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Final results for the 2024 State Urban Junior Championships held in Mooroopna on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March 2024 are now available.
The results are listed below and are also available for download at the bottom of this page.
Presentation photos and placegetters for all events have been posted on VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook Page. Team times for each event are available for download at the bottom of this page.
RESULTS – Saturday 16th March
Event 1 Hydrant – One Competitor, Under 14 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington) |
10.43 |
seconds |
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT (Chris Mason) |
11.09 |
seconds |
3rd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison) |
11.21 |
seconds |
4th |
MELTON C (Ricky Cassar) |
11.51 |
seconds |
5th |
KYNETON (Bonnie Tracey) |
11.69 |
seconds |
Event 2 Y Coupling – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch) |
11.61 |
seconds |
2nd |
KYNETON (Sam Foster, Royce Sharp) |
12.09 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON B (Jay Challis, Riley Hunter) |
13.17 |
seconds |
4th |
ECHUCA A (Mason Whinfield, Sophie Amos) |
13.17 |
seconds |
5th |
SALE (Daniel King, Ruth King) |
13.38 |
seconds |
Event 3 Wet Hose Striking Second Disc – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
MAFFRA (Kobe Parsons, Tyler Schoenmaekers, Kristin Murphy, Kye Bence) |
19.12 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie, Poppy Arandt, Lily Leitch) |
19.19 |
seconds |
3rd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier, Rick Ronnan, Connor Drinkwell) |
19.65 |
seconds |
4th |
KYNETON (John Perace, Charlie Tracey, Bonnie Tracey, Patrick Sutton) |
20.71 |
seconds |
5th |
SWAN HILL A (Xavier Morpeth, Orla Scott, Isiah Blair, Sasha Hayes) |
21.01 |
seconds |
Event 4 Y Coupling – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT (Dylan Gilbee, Lucy Gilbee, Oliver Lowndes, Katrina O;Neill) |
8.32 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch, Bayllie Arandt, Leah Steele) |
8.64 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone, Jyce Pascoe, Jayson Cassar, Mikaylah Crawford) |
9.46 |
seconds |
4th |
ROWVILLE A (Matthew De Flippis, Thomas Landells, Lauren Braysahw, Brenton Radford) |
9.63 |
seconds |
5th |
ECHUCA A (Sam Schmedje, Mason Whinfield, Sophie Amos, Kaylea Blake) |
9.98 |
seconds |
Event 5 Wet Hose Striking 1st & 2nd Discs – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch, Bayllie Arandt, Leah Steele) |
18.51 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone, Jyce Pasco, Jayson Cassar, Mikaylah Crawford) |
19.12 |
seconds |
3rd |
ROWVILLE A (Matthew De Flippis, Thomas Landells, Laurne Brayshaw, Brenton Radford) |
19.26 |
seconds |
4th |
WERRIBEE A (Matthew Packer, Mitchell Inglis, Noah Carver, Rose Higgs) |
20.13 |
seconds |
5th |
GISBORNE (Asher Kroon, Lincoln Moyes, Zac Dickson, Dylan Anderson-Treacy, Riley Judd) |
21.28 |
seconds |
Event 6 Marshall – One Competitor, Under 14 Years
1st |
ECHUCA A (Archie Collier) |
31.09 |
seconds |
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT (Chris Mason) |
33.95 |
seconds |
3rd |
SWAN HILL A (Isiah Blair) |
34.38 |
seconds |
4th |
MELTON A (Tyler Goudie) |
34.73 |
seconds |
5th |
HAMILTON (Jordan Uebergang) |
37.07 |
seconds |
Event 7 Wet Hose Striking 1st & 2nd Discs – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
SWAN HILL A (Xavier Morpeth, Orla Scott, Isiah Blair, Sasha Hayes) |
21.61 |
seconds |
2nd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier, Rick Ronnan, Connor Drinkwell) |
21.87 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie, Poppy Arandt, Lily Leitch) |
22.30 |
seconds |
4th |
MAFFRA (Kobe Parsons, Tyler Schoenmaekers, Kristin Murphy, Kye Bence) |
23.19 |
seconds |
5th |
KYNETON (John Pearce, Charlie Tracey, Bonnie Tracey, Patrick Sutton) |
23.51 |
seconds |
Event 8 Marshall – One Competitor, Under 17 Years
1st |
ROWVILLE A (Matthew De Filippis) |
26.93 |
seconds |
2nd |
SWAN HILL A (Hunta Lindsay) |
28.18 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON A (Devante Johns) |
28.41 |
seconds |
4th |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone) |
28.65 |
seconds |
5th |
ECHUCA A (Mason Whinfield) |
28.75 |
seconds |
Event 9 Wet Hose – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch) |
10.12 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON C (Jyce Pasco, Ryan Stone)) |
10.25 |
seconds |
3rd |
SWAN HILL A (Hunta Lindsay, Amity Scott) |
10.81 |
seconds |
4th |
WERRIBEE A (Mitchell Inglis, Noah Carver) |
10.92 |
seconds |
5th |
KYNETON (Sam Foster, Royce Sharp) |
11.03 |
seconds |
Event 10 Marshall – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
MAFFRA (Kobe Parsons, Tyler Schoenmaekers) |
19.46 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie) |
19.69 |
seconds |
3rd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier) |
20.18 |
seconds |
4th |
MELTON C (Jyce Pasco, Jayson Cassar) |
20.20 |
seconds |
5th |
SALE (Tom de Nobile, Connor Knights) |
22.06 |
seconds |
Event 11 Wet Hose – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie) |
12.98 |
seconds |
2nd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier) |
13.54 |
seconds |
3rd |
KYNETON (Charlie Tracey, Patrick Sutton) |
13.59 |
seconds |
4th |
SWAN HILL A (Isiah Blair, Sasha Hayes) |
13.75 |
seconds |
5th |
HAMILTON (Amely Pech, Jayda Bruni) |
13.93 |
seconds |
RESULTS – Sunday 17th March
Event 12 Hydrant – One Competitor, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns) |
12.23 |
seconds |
2nd |
WARRACKNABEAL (Cody Polack) |
13.69 |
seconds |
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT (Dylan Gilbee) |
13.71 |
seconds |
4th |
ECHUCA A (Sam Schmedje) |
14.15 |
seconds |
5th |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone) |
14.78 |
seconds |
Event 13 Y Coupling – Two Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
SWAN HILL A (Xavier Morpeth, Isiah Blair) |
13.11 |
seconds |
2nd |
WARRACKNABEAL A (Zander Jonasson, Ben Wright) |
13.97 |
seconds |
3rd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier) |
15.77 |
seconds |
4th |
SALE (Tom De Noble, Connor Knights) |
15.82 |
seconds |
5th |
MELTON C (Ronan Steele, Ricky Cassar) |
16.70 |
seconds |
Event 14 Wet Hose Striking Second Disc - Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch, Bayllie Arandt, Leah Steele) |
15.46 |
seconds |
2nd |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone, Jyce Pasco, Jayson Cassar, Mikaylah Crawford) |
17.48 |
seconds |
3rd |
SWAN HILL A (Hunta Lindsay, Amity Scott, Sarah Scott, Madison Roberts) |
17.89 |
seconds |
4th |
MELTON B (Alexis Johnston, Riley Hunter, Jay Challis, Matilda Franzo) |
18.48 |
seconds |
5th |
ROWVILLE A (Matthew De Filippis, Thomas Landells, Lauren Brayshaw, Brenton Radford) |
18.55 |
seconds |
Event 15 Y Coupling – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
MAFFRA (Kobe Parsons, Tyler Schoenmaekers, Kristin Murphy, Kye Bence) |
9.31 |
seconds |
2nd |
SWAN HILL A (Xavier Morpeth, Orla Scott, Isiah Blair, Sasha Hayes) |
10.30 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie, Poppy Arandt, Lily Leitch) |
10.35 |
seconds |
4th |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier, Rick Ronnan, Connor Drinkwell) |
10.66 |
seconds |
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL A (Zander Jonasson, Ben Wright, Maddison Bentley, Riley Bish) |
11.62 |
seconds |
Event 16 Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice – Four Competitors, Under 14 Years
1st |
MAFFRA (Kobe Parsons, Tyler Schoenmaekers, Kristin Murphy, Kye Bence) |
16.53 |
seconds |
2nd |
ECHUCA A (Gratton Harrison, Archie Collier, Rick Ronnan, Connor Drinkwell) |
16.92 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON C (Ronan Steele, Ricky Cassar, Charlotte Crawford, Jayden Nixon) |
17.65 |
seconds |
4th |
KYNETON (John Pearce, Charlie Tracey, Bonnie Tracey, Patrick Sutton) |
18.72 |
seconds |
5th |
MELTON A (Ryder Millington, Tyler Goudie, Poppy Arandt, Lily Leitch) |
19.11 |
seconds |
Event 17 Marshall – Two Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch) |
15.57 |
seconds |
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT (Dylan Gilbee, Oliver Lowndes) |
18.60 |
seconds |
3rd |
SALE (Daniel King, Izac Thexton) |
19.30 |
seconds |
4th |
WARRACKNABEAL A (Cody Polack, Hayden Polack) |
19.73 |
seconds |
5th |
RED CLIFFS A (Dylan Leerson, Tay Oliver) |
20.44 |
seconds |
Event 18 Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice – Four Competitors, Under 17 Years
1st |
MELTON A (Devante Johns, Brodie Leitch, Bayllie Arandt, Leah Steele) |
14.14 |
seconds |
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT (Dylan Gilbee, Lucy Gilbee, Oliver Lowndes, Katrina O’Neill) |
15.25 |
seconds |
3rd |
MELTON C (Ryan Stone, Jyce Pasco, Jayson Cassar, Mikaylah Crawford) |
15.61 |
seconds |
4th |
KYNETON (Sam Foster, Royce Sharp, Steph Sharp, Milika Fortune) |
16.72 |
seconds |
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL A (Cody Polack, Hayden Polack, Rohan Richards, Eliza Williamson) |
17.61 |
seconds |
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
DRY AGGREGATE:
1st |
MELTON A |
50 |
Points |
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT |
26 |
Points |
3rd |
ECHUCA A |
25 |
Points |
WET AGGREGATE
1st |
MELTON A |
49 |
Points |
2nd |
MELTON C |
21 |
Points |
=3rd |
ECHUCA A & KANGAROO FLAT |
18 |
Points |
UNDER 14 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st |
ECHUCA A |
37 |
Points |
2nd |
MELTON A |
35 |
Points |
3rd |
MAFFRA |
34 |
Points |
UNDER 17 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st |
MELTON A |
64 |
Points |
2nd |
MELTON C |
24 |
Points |
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT |
21 |
Points |
GRAND AGGREGATE
1st |
MELTON A |
99 |
Points |
2nd |
ECHUCA A |
43 |
Points |
3rd |
SWAN HILL A |
38 |
Points |
2024 - Champion Team – Melton A
Coaches Anthony Rhodes, Bailey Rhodes, Ashley Goudie and Denzel Johns and competitors:
- Bayllie Arandt
- Poppy Arandt
- Tyler Goudie
- Devante Johns
- Brodie Leitch
- Lily Leitch
- Ryder Millington
- Leah Steele
Final Aggregate Board
Under 14 Years Aggregate Winner - ECHUCA A
Under 17 Years Aggregate & Grand Aggregate Winner - MELTON A
2024 State Urban Junior Championship This Weekend
Written by Adam BarnettThe 2024 State Urban Junior Championship will be held this coming Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 March 2024 in Mooroopna. This year will be the 50th time the State Urban Junior Championship has been held.
