill was a Forest Fire Management Victorian firefighter and a Parks Victoria employee.
Bill had been a firefighter for over 40 years and was on active duty was part of a taskforce working in the vicinity of Anglers Rest near Omeo when he was struck by a tree.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Bill’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues at this time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We are mourning this loss alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria firefighter brethren at this very sad time.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all crews and their safety.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
|
Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Victorian Forest Fire Management Victoria In Line of Duty Death
Written by VFBV
We are again saddened to advise that another firefighter has lost their life in the line of duty. 43-year-old Mat Kavanagh died on Friday when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the Goulburn Valley Highway. A colleague was injured in the collision but is in a stable condition. Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville confirmed yesterday his death was related to the bushfires, following a police investigation.
Mat had worked for Forest Fire Management Victoria for 10 years and was on active duty when the accident occurred. Before the crash, Mat and his crew had put out seven unattended campfires.
Our thoughts and our deepest condolences are with Mr Kavanagh’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues during this sad time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria’s firefighter brethren during this time of sadness.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all our crews and their safety.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
VFBV Donations - Supporting and Encouraging CFA Volunteers
Written by VFBV
VFBV delegates and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust Fund and VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.
VFBV is supporting CFA volunteers who have lost their homes, fencing, machinery, stock, equipment and/or livelihoods. At this time, our preference is that donations are made to the VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust (below)
Members of the public are invited to donate to the following:
| VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust Fund |
VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust Fund
Donate at: https://www.givenow.com.au/volunteersupport
This fund is currently assisting CFA volunteers impacted by the 2019/20 Bushfire Season.
The VFBV Volunteer Support & Recovery Trust fund (formerly Black Saturday Recovery Trust Fund) was established in 2009 following the Black Saturday fires to provide assistance to CFA volunteers who had suffered loss as a result of the Victorian Black Saturday Fires.
This fund is established to respond to significant natural disasters impacting on CFA volunteers, and is receiving donations to support CFA volunteers who have been directly impacted by the 2019/2020 Bushfires.
It provides swift one-off grants to help CFA volunteers recover from loss of life, loss of home, and loss of outbuildings, fencing, stock, livelihood and any other impacts.
Following Black Saturday, it has awarded over $880,000 in grants to CFA volunteers and their families.
VFBV covers all administration fees, and 100% of funds received are used for the payment of volunteer grants.
Donate at: https://www.givenow.com.au/volunteersupport or Direct Deposits can be sent to the following account:
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Account Name: |
VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust Fund |
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Account Number: |
136 263 787 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
| VFBV Welfare Fund |
VFBV Welfare Fund
Donate at: https://www.givenow.com.au/vfbv
This fund is current assisting CFA volunteers impacted by the 2019/20 Bushfire Season.
The VFBV Welfare Fund was first established in 1913. Over the years, the Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants, and today more than 1,000 CFA Brigades subscribe to the Fund each year. Brigades choose each year whether or not they would like to be members of the fund by paying an annual subscription which then covers all their members, families and long serving ex-members. Almost 90% of all CFA Brigades are members of the VFBV Welfare Fund.
This capital Fund offers small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is a capital fund run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, uses only State Government approved investments, and the welfare grant and investment decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. Investments are managed to provide an enduring fund that has existed since 1913 and ensures volunteers now and in the future are protected by fund income that outperforms inflation and minimises annual brigade subscriptions for each member brigade now and for the future.
History
The Fund began its long history of helping volunteers in need in 1913, when it was first established by urban volunteers as the VUFBA Welfare Fund.
On 1 November 2008, the newly formed Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, with generous support from the Victorian Government, launched the VFBV Welfare Fund and invited all Urban and Rural Brigades to become members.
Over the years, the Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants, and today more than 1,000 CFA Brigades subscribe to the Fund each year.
For the 2018/2019 financial year, the VFBV Welfare Fund distributed a total of $96,735 to assist 30 volunteers in need.
The Fund offers small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, uses only State Government approved investments, and the welfare grant and investment decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers.
Investments are managed to provide an enduring fund that has existed since 1913 and ensures volunteers now and in the future are protected by fund income that outperforms inflation and minimises annual brigade subscriptions for each member brigade.
To subscribe to the Welfare Fund, Brigades must be affiliated with VFBV, which covers the operating costs so that 100% of any money the Fund receives is used entirely to help volunteers in need.
VFBV covers all administration fees, and 100% of funds received are used for the payment of volunteer grants.
Donate
People wishing to donate to the Welfare Fund they can do so by:
Online donations can be done via GiveNow: https://www.givenow.com.au/vfbv
Or Direct Deposits can be sent to the following account:
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Account Name: |
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Welfare Fund |
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Account Number: |
135 312 478 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
| VFBV Volunteer Support and Development Fund |
VFBV Volunteer Support and Development Fund
Donate at: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/134529/supporting-valuing-cfa-volunteers
The VFBV
Volunteer Support & Development Fund was established following the Black Saturday fires principally following two large corporate donations to support VFBV’s advocacy work from Darley Australia and the Victoria Racing Club in 2009.
