VFBV

Details matter 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Many would be familiar with the idiom “the devil is in the details”. Less may be familiar with the original on which it was based which was “God is in the detail”. In this instance – both aptly demonstrate my point.

Details are important.

The original reference to God being in the details was to illustrate that whatever we do, it should be done thoroughly and paying close attention to even the smallest aspects of a task or plan to achieve excellence.

The reference to the Devil being in the details is to illustrate that even seemingly minor or insignificant aspects of a task or plan can cause significant problems and unintended consequences can derail a task or plan from achieving its purpose.

In other words – while things may look simple on the surface, it is the detail and the complexity of how something works that ultimately determines if the desired outcome is achieved.

It is this point entirely, that underscores the importance of robust and genuine consultation. It’s why we do what we do. If the plan or idea does not survive the relentless probing of genuine consultation, then it is far better (and cheaper) to know that before you embark on it - than after. However, if you hide something from genuine consultation and then it starts falling apart and creating issues that keep undermining the very thing you were trying to achieve – then those consequences are on you and you alone.

This sums up my conflicting thoughts on the governments “Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme.”

At a principal level – VFBV has always maintained that volunteers should not be expected to pay for the very service they are providing their community for free.

Therefore, in achieving that outcome, we would be looking for arrangements that are fair, equitable, easy to administer, easy to understand and promotes the value of volunteering while respecting the volunteer ethos.

Surely not too much to hope for.

I don’t think anyone can reconcile the current scheme with those objectives, even if that was what was intended to be achieved. Too many people are excluded making it divisive, there are rules and rules that make trying to assess eligibility difficult, and the budget predicts it will cost millions of dollars to administer.

Even if we accept the notion that this was intended to help and recognise volunteers on face value, this is instantly washed away by the lack of engagement and consultation in its design and premise. As we have previously reported, the scheme was announced by media release late last year, without any consultation and then tinkered with in secret though the parliamentary and budgetary processes that have created such a web of intricacy and competing interests, that the chance of unintended consequences is almost guaranteed.

From a stakeholder perspective, we have been forced to strongly advocate for changes to a flawed model, uncomfortably wriggling through compromises and detail we are principally opposed, but at the same time - trying to achieve the best outcome for volunteers and the communities in which they serve.

We successfully prosecuted the argument that only recognising “active” volunteers without any processes or systems in place that allow everyone to know exactly what an active volunteer was - would require brigade Captains to determine who got a rebate and who did not, causing significant division and conflict within brigades and communities. We also argued that this would create division and demarcation between operational roles and non-operational roles. We also argued that excluding someone because they took a short leave of absence would be discriminatory for members (especially members taking maternity leave) and flew in the face of the fact that employees routinely take long service leave, annual leave and sick leave without any consequences on their entitlements – so why should volunteers be treated any different?

I am pleased to say that we have successfully resolved these issues.

And while we have been effective at influencing real change, nothing can paper over the fundamental issues at the core which simply make the scheme inequitable and will result in a lawyer’s picnic of complications and contradictions within the rules. Too many people are still excluded.

Normally I would prosecute the arguments both for or against something, however the lack of genuine consultation leaves me, you and all other volunteers completely in the dark on some of the reasoning for the convoluted detail and structure of the scheme. Their loss.

Putting all that aside – as at July 25, 2025 the scheme is now open, and eligible volunteers who have received their rates notice on an eligible property can apply for a rebate.

Members will need to log into their CFA Members Online account on the CFA website as the first step. We have worked hard with CFA to try and make this first part of the process as easy as possible.

If you haven’t logged in to your CFA account since the introduction of two factor authentication (2FA), then this will need to be setup. For every member that has not yet registered for 2FA, if your mobile number or email address is on your CFA record, then you have been pre-enrolled in 2FA automatically, using your phone or email to receive the verification code. You can change this later should you desire.

Brigade Captains have been sent a letter detailing any members within your brigade that did not have either a phone number or email and therefore could not be pre-enrolled, so that personal assistance could be offered.

Once you have successfully logged in, click on the “ESVF Rebate Portal” tile on the front page of the members area. CFA honorary life members who are no longer members, may access a separate process via a link on the public page of the CFA website.

The CFA portal will do a preliminary verification of your CFA records and tell you if you are eligible based on your current records. To be eligible you must: have served for at least 12 months; completed your initial probation; you were not suspended on disciplinary grounds; and you have not taken a leave of absence for the whole preceding 12 months. All these criteria are assessed as at the 31 May.

