VFBV

Victoria’s emergency service women will be acknowledged on International Women’s Day at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the MCG, on Sunday 8 March 2020.

A bay at the MCG has been reserved so that people from across the emergency services sector can sit together for this unique opportunity.

Women from the emergency services in Victoria will be acknowledged as part of the pre-game entertainment. Along with entry to the game, Katy Perry will be providing pre-and post-game entertainment which is included in all tickets.

Tickets for seats in the emergency services bay can be booked until 17 February 2020 via this link http://bit.ly/EMSFINAL2020 (this link is specifically for seating in the emergency services bay and can be used by anyone in the sector to book tickets for themselves, friends and family.) Tickets start at $5.00 for children and $20 for adults.

FIRE SERVICES REFORM MEMBER UPDATE # 3 / 3 FEBRUARY 2019

This News Note supplements the previous two updates provided on the 11th September 2019, 1st November 2019 and our updates via Firewise and newsletters.

Presumptive Legislation 

The Presumptive Rights Compensation part of the Bill became active immediately following the Bills Royal Assent on the 2nd July 2019.

VFBV continues to seek information and clarity around the application process, the assessment process and how results will be reported. This has been slower than expected.

VFBV continues to progress the following issues:

- A clear application process that provides targeted support for the sick firefighter. VFBV continues to raise its concerns around the poor application process, confusing forms and lack of information pack and targeted support for sick firefighters presenting to the process.

- VFBV has raised its concerns with the level of assessment being conducted by the Advisory Panel for volunteer claims. The commitment provided by Government and Parliamentarians was for an easy “tick and flick” type process to simply determine if a volunteer was operational or not. Early indications are the Advisory Panel is requesting very detailed information about the activity levels of volunteer applications (which do not apply to career firefighters) to assess the “reasonably extent necessary” portion of the legislation. We will continue to investigate and monitor.

- We are in discussions with Government and Worksafe about how to report on the results of cases presented to the Advisory Panel. Early indications are the majority of cases have been supported. We are seeking a process for public reporting of results, while maintaining individual confidentially.

Government are facilitating additional meetings between VFBV and Worksafe to resolve these issues over the coming weeks, and we will update members on progress.

Strategic Governance

The VFBV Reference Group continues to monitor the strategic governance layer. Members of the group have raised concerns with the slower than expected progress and lack of detail that has been available for consultation. The group is seeking better reporting of actions underway by the Agency Coordination & Transition Group, as well as the working parties in order to better understand current progress. Anxiety is building that timelines are becoming very tight and very little time will be left to openly consult and engage before the deadlines for decisions.

Despite slow progress, our assessment is this is largely due to the under-estimation of the complexity of some of the arrangements that will need to be in place to support aspects of reform, as well as operational workload that has impacted agency resources to progress certain work parcels. VFBV does not underestimate the difficulty in trying to align the expectations of all the different stakeholders and is working constructively with EMV and Government to find solutions to better support open engagement and consultation, however we continue to express the feelings of members that very little information is actually available to discuss and engage on.
VFBV will continue to advocate for enough time to consult with volunteers on issues prior to decisions being made, and arrangements that facilitate this approach.

Engagement

VFBV continues to express its position that strong engagement and communication with the field is required to keep members engaged and involved in discussions, and the lack of communications and field engagement is significantly impacting on morale.

In positive news, CFA have responded by advising they are now scheduling targeted engagement sessions for each affected Integrated Brigade and any Group that contains an Integrated Brigade in their catchment. The sessions will occur between the 3rd February and the 3rd March. These sessions will cover;

- an overall Fire Services reform update

- a workshop on the future CFA

- a question and answer session.

VFBV supports these engagement activities and encourages volunteers to be involved. CFA has provided a schedule of current visits which are attached at the bottom of this page. We will continue to help promote the dates and times as we become aware of them. If members could please provide feedback to State Councillors and VFBV Support Officers as to how these sessions go and if you are receiving the information you need and opportunity for feedback and comment.


Appliance Allocation

VFBV has been requested to provide feedback on a draft set of principles for appliance allocation between CFA and FRV. These principles only apply to appliances located at Integrated Brigades and the two staff only CFA Brigades. In principle, VFBV has indicated support for;

- Any primary appliance which is currently crewed under Schedule 1 of the EBA is to be transferred to FRV. (This reflects current practice at the majority of Integrated Brigades.)

- If an appliance does not have fulltime crew allocated to it, then it will remain with CFA. (This supports the Unions ban on cross-crewing of appliances.)