This is an internal fund and is managed by the VFBV Board and operates on a hybrid model of a capital and operating basis. Deposits are principally held in interest bearing term deposits to provide a capital base, with annual investment income used to support VFBV programs including initiatives such as our emergency management volunteer leadership scholarships. This ensures the fund is capable of looking after future generations of CFA volunteer firefighters. During periods of high advocacy (such as during the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission and the 2016 Supreme Court action to uphold CFA volunteer consultation rights) funds are drawn down from the capital reserves to meet costs essential in protecting and supporting our important advocacy work.
VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria.
Donate
People wishing to donate to the VFBV Volunteer Support and Development Fund can do so by:
Online donations can be done via: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/134529/supporting-valuing-cfa-volunteers
Or Direct Deposits can be sent to the following account:
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Account Name: |
VFBV Volunteer Support and Development Fund |
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Account Number: |
157 728 221 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
Information concerning bushfire relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated. This News Note provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. Updates can be found at http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance
East Gippsland and Towong Assistance
Households in the local government areas of East Gippsland and Towong can now access the following emergency payments to relieve personal hardship.
Emergency Relief Assistance Payments
Emergency relief assistance is available for up to seven days after the event if you are unable to access or live in your home because of an emergency.
Payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child (up to a maximum of $1960 per eligible household) are available to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing and personal items.
Visit a relief centre for more information and to find out if you are eligible.
The payments are designed to help eligible people experiencing personal and extreme financial hardship due to the fires.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
- $1000 per adult and $400 per child
- For people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or are the immediate family members of a person who has died, as a direct result of the bushfires.
- Further information including eligibility can be found at https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
Disaster Recovery Allowance
- Up to 13 weeks income support for those who have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires
- Equivalent to Newstart or Youth Allowance
- Further information is available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance
Personal Hardship Grants
Emergency Re-establishment Payments
This assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
- Emergency re-establishment assistance is available if your principal place of residence (your home) is uninhabitable for more than seven days because of an emergency.
- Provides up to $42,250 per eligible household experiencing financial hardship, who have been affected by fire at their primary place of residence.
- The grants will be available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.
- Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance.
- Further information is available from: https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program
Households should contact their local council, or visit a relief centre, to discuss assistance options.
VFBV Welfare Fund
Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.
The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.
- Grants up to $5,000
- Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing Brigades
- Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process.
Other Services
Financial counselling
The Rural Financial Counselling Service is available to farmers, offering free and independent financial support to primary producers and non-agriculture related small businesses. The service can be contacted on 1300 735 578.
Financial counsellors are professionals, regulated by federal legislation and employed by not for profit community organisations. They provide information, advice and advocacy support free of charge, assisting people in dealing with life situations involving debt and hardship, dealing with creditors, and stabilising finances. The National Debt Helpline is staffed by financial counsellors and can be contacted on 1800 007 007
Insurance
If you have property or contents insurance you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire.
- Ask your insurer for advice on actions you should take
- Do not discard or throw away damaged items without first consulting your insurance company
- Make a list of items that have been damaged and take photographs if possible
- Keep receipts for any emergency repair work
For assistance with insurance contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24 hour hotline). You can find information on lodging a claim following a disaster here: www.disasters.org.au
Replacing documents and identification
The Australian Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages will replace certificates that were lost in the recent bushfires, free of charge. You can call the Department of Justice on 03 5215 8500 and they will mail the forms to you.
If you've been affected by the recent fires VicRoads can:
- refund your remaining registration without any admin fees for any fire damaged vehicles or,
- replace your licence/learner permit/marine licence card for free.
Visit the VicRoads website for more information: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Donations
Material goods are not requested at this time. Clothing and supplies is difficult to transport to fire affected areas and relief centres have been inundated with donations. The best way the public can help is by donating money to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal or to a registered not-for-profit organisation helping with the relief and recovery effort (or to a local Community Relief Fund, if established).
Bendigo Bank has established a Bushfire Disaster Appeal to support community members affected by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and Hume.
You can donate at: https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/
National appeals such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross can be accessed from:
Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal
Information on how members of the public can donate to CFA Brigades can be found at: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa
VFBV Welfare Fund Donations
VFBV delegate and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.
If Brigades and members wish to donate to the VFBV Welfare Fund they can do so by making a deposit to the following account:
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Account Name: |
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Welfare Fund |
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Account Number: |
135 312 478 |
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BSB Number: |
633 000 |
If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.
MEMBER WELFARE AND SUPPORT
Support services are available to provide you additional support:
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.
We are again saddened to advise that a NSW volunteer firefighter has this evening lost their life in the line of duty fighting a fire near Jingrllic, south west NSW, close to the Victorian border. A further two other firefighters were injured in the same truck and are being conveyed to hospital with serious burns.
The firefighters were working on the Green Valley, Talmalmo Fire, approximately 70km east of Albury when it’s believed that the truck rolled when hit by extreme winds associated with the fire. A second vehicle working in the same area was also blown over and the firefighter on board has been transported to hospital.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families, loved ones and peers during this sad time.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside our NSW firefighter brethren for this devastating loss.
NSW RFS are establishing a dedicated bank account to collect donations for the families, and I will advise of further details in due course.