Come along and see tomorrow’s CFA volunteers proudly demonstrate their skills.
If you are not involved with the CFA juniors program or haven’t witnessed the value the State Urban Junior Championship provides for young volunteers to develop practical skills and to be actively involved in CFA, then get along and be inspired.
Urban junior competitions have a proud 51 year history. This year 38 teams from CFA brigades from across Victoria will compete over the weekend.
The 2024 Championship is being held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Midland Hwy, Mooroopna and events will begin at 8:30am each morning.
Results from the Championship will be progressively posted over the weekend on VFBV’s dedicated Championships Facebook Page.
Teams competing in the 2024 State Urban Junior Championship are:
Ararat Colac Diamond Creek Echuca A Echuca B Echuca/Mildura Euroa A Euroa B Eynesbury Frankston Gisborne Grovedale Hamilton Hoppers Crossing Horsham Kangaroo Flat Kyneton Maffra Melton A Melton B Melton C |
Red Cliffs A Red Cliffs B Rowville A Rowville B Sale Seymour Stawell Swan Hill A Swan Hill B Upwey A Upwey B Wangaratta Warracknabeal A Warracknabeal B Wendouree Werribee A Werribee B |
Information for brigades competing this weekend can be downloaded from this page.
Next weekend 23rd and 24th March will see the State Urban Senior Championship along with the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships take place at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve also. With the popular Torchlight Procession to be held on Saturday 23rd March in Mooroopna.
International Women’s Day
Each year on March 8 International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women as well as calling for action to accelerate women’s equality.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #InspireInclusion. This year’s theme acknowledges that when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.
Throughout CFA and VFBV, there are many examples of the contribution women make to our communities and our fire services. The work and decisions being made today to embrace diversity and inclusion will ensure more women are supported and encouraged into the fire services for future generations.
To each of the dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in CFA and across all fire and emergency services, thank you for the contribution you make to making communities safer today and every day of the year.
Members are reminder of our CEO’s editorial that covered International Women’s Day history in great detail, including some helpful hints and tips that invite CFA members to reflect on how each of us can contribute to building inclusive brigade cultures where women are not only welcomed, but thrive. That piece and profile stories on influential and inspirational women across CFA who continue to inspire us can be found on the VFBV website.
Each of us can play a part in actively supporting and embracing equity within our own sphere of influence. This can include simple steps such as challenging stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias and actively seeking out how to include others within our brigades, workplaces, communities, CFA and the wider emergency services across Victoria.
Enormity of bushfires
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
It has been an incredibly busy month, both on and off the fireground, and I want to acknowledge the incredible work of all our people in battling the large fires from last month’s spike days, including the two catastrophic fire danger ratings declared in Feb. Thank you also to those that supported communities through the storm events of the past month that left many thousands of Victorians without power, some for over a week.
Our Welfare Fund and the VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust have activated and are supporting members across the fire devastated areas, with six CFA members having lost their homes during last month’s fires.
The skill and dedication of our volunteers has been remarked on by many over the past weeks and it is a timely reminder that the regularity of bushfires in Victoria has resulted in volunteer firefighting skills and experience that are simply unmatched anywhere else in the world. And time and time again I have had reports about how local knowledge has been used to quickly mop up spot fires and suppress them before they could take hold. An incredible achievement given the weather conditions.
And while there has been some minor criticism about the warnings issued in the lead up to the days in question, again we must remind the public that Fire Danger warnings are not an estimate of how likely a fire is going to occur on those days but rather the seriousness of the if and when and how a fire would behave should one be started and our capacity to bring it under control. To conflate the leave early warnings with the fact that luckily very few out of control fires actually started on those days is a mistake we must not let take hold. Just ask any bushfire survivor about the importance of early community warnings and you will not be left with any doubt as too their importance.
And while I know many hundreds of volunteers that were prepositioned on these days may feel they did not have much to do, the hundreds that were in situ and could pounce on fire starts from strategic locations with an overwhelming weight of attack when fire did occur is what stopped the various fires from developing any further. So be proud of your sacrifice waiting in hot fire trucks or humid staging areas – it was not for nought even if it felt that way. For those that did see action - impact assessments demonstrated over and over the incredibly skilled work done by CFA members to protect lives and property. And while there were some losses, considering the areas affected it wasn’t just plain luck that there were not more. It was pure skill and incredibly hard work, with surveys of the fire damaged areas showing very prominent fire perimeters around saved properties and clearly visible tyre marks left by CFA tankers as they circled homes and extinguished spot fires around townships and residential streets.
If we want to talk about luck, let’s talk about the chance of a creaking 34 year old fire truck, 14 years past its use by date having zero mechanical problems on the day when the mercury hits 40 and we need it the most. Let’s talk about the firefighters sitting on the back in the open air on those hot smouldering days. Those odds are fast evaporating, and the Government is playing a game of Russian roulette each and every year that our trucks get older and older with no replacements in sight. And just to be clear, when you hear a recycled announcement from two years ago promising 40 new trucks, understand it is exactly that – a recycled announcement. With more than 2,300 trucks in the fleet, announcements of 40 new trucks will take another 58 years to replace the fleet.
Returning to February’s fires – and while the workforce was overwhelmingly volunteer – I wish to acknowledge the contribution of our partner agencies, especially our friends at Forest Fire Management Victoria who stood shoulder to shoulder with us on the fireground. Thank-you also to all other agency personnel who assisted.
I also want to acknowledge the thousands of volunteers who have put themselves on call or stayed behind or worked from home to ensure local coverage remained. Thank you also to those non-operational personnel who have worked diligently in the background to get everything ready and provided critical support to our frontline operations. You don’t appear on a fire report or get counted in the government’s figures – but the work you do is essential.
These spike days are a reminder that as one of the most fire prone places on the planet, we don’t need to have a bad fire season to have bad fires. A single day with just the right (or wrong) weather conditions can present a very real risk of catastrophic fires.
A lesson the current government would be well advised to remember as they contemplate de-funding our CFA. With a $3 million cut already applied to CFA’s budget this year, the prospect of additional budget cuts in the upcoming budget cycle looms large. As I reported back in January, a secret razor gang from Department Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Justice have formed an “Emergency Services Organisation Finance Board” whose job it is to recommend further cuts.
The Governments current track record on CFA funding since its controversial fire services reforms is clear for all to see. Based on CFA Annual Reports since 2020, Government funding has been:
2020: $807M
2021: $351M
2022: $347M
2023: $341M
That represents a cut every year since reform.
To contemplate additional cuts to CFA after the spectacle of fire services reform seems very ill advised and very brave considering how much Victorians rely on CFA to deal with the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
And while I hope with all my might that Victorians won’t have to pay the ultimate price of these foolish decisions with their lives, history very clearly demonstrates a direct link between government investment and the outcomes of catastrophic fire events. If the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission wasn’t plain enough, I’m not sure what more warning can be provided on the importance of preserving Victoria’s volunteer workforce and service.
I noted in recent days that senior counsel assisting and former Supreme Court Judge - Rear Admiral the Honourable Jack Rush AO RFD KC RAN commenting on the lack of action taken since the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission on moving overhead electrical cables underground in fire prone areas. The sound of exasperation in his voice was clear as he reflected on the absurdity that just 15 years after the tragedy of Black Saturday that we could so easily forget the effects and enormity of bushfires in Victoria.
He concluded that as a government and as a society for not forcing our government to act, we are remiss and doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. One wonders how Victorians will react following the next Black Saturday when they discover that funding to CFA and a reduction in the number of support staff and services will be judged. Harshly I hope.
Which leads me to address the absurd statement run out by the government’s media team dismissing concerns around the reduction of volunteers over recent years. I kid you not, but the statement “CFA has never drawn on its full reserves of volunteers” is not only the most stupid non-fact ever uttered, but also one of the most disrespectful statements to our brave and selfless volunteer firefighters I have ever heard. And while this statement was first used during fire services reform, it has been on high rotation recently when officials are squirming to respond to concerns about falling volunteer numbers.
When I talk about the importance of respecting volunteers, use this as a prime example of what you should not do.
Statements such as this ignores the very apex principle of volunteer services that you don’t treat your volunteer workforce like some disposable cache of on-call employees.