- All Brigade owned vehicles at integrated locations will remain with CFA

- All ground observing vehicles and forward command vehicles will be retained by CFA

VFBV has requested that each Brigade be individually engaged to assess what equipment is stowed on each appliance being transferred from CFA to FRV. Where equipment has been purchased by Brigades or through volunteer grants that are above standard stowage and are currently on an appliance to be transferred to FRV, VFBV has advocated for a discussion to occur between the Brigade and the career staff to determine the fairest way to allocate the equipment. We have suggested that Brigades should have the option of choosing to donate the equipment, agree to a formal sharing arrangement, or seek replacement/reimbursement. VFBV has requested that the senior volunteer at each integrated brigade should be provided a formal opportunity to dispute any allocation – prior to Ministerial sign-off.

CFA has indicated its support for the BA Vans at Ballarat, Bendigo, Corio and Frankston to also be transferred to FRV. VFBV has indicated that it does not support this position until we have had an opportunity to engage with each of the Brigades affected. This work is currently underway.

If members wish to provide any comment or feedback on these draft principles, if you could please discuss with your local State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer so that your feedback can be considered. Districts Councils will also be encouraged to provide opportunities for discussion at upcoming meetings.

In related news, CFA has provided preliminary information on its proposal to explore a different support arrangement for the supply and refilling of BA cylinders. VFBV has requested additional information in order to establish formal communication and consultation with the field. As soon as this information has been received, VFBV District Councils will be notified and volunteer feedback requested.

Building and Equipment Allocation Statements

EMV has indicated that it wishes to commence the process to identify the building and equipment allocation statement that needs to be prepared for presentation to the Minister.

VFBV has requested a respectful and inclusive process be established that will ensure:

- that volunteers have an opportunity to be present during station visits when asset registers are being reviewed or discussed

- that volunteers have an opportunity to dispute any assets proposed to be transferred to FRV prior to Ministerial sign-off

- that an appeal process be established to resolve any instances where volunteers disagree with CFA’s determination and that any issues remaining unresolved be communicated to the Minister prior to sign-off.

VFBV is also advocating through the Reference Group that integrated Brigades be directly engaged as soon as possible to discuss a Tenancy Agreement. Under the legislation, current CFA Integrated Brigades will be transferred to FRV, with CFA becoming the tenant at those locations where a CFA Brigade will be co-located within what will become a FRV building. It is VFBV’s view that these arrangements need to be documented and agreed well before the July 2020 deadline, in order to allow enough time for genuine discussions and consultation to occur.

Agreement should be reached on arrangements for:

- Continued volunteer access to stations and station amenities

- FOB access to all appropriate shared area’s and facilities

- Arrangements to share access or the use of designated equipment

- How volunteer amenities and spaces will be maintained

- Commitments to ensure volunteer areas, equipment, storage and access are preserved during future station modifications

- Commitment on engine room layout and reserved area’s for appliances

During discussions with many Brigades, it has become clear that a brigade’s comfort level with the proposed reforms are significantly influenced by how they see current arrangements working, and their assumption that things are likely to continue as they are now.

VFBV encourages brigades to document the principles that Brigades feel are important to how they currently interact with integrated brigades. If things have worked well, it is important to document those arrangements so that;

a) they are understood and shared with new personnel or shift changes and;

b) principles can be articulated for inclusion in future doctrine or memorandums of understanding to ensure these arrangements continue in the future

Fire Equipment Maintenance

VFBV has received enquiries from FEM brigades following CFA’s communique to Integrated Brigades last week indicating that FEM boundaries and arrangements remain unknown.

VFBV has been a strong advocate for the continuation of FEM activity for CFA brigades operating in the FRV District.

VFBV was successful in having amendments introduced to the legislation that amended the original 2017 version of the Bill. In the original Bill the power to conduct FEM activities which is provided under the CFA Act s20AA(2)(b) was not included. This power was added via amendment to section 77 which adds a new section 20AB into the CFA Act which outlines what powers a CFA Brigade located in the FRV district can exercise. The amendment adds power s20AA(2)(b) back into the legislation for brigades located within FRV Districts.

It is VFBV’s position based on extensive historical discussion with Government and Minister on the issue of FEM, that arrangements for CFA FEM to operate within the FRV District will remain unchanged to how it works now. It is VFBV’s understanding that the reason for present confusion is that technically the CFA must obtain written consent of the Minister before it can exercise this power. While this is correct, VFBV has no reason to believe that this consent will be withheld, and believes this has not yet occurred simply because the Minister is not able to provide that consent until FRV actually exists.