With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across NSW and Victoria as the wind change continues to move through causing havoc this evening, our thoughts are with all our crews and their safety.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
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CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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1800 959 232 |
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Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week. |
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Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Statement on Commonwealth Payments to Volunteer Firefighters
Written by VFBV
UPDATED: 4th January 2020
SPECIAL Op-Ed Published in Herald Sun, 3rd January 2020
VOLUNTEERS NEED TARGETED AID AND NOT JUST HANDOUTS
Our CFA volunteers are among the best firefighters in the world. Every day they put their communities first, from highly complex bushfires to specialist response and structural firefighting in highly urbanised areas.
They are well trained, well exercised and are sought after across the country for their knowledge and experience. They are true professionals in every sense of the word, only as volunteers they do it without pay.
As their peak representative body, my organisation welcomes and appreciates the Federal Government’s intention to provide financial support for volunteer firefighters. But we are worried that this initiative is misplaced and may have unintended and lasting consequences. There are far better ways to support volunteers, reimburse expenses and support their employers and their communities.
What we want is for the federal minister David Littleproud, state minister Lisa Neville and our CFA volunteer representatives to work together to ensure state and federal government support and assistance can be tailored and targeted to best support our incredible volunteer firefighters in Victoria.
Volunteers are proud to be volunteers; that is the ethos they live by every day. They work, train and deploy out of love for their communities. Their bravery and selflessness lie at the very heart of the enormous respect for and trust in them.
Volunteers, their families, employers and friends all pitch in to support emergency management volunteers, financially and in kind. We work as a team with like-minded volunteers before, during and after disaster strikes.
The volunteer ethos defends millions of Australians, protecting lives and property from the ravages of fire and other emergencies, year after year. And if we look after it well, it will continue to do so long after this fire season is over. Therefore, it is vital we support and protect it in a way that does not undermine the very system and thinking on which we rely.
Long after announcements of new schemes, it is those on the ground who then have to make it work. Saddling brigades and volunteers with additional administrative bureaucracy while they sort out who should and shouldn’t receive payment is an unwelcome distraction.
Instead, it is time we recognise and respect the incredible contribution that all emergency volunteers make to our communities. The most common complaint I hear is about the unfairness of CFA volunteers having to pay for a fire services levy that funds the very service they are providing to the state for free. Adding insult to injury is the expectation they then must fundraise for essential trucks and equipment to make up the difference between what the government funds and what they actually need to keep us all safe. Long-term investment in more fire trucks, equipment, personal protective equipment and clothing is needed desperately.
And from a Commonwealth perspective, how about recognising emergency management volunteers as a special occupation that would allow any personal expenses incurred during the year to be tax deductible just as employees can claim them now. In Victoria alone, the CFA volunteer contribution is valued at more than $1 billion dollars a year. Why not recognise part of that contribution as a tax-deductible donation?
And let’s not forget the employers and business sector who are often among the unsung heroes during these massive campaigns. Many employers continue to cover wages for many of their staff deployed as volunteers, not just for fire but in relief and recovery. The establishment of federal emergency service leave that would allow employers to claim for additional entitlements for their employees to take leave during declared emergencies would inject much needed support to grow and sustain Australia’s proud and enduring volunteer movement.
Our message is simple. We are not saying no to additional financial support. We are grateful for it. But please give CFA volunteers the courtesy and respect of involving them in the decision and working with us to deliver a more appropriate package that respects and protects our members and the precious volunteer ethos that Victoria relies upon.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV)
ORIGINAL STATEMENT: POSTED 29TH DECEMBER 2019
29th December 2019
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ADAM BARNETT
COMMONWEALTH PAYMENTS TO VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
The Federal Government have today announced a scheme to compensate NSW volunteer firefighters with payments of $300 for volunteer service exceeding 7 days up to a maximum of 20. Other State’s are allegedly being told they can also join the scheme, which is to be funded through a Federal Government/State Government co-payment.
VFBV is not in favour of volunteers receiving income for their voluntary firefighting service.
If benefits and payments to volunteers are expected by individuals, the spirit of volunteerism could be destroyed. Such an argument ultimately leads us to the retained fire-fighter model where members are paid an allowance to attend fires and where as a result, volunteers cease to become true volunteers and become employees. As demonstrated in other State’s a consequence of the retained fire-fighter model is that volunteer numbers would decrease over time which would reduce the number of trained fire fighters available throughout the state. As one of the most fire prone places on earth, the Victorian model gives us the benefit of immense volunteer surge capacity and contingent capability larger than the Australian defence forces to deal with large scale, long duration concurrent fires.
Volunteers are proud to be volunteers. They do what they do out of love for their communities and as a way of giving back. Their bravery and selflessness lie at the very heart of the enormous respect and trust that the community has for them. And while we are deeply humbled that the public may support volunteers being paid for what they do, it is fundamentally against everything we stand for. It is for this reason that CFA and other emergency service volunteers have such a special and honoured place in the Victorian public’s hearts.
From a national perspective, there are around 6 million volunteers in Australia, with over 500,000 in the emergency management sector, and over half of those being involved in fire and rescue services.
Volunteering Australia defines volunteering as “time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.”