Once you pass this step a digital record will be instantly added to CFA’s database, that will now allow you to proceed to the Department of Government Services portal, letting them know you have passed your CFA eligibility test.

Now some will ask why there are two portals, and in the spirit of transparency, VFBV strongly advocated that no private or personal CFA membership data be shared with the government, which would have been required had members not accessed a CFA portal first. We advocated for this based on the feedback we received from volunteers during the recent introduction of drivers having to enter their license details onto CFA systems. Feedback was very clear on the importance members place on privacy and security of the information that CFA stores on them and the need to protect from identify theft.

We were also cognisant of how poor CFA records can be at times. We have seen this first hand when assisting sick volunteers through the presumptive cancer legislation process. We didn’t want a volunteer to be at the mercy of a bureaucrat who had no understanding of how CFA works trying to sort out an incorrect membership record.

So, under this system – if you fail the initial eligibility on the CFA end, you can request a manual intervention where a member of CFA staff will manually go through your membership records and help you fix any legitimate errors that are impacting on your eligibility before you apply for the rebate.

So yes – there are two steps – but we feel this is justified in the circumstances. VFBV is also willing to defend this step because CFA genuinely consulted with us during the development of their portal which gives us confidence this is the best method available and we were able to consider the alternatives. The same cannot be said for the next steps which have all been done by government without any engagement with volunteers.

Once you pass the CFA eligibility test, which is all done in real time and can be done in seconds - you will then be provided a link to the Government Services Portal and you are handed over to a government process of which CFA has no control.

On this portal you will need your CFA volunteer number; your rates notice; and proof of identification such as a driver’s license. Members receiving paper copies of their rates notice will also need to know how to scan and upload their notice. Our calls for a paper application, or in person application to cater for members who do not have reliable internet access or who are not computer literate have so far been ignored. But they have provided a hotline 1300 778 931 available during business hours to assist.

The Government portal will then compare your details with all the other data sets that government holds, including a title search on the property, to inform your eligibility.

Once your application is lodged – you will then need to wait for your application to be reviewed. Once approved you will then have the value of your rebate deposited to your nominated bank account. You can then proceed to pay your rates bill in whatever method you usually choose.

The government FAQ’s state most applicants will receive an outcome within 30 days.

One of the biggest issues we see arising is the case of the property not being in a member’s name on the title. This is likely to be a regular occurrence, especially in the case of rural land holdings, or properties that are held in a spouse’s name. And while you have an avenue to go to demonstrate your ownership in the case of land held in trust or via a company structure, a simple family home that is not registered in the same name as the eligible volunteer is likely to be determined ineligible for rebate under the current rules.

Again, we would encourage volunteers who find they are ineligible for the rebate to make contact with their local MP, especially given the lengths the Premier has gone to deflect any criticism of their new emergency services tax on the basis that all volunteers would be exempt.

Sadly, the devil was in the detail. We encourage members who intend on claiming the rebate to do so as soon as they get their rates notice, to factor in the time it takes for your application to be reviewed. We also encourage members to familiarise themselves with the FAQs found at https://www.vic.gov.au/evrs 

VFBV Board

Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2025. All are eligible for re-appointment.

VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.

The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.

VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.

Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.

Applications close on Monday 1st September 2025.

CFA External Review of Culture and Issues Management

CFA has commissioned Dr Helen Szoke AO and Allen & Clarke to undertake an evaluation of progress made against the recommendations made in the original External Review of Culture and Issues Management that was undertaken in 2022.

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the work that’s been undertaken by CFA and propose future actions to improve culture improvements.

As part of the evaluation, a desktop review has been undertaken which has helped inform the development of five discussion papers which will act as conversation starters on topics including:

• Volunteers as a core strength
• Leadership and Management
• Gender Equality
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Complaints Management and Resolutions Support

You can view conversation staters on the above topics in the CFA Members Online.

The review team are seeking interested volunteers and staff to register their interest in being part of the evaluation by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or completing the EOI form that can be found by following the above link in the CFA members area.

CFA Board

VFBV welcomes the appointment of volunteer nominee Bryce Morden to the CFA Board, replacing retiring member Beth Davidson OAM, and welcomes the re-appointment of volunteer nominee Ross Coyle AFSM.

Bryce joined CFA in 2005 at Maffra, before transferring to Timboon in 2010 where he has served as Captain, Group Training and currently serves as a DGO for the Apostles Group in District 6. Bryce is an experience Board director, and brings extensive leadership experience in emergency services, regional development and community engagement. Ross and Bryce’s terms will expire on the 16 June, 2028.