Are they suggesting fathers and mothers are to simply leave the kids at home while both jump on the fire truck? Are they suggesting volunteers, who are also frontline workers across health, transport and other essential industries in their everyday lives, should abandon their posts to attend a fire? Should a volunteer who is battling a cost of living crisis risk losing their job and the roof over their head by not considering their employers situation before responding to an incident? Should they never go on holiday, be unwell or take a leave of absence to look after a sick family member? This is the practical effect of “drawing down” on CFA’s full reserves. Shame on them for normalising such a deceitful and immoral argument. Volunteering should never be exploitative, and asking less people to do more work and make more sacrifice than what they can already sustain is neither fair nor ethical. Yet this is exactly what these statements imply and why they are so offensive.
Volunteer services are built on the principle that you must amass a large number of volunteers to provide coverage, acknowledging not all will be available at the exact same time, and each are balancing their own needs. To run the system into the ground that then guilts what volunteers are left into sacrificing more than they can afford and comes at a great cost to them, their families and their employers is not acceptable.
For example, did SES “draw down” its full complement during last year’s floods? Using the government’s math - they did not. So why then did we need almost 12,000 CFA deployments to help them out?
In fact, the principle is not only well established for volunteers, but paid firefighting services operates on the principle of a 1:5 ratio that requires it to employ five firefighters for every one firefighter it wants to be on duty. This ratio factors in sickness, sleep, leave and other eventualities. To not consider a similar ratio for its volunteer workforce is outrageous.
The fact that the government spokespeople uttered these statements with a straight face to brush away concerns with volunteer numbers while in the next breath announcing that Victoria had requested 100 NSW RFS volunteers to come down to Victoria to assist with the firefight should demonstrate the utter absurdity of the comments.
In fact, this notion of wanting less volunteers is actually government policy – documented in last year’s DJCS annual report that actually reduced Victoria’s target for emergency management volunteers downwards by another 1,500. Yes - you read that right, they actually reduced their aspirational target to aim for less.
I have yet to see a climate model that predicts fire events will become less frequent and less damaging, so I urge the department to share the data that is providing this unhinged peace of mind so we can all share in its reassurance that we don’t have anything to worry about.
Does anyone actually believe that attracting more people to CFA and other volunteer emergency services will be served by cutting funding so that volunteers have to keep battling just to get decent equipment, clothing, fire stations, trucks and support? To borrow a phrase - tell ‘em they’re dreamin’.
2024 Bushfire and Storm Recovery Resources
VFBV has prepared a fact sheet to assist members and their families to navigate the various sources of assistance that is available to those affected by the recent fire and storm events across the state. The fact sheet outlines the various local, state and Commonwealth support available and provides links to the resources where available.
The fact sheet is available from the VFBV website and printed copies can be provided by calling the VFBV office on 9886 1141 or by contacting your local VFBV Support Officer.
We will continue to update the fact sheet as we become aware of additional support available.
2024 State Championships
Final preparations are being made for the 2024 State Championships to be held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve later this month.
The first weekend of competition on 16 and 17 March, will see the 38 teams from across the state compete in the Urban Junior Championship. The next weekend will see even more action with 47 teams taking part in the Rural Senior Championship on Saturday 23 March and another 38 teams on Sunday 24th March will compete in the Rural Senior Championship. The Urban Senior Championship will also be contested this weekend with 40 teams taking part from all across Victoria. Information for competing teams is available from the VFBV website.
The popular Torchlight Procession will also take place in Mooroopna on the evening of Saturday 23 March, with 46 brigades taking part. If your brigade is interested in marching in the Torchlight Procession, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.
All of this competition would not be possible without the assistance of the more than 200 judges and officials who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that each of the Championships is run at a high standard. Both the Urban and Rural competition committees are always on the lookout for additional judges and officials. If you are able to volunteer as a judge or official for any of the State Championships please contact the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9886 1141.
SOP Feedback
A reminder that we are seeking feedback on various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that our out for consultation. The Driving SOPs will close for feedback shortly. An additional thirteen SOPs have been modified and are now available for review.
These are SOP 3.01 Management of Junior Members; 5.05 Use of CFA Equipment; 7.01 Local Procedure Development; 7.05 Water Supplies for Firefighting; 7.07 Station Siren Use; 8.01 Incident Controller and CFA Agency Commander; 8.04 Transfer of Control; 9.13 Keeping Logs and Documents; 9.16 Media Management; and 9.18 Use of Personal Mobile Devices During Incidents.
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access drafts and change logs to help guide your feedback.
Presumptive Leg
QLD is the latest State to expand its firefighter presumptive legislation scheme to pick up the additional cancers added to the Commonwealth scheme in 2022. This now aligns QLD, TAS, WA, NT and ACT, leaving Victoria falling further behind.
VFBV continues pursuing further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV is calling on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts, and firefighters in the other State’s.
We have published a national overview table on our website that allows members to compare each of the presumptive schemes in operation across the country. As you will see, Victoria is falling behind other jurisdictions. VFBV is seeking the support of all government, opposition and minor party MPs including independents to support the amendments introduced by the Greens, that would see Victoria’s scheme expanded to the same 21 cancers that the Tasmanian government has introduced.
Thank you
Thank-you to all members who completed this year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey. You are helping us make CFA a better place to volunteer.
As soon as we have finished compiling and analysing your responses, we will publish the results.
Quarterly Supplement
Included with the March 2024 edition of Fire Wise is the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates, information on current issues being pursued by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes additional resources or updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
Aussie Fire Pumps competition
In appreciation of the efforts of CFA volunteers in protecting their communities Australian Pump Industries is running a competition where one lucky CFA brigade or group will win an Aussie Fire Captain firefighting pump.
To enter simply explain in 50 words or less “what motivates a CFA volunteer”. Entries are limited to one entry per CFA brigade or group. To submit your entry and view the competition terms and conditions, visit the Aussie Pumps website.
Entries close on 23 March 2024.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Invitation to all CFA volunteers to apply
Closing date for written applications is 2 September 2024.
VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers
Vacancies on VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on 1 October 2024. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for reappointment. 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 the VFBV Board.
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 2 September 2024 and must be lodged to VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; telephone 9886 1141; fax: 9886 1618.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
International Women’s Day 2024
2024 Bushfire and Storm Recovery Resources
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Various)
Feedback Requested - Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)
2024 State Championships – Information for competing brigades
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.
Feedback Requested - Standard Operating Procedures (Various)
Written by VFBVFormal consultation has commenced on ten updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) covering various doctrine.
The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain:
- SOP 3.01 Management of Junior Members
- SOP 5.05 Use of CFA Equipment
- SOP 7.01 Local Procedure Development
- SOP 7.05 Water Supplies for Firefighting
- SOP 7.07 Station Siren Use
- SOP 8.01 Incident Controller and CFA Agency Commander
- SOP 8.04 Transfer of Control
- SOP 9.13 Keeping Logs and Documents
- SOP 9.16 Management of Media at an Incident
- SOP 9.18 Use of Personal Mobile Devices During Incidents
Members are encouraged to review the revised SOP's and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policies.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
We have developed a survey that walks members through the most significant changes and provides a smiple way to provide feedback. You can access it from here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/IVnukL
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback due dates on these SOP's are yet to be determined due to the number of items currently out for consultation. But we encourage members to respond ASAP.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Complete the survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/IVnukL
- Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
Each year on March 8 International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women as well as calling for action to accelerate women’s equality.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #InspireInclusion. This year’s theme acknowledges that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
Throughout CFA and VFBV, there are many examples of the contribution women make to our communities and our fire services. The work and decisions being made today to embrace diversity and inclusion will ensure more women are supported and encouraged into the fire services for future generations.
To each of the dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in CFA and across all fire and emergency services, thank you for the contribution you make to making communities safer today and every day of the year.
Each of us can play a part in actively supporting and embracing equity within our own sphere of influence. This can include simple steps such as challenging stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias and actively seeking out how to include others within our brigades, workplaces, communities, CFA and the wider emergency services across Victoria.
Members are reminded of our CEO's editorial that covered International Women’s Day history in great detail, including some helpful hints and tips that invite CFA members to reflect on how each of us can contribute to building inclusive brigade cultures where women are not only welcomed, but thrive. You can re-read that piece here: VFBV CEO Editorial - Taking the lead on IWD
We also take this opportunity on International Women’s Day to re-share below many of the profile stories of influential and inspirational women across CFA that continue to inspire us.
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About VFBV: 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. |
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This article is part of our series celebrating women in CFA for International Women's Day. The first International Women’s Day gathering occurred in 1911, you can read more about the history of International Women’s Day on the International Women’s Day website. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD |
2024 State Championships - Information for competing teams
Written by VFBVAvailable for download from the bottom of this page is information for teams competing in the 2024 State Championships in March 2024.
Below is highlighted information for each championship and the torchlight procession.
State Urban Junior Championship – 16 and 17 March 2024
Opening Ceremony: will commence at 0830 hours on Saturday with roll call from 0815 the order of brigades is available in the information for competing brigades.
BBQ lunch: for competitors will be provided on Saturday this year (previously had been held on Sunday), vouchers for the lunch will be available for collection on Saturday morning, please listen out for announcements.
Wristbands for competitors: Where brigades have more than one team entered, the competitors will be required to wear a wrist band indicating which team they are part of. Coaches for brigades entering more than one team should attend the VFBV office to obtain wrist bands for their competitors. If required replacement wrist bands can be issued on Sunday.
Testing of hydrants: Brigade hydrants to be used in the Hydrant Race must be weighed, checked and sealed on Friday afternoon between 1500 hours and 1700 hours, or on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 0730 hours and 0800 hours. Please not that access to the track grounds prior to 3pm is not permitted.