The United Nations defines volunteering as “‘An action carried out voluntarily, according to an individual’s own free will, not undertaken for financial reward nor stipulated by law, contract or academic requirement, and done for the common good.” (UN 2011:3-4).
VFBV supports this definition and our fundamental view is there should be no payment to volunteers for their service as volunteering one's time is a gift to the volunteer's community. When income is attached, the service is no longer given freely, and it is no longer volunteering.
Results from VFBV’s annual Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency survey confirms that overwhelmingly CFA volunteers contribute their time for one of two main reasons; to help protect the community they live in; and a sense of fulfilment in supporting their community in a meaningful way.
I am incredibly proud of our volunteers and the amazing work they do year in and year out. And while I appreciate the support and good intent evident in the Federal Governments initiative, I feel it is misplaced and has the potential to undermine the volunteer ethos of which Australia’s volunteer movement relies.
VFBV is incredibly disappointed that such a significant policy shift could be made on the run and with little to no consultation directly with volunteer firefighter peak bodies involvement. I can confirm VFBV has not received any detail or was approached by the Commonwealth to discuss the scheme prior to announcement. Nor has our national volunteer firefighters’ body been approached - the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAFVA). CAFVA alone represents over 250,000 volunteer firefighters across Australia and is designed specifically to provide the Commonwealth a direct link to the State’s and Territories volunteer firefighter peak bodies, where the enormous knowledge and experience of volunteers is at the ready to provide input to federal government policy.
Out of Pocket Expenses
While CFA volunteers are firm that they do not want to be paid for their services, they are however, just as firm in their view that being a volunteer should not be a cost to the individual. VFBV is of the view that volunteers should not be out of pocket for the contribution they make to their communities. Policies therefore need to be well designed and considered so they are sensitive to these factors ensuring addressing expense reimbursement does not undermine the volunteer ethos.
Items such as transport costs, personal expenses, clothing and equipment reimbursement and communication costs legitimately incurred in undertaking their volunteering should be considered for reimbursement.
There is some interest within the volunteer movement for an analysis of the other opportunities that may exist for the improved recognition of volunteers through economic support, for example tax incentives and insurance premiums or fire service levy offsets. The introduction of tax breaks and offsets and the like would reflect a token recognition of volunteer commitment rather than being a true compensation for voluntary contribution made (or encouragement incentive).
Any move to consider a different regime of reimbursement for out of pocket expenses must be carefully considered and well thought out due to the administrative complexities involved; for example in determining reimbursements between those active on the fire ground, those performing the equally important myriad of support roles or those who remain on call within their brigade area to ensure ongoing service provision within their local community.
Some organisations like AFAC and EMA have advocated for tax breaks for volunteers through a flat rate tax rebate. If supported by government, this could be applied consistently across all volunteers regardless of their level of contribution. The tax break would more likely reflect a token of volunteers' commitment rather than truly compensating for the hours involved.
Employer and Self Employed Recognition
The support of employers and the self-employed is crucial to the work CFA volunteers do in protecting Victorian communities from fire.
It is our belief there is a need to consider the role played by employers in permitting volunteers to respond to incidents and attend specialist training courses during their working hours. The real and hidden cost to many employers is significant and we believe there is an opportunity to recognise this by way of incentives such as tax relief or a form of reimbursement for lost productivity similar to the army reserve model that was recommended in the 2011 Independent Inquiry into Effect of Arrangements on Country Fire Authority Volunteers, led by retired County Court Judge, the Honourable David Jones.
Just as volunteers have a right to choose to offer their services, employers should have the same right to choose to support employees who are volunteers. The guiding principle is choice. Employers could be encouraged to provide leave arrangements to employees who are registered emergency service volunteers. This would allow employees to negotiate and agree leave conditions with their employers beforehand and provide timely notice of absences for being reasonably absent from work to attend emergencies. Government rebates or co-payments could support these efforts.
Maintenance of an existing employee benefit of income can be seen as being fundamentally different from the provision of additional income. Payment for emergency service leave could be seen as an employer donation that supports an emergency service volunteer by maintaining an existing benefit. It upholds the principle that volunteers should not be out of pocket as a result of their volunteering while at the same time providing recognition of best practice employers who equally support their communities during crisis.
Diverse Views
VFBV’s position on payment for volunteers has been well documented and broadly consulted on over many years.
VFBV represents 55,000 CFA volunteers. Our membership is large and diverse and there will always be a broad range of views on any given topic. Historically however, when the issue of payment for volunteer service has been raised, CFA volunteers have overwhelming rejected this proposition.
It must be acknowledged that in the current climate and following some very hard years where CFA volunteers feel they have been very unfairly treated and their professionalism disrespected through the approach of recent Victorian fire service reform debates and enquiries, VFBV has consistently warned of the significant detrimental impact on volunteer morale and resulting diminution of volunteer good will.
It remains to be seen how this demoralisation and drop in good will translates to shifting volunteer attitudes. I urge decision makers to not concentrate on short-term one-off type reactions, and instead work collaboratively and in good faith with peak volunteer representative bodies to strategically address the barriers and difficulties currently experienced by volunteer firefighters.
