VFBV

RMIT University and the Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC are holding a series of workshops with key stakeholders to analyse alternative strategies for engaging with non-traditional emergency volunteers (e.g. unaffiliated with formal emergency management organisations and plans).

The workshops are a part of the ‘Out of Uniform’ project that examines opportunities for emergency management organisations to contribute to community resilience by supporting non-traditional emergency volunteers - to learn more about the project, click here.

The workshops build on reviews conducted of knowledge and practice in this area, and case studies of non-traditional volunteering in action in Australia.

The workshop series has three aims:

1. To test and refine a proposed framework to assess alternative engagement strategies in relation to desired outcomes

2. To conduct a SWOT analysis to identify and compare the full range of potential Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats associated with four broad engagement strategies (currently labelled as Ignore, Resist, Tolerate, Embrace)

3. To identify what is needed for emergency management organisations to develop and implement volunteer strategies for non-traditional forms of volunteering.

The workshop series is currently in planning, with the first two workshops scheduled for October 2016.

It will have three overall outputs:

1. A tested and documented framework to underpin a strategic decision support tool for emergency management organisations

2. Identification of knowledge gaps for addressing specific organisational needs in volunteering for possible research funding by the BNHCRC

3. A report on key workshop outcomes

For further information or to register your interest in hosting or attending a workshop please contact Blythe McLennan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9925-5227.

Coming soon: 27 October, 9 and 17 November, 14 December.

In place of the annual VFBV Coaches/Judges School this year, there will be 4 Urban Competition Hands On Skills Workshops conducted at 4 locations around the state. 

These Workshops are being organised and facilitated by experienced Competitors/Coaches, and all Brigades are encouraged to attend their nearest Workshop.  Current or prospective competitors and coaches will gain an insight into the techniques of successful competitors and teams, which will not only lead to better competition but safer competition.

Each Workshop is being facilitated by your fellow competitors/coaches – so take advantage of their experience and skill, support their willingness to assist you, and attend a Workshop. 

There is no limit on numbers attending, but please advise VFBV office of numbers for catering purposes by returning the reply slip (download below), or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9886 1141.

Central area:

Co-ordinator: Leigh Schintler (Bendigo)

Date:             Sunday 27^th October 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:           Bendigo track

Facilitators:     Leigh Schintler, Steve Ellis, Wayne Ellis,  

                    Barry Doye, Bruce Payne & Wayne Patterson  

Gippsland area:

Co-ordinator:  Robert Johnson (Maryvale)

Date:             Saturday 9^th November, 12pm to 3pm

Venue:           Traralgon track

Facilitators:     Robert Johnson, Dominic Keating, Stuart Kelso,

                    Col Flowers, Brian White & Rod Atkinson

Western area:

Co-ordinator: Anthony Rhodes (Melton)

Date:              Sunday 17^th November 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:           Ballarat track

Facilitators:     Anthony Rhodes, Steve Ellis, Wayne Ellis,

                       Lee Schintler Tom Waterson, Col Jordan,

                       Brendan Hawkes & Craig Briody

Outer metro area:

Co-ordinator:   Andy Waterson (Dandenong)

Date:              Saturday 14^th December 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:            Dandenong track

Facilitators:      Adrian Jones, Craig Lansdown, Chris Mullins,

                     Andy Waterson & Rick Owen 

UPDATED - the Bendigo workshop has been cancelled - the clash with Melbourne Cup weekend was preventing many participants from attending

Volunteers in the Bendigo area should consider the workshop at Ballarat - see below for dates for Traralgon, Ballarat and Dandenong

The workshops include Junior events this year.

The workshops are facilitated by experienced Competitors/Coaches, and all urban competition brigades are encouraged to attend. 

Current or prospective competitors and coaches will gain an insight into the techniques of successful competitors and teams, which will not only lead to better competition but safer competition. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of the facilitators’ experience and skill, support their willingness to assist you, and attend a Workshop. 

This year Junior events are being incorporated into the program of each Workshop for the benefit of Junior Coaches and competitors.

There is no limit on numbers attending, but please advise VFBV office of numbers attending for catering purposes; ph 9886 1141 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Workshop dates & venues are:

• Traralgon track, Saturday 8^th November 2014
• Ballarat track, Sunday 16^th November 2014
• Dandenong track, Saturday 22^nd November 2014

See below to download the flier with full details of each workshop.