Youth Forum: CFA will be running a Youth Forum on Saturday 16 March from 3pm at the Sir Ian McLennan Centre. The Youth Forum is an opportunity for Juniors and 16-17-year-old members to meet with the Chief Officer and ask questions and provide feedback on the experience of being a young person in CFA. Snacks and refreshments will be provided to those attending. For more information please visit this website. https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/brigades-operational/supporting-volunteers/young-people-in-cfa/young-people-in-cfa
Appointment of judges and officials: a list of appointed judges and officials can be found in the information for competing brigades.
Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website.
State Rural Championships – Junior & Senior – 23 and 24 March 2024
Saturday 23 March – Senior Championship
Roll call for brigades will be at 0745 hours on the main oval adjacent to the competition track ahead of the opening ceremony commencing at 0820 hours.
The line up order for brigades can be found in the information for competing brigades available for download at the bottom of this page.
Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.
Sunday 24 March – Junior Championship
The opening ceremony will commence at 0830 hours at the competition track.
A BBQ lunch will also be provided for all junior competitors on the Sunday and lunch vouchers will be available for competitors at the competition track.
Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.
Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website.
State Urban Senior Championship – 23 and 24 March 2024
Opening Ceremony: Roll call for brigades will be at 0745 hours on the oval adjacent to the competition tracks ahead of the opening ceremony commencing at 0820 hours. The information for competing brigades includes a copy of the order of brigades including brigades in the echelon movement.
Wristbands for competitors: Where brigades have more than one team entered, the competitors will be required to wear a wrist band indicating which team they are part of. Coaches for brigades entering more than one team should attend the VFBV office to obtain wrist bands for their competitors. If required replacement wrist bands can be issued on Sunday.
Testing of hydrants and equipment: Brigade hydrants to be used in the Hydrant Race must be weighed, checked and sealed on Friday afternoon between 1500 hours and 1700 hours, or on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 0730 hours and 0800 hours. Please not that access to the track grounds prior to 3pm is not permitted.
Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.
Appointment of judges and officials: a list of appointed judges and officials can be found in the information for competing brigades.
Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website.
Torchlight Procession – 23 March 2024
The Torchlight Procession will take place on Saturday 23rd March commencing at 2030 hours, with all Brigades to assemble no later than 2000 hours.
Brigades will be assembled in Groups and report for Roll Call in their respective groupings at the eastern end of McLennan Street Service Road near Elizabeth Street in Mooroopna at 2000 hours on Saturday. Each group of brigades will be headed by a CFA vehicle.
This year’s Torchlight Procession will be conducted with LED powered torches, replacing the traditional kerosene torches. Any brigade participating in the Torchlight Procession will be supplied with LED torches by CFA to be returned at the completion of the Torchlight.
The Procession will conclude in Doonan Street Mooroopna and all brigades are requested to assist in clearing the break off area as quickly and effectively as possible.
Brigades should refer to CFA Circular distributed prior to the Championships, for details of the Groups and line up order of Brigades.
Borrowing: where a brigade does not have sufficient members to march in the minimum required in the Torchlight Procession, up to three members may be borrowed from competing brigade/s. The approval of the brigade/s from which the members are to be borrowed must be obtained.
LED Torches and Name plates for the Torchlight Procession: Brigades are to collect their Name Plate and LED Torches for the Torchlight Procession from 2pm on Saturday afternoon at the competition track. These will be available for brigades to collect from the hose repair personnel situated in the shed at the western end of the Pumper Track at the Urban Championship, after 1400 hours on Saturday. There will be a return point at the completion of the Torchlight for the return of name plates and torches.
Further information about the Torchlight Procession and the reason for moving towards the LED torches is available from the Members Online www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/torchlightprocessions and in information distributed to competing brigades by CFA prior to the Championships.
CFA Information for Competing Brigades
Information distributed by CFA for brigades who are competing in the State Urban Senior Championship and the State Rural Championships has been distributed to brigade secretaries, this information is also available for download at the bottom of this page.
Included in this information is the final line up of brigades for the Echelon Movement and the groups for the Torchlight Procession.
Travel Claim Reimbursement
Travel reimbursement: for competing brigades must be submitted to CFA by midnight Sunday 28th April 2024 Travel claims can be completed online here tinyurl.com/2024-travel-claim or by completing and returning the PDF available for download at the bottom of this page. Any claims submitted after Sunday 28th April may not be accepted by CFA so please do not delay in returning your claim form.
Bus Travel: A reminder to brigades if they are wishing to claim for bus travel to the State Championship this must be approved by CFA prior to the Championship, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to seek approval.
Questions or queries
Please contact the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9886 1141.
Following a natural disaster it can be difficult to know what services are available from the various sources to assist with recovery. This Fact Sheet has been prepared by VFBV to assist members and their families to navigate the various sources of assistance that we are currently aware of in relation to the Victorian Fire and Storm events across Victoria earlier this month.
PLEASE NOTE - Information concerning relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently changing. This update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries, this page will be updated when new information becomes available.
The information below is also available for download as a PDF at the bottom of this page.
VICTORIAN RECOVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Recovery Support Program is a Victorian Government service that links individuals to recovery support providers and offers a broad range of support, based on you or your family’s immediate needs.
Recovery support may be available for people impacted by the:
- February 2024 Victorian storms
- February 2024 Western Victoria bushfires
- December 2023 to mid-January 2024 Victorian storms and floods
- October 2022 Victorian floods.
Depending on what you need, recovery support can help you:
- apply for payments and get financial help
- find services to support your recovery
- progress an insurance claim
- refer you to mental health or wellbeing services
- learn tips to help you or your family cope with stress
- get legal support
- get support for your business.
You are eligible for recovery support if you were directly impacted by the events above. and they affected your:
- property
- business, or
- mental health
Due to long wait times via the phone, the program prefers online contact via: www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support where you fill out a form and a person will then make contact with you to discuss options. Urgent recovery needs can be accessed through the hotline via 1800 560 760.
Emergency accommodation can also be accessed through the hotline.
RELIEF LOCATIONS
PLEASE NOTE - Relief locations are organised by local councils and are available by contacting –
Cardinia Shire – www.cardinia.vic.gov.au - 1300 787 624
Yarra Ranges – www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au - 1300 368 333
South Gippsland Shire – www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au - (03) 5662 9200
Wellington Shire Council – www.wellington.vic.gov.au – 1300 366 244
Latrobe City Council – www.Latrobe.vic.gov.au – 1300 367 700
Baw Baw Shire – www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au – 1300 229 229
Bass Coast Shire – www.basscoast.vic.gov.au – 1300 226 278
Northern Grampians Shire Council – www.ngshire.vic.gov.au – (03) 5358 8700
Rural City of Ararat – www.ararat.vic.gov.au – (03) 5355 0200
For General Information and a list of all current relief centres - https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#february_2024_victorian_storms
EMERGENCY RELIEF PAYMENTS - FEBURARY FIRES AND STORMS
Emergency relief payments are available for eligible community members whose homes have been damaged by the bushfires in Victoria.
Emergency relief payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for eligible Victorians experiencing extreme financial hardship due to the bushfires.
An emergency relief payment can help you to pay for things you need most, including:
- food
- clothing
- medication
- accommodation
Emergency relief payments are based on a fixed amount for each member of your household.
The payment is not calculated based on how much money you earn.
Payments are $640 per adult and $320 per child, up to a maximum of $2240 per eligible family.
You are eligible for a relief payment if:
- your principal place of residence is in an evacuation warning area, or the fires or storms have damaged your home, and you have unmet immediate relief needs
- you have unmet immediate relief needs.
Speak to your local council or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for advice and support.
POWER OUTAGES - FEBRUARY 2024 STORMS
If you are impacted by extended power outages or damage to your residence due to the recent storm event, you may be entitled to compensation. For details of customer rights and to access compensation forms talk to your electricity supplier.
COMPANY | AREA | FAULTS | ENQUIRES |
Powercor Australia | Western Suburbs and Western Victoria | 13 24 12 | 13 22 06 |
Ausnet Services | Outer northern and eastern suburbs and eastern Victoria | 13 17 99 | 1300 360 795 |
United Energy Distribution | Southern suburbs and Mornington Peninsula | 13 20 99 | 1300 131 689 |
Citipower | City and inner suburbs | 13 12 80 | 1300 131 871 |
Jemena | Northern and North Western Suburbs |
13 16 26 SMS 0427 840 744 |
1300 131 871 |
https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#february_2024_victorian_storms
If your household or small business has experienced a power outage for at least 7 days, you may be eligible for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment. Eligible customers will be notified by their power distribution business.
Power outages help: Governments both State and Federal will provide a Prolonged Power Outage Payment – households without power for 7 days following the storm are eligible for $1,920 per week for up to 3 weeks.
Victorian Guaranteed Service Level payments: Assistance is in the form of electricity bill credits – the amount customers are entitled will depend on individual circumstances.
For more information on eligibility visit, esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/information-consumers/guaranteed-service-level-payments-energy-outages
OTHER
The Services Australia Emergency Information line, assistance is available if you are unable to access internet services or have trouble using your MyGov account call 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm Mon-Fri.
In addition, the waste levy will be completely waived for storm impacted residents across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) until 30 April 2024.
You can check if your LGA is participating - Know Your Council | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Residents from these areas will be able to dispose of storm disaster waste at their local tip free of charge. In collaboration with councils and the waste industry, the Victorian Government is ensuring all impacted communities have access to a facility or site to dispose of their waste quickly and safely.
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. 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 almost 1,300 volunteers, with more than $2.3 million in grants made over the years. |
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VFBV Support Officers can be contacted via:
North East Region | Peter Sharman | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0428 751 652 |
South East Region | Colin Booth | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0456 554 593 |
South West Region | Jason Willis | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0409 109 447 |
West Region | John Lloyd | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0407 334 685 |
North West Region | Max Blackmore | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0409 119 447 |
CFA MEMBER WELFARE AND SUPPORT
Support services are available to all members and their immediate families.
CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
1800 959 232 |
Providing CFA members and their immediate family access to 24 hour support 7 days a week |
Psychologists – Counsellors – Peer Support - Chaplains |
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 – to talk with a trained mental health professional
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 – information and assistance for young people and children
Prevention is better than a cure
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Many of you would have heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And while this is often used in medical circles, it was actually a quote from Benjamin Franklin circa 1735. Often described variously as a writer, scientist, inventor and statesman, he was one of the founding fathers of the United States, and helped draft the declaration of independence, of which he was also a signatory. Most will associate Franklin from their school curriculum with his scientific proposal of flying a kite in a storm to prove that lightning was electricity.
Less known, was that he created one of the first volunteer firefighting brigades (companies as they were called) in America. Colloquially called ‘Franklin’s Bucket Brigade’, it was the first formally organised all volunteer fire company in the American colonies. What made his brigade distinct was that rather than only being established to protect its members (in the same way early insurance brigades operated in Australia) his brigade protected the entire community, akin to what CFA volunteer brigades do today.
The quote ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ came from a letter Franklin wrote and published in his own newspaper ‘The Pennsylvania Gazette’ entitled ‘Protection of Towns from Fire’ that laid out his argument about how a city should prepare itself for a fire. It was motivated by his visit to Boston in 1733 where he was deeply impressed with that city’s fire prevention methods.
Looking at how prevention gets completely ignored in fire service outcomes measurements these days makes you wonder how this knowledge was so apparent to Franklin 289 years ago, yet lost on today’s legislators.
I remember a previous Chief Officer who frequently reminded members that we have saved more people through CFA’s community education and safety activities than over our entire history with big red fire trucks. Unsurprising, the very first recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (Recommendations 1 to 7) all dealt with improvements to community advice, planning and education. In its final report, the Commission stated it was axiomatic (meaning self-evident) that the most effective way of reducing fire damage and protecting human life is to prevent fires from starting in the first place. It noted, that while it is impossible to eliminate fires, it is possible to reduce the risk and incidence of fires.
And while the Commission was referencing bushfires, it is important to consider that on average more than one person dies in a house fire in Australia every week. In fact, residential fires cause more deaths each year than floods, storms and bushfires combined.
So what is each fire service actually doing to treat that risk?
CFA’s volunteer and community embedded model achieves stronger community resilience than any other comparable model in operation across Australia. In fact, CFA is Australia’s second largest urban fire service, second only to Fire Rescue NSW. Consistent with the shared responsibility approach, CFA volunteers are embedded in the very same communities they protect and support community members to recognise and understand their role in fire safety. Much more than just response, CFA brigades cover the entire gamut of prevention, suppression and recovery across the rural and urban environment. Very few other services can claim that.
Judge L Stretton of the 1939 Victorian Bush Fires Royal Commission similarly acknowledged the critical importance of prevention, protection and education. So its not a new concept.
Studies researching preventable residential fire fatalities in Australia are instructive of the key risk factors that contribute to preventable residential fire fatalities. So, what does the data tell us?
Researchers of the most recent report into preventable residential fire fatalities establish that the conceptualisation of fire fatality risk is complex, and that a single risk factor on its own is unlikely to significantly increase a person’s risk of dying in a residential fire. It is a combination of individual risk factors mostly centred around the personal circumstance of the individual that has the most bearing. Therefore, fire services that not only treat the symptom but also the cause are the most effective in preventing preventable deaths. Research the Fire District Review Panel would be well advised to consider.
Let’s look at some specifics.
Freestanding houses/residences were the housing type where the majority of fatal fires occurred. Residential fire fatalities occur mostly in the winter months, and most commonly occur between the hours of 8pm to 8am, with the most significant spikes between the hours of midnight and 4am. Almost half lived on their own.
Older people represent over a third of total fatalities; and two thirds are people who had a disability. Two thirds were male. Collectively, two thirds had medications or alcohol present in their blood. Social and financial disadvantage was also a significant factor.
Over two-thirds of fatalities were smokers. And despite smoking rates in Australia dropping significantly over the last 30 years (down to 15.5% of the population in 2015), the proportion of preventable residential fire fatalities who are smokers has not significantly changed, meaning they are significantly overrepresented in the fatalities. Further, smoking materials themselves are a major source of ignition, with over a third of fatalities relating to smoking in bed.
From a fire service perspective, we don’t have much influence over how many people smoke or use medication or alcohol that impairs their ability to awaken. But what we do have influence over is raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms. Research from AFAC reports that the absence of smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.
This is where the CFA model really comes to the fore, as it does not simply provide fire suppression. Brigades and volunteers are equally involved in community education and community safety programs that have a larger impact on reducing preventable fire fatalities than any other action, yet inexplicably these programs and measurements do not form part of Victoria’s formal performance monitoring framework that is only interested in looking at minutes out the door.
And for proponents of old and non-contemporary unscientific time-based performance measurement of fire services, please note the following.
In today’s homes, residents have a safe escape time of only three minutes. This ‘three minutes’ has often elapsed before emergency services have even been notified. So the most effective action we can take as a fire service is to encourage and support working smoke alarms (especially in high risk homes) and the adoption of residential sprinkler systems.
While public education is often viewed through the prism of TV commercials, boots on the ground is the gold standard. Actually getting out in the community and having these conversations one-on-one and in people’s homes is far more effective and what makes a CFA brigade different.
VFBV has long advocated for enhanced fire safety in the residential space, and CFA has partnered with multiple agencies and organisations at the National, State and local levels to explore options. In last year’s Community Safety Joint Committee 2-Minute- Briefings we covered the progress of low cost and affordable sprinkler systems that are being developed by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which is a partnership between AFAC and FPAA, and is modelled on an American model that has demonstrated significant success in reducing preventable residential fire fatalities.
Closer to home, CFA brigades like Noble Park Fire Brigade in District 8, for example, are putting theory into practice. The brigade has been documenting the successes of their local campaign, where volunteer firefighters conduct free smoke alarm assessments and replacements across their local community and have been running a very successful multilingual program for many years.
For example, in one weekend alone, the brigade visited 152 homes across the greater Dandenong local government area that resulted in; 325 new 10 year smoke alarms being installed; 162 non-compliant smoke alarms being found and replaced; 208 residents were engaged in discussions about improved home fire safety and more than 300 referrals for future installations where local residents were unavailable on the weekend in question.
These kind of numbers are simply unachievable by other models, yet because of how Victoria’s outcome frameworks are constructed – they are not seen as core service delivery responsibilities, and nor are they funded as such. As a CFA volunteer you should be exceptionally proud you are part of a fire service that provides unrivalled public safety across the entire prevention, detection, response and recovery gamut. Be proud of your work and be proud of your service. As Victoria’s most efficient, effective and value for money fire service, we must remain vigilant to the threat of further cuts that will not only impact CFA, but the very communities that we protect.
VALE
It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that we farewell ex-Captain Garry Mallen of Portland Fire Brigade in District 4, who was lost in the line of duty at a structure fire in the early hours of Tuesday, 30th January. Despite the efforts of CFA, FRV and Ambulance Victoria responders on scene, he was unable to be revived.
Garry was a highly respected and much-loved member and has been with CFA for more than 30 years. He will be deeply missed.
On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Garry’s family, friends and loved ones, including all officers and members of the Portland Fire Brigade and surrounding brigades who are grieving his loss.
I will finish this month by quoting the final paragraph of the firefighters’ prayer, that is recalled at each year’s annual memorial service; “And if it be, while on the job, I should lose my life, please bless with your sustaining hand, all those I’ve loved in life.”
Garry Mallen funeral details
The funeral of Garry Mallen, former captain of Portland Fire Brigade and the brigade's current 4th Lieutenant, will be held at 2pm tomorrow (Friday 9 February) at Portland Civic Hall, Bentinck St, Portland.
The service and guard of honour will be live streamed on CFA's YouTube channel from 2pm.
AFSMs
VFBV congratulates the four CFA members who were among the 1,033 Australians recognised in the Australia Day honours list.
Captain Paula Grosveld AFSM, Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan AFSM, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bill Johnstone AFSM and Commander John Katakouzinos were all recognised for their service, dedication and leadership within CFA and the broader Victorian Community.
VFBV congratulates Paula, Ross, Bill and John for their outstanding contribution to CFA as well as Kathryn Gosby AFSM and Stephen Grant AFSM from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change AFSMs and Costa Katsikis AFSM and Damien O’Toole AFSM from Fire Rescue Victoria who were also recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal.
You can read more about each of the CFA recipients on the VFBV website and page 3 of this months edition of ‘Fire Wise.’
Congratulations are also extended to a number of current and former CFA volunteers who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) also.
Nominations for the AFSM award are accepted at any time through CFA’s Honours and Awards Committee, for more information on how to nominate a deserving CFA member please visit the VFBV website.
Driver SOP feedback
We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering Driving.
These SOPs include: 12.01 Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO Vehicles; 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles; 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles; 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles; 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles; 12.08 Driver Endorsement. Copies of the revised SOP's are available from the VFBV website.
To assist members in providing feedback, short feedback survey’s have been developed for the two SOP’s with the most significant changes:
SOP 12.01 – Driving or Travelling in CFA and ECO vehicles
SOP 12.08 – Driver Endorsement
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Feedback can be provided by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via your local VFBV District Council or Support Officer.
Unreasonable Complaints Policy
We are seeking feedback on a draft policy proposed by CFA to deal with unreasonable complaints.
CFA advises that unreasonable complaints, while a very small proportion of the total number of complaints, might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member, or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.
CFA is seeking ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a complaint might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public and ensure it is applied consistently across CFA.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to this draft policy. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.
Fire Medical Response
We are seeking feedback on a new SOP covering Fire Medical Response (FMR) that will commence later this year.
The draft SOP only cover brigades and members who are authorised to provide FMR, and covers procedures relating to PPC, equipment, responding, Firecom notifications, reporting and decontamination considerations.
Due to the relatively smaller number of brigades affected, the consultation window for this SOP will be shortened, and members are requested to provide feedback as soon as possible.