We take this opportunity to thank Beth for her significant contribution as a volunteer nominee to the CFA Board over the past six years. Beth had previously served on the CFA Board as a local government representative, underlining the outstanding contribution she has made to CFA over the years. Beth was a passionate advocate for community safety and engagement and highlighting the importance of partnering with communities. She was also a staunch advocate for volunteer empowerment and safety. We wish her all the best.

VFBV also congratulates the government nominee’s Rachel Thomson and Anthony Peake OAM who were re-appointed to the CFA Board for another three-year term.

Lead Loddon Murray Program Opportunities

Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2026 Lead Loddon Murray Program (also known as the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program LMCLP). The program delivers a year of community leadership development between March and November with face-to-face program days, residential retreats and online program sessions featuring a diverse range of subject matter experts, guest speakers, previous program graduates and government representatives. 

The 2026 LMCLP is open to residents who live in the following municipalities: Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians and Swan Hill. CFA sponsors a number of places on the LMCLP each year for CFA members interested in participating through the Volunteer Leadership Development Program.  

Expression of interest in the 2026 program can be completed online here. If CFA members would like more information about the program please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 
VESEP closed

Applications for this year’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), closed on 28 July, 2025.

District Planning Committee’s will now be meeting to endorse and rank applications from each District, before sending their endorsements to the CFA State Steering Committee by the 18th August, 2025.

We wish all brigades the best of luck in their applications. This was the 25th year of the successful program which was a VFBV initiative and designed in close collaboration with volunteers for volunteers.

VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding and is designed for brigades to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements. The program offers five categories plus Statewide & DPC Local Initiatives: - Primary Response Appliances; Specialist & Support Vehicles; Operational Equipment; Volunteer Amenities $<5K; Minor Works $<250K

VFBV wishes everyone the best in their applications and will continue to assist and support you in protecting Victorian communities.

2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups who have reaffiliated and helped us stand up for volunteers.

Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community in which we all protect.

It also provides access to the VFBV Welfare Fund, which since its inception has distributed more than $2.85 million in grants to volunteers who have fallen on hard times.

Over the past 12 months, VFBV has had to strongly advocate on presumptive cancer legislation, the Fiskville redress scheme, volunteers injured performing CFA duties and requiring fair compensation, the governments new emergency services tax and volunteer rebate, improvements to the GFF program and other training initiatives, improvements to the CFA Regulations, CFA/FRV secondment arrangements, the ageing CFA truck fleet and the inadequacy of the CFA budget and base funding to just name a few.

Fire Wise – August 2025 online only edition

The August 2025 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website for a small subscription fee.

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

Recent articles on the VFBV website
VFBV Board Vacancies 2025 – Invitation to apply

Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding

2025 Drought Relief Resources

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI

Presumptive Legislation Update

Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?

Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.

Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.

Budget woes 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Many a politician has described budgets as not just being a collection of numbers on a page, but rather an expression of the government’s values, principles and aspirations. In fact, this year’s Victorian Budget papers are emblazoned with the motto “Focused On What Matters Most” so it is a telling and insightful reflection of this government’s priorities. And spoiler alert – it is clearly not volunteers, fire services or CFA that matters the most.

Despite documenting a record tax hike under its new Emergency Services Tax, less of that money is making its way to CFA than ever before.

The budget papers reveal the new tax will collect $1.6 billion dollars this year. This is the highest tax haul ever in the entire history of the preceding Fire Services Property Levy. So, with this record tax haul – surely CFA must be receiving a record-breaking budget? And if it were, government MPs would be very excited to tell everyone about it right?

So, what did this year’s Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) inquiry into the 2025-26 budget estimates reveal over its two weeks of testimony from accountable Ministers?

If “I love you” are the three hardest words in the English language according to Hollywood and boybands, then “The CFA budget is….” must be the four hardest words for a Victorian MP to utter.

Despite hours and hours of testimony, neither the Premier, Treasurer nor Minister for Emergency Services were able to answer a very simple question - what is CFA’s base budget this year? Each handballed to the other, with the Premier’s testimony in particular - a sickening example of meaningless rhetoric dressed up as compassion and empathy that ultimately ignores the very people they claim to support.

The hearings confirmed that it will cost $12M a year to administer the new tax. That’s code for bureaucrats – and is $2M more than what they committed to add to the CFA budget for fleet. Only in Victoria would spending on bureaucracy be more important than fire trucks.