VFBV will continue to monitor and is pursuing written confirmation of these arrangements.

Fire Rescue Victoria Boundary Maps

On Friday last week, VFBV advised members that VFBV has been provided maps from EMV showing the planned Fire Rescue Victoria boundaries, and requesting VFBV comment. These maps were included in the original 2017 legislation, but require updating to reflect the current boundaries and several staff locations that did not exist at the time of the original 2017 legislation.

The maps are required to define the new FRV District, due to the way the legislation operates. At present, the Metropolitan Fire District is gazetted though maps provided to the Central Planning Office and lodged as part of the MFB Act, with the CFA legislation then determining that any area outside this gazetted metropolitan fire district is defined as ‘the country area of Victoria’ for the purposes of defining CFA areas.

The new legislation operates on a similar basis. FRV areas must be gazetted through plans lodged and appended to the FRV Act, and then all areas outside those are defined as the country area of Victoria.

VFBV has been advised by CFA that;

- These maps mirror CFA’s Assignment areas for each of the current integrated locations

-  Any changes that have occurred to CFA assignment areas since the legislation was first drafted has been through CFA’s internal approval process and consultation stages with affected Brigades, including Brigade signoff

- The largest changes will be to those integrated brigades that didn’t exist back in 2017 – and maps for these locations are therefore new – but again modelled on current CFA response boundaries – with the exception of staff only locations which have operated on a hub and spoke support basis.

VFBV has advised EMV that it will seek consultation on the maps with impacted brigades prior to making comment. This upholds VFBV’s principle that local Brigades will know their areas better than anyone, and the only way for the maps to be verified is to provide those affected brigades an opportunity to comment.

VFBV has committed to consulting with impacted Brigades prior to providing feedback and is now awaiting confirmation that the maps are current and available. Brigades should only need to look at a map if their current response boundary currently abuts a CFA integrated brigade.

We are told there has been no change to the MFB boundary.

With the exception of the new maps for Latrobe and Lucas – given all other areas have been based on current assignment areas this process should be fairly unremarkable. CFA has also committed to providing the maps for consultation, and we’ll advise as soon as they are ready.

Upcoming Consultation 

CFA has indicated it is preparing for targeted consultation with integrated Brigades around:

- What a viable co-located Brigade will look like and how can they be supported to remain effective and sustainable

- The appropriate Brigade classification and Brigade Operational Skills Profiles for a CFA Brigade operating within an FRV area without a primary area

- Future Community Safety and Community Education roles within the FRV District

- Election of Brigade Captains for former Integrated Brigades

- What support is required for the brigade during the transition period

VFBV continues to encourage volunteers to participate in these sessions, as well as encouraging volunteers to continue discussions amongst themselves to document and discuss how you want the future to look.

VFBV will continue to monitor and is available to provide any support or assistance required. VFBV Support Officers and State Councillors are staying in regular contact with each integrated brigade 1st Lieutenants to offer any assistance or support requested. Several District Councils have also arranged targeted engagement with their integrated brigades to help workshop and discuss idea’s on future operating models.

If Brigades require any additional contact or support, members are encouraged to contact a VFBV Support Officer who will arrange appropriate escalation from either the local level or State to further support the brigade.

Consultative Pathways Reminder 

VFBV facilitates numerous regular state and local consultation forums and engagement activities to ensure that the views of volunteers are known and represented. Through a state-wide network of twenty-one District Councils and elected volunteer representatives, VFBV maintains direct links with grass roots volunteers over their issues, needs and concerns.

District Council members play a key role in being a direct connection between CFA and volunteers, as well as providing advice at a District/Regional level on a wide range of issues affecting volunteers. The District Council will take forward issues and opportunities to help influence policies at the local levels. Members are reminded to stay engaged and connected with your local District Councils, and for members to explore local solutions for local problems.

The role of District Councils is to:

i. Provide a forum for affiliated brigades to express volunteer concerns/views.
ii. Help brigades resolve matters of concern at the local level.
iii. Provide volunteer leadership and represent volunteers at CFA District and Regional level.
iv. Provide a conduit for communication and information flow between the Association Board, State Council and brigades/groups.
v. Refer matters that cannot be resolved at the local level to the State Council or CEO.

Victorian Forest Fire Management & Parks Victoria In The Line of Duty Death

VFBV was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Slade who died near Omeo on 12 January. Bill was a Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter and a Parks Victoria employee.

Bill had been a firefighter for over 40 years and was on active duty was part of a taskforce working in the vicinity of Anglers Rest near Omeo when he was struck by a tree.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Bill’s wife and two children, loved ones and colleagues at this time.