Welfare Services and Safety Net
One of the most fundamental responsibilities of Government and the Agencies is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its emergency service volunteers. And while many do the best they can with the resources available to them, in many cases this is simply not enough. There remains a very large gap between standards for paid employees and the conditions that volunteers are often expected to just endure, simply because they are not paid.
Improving safety nets and welfare support services is also a priority. While there has been much progress, there remains a lot to do.
Almost all Australian volunteer firefighter representative bodies and associations run welfare grant type programs to assist members suffering from serious financial hardship or injury. These programs like so many others, rely on government grants, subscriptions or public donations to survive. For example the last Government grant to our Welfare Fund was back in 2008. These programs could easily be expanded by long term investment and support that would strengthen the support and protection for volunteer firefighters and future generations.
Technology systems to better track volunteer deployment and utilisation would greatly assist in identifying over commitment. Systems and processes that can detect peak demand and over commitment could then be used to supplement these areas with immediate relief crews and support which would prevent volunteer firefighters feeling they cannot step away and take a break from the fire line.
Future
Notwithstanding all of the above, in the overall context of key issues currently facing CFA volunteers and volunteerism, we believe there are matters of far greater importance to recognising and retaining volunteers than payment for their services.
CFA volunteers and Brigades are still overly reliant on fundraising and one-off Government grants programs to fund the provision of essential equipment and tools of trade.
Consider that CFA volunteers are running one of Australia’s oldest tanker fleets, with trucks approaching over 30 years’ service. We have volunteers fundraising for basics like trucks, station upgrade and maintenance, uniforms, torches, first aid supplies, heavy vehicle driver licenses, emergency alerting smartphone applications and turnout systems to improve response times and workwear garments to wear for training and station duties to name just a few.
Practical initiatives aimed at directly supporting volunteers could include but are not limited to:
- Sustainable truck and station capital works programs
- Easy access to new and replacement personal protective clothing and equipment
- Easy access to training and skills maintenance
- Improved insurance and income protection
- Effective use of volunteer time and better volunteer management practices
- No cost cutting that impact volunteers and front line services
- Respect and recognition for what they do, and recognition of their professionalism
- Support and investment for volunteer welfare funds
- Increased access to counselling and peer support services including PTSD treatments
- Protections from constraints and limitations imposed by industrial processes & bureaucracy
- Protection from unintended marginalisation of volunteers by arrangements for paid staff
- Support by paid staff to maintain and strengthen volunteer capability
- Fair, independent and effective complaint and issue resolution processes
Working with volunteers to understand these pressures and empower them to co-design the solutions is the most effective way to respect our firefighters and the thousands who support our front line activities every year.
Dialog, communication and genuine consultation is vital to ensure long term strategies are put in place to deal with Australia’s future natural disasters and emergencies. Bad fire seasons are not new, and the years of complacency between quiet and busy seasons is crippling long term investment, planning and sustainability into our volunteer fire services.
VFBV and volunteers in general stand ready to assist with this work. I urge decision makers to take notice and engage with the very organisations best placed to provide practical and well informed advice on what will benefit volunteer firefighters the most, not just in the coming days, weeks or months – but for future generations as well.
In heartbreaking news received overnight from south west Sydney, we are deeply saddened to learn of the in the line of duty deaths of two NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers. Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones and fellow brigade members of Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Fire Brigade. These members were bravely defending their communities and their sacrifice and service will be forever remembered.
Our thoughts are also with the three other firefighters who were also injured in the accident and are being treated for their injuries, as well as the eight other firefighters injured during other indents during the day and are being treated for burns. We pass on our thanks and gratitude to our fellow emergency service workers involved and assisting members at the scene.
Our peers and colleagues in NSW are understandably devastated, and we offer our heartfelt condolences at this sad time. I echo the words of CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington in that CFA crews have been honoured to fight alongside the RFS these past few months and our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of these two members.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside our NSW firefighter brethren for this devastating loss.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
More...
NSW in the line of duty deaths
In heartbreaking news received overnight from south west Sydney, we are deeply saddened to learn of the in the line of duty deaths of two NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers. Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones and fellow brigade members of Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Fire Brigade. These members were bravely defending their communities and their sacrifice and service will be forever remembered.
Our thoughts are also with the three other firefighters who were also injured in the accident and are being treated for their injuries, as well as the eight other firefighters injured during other indents during the day and are being treated for burns. We pass on our thanks and gratitude to our fellow emergency service workers involved and assisting members at the scene.
Our peers and colleagues in NSW are understandably devastated, and we offer our heartfelt condolences at this sad time. I echo the words of CFA Chief Officer Steve Warrington in that CFA crews have been honoured to fight alongside the RFS these past few months and our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of these two members.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside our NSW firefighter brethren for this devastating loss.
Adam Barnett, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Incredible Contribution
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
CFA continues to make a significant contribution to assist the NSW and QLD campaign fires. As at writing, CFA has contributed more than 2,000 cumulative personnel deployments to NSW, the majority being volunteers. This is approaching more than 60% of the total interstate and overseas personnel contributed to the NSW campaign.
And while 1,603,712 hectares have been burnt as at November, the NSW Rural Fire Service reported that it had saved more than 2,600 buildings in the direct area impacted by fires. The number of saved buildings is expected to double once figures from the last two weeks are collated. This is an incredible effort, and our peers and colleagues in NSW should be extremely proud of their work.