Their non-response on the CFA budget is inconsequential however, as it is actually quite easy to calculate. If anything – their refusal to confirm what can already be calculated is a clear sign they find themselves on shaky ground.

First, let’s look at the legislation itself. Section 12(d) of the applicable Act states that in the case of levy rates for each year subsequent to the 2024-2025 levy year – “(2B) The percentage of the annual funding requirements of the CFA and VicSES that are to be funded by the levy in a levy year is 95%.”

Then we move to Section 12(5A) which stipulates that the Minister must publish the amount in dollars forecast for each funding recipient.

This was done through Government Gazette, dated 30 May 2025, that confirmed that 95% of CFA’s forecast annual funding requirements for the upcoming year 2025/26 was $312,004,751.

This makes it very easy to calculate that 100% of the forecast funding requirements for CFA is: $328,426,053.68 or in other words - $328 million. So now we compare this figure against the figure that the Treasurer tabled in PAEC last year for CFA’s forecast budget for 2024/25 – which was $337.6 million.

You don’t have to be Einstein to figure out then that this year’s number is about $9 million less than the year before. That’s the sixth year in a row.

Now when you heard the Government spruiking its new Emergency Services Tax and how our emergency services and volunteers were working harder than ever and needing much more support to justify the huge tax increases being imposed on property owners, where in that did you see them admit they were increasing the taxes they were collecting but would actually be giving less money to Victoria’s largest volunteer emergency service whom they labelled their tax after? The extra money collected is now being diverted to Government departments and public sector employees, making a mockery that this new tax would be supporting Victoria’s front line emergency services. Don’t take my word for it, refer to the Government Gazette which now shows that only $1.1 billion of the $1.6 billion taxes collected are actually going to CFA, FRV and SES. The other $500M is now being sent to departments that used to already be funded under consolidated revenue which is not only $500M in new revenue, but an extra $500M they are no longer spending from consolidated revenue.

So, what would a real investment in CFA look like? Well – it would cost $515M to replace every single CFA truck in the fleet that is older than 20 years – even if you could do it all at once in a single year. How much did they actually commit from their record tax haul in extra funding? - $10M. That is not a typo. That’s just three fifths of one cent for every dollar collected.

Don’t fall for the $40M figure they bandy about – that is $10M over four years. Don’t fall for the $70M “rolling fleet” they bandy about. That’s the $10M a year for CFA (40), and $7.5M for SES over four years (30). And don’t fall for the $110M “rolling truck” figure they bandy about. That’s just the $70M over four years for CFA and SES plus the new $10M for FRV over four years. (40) Talk about how many ways can you spin a single depressingly tiny figure.

This is the reality of the new emergency services tax. Gouging the eyes out of Victorian property owners without actually addressing the fundamental issues of Victoria’s creaking old fire truck fleet.

So, if that won’t move the needle on this much needed investment what will it actually take? I shudder to think it will only take a fatality or serious injury when an old truck fails on the fire ground to spark action.

We must continue to call out the brazen spin and mischievous untruths that continue to pull the wool over the eyes of Victorians and how badly its fire service budgets are being managed. While the $10M investment is progress, VFBV will be redoubling its efforts to educate on the ageing CFA truck fleet and the looming catastrophe of a decade of fleet and budget mismanagement.

I have also recently reiterated VFBV’s support for the actions taken by the Municipal Association of Victoria in its opposition to the new tax. We have requested that councils show a pie chart on rates notices that clearly shows taxpayers how much of their emergency service tax is actually going to each emergency service. This will show how little is going to frontline services. Our analysis confirms that just 20% of the total revenue collected from this new tax will go towards CFA. 50% will go towards FRV. The remaining 30% is now being redirected away from the fire services – and will now fund other government entities.

Given it is CFA volunteers who will still be relying on fundraising to fund essential equipment, trucks and stations they require just to protect their communities – we must educate the public that only 20 cents in every dollar they are paying in the new tax will actually make its way to CFA.

We will continue our public advocacy on the new tax, and I want to thank each and every individual volunteer who has made contact with their local member of parliament to discuss the impacts the government’s new tax is having on their community, and the unfair treatment of CFA in the government’s budgeting process.

And while recent rains may take drought from front of mind for some, most of our members will know these very small rainfalls will have little to no impact on long-term drought conditions across Victoria. For those in the west of the state especially – conditions continue to be dire.