We are most keen to hear from brigades and members anticipating on being involved in the FMR program, and also welcome feedback from brigades and members currently involved in EMR (Emergency Medical Response).
Please visit the VFBV website for a copy of the draft SOP and information on how to provide feedback.
State Champs entries closing soon
A reminder that entries for the 2024 State Championships as well as Judge and Official nominations close on Sunday 18 February 2024.
For information on how to enter a team or nominate as a judge or official for any of the 2024 State Championships, please visit the VFBV website.
A reminder also that brigades who are not competing in the State Championships are also welcome to take part in the Torchlight Procession which will be held in the evening of Saturday 23 March in Mooroopna. If your Brigade would like to be part of the Torchlight Procession please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
The VFBV website has information for competing brigades, including updated rule books for both the rural and urban competitions as well as information on local competitions being held in the lead up to the State Championships.
If you require any assistance during the registration process or for more information on the Championships please contact the VFBV office via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 9886 1141.
Survey last chance
This year’s volunteer survey will close within days.
The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing, the gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.
Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey.
Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.
Fire Wise – February 2024 online only edition
The February 2024 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
Now Open – 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Open for Consultation Dashboard
Feedback requested – Unreasonable complaints policy
Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)
Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (FMR)
2024 State Championships – Entries Now Open
Australia Day Honours List 2024
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.
Feedback Requested - Standard Operating Procedures (FMR)
Written by VFBVFormal consultation has commenced on a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that has been developed to cover Fire Medical Response. (FMR)
The proposed draft SOP is available for download from the bottom of this page.
Feedback is welcome from any volunteer, but we are especially keen to hear from volunteers from planned FMR brigades, as well as those who have had prior experience with the CFA EMR program.
Members are encouraged to review the revised SOP and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed procedure.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback is sought as soon as possible, and we encourage members to respond ASAP.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
- For those that prefer to answer a survey to provide feedback, a survey has been developed: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/0RCd4b
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
VFBV extends congratulations to four CFA members who were awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) on Australia for their service to CFA and the wider Victorian Community.
Paula Grosveld AFSM – Paula has been a CFA volunteer with the Golden Beach brigade since 1987 and has held many roles including Deputy Group Officer, Group Secretary and volunteer trainer and assessor and is currently serving her 18th year as Captain of the Golden Beach Fire Brigade. As a trusted peer and mentor to fellow captains, group officers and members throughout Victoria, Paula has been recognised for her tenacity and selflessness in driving sustainable growth of young and emerging leaders throughout CFA. You can read more about Paula here.
Ross Sullivan AFSM - Ross has been a CFA member for more than 45 years, first joining the Bolinda and Monegeeta brigade as a member of their Junior running team before officially joining CFA as a volunteer in 1978. As the current Deputy Chief Officer North East Region Ross has lead the region through major the 2019-20 fires and the October 2022 floods and has been commended for his leadership as well as establishing a process for rehabilitation and repair of areas damaged by firefighting activity. You can read more about Ross here.
Bill Johnstone AFSM – Bill started his service as firefighter as a junior member with the Gisborne brigade in 1977 and since then has spent time as a firefighter with the Australian Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) in Cairns before returning to Victoria and joining CFA’s career ranks in 2000. During his time with CFA he has worked extensively in operational management in various roles including operations officer, manager and in his current role of Assistant Chief Fire Officer-Regional Commander for the North West Region. You can read more about Bill here.
John Katakouzinos AFSM – John joined CFA as a volunteer firefighter in 1991 with the Springvale brigade before becoming a career firefighter in March 1999 and currently holds the role of CFA Commander - Aviation. John has been an operational firefighter across many parts of Victoria and has been a leader and mentor who consistently looks for ways to improve firefighting and community safety trough innovation, particularly in the field of fire service aviation and rescue. He led the research, design, development and delivery of a fire aviation flight simulator for Victorian agencies which was one of the first of its kind in Australia. You can read more about John here.
VFBV also congratulates Kathryn Gosby AFSM and Stephen Grant AFSM from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Costa Katsikis AFSM and Damien O’Toole AFSM who were also awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day.
Also among the 1,033 recipients of awards on Australia Day were a number of past and present CFA members who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). VFBV congratulates Kaye Blackburn, Brian Keena, John Nihill, Jeffrey Robinson, Ian Thomson, Maria Cameron, Lindsay Tharle, Lavina Tharle and Bruce Wilson.
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
Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
More...
What’s in store for 2024?
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
My inspiration for this year is a quote from English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. “I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predetermined and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”
The point being, while there are still many questionable policy remnants that will continue to negatively influence the coming year, they are not written in stone. And yes, while there are elements that are written in legislation, legislation can be changed. It just requires a willing hand and some political will.
To temper expectations, I can’t claim to hold an abundance of optimism that this will in fact occur over the next 12 months, but I firmly believe that one cannot remain perpetually unswayed by the glaring and mounting evidence that is piling up over the short sightedness and inappropriateness of some current policy settings.
Take the CFA/FRV secondment arrangements as a case in point. And while I could never grasp how anyone in their right mind could have thought that those arrangements would ever work - even discounting brash optimism, rose tinted glasses and questionable political goals, one cannot brush away the stench of a policy that is simply not fit for purpose and proving itself so.
Reviewing the fire services implementation monitor’s (FSIM) third annual report which was quietly tabled in Parliament on 29 November, one cannot escape the polite, but nonetheless scathing assessment of the secondment agreement which is at the core of the government’s fire services reforms. The FSIM diligently maps out each of the intersections of the secondment agreement and the resulting incapacity of the CFA to manage its own seconded workforce. Given the cost of these services (approximately $64M), it should send a shiver down the spines of Victoria’s legislators that CFA faces significant and documented legislative barriers that routinely limits CFA’s ability to “be apprised of, investigate, and resolve matters relating to performance, occupational health and safety or disciplinary issues relating to personnel working in CFA in a seconded role.”
Shame on those who did not heed our warnings and advice that this was exactly what was going to occur and be the outcomes of rushed and politically motivated reforms.
FSIM then describes the ludicrous agreed consultation workflow between CFA and FRV, noting that any decisions or proposals are required to be agreed to between FRV and its industrial body first, describing the impacts of a policy setting that languishes from complete paralysis and stone walling. These industrial arrangements do not exist in any other emergency service across the whole of Australia, and for good reason.
Given the government claimed these arrangements would magically solve all industrial disquiet and dispute, one cannot help but observe the complete insincerity those statements appear in hindsight.
The FSIM further observes that while the secondment agreement provided for a review of the operation and effectiveness of the secondment arrangements by 31 October 2021, no such review has been initiated, which is markedly telling of the current political will to sort these arrangements out.
And to finish where I started, am I feeling optimistic that great progress will be made to addressing these fundamental legislative barriers? No, but a new Premier and a refreshed cabinet does provide a face-saving opportunity to set some wrongs right and ensure the Victorian public and volunteer firefighters alike are served by fit for purpose legislation.
The alternative is to squander the opportunity and be publicly lambasted by a future Royal Commission that will no doubt go through the mounting evidence that will expose the rabid political interference that has thwarted and hamstrung one of Australia’s largest and most respected volunteer fire services.
CFA Budget
We continue to monitor budgetary developments closely and were disappointed to learn that government have finally advised CFA of its base funding for the current financial year, announcing it to be $310.43 million. This represents a further $3 million cut to CFA base funding, and now requires the CFA executive to find efficiencies and savings over the next six months.
This cut also masks the additional cut in real terms that comes from increased costs like wages and conditions flowing from recently agreed industrial bargaining arrangements. And while few would begrudge dedicated and loyal CFA personnel from receiving annual increases to address cost of living pressures, the fact that budgets are not increasing to CFA base funding to cover these additional costs means any increases in expenses have to be absorbed by cuts elsewhere.
I fear many of these cuts will come from reduced staff numbers, as this is the only discretionary cost within CFA’s full control.
VFBV has put both government and CFA on notice that any cuts that affect volunteers and front-line service delivery will be documented and raised by whatever means necessary to apply maximum political pressure and ensure the public is aware of what is being done to their emergency services to pay for other follies.
In further news, the government has created an Emergency Services Organisation Finance Board made up of bureaucrats from three government departments including Premier and Cabinet to act as a razor gang of sorts to identify further savings into the future.
All at a time when Victorian’s are relying on their emergency services more often and for increasing more frequent, severe and simultaneous natural disasters and other emergencies driven by population growth and our changing climate.
We will keep brigades appraised of developments and will need your assistance in demanding that governments live up to their promises of supporting and backing Victoria’s selfless emergency service volunteers. Statements of “record funding” are as absurd as they are false, especially when reviewing the ever-decreasing sustainability of CFA’s fleet funding over recent years.
The reality of their support appears very different to the endless quotes and platitudes delivered by our politicians during active emergencies and will require volunteers to call it out.
QLD Floods
On Christmas eve we received a request from QLD for 100 emergency service personnel to be deployed to QLD to assist them with their flood recovery operations.
Twenty teams of four were deployed on 30 December comprising 40 CFA volunteers and 40 SES volunteers equipped with working from heights and chainsaw qualifications. CFA, SES and FFMVic supplied the remaining incident management team and liaison positions.
Given more than 500 CFA volunteer firefighters had only just returned from supporting Queensland’s fire season, these incidents demonstrate the increased demand for our professionally trained volunteers, and the increased occurrences of CFA supporting our SES colleagues with storm and flood, not only at home but interstate.
The fact these weather events are increasingly intersecting with fire season activity should sound the alarm of the critical need to ensure each of our volunteer emergency services are well resourced and supported to ensure they can continue to come to our communities’ aid in times of disaster.
Challenges ahead
Needless to say, I think we are going to have a challenging year ahead, but one I feel we are well prepared for. A little bit like that saying that the strongest steel is forged from fire and being repeatedly struck, I hold the same confidence in our volunteers and our association.