Positive feedback has been flowing in from senior NSW officers and brigades of how well the Victorian crews have worked with local units and our interstate peers.
Thank-you and well done to all members who have been deployed and thank-you also to those members who have stayed back and pitched in to support our frontline activities back at home. You should all be very proud of your efforts.
I also want to acknowledge the wonderful work from support members and staff. From our wonderful Peer Support members who have been embedded in task forces to look after our crews mental and personal wellbeing, the DMOs who always keep our fleet humming, and the comms staff who have done an exceptional job at overcoming some technological issues inherent in these kind of deployments. These are just some examples of all our people working together and serving our communities. Never lose sight that CFA is made up of incredible people doing incredible work which really comes to the fore during these kinds of disasters.
Could all members please ensure we are monitoring our peers for fatigue and guarding against over commitment. It is in our nature to put others ahead of ourselves. Please look out for each other to ensure our commitments are sustainable and as least disruptive to our families, careers and work/life balance as possible. Forward planning for a long season will be critical, and I encourage brigades and groups to continue this work.
VOLUNTEER STRIKE TEAM LEADERS
Like many of you, I was extremely disappointed to learn of an incident earlier this month involving the standing down of an extremely experienced and respected CFA volunteer strike team leader. He was told that because one of the tankers on the five-tanker strike team contained paid firefighters, that they were following a union directive that required the strike team leader be replaced with a career staff member.
I am heartbroken that such a small number of individuals could even contemplate playing these petty and divisive power games during an active emergency and spoiling what has been an incredibly positive campaign.
VFBV has warned of the dangers of allowing industrial arrangements to reach well outside the normal employment relationship and start interfering with operational matters.
To be clear, the so-called directive being quoted is buried in Schedule 15 of the proposed EBA. VFBV has long argued that clause 35.4 (Work organisation) may also be used to the same effect for level 1 and 2 incidents, and exclude volunteers being recognised as Sector Commanders, Division Commanders and Task Force Commanders etc. Schedule 15 was used to usurp the clear carve out from Level 3 incidents contained in clause 35.4. This demonstrates how the interplay of multiple clauses gets used to circumvent so called “protections”. Remember the volunteer protection clause ‘7A’ quoted ad nauseam that stated, “the role of volunteers in fighting bushfires…....is not altered by this agreement.” Yet again – these protections and promises have proven untrue.
Not only have volunteers been misled, but so to have members of Parliament. Consider the following commitments put to volunteers and parliamentarians during the fire service debates. (1) That the proposed terms of the EBA would not impinge on the powers of the Chief Officer. (2) There was no impact on volunteers and in fact there was a clause inserted specifically to ensure volunteers would be protected. (3) That all firefighters respect the fireground and the proposed terms are only about the pay and conditions of employees.
Walking through those commitments, it is clear that:
(1) We have just witnessed evidence of a proposed term usurping the Chief Officer’s Chain of Command and Standard Operating Procedures.
(2) The effect has had a direct impact on volunteers which now bans them from leading composite strike teams.
(2b) The so-called volunteer protection clause has had zero effect, and
(3) these terms have been used on the fireground during an active emergency to cause maximum disruption and offence.
In all emergency services, but especially in ours - mixing operational doctrine with industrial side deals is a recipe for disaster. Our work is dangerous enough without introducing additional complexities. Terms that lead to conflict or ambiguity should have no place. Segregating people based on their EB status and refusing to work with others is just madness. No other emergency service in Australia tolerates such blatant over reach. Any term that can allow anyone to discriminate against emergency management volunteers or subjugate them is appalling and should be denounced and withdrawn. VFBV stands firmly behind the volunteer and fully supports his qualifications, experience and his merit-based appointment.
The VFBV Board has condemned the incident and is demanding action be taken to ensure it never occurs again. With the upcoming introduction of FRV, we must ensure these kinds of arrangements are not allowed to perpetuate the sidelining or disempowerment of senior volunteer leaders in the future.
Cooperation is the cornerstone of emergency services. The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission spoke authoritatively on the importance of unambiguous leadership and unity of command and effort. I recall vividly senior operational leaders speaking on the importance of all agencies working cooperatively and as one.
VFBV is raising this issue as a significant safety concern and believes that this incident is a warning bell to the dangers of allowing industrial matters to continue spilling over and interfering with operational doctrine. We must not abandon the principle of selecting leaders based on merit and experience. This is not just a matter for CFA volunteers, but for all members of Victoria’s emergency services. These same clauses that have been used to discriminate against CFA volunteers can also be used to exclude EMV personnel, other partner agencies such as DELWP, VicPol and SES, and even our own PTA staff and employees who frequently report they too are being sidelined simply because they are covered by a different agreement.
REFORM
The VFBV Volunteer Reference Group met last week. We have passed on the frustration and disappointment of members with the lack of communications and engagement regarding reform. We have advised the significant impact on morale this is having. VFBV has requested that engagement with integrated brigades and those brigades immediately surrounding them start as a matter of priority.