VFBV has prepared a Drought Relief resource guide to assist volunteers navigate what can be a very complex and confusing array of support. Our guide attempts to outline each of the supports available and where people can go to access more information.

Just like our flood and fire relief guides, the information is dynamic and changing daily – but this collection of information in one place is hoped to make a world of difference for those really struggling. Paper copies are available from the office, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for one to be posted to you should you not be able to access our online resources.

On a positive note, there has been recent good engagement and discussion on the proposed revised CFA Regulations with government. Thank-you to all members who got in touch to highlight the issues of most concern to you and your brigade. While it is still too early to judge progress, I am happy with the level of consultation and engagement by Minister Ward and the Department to ensure they are very clear on the issues and which aspects may negatively affect volunteers.

For example, we continue to hold serious concerns about the imbalance of power between CFA and volunteers on matters such as injury compensation, and have advocated very strongly for changes that ensure volunteers have the same rights and protections as any other Victorian worker claiming for injury through Worksafe. Thank-you to each volunteer who has contributed to our advocacy on this issue and provided feedback to either us or EngageVictoria.

With private members bill’s entering the South Australian parliament to expand SA’s treatment of firefighters under their respective presumptive legislation scheme and the number of cancers covered, VFBV’s advocacy continues on Victoria’s scheme which now sees Victoria progressively falling behind. The SA bills also propose including PTSD in line with QLD, TAS and NT, and asbestos related cancers in line with QLD and NT.

Firefighters deserve protection from the risks they are forced to expose themselves to when rushing to the aid of their fellow citizens. Cancers do not discriminate depending on what side of a line on a map you happen to live, and neither should our cancer legislation.

While we have accomplished much, there still remains much to do.

VESEP Open

Applications are now open for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with applications closing 28th July, 2025. VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding.

The popular VFBV Help Pack has been updated to assist brigades and groups with their applications and is available from the VFBV website with paper copies available up on request.  

VESEP is designed for brigades to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.

The program offers five categories plus Statewide & DPC Local Initiatives: -

·         Primary Response Appliances

·         Specialist & Support Vehicles

·         Operational Equipment

·         Volunteer Amenities $<5K

·         Minor Works $<250K.

Applications for minor works need to be registered with CFA Land and Building services before the 14th July to allow for proper scoping.

This is the programs 25th year, and was designed in close consultation with VFBV, with the intent of being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.

VFBV wishes everyone the best in their applications and will continue to assist and support you in protecting Victorian communities. 

2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups last year in helping us stand up for volunteers.

Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community in which we all protect.

Those who pay before 31 July will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. Prizes have been donated by GAAM and we sincerely thank them for their continued support.

2FA
CFA volunteers intending on claiming the volunteer rebate from the new Emergency Services Tax, will be required to first log-in to their CFA Members Online account (formerly Brigades Online). If you have never used your account or logged in this year, we highly recommend that you register and set-up your two-factor authentication (2FA) ASAP, as this will be required for you to progress in the rebate system.

Two factor authentication is a security process to ensure the security of CFA systems and guard against hackers. If you have online banking – you most likely have used 2FA before. But it takes a little setting up – so we highly encourage members to do this before rates notices go out.

Head to https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/ to start the process.

VFBV has requested CFA refresh and update all its guides to ensure members have access to easy to follow information on how to set-up their accounts. CFA has advised this work is well progressed.

VFBV has also highlighted the issue with there being no planned way for a volunteer to apply for the rebate that does not involve accessing CFA and government online services. We believe the system must be able to accommodate those that do not have online access, and we continue to advocate for an alternative method for those affected.

VFBV Board Positions

Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2025. All are eligible for re-appointment.

VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.

The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.

VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.

Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.

Applications close on Monday 1st September 2025.

King’s Birthday Honours

VFBV extends its congratulations to the four CFA members who received the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

Sharron Merritt AFSM was recognised for her leadership in CFA in establishing a large animal rescue unit at Macclesfield brigade.

Peter Langridge AFSM has been recognised for his leadership in transforming CFA’s health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation through the establishment of rehabilitation units across the state.

Colin Brown AFSM has been instrumental in advancements in township protection plans, improvements to Incident Control Centres and the creating of the Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Valley.

Tony Scicluna AFSM has played an instrumental role in developing and rolling out of minimum skills within CFA as well other training packages including chainsaw training and the updated General Firefighter training package.