On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members we express our heartfelt sorrow and pass on our thoughts and prayers. We are mourning this loss alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria firefighter brethren at this very sad time.

With hundreds of firefighters still battling out of control blazes across the country and with such a long season ahead of us, our thoughts are with all crews and their safety.

Extraordinary Contribution 

By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

In last month’s column I reflected on the incredible contribution that CFA was making to the QLD and NSW campaign fires. Our world-renowned volunteer surge capacity instantly swinging into action to deploy over 2,000 cumulative personnel deployments interstate to NSW and QLD to assist them in their time of need.

And while I write this month’s column, it is estimated that we have again deployed another 2,500 CFA volunteer deployments to deal with the East Gippsland Fires. It is expected that this contribution will significantly increase as the Corryong, Abbeyard and Alpine fires continue to burn, not to mention the NSW fires across the border with another peak fire danger day looming as I write.

To be able to support interstate colleagues and then instantly redeploy to our own increasing operational activity back home demonstrates the incredible size, strength and capacity of our world-renowned volunteer model. Joining us have been hundreds of emergency management volunteers from the relief and recovery sector.

I have been so incredibly proud of our members and brigades as I have observed them swing into action preparing, defending and protecting their communities. I attended and observed community meetings run by local brigades throughout East Gippsland to support and prepare their communities prior to and during emergency warnings and evacuation calls. Over half a million emergency warnings have been delivered by text and land line to communities in danger. With many community members feeling scared, isolated and worried, these meetings have been critical to reinforce the leave early messaging.

On display has been the incredible trust and respect that the public have for their local brigades and volunteers, with many in the fire zones heeding the call to relocate or leave early ahead of critical spike days. This, along with improved community warnings and advice backed up by authentic and honest conversations between brigades and their communities is likely to have been a key contributor to the relatively small number of fatalities experienced during these major bushfires when compared to Black Saturday.

With over a million hectares burnt, three fatalities, the loss of 286 properties and 400 other and out-buildings is an extraordinary outcome. And while we grieve and feel every loss, we must force ourselves to recognise the sheer size and scope of what has been saved.

VFBV delegates and officials have been on the ground working alongside affected brigades and members - ensuring welfare support and recovery resources are made available as soon as possible. With many communities still inaccessible, this work continues. Any member, brigade or group who requires any assistance or support should reach out to a VFBV State Councillor or Support Officer as soon as possible so we can arrange any additional or specialist support you may require.

Meeting with members directly impacted has been a deeply humbling and moving experience and one that I will struggle to put into words. The resilience, outlook and humility of our people, some who have lost so much has been truly inspirational. Through the very worst of times, we see the very best in people shine through. The generosity and care for others that has been shown by people directly impacted has been truly amazing, as too has the outpouring of appreciation and support by the wider public for everyone involved.

To all CFA members and those from our partner emergency service and recovery agencies thank-you. To all the incredible people assisting with relief centres and restoring access and essential services to impacted communities thank-you. To those of you contributing to welfare support of not just our own members but fellow Victorians - thankyou. Those of you in your local areas making yourselves available so fellow members can be deployed on strike teams further afield – thankyou. It is our collective efforts that make our response to these significant events so effective and admired across the world. Well done and thank-you. Be proud of your efforts and the part you have played.

I also want to make special reference to our emergency broadcasters who have done a wonderful job under very testing circumstances. The number of emergency warnings alone has put enormous pressure on them, and their calm and professional approach has been magnificent.

I will repeat what I said last month regarding fatigue and watching out for each other to guard against overcommitment. It is in our nature to put others ahead of ourselves. Please look out for each other to ensure your commitments are sustainable and as least disruptive to your families, careers and work/life balance as possible. During disaster, I understand the incredible drive you each have to give your all and rush to the aid of others. This will be a long season and we will need to pace ourselves.

For those of you who have been deployed and come across some challenging arrangements that have tested your patience and goodwill - try not to let it get you down. Make a note of it and ensure you raise it during future debriefs and post season reviews that are sure to follow. We all need to have a real good think about how some of these systemic frustrations continue to occur every season and how we might work with CFA to fix them in the future once and for all. Many of you are understandably tired and frustrated. Please be kind to one another. I say that not to patronize but to reassure. We are all in this together, and our communities are looking to us for hope, leadership and reassurance. There will be plenty of time to review and reflect. Its not about ignoring or brushing it under the rug, but for now our focus is responding to our community’s needs.