Because we are used to working in emergencies, we are well equipped to face a dynamic ever-changing environment. In my experience, we not only rise to meet the challenge, but usually surpass all expectations. People underestimate us at their peril.
In this vein and in an effort to try and finish on a positive note, I am somewhat buoyed by the increased volunteer participation in our feedback requests and mechanisms. In recent times we have had a number of items out for broader consultation that have elicited significant feedback and comment. And while more controversial changes tend to illicit higher amounts of feedback, I have been really impressed with the depth of feedback and the seriousness in how people have reviewed proposed changes. Blunt yes, but no doubt sincere.
It’s easy to hate as they say, but I continue to be humbled by the respectful and well thought out positions and oppositions to what can sometimes be a complex interplay between various CFA proposed policies, procedures and our volunteer culture.
Know that when you provide this feedback through VFBV channels it is treated with respect and confidentiality and significantly influences VFBV’s advocacy.
Please keep it coming. We’ll continue to develop short surveys on specific changes or policies to assist people provide feedback. It really helps us improve CFA policy, and the more voices the more powerful the weight of our argument. And the more detailed your feedback, the better it equips us to navigate any pushback from on high.
But don’t be discouraged if you don’t want to write pages and pages of feedback. Your questions, simple markup, or even a comment or two can provide really helpful insights.
Don’t forget that our current annual vol survey is open, and will be closing shortly. This is the most simple and most effective way of letting us know what is working and what isn’t. So, if you haven’t yet completed it, please pop over to www.vfbv.com.au/cfa or use the QR code below. You can even ask us for a paper version should you wish and we’ll post one out to you.
Your association is only as strong as your contribution to it, so please help us help you and get involved today. With choppy financial winds on the horizon, I have a feeling we are going to need each other more than ever before.
Survey last chance
This year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey will shortly close.
The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. All responses are confidential, but de-identified results go straight to decision makers. Help us make a difference.
The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing, the gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.
Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey. Paper copies are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.
SOP Reminder
We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) covering Driving.
These SOP’s include: 12.01 Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO Vehicles; 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles; 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles; 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles; 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles; 12.08 Driver Endorsement. Copies of the revised SOP’s are available from the VFBV website.
To assist members in providing feedback, short feedback survey’s have been developed for the two SOP’s with the most significant changes:
SOP 12.01 – Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO vehicles
SOP 12.08 – Driver Endorsement
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Feedback can be provided by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via your local VFBV District Council or Support Officer.
Unreasonable Complaints Policy
We are seeking feedback on a draft policy proposed by CFA to deal with unreasonable complaints.
CFA advises that unreasonable complaints, while a very small proportion of the total number of complaints, might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.
CFA is seeking to ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a compliant might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public while also ensuring that it is applied consistently across CFA.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to this draft policy. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.
2024 State Champs
A reminder that entries and judge and official nominations are now open for the 2024 State Championships to be held in Mooroopna in March and will close on Sunday 18 February.
The State Championships will kick off with the Urban Juniors competing on the weekend of 16 and 17 March. The following weekend, 23 and 24 March, will see competition for the Rural Senior and Junior and Urban Senior Championships take place.
The evening of Saturday 23 March will again see the popular Torchlight Procession take place. Entry in this is open to all brigades competing in the Urban Senior and Rural Championships as well as brigades who are not competing at the State Championships. If your brigade is interested in taking part in the Torchlight Procession as a non-competing brigade please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To enter your team or nominate as a judge or official for any of the four state championships visit the VFBV website.
The VFBV website also has information for competing brigades, dates of local competitions in the lead up to the State Championships and copies of the updated rule books for both the urban and rural championships.
If you want any more information about the 2024 State Championships contact the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9886 1141 for more information.
Presumptive Legislation
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV is pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV is calling on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts.
We have published a national overview table on our website that allows members to compare each of the presumptive schemes in operation across the country. As you will see, Victoria is falling behind other jurisdictions.
VFBV is seeking the support of all government, opposition and minor party MPs including independents to support the amendments introduced by the Greens, that would see Victoria’s scheme expanded to the same 21 cancers that the Tasmanian government has introduced.
Vols on Hols
Mallacoota has been chosen as the trial site for a CFA pilot program called “Vols on Hols” aimed to encourage CFA volunteers who are on holidays and travelling during summer and staying in the area to consider signing up as a co-responder with Mallacoota Fire Brigade.
Mallacoota is a small and remote coastal destination in far East Gippsland that is roughly halfway between Melbourne and Sydney when travelling via the Princes Highway. The town significantly increases in population over summer with an influx of up to 10,000 visitors during peak season.
The pilot program is for operational responders and members who have skills in community education and engagement. Interested members are requested to provide an Expression of Interest. The application is then reviewed, and the member is sent a welcome letter and contacted by the Brigade Captain who will inform the next steps to introduce and induct the visiting member into the brigade.
The brigade is welcoming vols on holidays with open arms and is keen to hear from anyone planning a visit to the area over summer. For more information you can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call D11 Headquarters on 03 5153 7400.
Fire Wise – January 2024 online only edition
The January 2024 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
Now Open – 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Open for Consultation Dashboard
Feedback requested – Unreasonable complaints policy
Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)
2024 State Championships – Entries Now Open
Presumptive Legislation Update
On behalf of VFBV, we wish all members, friends and supporters a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
CFA volunteers work tirelessly to support and protect their communities prevent and suppress fires and other emergencies. We take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our CFA Volunteers for the tremendous work they do in protecting our communities.
To all our volunteer firefighter's on the front line, and to the thousands of others who support in our communities or behind the scenes, well done and thank-you for your incredible contribution year after year.
This year, CFA volunteers have not only protected Victoria, they have travelled interstate to assisit QLD, NT, WA and NSW with their fire seasons. This is CFA's volunteer surge capacity in action and its protection is critical for the safety of all Victorian's.
To the families, employers and supporters of CFA volunteers we say thank you. Your support is crucial to the work our members do in protecting Victorian communities from fire and building safe and resilient communities, 365 days of the year.
May everyone have a safe and Happy Christmas.
Stay safe over the holiday season, and please look out for one another.
VFBV is saddened to hear of the loss of two New South Wales firefighters in the line of duty on Tuesday 12 December.
RFS Group Captain Dale Bowles suffered a medical episode while responding to a car fire in the Moama area on Tuesday afternoon. Dale had been a member of the RFS since 2015 and prior to that had an extensive career with CFA.
Michael Kidd lost his life while responding to a house fire at Grose Vale, north west of Sydney with Fire and Rescue NSW on Tuesday morning. Michael had been a member of Fire and Rescue NSW since 2010 and a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service since 1989.
Our thoughts and our deepest condolences are with the families, friends, loved ones and colleagues of both Dale and Michael.
On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We mourn alongside both Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service during this sad time.
Adam Barnett
Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
CFA WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE |
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To Queensland and back again
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
As another year comes to a close, we again see the value and importance of Victoria’s volunteer surge capacity in action. Over the last couple of months, CFA has provided significant support and resources to Queensland, Northern Territory and NSW with all having experienced significant spring fire seasons. All the while responding to our own busy spring. The lack of government investment to actually support and grow, let alone maintain this volunteer capacity, will leave a very dark stain on this government’s legacy.
Due to the fire conditions experienced in NSW requiring their own resources, Victoria has provided the bulk of support to QLD, with more than 540 CFA members being deployed to support firefighting operations over the last couple of months. More than 85% of those resources were in the form of strike team deployments, with 60 volunteers alone contributing to the mammoth logistical exercise of driving our CFA tankers all the way up into Queensland and home again.
To put the CFA contribution into context, CFA accounted for 93% of the entire Victorian contribution to the QLD deployments, including providing two-thirds of the IMT resources.
The professionalism of crews has been outstanding, and I wish to pass on the very high praise received from the QLD authorities and communities which were so grateful to receive our trucks and firefighters in their hours of need. All deployed members have done us proud, and we cannot forget the thousands of additional members at group and brigade level who coordinated deployment rosters and the like, and those that remained available to respond locally in order for these deployments to be possible.
And while not without blemish, campaign logistics overall have been relatively smooth and well received by members. Thank-you to those who have provided feedback on their deployments.
Following our own share of fire activity during spring, we are now as at writing, experiencing a significant rain event across Victoria, with members now responding to localised flooding. And while these rains provide a short reprieve from this year’s fire season, experience tells us that the accelerated growth of fine fuels that will result from these downpours will need to be carefully watched in the warmer and drier months approaching. Early summer rains are not unusual, and while public perception will likely dampen, we need to remain vigilant as we approach the fire danger period.
In a sign of elevated preparedness at the local level, I wish to congratulate all those brigades that have completed this year’s pre-season preparedness work, including the Chief Officer’s mandatory requirements. Our delegates to our Operations Joint Committees were pleased to observe an increase across the board of the number of brigades having completed their requirements which is trending ahead of last year, with more than 16,000 volunteers having already completed their burn over drills and tree hazard awareness in preparation for the FDP. Well done and keep it up. If you have yet to complete your annual skills maintenance, I encourage you to get it in before summer proper returns with a vengeance.
Vale
We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic in the line of duty death of NSW volunteer Captain Leo Fransen, of the NSW Diamond Beach Rural Fire Brigade. Captain Fransen was tragically struck by a tree whilst fighting the Hudson Fire in northern NSW on the 16th November.
His crew members immediately provided initial treatment until the arrival of paramedics. Captain Fransen was part of a RFS strike team that had been sent to the area from the NSW mid-coast and were on their first day of deployment. The crews were battling the fire in and around the small mining community of Glengarry.
I have passed on our heartfelt condolences on behalf of all CFA volunteers to NSW RFS. We express our deepest sorrow to Captain Fransen’s brigade, and his family including wife Margaret, daughter Julia, son Paul and his extended family and fellow peers across the fire service. We mourn alongside them and stand in solidarity with all our fellow RFS volunteers across NSW during this sad time.