VFBV’s congratulations are also extended to Andy Waterson from Fire Rescue Victoria and Shuan Lawlor from DEECA who also received the Australia Fire Service Medal. We also congratulate the current and former CFA members who have been honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Cert IV EOI

Expressions of interest are now open for members wishing to undertake a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course. This course is an integral part of the Volunteer Leadership Development program.

The nationally accredited course equips graduates with transferable skills in essential leadership and management, enabling them to apply their knowledge across various roles, including those within CFA, the private sector, and community roles.

Whether you are an existing leader seeking further training or a formal qualification, or an aspiring leader looking to formalise your qualifications, this program offers a clear pathway to enhance your capabilities.

It is a 12 month program, predominately online and self-paced allowing flexibility. It requires a notional commitment of around 10 hours per week.

The EOI is open for those interested in participating in the August 2025 course or beyond. EOI’s are made to CFA by visiting the Volunteer Leadership Development page on Members Online.

Fire Wise – July 2025 online only edition

The July 2025 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.

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

Recent articles on the VFBV website
2025 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack

VFBV Board Vacancies 2025 – Invitation to apply

Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding

2025 Drought Relief Resources

King’s Birthday Honours 2025

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI

Presumptive Legislation Update

Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?

Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.

Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.

As drought continues to set in across large parts of Victoria, VFBV recognises that it is having a significant impact on many CFA Volunteers, their families and communities.

There are numerous supports available to farmers, businesses, individuals and communities, but navigating these can be a time consuming and sometimes frustrating exercise with information hard to find and spread across multiple sources.

Similar to previous Fact Sheets VFBV has prepared for fire and storms – VFBV has developed a Fact Sheet to assist members navigate the various Drought Relief packages that are currently available.

It is important members understand that this information is rapidly evolving and changing and therefore our Fact Sheet includes all current links to further online resources that can be used to verify current information. We have also included phone numbers where available.

In our experience, people experiencing hardship are often overwhelmed and do not have time to search, find and navigate the various assistance that is available. Our Fact Sheets try to put all relevant resources into a single document that can either be viewed electronically – or - be printed out and handed to someone who can then assess what they need most.

Printed copies may also be requested from the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9886 1141.

The Fact Sheet is available for download from the bottom of this page.

The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List has recognised more than 830 Australians with four CFA members recognised with the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medial (AFSM). VFBV congratulates these members on being recognised for their contribution to CFA and the wider Victorian community.

Sharon Merritt AFSM – has been recognised for her leadership with CFA in establishing a large animal rescue unit at Macclesfield brigade, one of only two large animal rescue units in CFA. Sharon has served as Captain of Macclesfield brigade since 2003 and is also a qualified sector commander, strike team leader, crew leader and Level 3 fire behaviour analyst and safety officer. You can read more about Sharon here.

Peter Langridge AFSM – Peter’s interest in volunteers and their health and safety has influenced and led to many significant changes in the fire and emergency management sector. As a CFA staff member, Peter led the transformation of CFA’s health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation through the establishment of rehabilitation units across the state. Peter has also been a CFA volunteer for more than 20 years with a number of brigades throughout District 13. You can read more about Peter here.

Colin Brown AFSM - Colin has provided more than 40 years service to CFA as both as volunteer and staff member. Colin is a current member of the Warrandyte brigade and is seconded to CFA as a FRV Commander for District 13. Colin has been instrumental in advancements in township protection plans, improvements in Incident Control Centres and the creation of the highly successful Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Ranges. You can read more about Colin here.

Tony Scicluna AFSM – Tony is a founding member of the Clonbinane fire brigade in District 12 and is also a well respected wildfire instructor with CFA. During his time with CFA, Tony has played an instrumental role in developing and rolling out the initial minimum skills training package and more recently chainsaw training and the updated General Firefighter training package. You can read more about Tony here.

VFBV also recognises and congratulates former CFA volunteer and staff member ACFO Andy Waterson AFSM from Fire Rescue Victoria and Shaun Lawlor from DEECA who have also been recognised with the Australia Fire Services Medal on the King’s Birthday.

A further 10 CFA members have also been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for their service to their communities including Donald Paterson, Roger Sykes, Raymond Pattle, Joy Pitts, Jason Reid, Mancel Giddings, Roslyn Greenwood, Bruce Holland, Christopher May and David O’Donnell.  Andrew Dwyer was also recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community.

Nominations for AFSM's

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources to Assist

Honours and Awards Toolkit

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

AFSM Nomination Form

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

About the Australian Fire Service Medal 

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

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

Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal 

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

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