VALE

I along with you were heartbroken to learn of the recent in the line of duty deaths of three NSW RFS firefighters, and one Victorian firefighter from Forest Fire Management Victoria. On behalf of VFBV, CFA volunteers and all members I express our deepest sorrow and pass on our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, loved ones, fellow brigade members and work colleagues. We mourn alongside our NSW and Victorian forest firefighter brethren for these devastating losses.

Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Volunteer Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, both from Horsley Park Fire Brigade were tragically killed while on duty at the Green Wattle Creek fireground, near Buxton in south western Sydney on the evening of Thursday 19 December 2019.

Volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul, a member of Morven Rural Fire Brigade, was tragically killed while on duty at the Green Valley fireground east of Albury NSW on the evening of Monday 30 December 2019.

Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighter Mat Kavanagh died on Friday 3rd January 2020 when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the Goulburn Valley Highway Victoria.

Each of these firefighters were bravely defending their communities at the time of their deaths and their sacrifice and service will be forever remembered.

Our thoughts are also with all the other firefighters who were injured alongside each of these during the accidents. I pass on our thanks and gratitude to our fellow emergency service workers who were involved and assisting members at each of the scenes.

STAY SAFE

To all members, please take care of yourselves and stay safe for what will be an extended fire season.

We will stand by our communities for as long as they need us. After the fires have passed, we will then shift our focus to assisting with their recovery. And just like the fire ravaged landscape will heal and regrow, so will our resolve and dedication to helping our communities rebuild. Be proud of what you have achieved and thank-you for all you do in keeping our communities safe. CFA volunteers – ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

Welfare Fund

The Welfare Fund Committee has moved quickly to provide expedited support for members directly impacted by this season's bushfires. With the large number of members directly impacted, high demand on the fund is expected and is being planned for. Brigades are requested to contact a VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer as soon as they become aware of members requiring assistance.

Bushfire Relief and Recovery Resources 

On the 4th January, VFBV issued a comprehensive News Note to members outlining available bushfire relief and recovery resources, such as Commonwealth, State and VFBV grants available for members impacted by the fire activity. It and updates are available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website. 

An updated News Note outlining additional bushfire relief and recovery resources was released on 16 January and is available from your VFBV District Council or the VFBV website.

A list of support for CFA volunteers that has been generously donated by the corporate sector is also available at our website. Offers from Coles, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and AGL are available to all CFA volunteers as at time of writing. Any additional donations will be progressively added.

National Enquiry on Bushfires

Given the significance of this year’s fire season, affecting multiple States, and the fact that there has already been a Commonwealth response including from the defence force, it is VFBV’s view that some form of review or enquiry into the fire season is inevitable.

Whether the review is a State based inquiry or a Federal one, the principles of this review should remain the same. And while any review has the potential to divert time and effort, volunteers have always taken a cooperative approach to these types of reviews and VFBV’s position is consistent with this.

VFBV also request that decision makers slow down and hold off on finalising any review terms of reference while operational and community effort is still being undertaken on the ground.

To read VFBV’s full statement, visit the VFBV website.  

16/17 year old operational firefighters

A reminder that the views of members on the continued use of 16- and 17-year old’s as operational members is being sought.

With the law classifying any member under the age of 18 as a child, members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.

Brigades, Groups and members are encouraged to discuss at their local District Council meetings, and all members including juniors, parents, fellow brigade members and leaders are encouraged to consider making submission so that all perspectives can be understood and considered.

Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member. Submissions are due by Monday 2nd March 2020.

State Championships Under 18's 

CFA and VFBV have worked together to implement a new registration process for any competitor under the age of 18 taking part in this year’s Horsham or Mooroopna State Championships.

CFA will require all parents and guardians of any person under the age of 18 to provide parental consent and supply relevant personal and medical information of their child, utilising the secure online platform CareMonkey. CareMonkey may be a familiar tool for many parents as it is utilised by many schools, scout groups and sporting clubs across Australia.

Parents and Guardians of junior members participating in this year’s State Championships will be sent a link by CFA via email to their nominated email address which will take them to the required online form to complete.

Simply click on the link, create a profile (if you don’t have one already) and fill out the form. FAQs are available on Brigades Online or you can contact CFA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Spirit of CFA Awards 

Due to the high level of operational activity the deadline for nominations has again been extended to Sunday 1st March 2020. With some of the incredible stories coming from this year’s fire season, this is a terrific opportunity to recognise those people you think make an incredible contribution to CFA.