We have requested that direct consultation on the development of the allocation statements needs to start as soon as possible so that volunteers have a direct involvement. CFA is required to provide the Minister an allocation statement for each integrated station which will detail assets to be transferred to FRV. These statements are given authority in Part 6 (Transitional Provisions) of the Reform Legislation. We have also requested an appeals process be established to outline concerns should volunteers disagree with elements of the allocation statement before it goes to the Minister for approval. CFA has agreed to commence engagement ASAP and VFBV will continue to monitor.
MERRY XMAS
I know for many of you, the sooner we put aspects of this year behind us the better. VFBV is continuing discussions with the Government on how best volunteers can be supported in the future and how CFA can best be supported to make it the incredible organisation we all know it can be.
My wish for the new year is that next year will bring a new found respect and recognition for the incredible and selfless work you do every day in your communities. Please stay safe on the fireground and may you, your loved ones and all your families enjoy a wonderful Xmas and New Year.
Gippsland Fires
As at writing, CFA crews and our peers from DELWP are battling three bushfires in East Gippsland. There are 448 firefighters and 84 fire trucks working on the fires. Additional strike teams have been positioned around Swifts Creek, Buchan and Bruthen in case more fires ignite. CFA brigades located in the outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne have organised thousands of CFA volunteers to be on standby in case additional strike teams will be required to add to local surge capacity in those areas. Regional and Provincial areas have also mobilized, with many organising crews for local protection and patrol, as well as continuing the significant contribution to NSW.
Understandably as most of the media focus has been on the NSW campaign fires, many Victorians are unaware of the significant commitment currently underway in Victoria. Awareness and education of the public is critical to ensure that businesses and employers continue to support releasing CFA volunteers form their workplaces. The support of our employers, the self employed and of course our incredible CFA volunteers is critical and very much appreciated. We are extremely grateful to the business community for their continued support of our firefighters.
Replacement PPC
VFBV has received a small number of reports that volunteers applying for replacement personal protective clothing (PPC) items are being rejected by CFA District offices. State Council received a report this month of a member denied replacement structural boots that were leaking and told there was ‘insufficient budget’ to replace them.
The brigade was told to fund the replacement themselves. State Council has resolved a zero-tolerance approach to these issues and that any member who has been denied replacement PPC are to log the incident in CFA Safe and approach your local District Council who will then escalate with CFA as a matter of priority. All operational members are entitled to have PPC that is fit for purpose and in good working condition.
When approaching District Council, members are requested to have a record of who has denied the request, and as much date and detail information as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Any rejected applications for replacement PPC should be requested in writing, and best endeavour used to escalate internally for resolution first. In most cases VFBV officials have been able to resolve the issue quickly and at the local level to the satisfaction of the member involved.
Additional support is being provided to District Councils to ensure these matters are escalated and resolved as quickly as possible, and VFBV will monitor for any recurring trends or trouble spots for immediate escalation to senior CFA management as a matter of priority. Brigade Officers are encouraged to report any instances where members have not been provided appropriate replacement items within reasonable timeframes.
Welfare Fund
Brigades are reminded that 31st December is the deadline for paying this year’s Welfare Fund subscription. Subscribing ensures your members are protected in the likelihood of needing emergency financial assistance if they find themselves in hardship due to loss of work, family illness or accidental injury.
Under the Welfare Fund Rules if a Brigade fails to pay its Welfare Fund subscription and its membership lapses, there will be a one year waiting period imposed should the brigade decide to re-join in the future.
Therefore, it is incredibly important for the protection of your members, that Welfare Fund subscriptions are kept current with payments received by VFBV before 31st December each year. Please contact your Brigade Secretary to ensure your brigade is up to date.
Last financial year a total of $96,735 in Welfare Fund grants were paid to volunteers in severe financial need across the state, and the support of the Welfare Fund is always gratefully received by brigades, and volunteers in their time of need.
CFA 2020 Draft Strategy Brochure Consultation
CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July next year.
VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.
Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy
The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.
It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share its thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.
Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left-hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".
If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.
Spirit of CFA Awards
A reminder that nominations for the Spirit of CFA are due shortly. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Monday 13th January 2020. This is your chance to nominate those quite achievers.
Our people are humble, and we need your support to tell their story. We are especially interested to hear about quiet achievers who go about their daily work without any thought of being recognised. More information, the criteria for the awards and the process for nomination can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/spiritofcfa
16/17 year old firefighters
State Council has supported a request from District Council #9 to investigate and obtain the views of members on the continued use of 16- and 17-year olds as operational members.
With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.
While a formal CFA position is not known at this time, State Council has agreed that this matter is very likely to come up in the future, and therefore it is prudent for brigades and members to be given sufficient opportunity to consult and provide feedback so that VFBV is well informed if and when it does get raised.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member. Submissions are due by Monday 2nd March 2020.
Working with Children
All State Championship officials are reminded that they are required to have a valid working with children card on file with VFBV in order to perform any track official role at State Championships. First introduced two years ago, State Council have made it mandatory for any member performing the role of Judge or Track Official to have a valid working with children check card on file that lists VFBV and CFA as organisations.
This includes all members that support track activities such as announcers, recorders, first aid officers, protest registrars and official photographers. Members can register for a card at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
The check generally takes three weeks to be processed, and members need to ensure that VFBV is listed, which you can do by logging in to the online portal at the same website, or by phone on 1300 652 879. Further details are available on the VFBV website or via the VFBV WWCC Frequently Asked Questions circular available from your District Council.