Vol Survey
If you haven’t yet completed this years vol survey, could I please urge you to do so ASAP. The annual survey is one of the single more effective ways for your voice to contribute to making CFA a better place to volunteer. Thousands of voices lend real weight to the issues raised, and our ability to track volunteer morale and sentiment on key areas chosen by volunteers makes a real difference.
When I speak to volunteers who have not done the survey, many tell me they think it makes no difference and believe CFA just ignore us anyway. Let me assure you this could not be further from the truth. And while progress is far slower than anyone would like, those who have been in emergency services for a while will tell you, it takes great persistence and strong advocacy to affect change.
Rather than give up because it’s hard, we are simply driven to push and try twice as hard to move the needle. This is why we need your help, and more voices add credibility and weight to the results. It only takes 10 minutes, but its effects can last for years, so please consider doing it right now while its fresh in your mind. Use the QR code below, or visit vfbv.com.au/cfa
Flood Inquiry
The Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria is continuing with public hearings. You can view extracts of those hearings by visiting the inquiries page on the Parliament of Victoria website.
The emotional and passionate stories from those affected by the floods is both moving and humbling.
We are monitoring the inquiries progress closely. VFBV submitted a comprehensive submission to the inquiry covering the areas of greatest concern to CFA volunteers.
I was distraught to review the hearing featuring representatives from EMV, SES and the Department of Justice and Community Safety, who batted off questions regarding the lack of interagency after action reviews and the disbandment of the volunteer consultative forum with weasel words and empty rhetoric better found on a hallmark card.
If their answers truly represent the level of respect for the views and opinions of volunteer first responders who provide the overwhelming majority of the workforce in battling natural disasters and other emergencies across Victoria, then no wonder volunteer morale is what it is.
To hear EMV brush off the need for an interagency after-action review by claiming they have a “real time monitoring evaluation” system in place is beyond comical. To then throw SES under the bus by then claiming that due to the fact SES was the lead agency it was SES’s responsibility to lead a multiagency AAR, is frankly so far beyond the pale it is incredulous to think anyone would take it seriously.
SES’s response wasn’t much better, but we can at least be sympathetic to the argument that campaign fatigue from any agency that was overwhelmed during a long flood and storm campaign is understandable. Leaving the decision to run a review to the responsible agency smacks of coverup.
Thankfully, it was clear many of the MPs sitting on the Flood Inquiry Committee didn’t buy the dog and pony show either. They were likely heavily influenced by the almost universal criticism from councils, volunteer first responders and non-response agencies who voiced concerns at public hearings. I think MP Wendy Lovell put it best when she said “this will be the first major emergency event in my 21 years in Parliament that I have not seen a multiagency review”. MP Melina Bath was also spot on when she met EMV’s claim about how much they valued the volunteer consultative forum, rebuking that assertion with absolute scepticism asking then why did they abolish it? Yes, actions do speak louder than words.
One only needs to review the government’s submission that claims EMV was created to achieve “efficient governance arrangements that clarify roles and responsibilities, embed cooperation across agencies, and ensure emergency management reform is coordinated across the sector” to appreciate how far it has walked away from its coordinating role.
No one is listening to assurances coming from a government bureaucracy that refuses to engage directly with volunteer first responders and their peak bodies and is more interested in pumping out brochures and media statements than actually supporting, empowering and encouraging its frontline volunteer workforce.
The VFBV Board and State Council have reviewed the sector’s recent approach to engaging in genuine after-action reviews and determined they do not encourage nor facilitate genuine feedback from those on the front line. In conclusion, we have little confidence the sector will prioritise or make genuine attempts to fix it, as it is clear they are not interested in anything that might actually implement some accountability for how volunteers are treated.
With this in mind, VFBV will undertake developing its own volunteer “real time” monitoring systems to support our first responders in providing field-based observations on the topics that affect their morale, welfare and efficiency during campaigns that we will then use to inform public advocacy. And while we should not have to take on this responsibility, we cannot continue to allow Victoria’s emergency management volunteers to be systematically ignored and neglected in Victoria’s emergency management arrangements.
While it is unlikely to be ready for this year’s fire season, we will develop our systems in bite sized chunks and roll it out as we can. Stay tuned, and please never forget, that what you do matters and makes an incredible difference to your communities and those you help.
You are with people on the worst day of their lives, and through your training, commitment and professionalism, you provide what is sometimes the only ray of light and hope in what is otherwise a very dark time. Thank-you for your continued commitment to volunteering, and please stay safe as we again march towards this year’s fire danger period.
Survey now open
This year’s VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey is open. The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. All responses are confidential, but de-identified results go straight to decision makers. Help us make a difference.
The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing, the gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.
A high VolWEL is a sign that things are not working well, while a low VolWEL is a sign that things are working well. Any VolWEL over 2.0 indicates a large to critical gap is emerging and volunteers are highly dissatisfied with arrangements requiring priority attention.
Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey. Paper copies are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.
SOP Consultation
We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering Driving.
These SOPs include: 12.01 Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO Vehicles; 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles; 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles; 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles; 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles; 12.08 Driver Endorsement. Copies of the revised SOPs are available from the VFBV website.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to these documents. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.
Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.
Unreasonable Complaints Policy
We are seeking feedback on a draft policy proposed by CFA to deal with unreasonable complaints.
CFA advises that unreasonable complaints, while a very small proportion of the total number of complaints, might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member, or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.
CFA is seeking ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a complaint might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public and ensure it is applied consistently across CFA.
VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to this draft policy. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.
State Champs entries
Entries are now open for the 2024 State Championships to be held in Mooroopna over two consecutive weekends in March 2024. The two weekends of competition will be an exciting celebration and showcase of CFA and the championships. All team entries and judge and official nominations will close on Sunday 18th February 2024.
The Urban Junior Championship will take place on the 16 and 17 March, with the Rural Junior, Rural Senior and Urban Senior Championships all taking place the following weekend on 23 and 24 March.
The 2024 State Championships entries will be collected online, please visit the VFBV website for links to enter your team or to register as a judge or official for any of the State Championships. Brigades who haven’t competed previously or used to compete are encouraged to consider entering a team in the 2024 Championships.
Alongside the competition on the tracks, the popular Torchlight Procession will again take place on Saturday 23 March. Participation in the Torchlight Procession is open to brigades competing in the Urban and Rural Senior Championships as well as non-competing brigades. If your brigade is interested in taking part in the Torchlight Procession please contact the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The VFBV website also has information for competing brigades, updated rule books for both the rural and urban competitions as well as lists of the local competitions being conducted in the lead up to the State Championships.
If you require assistance during the requisition process or for more information about the Championships please contact the VFBV office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9886 1141.
Presumptive Legislation
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV is pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV is calling on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts, and firefighters in Tasmania and Western Australia.
We have published a national overview table on our website that allows members to compare each of the presumptive schemes in operation across the country. As you will see, Victoria is falling behind other jurisdictions.
VFBV is seeking the support of all government, opposition and minor party MP’s including independents to support the amendments introduced by the Greens, that would see Victoria’s scheme expanded to the same 21 cancers that the Tasmanian government has introduced.
Marking 25 years since Linton
December 2, 2023 marks 25 years since the loss of five Geelong West volunteer firefighters that died during the Linton blaze. The fire had started on private property and spread through more than 600 hectares of bush and farmland. Tragedy struck when a savage wind change swept through earlier than expected.
We honour and remember the loss of firefighters Christopher Evans (27), Garry Vredeveldt (47), Stuart Davidson (28), Jason Thomas (25) and Matthew Armstrong (17).
This devastating loss of five volunteers became the catalyst for improved changes in firefighter training and fireground safety which has potentially saved many lives since.
Some key improvements implemented as a result of the learnings from Linton have been the introduction of low water alarms on fire trucks to inform crews when water is low, the introduction of minimum skills for all firefighters (now known as General Firefighter), improved PPC and equipment as well as new operating procedures for mandatory wind warnings when wind changes are imminent.
On behalf of the VFBV Board, CEO and all members we pay our respects and honour the Geelong West crew of Chris, Garry, Stuart, Jason and Matthew. We give thanks for their devotion to duty and offer our thoughts and prayers for all those affected by this tragic loss 25 years ago.
International Volunteer Day
“If everyone did” is the theme for International Volunteer Day in 2023.
International Volunteer Day is celebrated each year on 5 December as a day to acknowledge volunteers and the spirit of volunteerism. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, and mandated as an international observance to be celebrated each year on the 5th December.
This year the theme “If everyone did” is a way to recognise the power of collective action. If everyone volunteered the world would be a better place.
We can see each and every day the benefits provided by CFA volunteers going above and beyond to ensure that their local communities and communities right across Victoria and Australia are safe and protected from fire and other emergencies.
Only recently were we again reminded of the strong camaraderie between fire services with CFA volunteers giving up their time to travel interstate on strike teams to protect communities in Queensland.
It’s not just those who serve on the frontline as firefighters who make CFA a better place, it’s also the members who take on other roles such as community safety, administration, fire equipment maintenance or even just ensuring that the trucks are washed and restowed for the next call out. It is also a day to recognise those who take on additional roles with VFBV, such as Brigade or Group Delegate, District Council Executive, State Councillor or as a representative on working parties and VFBV/CFA Joint Committees to ensure that volunteers are represented, and their voice is heard.
Victoria’s volunteer surge capacity provided by CFA volunteers demonstrates the great power and what can be achieved by everyone lending a hand.
CFA’s volunteers show up each and every day with their expertise and experience in often very testing situations. We are proud of all out volunteers and acknowledge the incredible work they do every day in keeping their communities safe and building community resilience for a safer Victoria.
Quarterly Supplement
Included with the December 2023 edition of Fire Wise is the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates, information on current issues being pursued by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes additional resources or updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Now Open – 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Open for Consultation Dashboard
International Volunteer Day 2023
Feedback Requested - Unreasonable Complaints Policy
Feedback Requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)
2024 State Championships – Entries Now Open
Presumptive Legislation Update
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