More information, the criteria for the awards and the process for nomination can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/spiritofcfa 

Cancellation of BA courses

VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee have expressed disappointment and escalated complaints arising from some Districts that are reporting cancellation or non-running of Breathing Apparatus courses due to the rollout of the new MSA BA Sets.

Some trainers have claimed that because training materials have not been rewritten to cover the new MSA sets that they are therefore unable to schedule courses using the current content.

VFBV delegates have strongly criticised this lack of planning and approach and have called on CFA to urgently resolve the issue. VFBV also continues to pursue delays experienced by volunteers attaining BA Search and Rescue components required for internal structural attack. 

VESEP Grants Announced 

Minister Neville recently approved the outcomes for VESEP 2019/20. CFA was awarded $10 million under this year’s program. All applicants either successful or unsuccessful received notification by CFA early this month.

Of the 180 successful CFA grant applications, 43 are replacing or upgrading firefighting and specialist vehicles, 33 volunteer amenities improvements, 63 equipment and 41 minor works projects.

In addition to the Brigade projects, $2.4M has been allocated to state wide initiatives which include:

- Road Crash Rescue Equipment for volunteer Pumpers @ Warragul, Werribee, Berwick & Bacchus Marsh

- Retrofit Kits for loss of Quenchmaster loss of prime for tankers

- Cool Climate Jackets. Final phase completing the order from the VFBV survey results.

- Retrofit non slip steps tankers

- Big Fill Trailer Pumps (single axle) for 4 Regions - North West, South East, South West and West 

- Crew Spray Protection development for Ultra Light Tankers 

- Personal Protective Clothing for chainsaw operations - Phase 1

Emergency Services Foundation Scholarship Scheme

Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) 2020 Scholarships.

ESF scholarships provide an opportunity for paid staff and volunteers from Victorian Emergency Services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. ESF scholarships are granted annually to provide recipients with funds to cover the expense of travel to advance their knowledge and expertise. Typically, four scholarships are awarded each year.

Priority for scholarships in 2020 will be given to applications that address issues of mental health and wellbeing, applications are open to all CFA volunteers and will close on 16 March 2020. With successful applicants announced at the Emergency Management Conference in July 2020.

Further information can be found on the ESF website https://esf.com.au/services/scholarships/ or by contacting Craig Shepherd, Chair of the ESF Scholarship Committee on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0400 124 690.

CFA 2020 Draft Strategy Brochure Consultation 

CFA has released a draft vision brochure that is intended to refine CFA’s identity following the move to becoming a fully volunteer organisation in July next year.

VFBV encourages members to read the draft, and provide feedback and comment.

Members can access the draft via the CFA member logon portal via: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=ourCFAstrategy   

The Brochure combines CFA's Vision and Mission, its Strategic Goals and the brand and narrative work that has been in development over the past year, into a draft document for discussion.

It has been informed by the many conversations and workshops about CFA's long-term strategy, narrative and brand. CFA is keen to share its thinking and, importantly, get feedback from our people – as this represents our future direction.

Feedback can be made via the above link, with the menu option on the left-hand side when that page opens up. Click on "Provide your Feedback".

If you would prefer to provide feedback via a different mechanism, please feel free to send it though to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll pass it directly on.

2020 State Champs

Urban Juniors – Horsham, 22 and 23 February

Urban Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 and 29 March

Rural Seniors – Mooroopna, 28 March

Rural Juniors – Mooroopna, 29 March

Entry forms for the State Rural Senior and Junior Championships are due by 28th February 2020, and are available from the VFBV website or VFBV office.

Although entries for the State Urban Junior & Senior Championships were due 1st December 2019, late entries will be accepted – please contact the VFBV office.

VFBV encourages all Brigades and members to participate - as spectators, team supporters or competitors. There are events for all size teams, from one or two competitors up to eight competitors - and for all ages, genders and abilities.

For Brigades new to competitions needing further information or assistance, please contact your District VFBV Support Officer or the VFBV office.     

Update 2 - replaces original News Note issued 4 January 2020. 

Information concerning bushfire relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated.

This News Note update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. Links to further resources can be found at the bottom of this News Note.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency financial assistance is available to eligible fire-affected community members in Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, East Gippsland, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Indigo, Mansfield, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Towong, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga council areas.

Emergency Relief Assistance Payments

The Personal Hardship Assistance Program payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for Victorians directly impacted by the current bushfire emergency. This payment helps people directly impacted cover the cost of emergency food, accommodation, clothing, medication and personal items.

- Payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child (up to a maximum of $1960 per eligible household).
- The payments are designed to help eligible people experiencing personal and extreme financial hardship due to the fires.
- The payments have strict eligibility requirements and are distributed via a prepaid debit card that can be used to make purchases via EFTPOS or withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
- To find out if you are eligible, visit a relief centre in the area. Go to https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#relief_and_recovery_centres to check which relief centres are open.
- If you have relocated to Melbourne or other areas away from these relief centres you can call: 1800 961 054 (9am – 5pm, 7 days per week) for more information.

Relief payments are NOT available for:

- to cover the costs of cleaning up fallen trees or branches in people's yards

- to cover the cost of repairing fences from fallen trees. If a tree has fallen on your house, please call the SES or your local council for more information.

- to people impacted by power outages. Contact your energy distributor if you have any questions.

- Business losses or compensation for the loss of income

- the replacement of fencing

- motor vehicle repairs or towing

- paying insurance excess

Emergency Re-establishment Payments

Emergency re-establishment assistance is available if your principal place of residence (your home) is uninhabitable for more than seven days because of an emergency.

- Provides up to $42,250 per eligible household experiencing financial hardship, who have been affected by fire at their primary place of residence.

- The grants will be available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.

- Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance.

- https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-hardship-assistance-program

The Department of Health and Human Services is in the process of setting up a team who will begin to undertake re-establishment assessments. If you think you may be eligible for a re-establishment payment, you can speak to the payment assistance helpline 1800 961 054. They will take your details and the department will be in contact soon.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

People in Towong and East Gippsland Local Government areas are eligible for these payments.

- $1000 per adult and $400 per child

- For people who have been seriously injured, have lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or are the immediate family members of a person who has died, as a direct result of the bushfires.

- For further information, visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment

Disaster Recovery Allowance

- Up to 13 weeks income support for those who have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires

- Equivalent to Newstart or Youth Allowance

- Further information is available at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/victorian-bushfires-december-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance

Personal Hardship Grants

Red Cross Emergency Grants

People who have lost homes in the 2019/2020 bushfire season can apply to Australian Red Cross for an emergency grant of $5,000. Emergency grants are available across Australia to people whose primary place of residence has been destroyed or made uninhabitable by the fires since July 2019.

The grants are available to help bushfire-affected people to meet basic recovery needs.

- If your home has been destroyed by a bushfire, please get in touch through their website redcross.org.au/grants. You can also call 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) during business hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

- The grants are part of a broader program to support people and communities affected by severe bushfires across the country. We provide psychological first aid and community support, assist people at evacuation centres, offer information and connect people to services they need.

- Recovery from disasters like bushfires can be long and complex. We know people and communities can manage their own recovery with the right support in place.

VFBV Welfare Fund

The Welfare Fund Committee have established an expedited application and approval process for any CFA volunteer who has lost their primary residence in the recent fires.  

Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship.  Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.

The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.

- Grants up to $5,000

- Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing brigades 

- Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process

Other Services

Financial counselling

The Rural Financial Counselling Service is available to farmers, offering free and independent financial support to primary producers and non-agriculture related small businesses.

The service can be contacted on 1300 735 578.

Financial counsellors are professionals, regulated by federal legislation and employed by not for profit community organisations. They provide information, advice and advocacy support free of charge, assisting people in dealing with life situations involving debt and hardship, dealing with creditors, and stabilising finances. The National Debt Helpline is staffed by financial counsellors and can be contacted on 1800 007 007

Insurance 

If you have property or contents insurance you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire.

- Ask your insurer for advice on actions you should take

- Do not discard or throw away damaged items without first consulting your insurance company

- Make a list of items that have been damaged and take photographs if possible

- Keep receipts for any emergency repair work

For assistance with insurance contact the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621 (24 hour hotline). You can find information on lodging a claim following a disaster here: www.disasters.org.au

Replacing documents and identification

The Australian Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages will replace certificates that were lost in the recent bushfires, free of charge. You can call the Department of Justice on 03 5215 8500 and they will mail the forms to you.

If you've been affected by the recent fires VicRoads can:

- refund your remaining registration without any admin fees for any fire damaged vehicles or,

- replace vehicle and/or boat registration documents required for insurance claims

- replace your licence/learner permit/marine licence card for free.

Visit the VicRoads website for more information: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

Fodder

Landholders needing emergency fodder for livestock should contact the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) on 1300 882 833 between 9am and 5pm or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Superannuation

Early access on compassionate grounds: 1300 131 060 

Accommodation
If you’ve been displaced or are helping with relief efforts, you can book free accommodation between 2 January 2020 and 16 January 2020. More information can be found on the Airbnb website https://www.airbnb.com.au/openhomes/disaster-relief/victoriabushfires20?af=196660319&c=general_DRR_victoriabushfires20_2020Q1

Banks
Westpac, Bendigo Bank, Bank of Melbourne, Bank Australia and ANZ have announced Disaster Relief Packages is available for customers who are suffering hardship as a result of the recent fires.

CommBank's Emergency Assistance Package is for customers and businesses affected by bushfires and also to all volunteer firefighters. The package includes loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.

Donations

Material goods are not requested at this time. Clothing and supplies is difficult to transport to fire affected areas and relief centres have been inundated with donations. The best way the public can help is by donating money to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal or to a registered not-for-profit organisation helping with the relief and recovery effort (or to a local Community Relief Fund, if established).

Bendigo Bank has established a Bushfire Disaster Appeal to support community members affected by the recent bushfires in East Gippsland and Hume.

You can donate at: https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/

National appeals such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross can be accessed from:

Salvation Army: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal

Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-new-years-eve?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialorganic&utm_campaign=201913_drr_disaster-relief-and-recovery_don_transient_bushfires_none

Information on how members of the public can donate to CFA Brigades can be found at: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa

VFBV Welfare Fund Donations

VFBV delegate and officials are working with affected Brigades to access support available through the VFBV Welfare Fund. With the large number of members directly impacted, we are expecting high demand.

If Brigades and members wish to donate to the VFBV Welfare Fund they can do so by making a deposit to the following account:

 If you email details of your deposit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a receipt can be arranged.

CFA Volunteer Corporate Donations and Assistance 

The following companies are offering discounts or promotions for CFA Volunteers in appreciation of your service.

Telstra will cover the cost of mobile phone bills for volunteer firefighters over the period of December and January.  This available to all volunteer firefighters registered with the official volunteer fire services within their state, such as the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and the Regional Fire Service (RFS). Additionally, if an eligible volunteer has a Pre-Paid mobile service they can instead receive 10GB of prepaid data and free calls with a 30-day expiry to their nominated Pre-Paid service number.  Firefighter volunteers should contact Telstra on 13 22 03 when convenient to register for the free calls over December and January.

Optus will waiver the costs of eligible volunteer firefighters’ mobile services for December 2019 and January 2020. If you’re an active volunteer firefighter with an Optus bill, call 1300 301 671 to see if you qualify.

Vodafone will waive any mobile network usage charges for all volunteer firefighters during December and January.  To be eligible for a credit for December 2019 and January 2020 bills, Volunteers customers can call 1300 650 410 or visit a local Vodafone store and quote their official volunteer ID number and a credit for service charges will be applied to their Vodafone account.

Coles have offered a $500 voucher to each CFA brigade.  Brigades should have been provided with a unique link to claim this voucher.   For further information about this donation, please contact Sally Bodman from the Communications & Stakeholders Relations directorate on 03 9262 8389 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

AGL is offering CFA volunteers a $150 credit on their next power or gas bill. The offer is open to current and new AGL customers who volunteer with CFA. To access this offer, call 13 12 45. The customer service centres are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Alinta Energy is offering $200 credit to be applied to your Alinta Energy account. Simply fill out an enquiry form and they will get in contact with you with the details or call them on 13 37 02. Please make sure to choose “Volunteer Firefighter” as the Enquiry type and include your Alinta Energy Customer Account Number and your Volunteer ID Number for the state fire service you are a part of.

Lumo Energy is offering $200 bill credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Lumo Energy customers (regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Lumo Energy Customer Care Team on 1300 714 563. 

Red Energy is offering $200 bull credit for all volunteer firefighters who are Red Energy customers regardless of where they live). To access this offer contact the Red Energy Customer Care Team on 131 806. 

Southern Phone is waiving all internet, broadband, mobile and home phone usage fees and charges for volunteer firefighters and SES volunteers involved in the bushfire disaster. To access this offer, contact Southern Phone on 13 14 64. 

Woolworths is offering a 10% discount in store for Emergency Services and Volunteer Firefighters at Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, BWS and Dan Murhpy's from 21 January 2020 through to 31 January 2020. Offer only available in store and upon presentation of valid Emergency Services ID. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. 

 
Member Welfare and Support 

Support services are available to provide you additional support:  

Lifeline:  13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.

Further Resources 

EMV:   http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#financial_assistance 

CFA Donations: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/donate1 

Offers Available to Members: https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=BushfireSupportAssistance