If you are unsure if we have your card on file, you can phone the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141
2020 State Champs
Urban Juniors – Horsham, 22 and 23 February
Urban Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 and 29 March
Rural Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 March
Rural Juniors – Mooroopna, 29 March
Entry forms for the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships are due by 28th February 2020, and are available from the VFBV website or VFBV office.
Although entries for the State Urban Junior & Senior Championships were due 1st December 2019, late entries will be accepted – please contact the VFBV office.
VFBV encourages all Brigades and members to participate - as spectators, team supporters or competitors. There are events for all size teams, from one or two competitors up to eight competitors - and for all ages, genders and abilities.
For Brigades new to competitions needing further information or assistance, please contact your District VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.
International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day is held annually each year on 5 December to raise awareness on the vital role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.
The strength of volunteers in protecting their communities is especially evident in the number of CFA volunteers who have given up their time over the last two months to be a part of strike teams in New South Wales and Queensland and those who have contributed to CFA’s surge capacity in others ways while remaining at home.
Some recent stories promoting the value of CFA can be seen on the VFBV website:
Updated 27 February 2020: The closing date for the survey has been extended to Friday 15 May 2020 due the high level of operational activity over the fire season.
State Council has supported a request from District Council #9 to investigate and obtain the views of members on the continued use of 16-and-17-year old’s as operational members.
Members can access the template/survey from the bottom of this page under Downloads, or an online version is available from: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16and17YearOldMembers
Background
For the purposes of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 a child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.
Current CFA policy is that the minimum age for a member to be approved as an operational member and attend fires and incidents is 16 years of age. These members require parental consent to be documented during their application process.
CFA SOP 6.02 includes the following considerations:
- 16-and-17-year old members must be endorsed by the Brigade OIC to undertake operational activities
- An adult crew member other than the Incident Controller or Crew Leader must be designated as an ‘authorised accompanying operational firefighter’ for every two 16-and-17-year old crew members
- A maximum of two 16-and-17-year old members may be allocated per appliance at any given time
- When an incident response involves the serious injury or fatality of a person(s), the Authorised Accompanying Operational Firefighter must take all reasonable steps to shield the 16-and-17-year old CFA member(s) from potentially traumatic situations.
CFA released an updated Operations Bulletin in May 2019 (Operations Bulletin 008/2018 v2) which includes:
- CFA is obliged to meet a range of legislative requirements focused on keeping children safe within the organisation. These include:
- the Victorian Government Child Safe Standards mandated under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005;
- the statutory duty of care imposed by the Wrongs Amendment (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2017 (Vic);
- the obligations of CFA as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- Discouraging the turning out of 16-and-17-year old’s to potentially traumatic situations when attending a fire or other incident as a member of our Brigades through exercising operational discretion, and
- Prohibiting the turning out of 16-and-17-year old members at long haul strike teams
Recent Statistics
Preliminary CFA analysis on the activity of 16-and-17-year old members found:
- There is approx. 589 members who are currently aged between 16-and-17-year’s of age
- Approx 196 of those are classified as ‘operational’
- Over the least two years, 143 have recorded responding to actual operational activity
Consultation
While a formal CFA future position is not known at this time, CFA has informally indicated it is very likely to be reviewing it position in the future. To assist with early discussions, State Council has agreed to commence preliminary consultation with members to inform the development of a future VFBV position. Feedback will also inform early discussions with CFA and assist with preliminary VFBV advocacy should CFA choose to formally seek VFBV’s views on a future review.
Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.
To help members provide structured feedback and/or submission, the following template has been developed to guide submission. Members are not required to use this template and may submit opinion and/or feedback in any other written form. However – use of this template will assist VFBV collate and identify common themes.
Timeline
Submissions are requested by Monday 2nd March 2020.
State Council will then review and consider the feedback at their March 2020 meeting.
All personal identifying information will be removed from State level analysis and no identifying information will be provided to CFA or any other entity. All submissions will be treated as private and de-identified for analysis, with only trend, and general geographic summaries (such as District and Region) provided in results.
CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July next year.
VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.
Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy
The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.
It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share itrs thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.
Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".
If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is held annually on 5 December to raise awareness on the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.
IVD is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly and is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
The theme for IVD 2019 is “Volunteer for an inclusive future”. Volunteering frequently provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded to concretely impact their own lives and play a role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. Through volunteerism, communities often experience strengthened solidarity and inclusion.
The strength of volunteers in protecting their communities is especially evident in the number of CFA volunteers who have given up their time in recent weeks to be a part of strike teams in New South Wales and Queensland and those who have contributed to CFA’s surge capacity in other ways while remaining at home. To read VFBV CEO Adam Barnett’s article on CFA Surge Capacity from the VFBV November 2019 newsletter click here.
If you know a CFA volunteer who has strengthened their community through volunteering, consider nominating them for a Spirit of CFA Award, applications close on 3 January 2020. More information about the Spirit of CFA Awards can be found here.
More stories promoting the value of CFA volunteers and the contributions they make to their local communities:
