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Members would be hearing via the media this morning, that the Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister James Merlino have announced a major restructure of Victoria's Fire Services. We have not been provided with any details or information and are learning everything as you are via the media. Comments by Minister Merlino that VFBV has been consulted about these changes are false and misleading. VFBV CEO has requested an urgent meeting with Minister Merlino today - and this is scheduled to occur this afternoon. This will be the first and only detail provided by the Minsiter to the VFBV regarding these structural changes to date.
As soon as we have details, we will make them available.
The decision of the Andrews State Cabinet to ram through changes to Victoria’s fire services without public and CFA volunteer consultation disregards Victoria’s community safety needs.
It is simply bad government.
Under the CFA Act volunteers must be fully consulted on any proposed change by government that affects their organisation, operations, service delivery, support and rights, before any decision is made. This ensures decisions are made based on all aspects of community safety. Today’s decision has never been a matter discussed or subject of consultation with CFA volunteers, which is a legal requirement of the CFA Act.
Applications are due to your Operations Manager by the 16th June.
The Minister for Emergency Services has announced the opening of this years VESEP (Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program).
VESEP provides funding to assist emergency service volunteers in acquiring a wide range of ancillary equipment in recognition of your significant contribution in supporting Victorian communities in times of emergency. The funding formula for the program in most instances provides for $2 for $1 of Brigade/Group funding.
The program launched in the year 2000, which back then was called the CSESP Program (Community Safety Emergency Support Program) and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers and achieved the goal of having an annual grants program for volunteers - designed by volunteers, with a low paperwork requirement, $2 in grant money for every $1 of local contribution for sustainability and local buy-in, local driven priorities with annual strategic state initiatives, robust district/region and state volunteer peer review and a quick and timely approval and notification process to the successful brigades and groups.
Since its inception, the program has completed over 1,400 projects totalling more than $105 million dollars.
VFBV have put together an Application Help Pack and Case Studies to assist Brigades and Groups with their applications. This pack offers practical suggestions and complements CFA’s Guidelines and the 2017/2018 Application forms.
The pack is available for download below, or if Brigades would like a printed copy posted to them, then please call the VFBV Office on 9886 1141
Members can also contact their local VFBV State Councillors and/or VFBV Support Officers for any additional information or assistance with their applications. Previous years Case Studies can be downloaded from here.
We wish all Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thank you for your untiring service to Victoria!
Editorial: Remember, Celebrate, Respect
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
As this edition of ‘Fire Wise’ hits the streets our calendar brings us to three quite different and important reminders. Firstly, St Florien’s Day or International Firefighters Day on 4 May, when firefighters and communities across the world show support and recognition of our firefighters commitment and dedication, remember those lost or injured in the line of duty and say thank you.
And on Sunday 7 May many of us will have come together at Churchill or at other special places to remember CFA members who have given their lives in service to protecting their communities. My thoughts and prayers are for the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died in the line of duty and also for all those that have suffered loss or injury or sickness through their work, dedication and commitment to protecting their communities.
The second week of May (from 8–14 May) is National Volunteer Week, an annual and national celebration to acknowledge the generous commitment of our volunteers.
Generally our CFA volunteers shy away from recognition or thanks but I think it is really important for every volunteer to take a moment to reflect on the incredible and essential contribution you make to your communities and to communities across Victoria and beyond. You should feel good and be immensely proud of what you do, your professionalism and your commitment deserves to be celebrated.
Numerous reviews have documented and acknowledged that CFA’s volunteer based resource model is the only approach capable of economically and practically dealing with the number, scale and simultaneous occurrence of fires and other emergencies experienced in Victoria.
The CFA volunteers’ contribution to the community is incalculable with the value of labour alone estimated to be in excess of one billion dollars per year, let alone the contribution to community resilience, social connections, local knowledge and the substantial replacement cost or capacity loss if volunteers weren’t there.
There will be plenty of celebration and recognition for the work you do and my everlasting hope is that decision makers and others who influence public policy will continue to understand and respect the capacity, professionalism and essential contribution CFA volunteers make to public safety.
CFA is a modern and contemporary fire and emergency service, protecting not just country Victoria but also to more than 60% of metropolitan Melbourne and provincial centres and townships across the State. I am hopeful that times like National Volunteer Week can be used as a catalyst to remind everyone of the vital and huge volunteer resource that currently exists in CFA and other emergency service volunteers.
We also need to take the opportunity provided by National Volunteer Week to recognise and thank those who appreciate, respect and support the work we do as volunteers. To the families, employers, friends, decision makers; to the paid staff who work with and in support of volunteers; to our brother and sister volunteers in other agencies; and to our communities – THANK YOU for your ongoing support and respect.
As I write this, it would be foolish to ignore the fact that there is significant disquiet amongst many in our volunteer ranks. I understand this and desperately wish I could fix it. Over the past year and months I am constantly approached by volunteers and brigades who are concerned that the capacity, professionalism and essential need for our CFA volunteers may have been forgotten by some decision makers and politicians. Again, it would be foolish to ignore the actions and public messaging that give rise to this feeling.
Rather than sit and wait for the train wreck, I want to encourage all of you to use this month to get out and be loud about what volunteers do and what needs to be done to maintain and grow this wonderful resource for future generations. Please activate now, talk to everyone you know, to your local member of parliament, to your local community clubs and networks – thank them for their support; educate them if they are not aware of what you do; ask for their support to ensure the CFA model is respected, supported and sustained; and explain to them the consequence of a future where CFA volunteer capacity is reduced or where the cost of the fire service levy goes through the roof due to lack of respect and support for volunteers.
Explain the integral relationship between CFA volunteers in your local community and the surge capacity support that can be drawn from CFA volunteers across outer metropolitan Melbourne and other parts of Victoria when required.
And, in preparation for the potential that the rumoured CFA carve up could be a real backroom plan, explain to them the breadth of services and risk environments CFA volunteer brigades currently provide; the vital CFA surge capacity that the whole CFA volunteer network provides for Victoria; the way volunteer brigades can be supported (not replaced) by paid staff in busy areas so that CFA can maintain service to growing communities and at the same time retain the important surge capacity that comes from the brigades in these busy urbanised areas.
Help them understand that talk of carving CFA up into a paid urban service and a volunteer bushfire service, just to satisfy an industrial agenda, is a costly and potentially disastrous nonsense. Ask them to be ready to help you send a loud message to protect CFA and the CFA volunteer ethos.
Sadly I know lots of volunteers who are feeling fed up and many who have already either withdrawn, resigned or preparing to resign. My message to everyone is that we need to stay, we need to continue to serve our communities and we need to stay proud about the work we do.
Please be really clear, nothing in this message is about being anti change, or anti paid staff or anti Government. Of course we need to evolve and change as communities change, of course we need to grow and adapt our capacity to meet changing community needs and of course we need to support and be supported by paid staff in various roles. Our paid CFA staff, along with all of the paid workers and other volunteers in the emergency sector, do a fantastic job and it is vitally important that we respect one another and work well together as one team.
But my message is strong on several key points and that is that any contemplation of change to the CFA model must not be done just to pacify an industrial agenda or secret deal; must not be done without transparent, fair and genuine consultation with volunteers; and must not be driven by anything other than the interests of the community.
And if the play is foul, we should call it, protest it and actively contest it. Please stay in touch via your local VFBV delegates and VFBV website for further updates.
Planned Burning as Training
For many years, VFBV has been calling for a holistic approach to planned burning, and for CFA to promote the training advantages of participating in planned burns. Planned burns allow newer members to observe and learn fire behaviour, and provide an opportunity for experienced veterans to pass on their knowledge to others.
Volunteers on the VFBV/CFA Joint Community Safety Committee are pleased to see that recent planned burns have developed into exercises, not just in fire behaviour and fuel load interactions but are also offering learnings in weather behaviour, impact on flora and fauna, bush heritage and Indigenous fire management practices.
The camps provide practical hands-on experience and each participant is tasked with both coaching and mentoring roles, allowing involvement by volunteers across all aspects of the planned burn.
Recent camps have also involved Traditional Owners, Trust for Nature (landowners) bird scientists, Forest Fire Management Victoria staff, plantation owners and CFA career staff. The exercises worked well, building valuable relationships and creating an atmosphere of co-operation in complex burn scenarios. The Committee has requested CFA promote the camps and provide brigades with opportunities to become involved in upcoming Burn Camps. Brigades are encouraged to keep an eye out for future burn camps and get involved.
Medium Tanker Evaluation
VFBV will shortly be conducting volunteer evaluation of current build Medium Tankers.
The purpose of the evaluation is to gather feedback from Brigades that have been issued with Medium Tankers and assess how the cab chassis, locker configuration and base equipment is operating, and if there are any areas of improvement that could be suggested for future builds.
Part of a continuous improvement initiative, VFBV has offered to run the evaluation and will shortly be inviting feedback from any members who wish to provide their thoughts and experiences of how the Medium Tankers are working in the field.
Keep an eye out for the survey and if you have any feedback or design ideas that you think would benefit future builds – please get involved.
Hazardous Tree
In order to comply with EMV’s Joint Standard Operating Procedure J8.03 CFA is required to update and distribute its Hazardous Tree awareness and training materials, and ensure all members responding to bushfire incidents have undergone the new Hazardous Tree Management information training package.
During discussions, VFBV has reiterated its position that all training be made available to volunteers via flexible methods, multiple mediums and that blended learning models be supported where possible.
CFA has advised that it has incorporated these principles in its proposed package, and has developed processes that will minimise disruption to individual members, but still meet the required learning outcomes. Given the risk that hazardous tree’s presents to firefighters, VFBV has supported this training being made a high priority item before the next fire season.
Brigades and members are encouraged to undertake the awareness package (which can be delivered online, on DVD or by Brigades/Groups) at their earliest opportunity.
ROP Safety Cushions
The Joint Equipment & Infrastructure Committee reviewed volunteer feedback from the field trails over the summer season of the Tanker ROP Safety Cushion prototypes.
These cushions have been designed to minimise the vibration of the vehicle and road being transferred into the spine and back of members, and prevent members being slid from side to side and coming in contact with the ROPS during travel.
Feedback was overwhelming positive, with the Committee selecting a design and material and recommending a funding proposal be prepared to advance a retro-fit roll-out of the cushions to all Tankers with external ROPs.
We will keep you apprised of progress.
VESEP Update
At the time of going to press, there has not yet been an announcement of this year’s 2017/18 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), however VFBV encourages Brigades and Groups, as it does every year - to be planning well in advance and have their support documents at the ready. This year’s program will be the 18th since it’s launch in the year 2000.
VESEP contributes $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by Brigade/ Group/Unit, and hardship provisions are available for Brigades that can demonstrate they are unable to fund the one third contribution.
When the program is officially announced by the State Government -VESEP grant applications usually need to be with your OM within approximately six weeks of the opening so your local DPC (District Planning Committee) can then meet the following week to consider and prioritise applications – so plan ahead and get ready.
For assistance in preparing your application, or getting started on planning/fundraising for possible future funding rounds, talk to your VFBV State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer, or visit our website for case studies on successful applications from past years. VFBV also has an Application Help Pack which it updates each year once the program is announced, that provides templates and other useful information to assist with your application. Previous VFBV Application Help Packs are available from our website.
Upcoming VFBV Board Vacancies
All members are encouraged to apply for the VFBV Board positions as advertised in the last edition of ‘Fire Wise’.
VFBV aims to attract a broad range of unique and diverse skills, perspectives and abilities to our organisation.
VFBV encourages all members to consider applying for the forthcoming VFBV Board positions with four positions expiring 1 October 2017.
Applications for the VFBV Board close 1 August 2017 – further information is on our website or can be obtained from the VFBV office on 9886 1141 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position Vacant – VFBV Policy & Advocacy Officer
- Key Strategic Advocacy & Communications Role
- Facilitate and Formulate Policy
VFBV is seeking to appoint a talented and motivated Policy and Advocacy Officer to work fulltime based at our Burwood East office involving broad ranging and rewarding work that supports and benefits our CFA Brigade members across Victoria. This is a key role in the small VFBV team.
The VFBV Policy and Advocacy Officer will play a vital role helping VFBV to work with volunteers to research issues, develop our position on key issues and advocate this position to decision makers and the media.
The person we are looking for will have strong analytical and research skills along with strong verbal and written communication skills. Relevant tertiary qualifications or experience in a related discipline is desirable. Highly developed interpersonal, facilitation and time management skills and the ability to establish and build relationships and work collaboratively with, and influence, a range of external and internal stakeholders is essential.
In addition to relevant skills, the successful applicant will need to have demonstrated empathy with the volunteer culture, be a good listener, and can navigate through complex issues resolution, be a self-starter and have a passion to improve arrangements that benefit the welfare and efficiency of CFA volunteers.
A copy of the Position Description and Application Process can be found on our website or by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141
The second week of May (from 8–14 May) is National Volunteer Week, an annual and national celebration to acknowledge the generous commitment of our volunteers.
VFBV Media Release
MEDIA RELEASE
May 7, 2017
VICTORIA’S CFA VOLUNTEERS LAUDED FOR PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY
Victoria’s 60,000 CFA volunteers are being lauded during National Volunteer Week for continuing a great Australian tradition of protecting their local communities and beyond.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria CEO Andrew Ford said Victoria’s volunteers are essential to public safety and provide a professional service that is effective and affordable.
“Our dedicated volunteers are continuing a great Australian tradition that is well respected in our communities,” Mr Ford said.
“This week gives us the opportunity to recognise our volunteers and the work they do and also our communities, employers and families for their support of volunteers.”
Mr Ford said volunteers are part of the fabric of society and contribute to community resilience. “All CFA volunteers provide a professional service and are glad to do so because they want to contribute to their communities,” he said.
Volunteers make up 95 per cent of Victoria’s firefighting force, are trained with nationally-recognised qualifications and are on call around the clock every day of the year.
Mr Ford said the flexibility and strength of 60,000 CFA volunteers allows help to be sent across Victoria and beyond in times of emergency.
“Being one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world, we know how important it is for Victoria to be able to call on large numbers of trained and experienced volunteers for big fires and other serious incidents,” he said.
“We can be confident our volunteers are always ready to respond to support communities whenever and wherever disasters occur.”
CFA brigades–mostly run by volunteers– protect 60 per cent of suburban Melbourne, regional cities and all of regional Victoria, providing professional services for everything from bushfires and house fires to floods and road accidents.
National Volunteer Week is from May 8-14
The capacity of volunteers to respond to major disasters around the state is explained in the VFBV’s animated clip found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRcDE6d3ljw
CFA Events
CFA have advised of the following 'thank you' events;
State Control Centre Tours
Responding to volunteer criticism that all the tours were originally scheduled on weekdays, CFA have now added two weekend tours to the schedule so those that weren't able to make the original posted dates, might wish to check the two new dates announced.
As part of National Volunteer Week, CFA is giving CFA volunteers the opportunity to take a tour and see what happens behind the scenes at the State Control Centre (SCC).
State Control Centre Tour
Host: Emergency Management Victoria (EMV)
Location: SCC – 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne
Session one: Wednesday 10 May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Session two: Friday 12 May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Session three: Saturday 13 May from 10.00am to 11.30am
Session four: Saturday 13 May from 2.00pm to 3.30pm
The SCC is an important base that is run by Emergency Management Victoria (EMV). The centre is instrumental in working together with many emergency services to coordinate, lead and organise initiatives whilst supporting all communities.
The tour will start with an overview of the SCC workings and each agency’s usage.
Participants will then be split up into smaller groups and taken on a guided tour of the sections within the SCC to find out for themselves the work that is accomplished using real-life situations.
Sections will include
- Intelligence including mapping
- Social Media
- Public Information
- Fban – Fire Behaviour Analysis
- Airdesk
- Resources and logistics
There are 40 places available on each SCC tour. To register via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible and include your name, contact number, agency, volunteer number, tour date and preferred time.
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority Tour
As part of National Volunteer Week, CFA is giving CFA volunteers the opportunity to take a tour and see what happens behind the scenes at Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA).
Host: Anthony Jones – ESTA
Location: ESTA – 33 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East
Session one: Tuesday 9 May from 4.00pm to 4.45pm
Session two: Tuesday 9 May from 5.00pm to 5.45pm
ESTA is dedicated to delivering quality community safety services to the Victorian Public by providing the critical link between the Victorian Community and the State’s emergency services agencies.
The tour will start with an overview of ESTA followed by a tour and question and answer time.
There are 12 places available on each ESTA tour, all places for these tours have been filled.
Photo Competition
As part of National Volunteer Week 2017 CFA wants to honour volunteers through pictures taken by volunteers.
The CFA National Volunteer Week photo competition is open to all CFA volunteers to capture the essence of CFA Values (safety, respect, together, integrity and adaptive) and teamwork that exists throughout brigades around the state.
CFA draws together volunteers from all walks of life. But no matter what we bring as individuals, it's only through cooperation, shared values and teamwork that our brigades can thrive.
This competition sets out to capture this through imagery. So now is the time to get your creative juices flowing. What makes your volunteers so special to you or your community? Be traditional or think outside the square and be artistic. The choice is yours.
The prize winner will receive a $250 Bunnings voucher plus a framed copy of the winning photo. The winning Photo will also be used as the cover photograph on the CFA Facebook page during National Volunteer Week and shared across CFA social media during May 2017.
For the Prize Winner’s brigade, they will receive a framed copy of the Photo and a prize up to the value of $1,000 for the purchase of non-operational equipment ie branded marquee, BBQ, lawnmower, chairs fridge etc. CFA will purchase the equipment on the brigade’s behalf, no cash will be given and there will be no reimbursement for equipment or goods already purchased by the brigade.
So start snapping now. The competition opens on Friday 21 April 2017 and closes Wednesday 3 May 2017 at 5pm. Email your entry as a JPEG file to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (Maximum image size 10MB and if entering twice images to be sent separately)
Individuals can submit up to two entries. Entry is open to all CFA volunteers (CFA employees can only enter if they are current CFA brigade volunteers).
Parade of Honour
There will be a Lap of Honour around the MCG on Saturday 13 May before the AFL game between Essendon and Geelong as part of AFL Country Round. This Lap of Honour will also include volunteers from SES and Life Saving Victoria. Contact your District OM if you are interested in attending.
A Note For Members: Law firm blog about CFA changes
Tuesday April 11th 2017
You may become aware of a legal blog article, published a few days ago by Philip Gardner a partner with law firm Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers, and circulating on social media. The article is promoting a restructure of Victorian fire service boundaries and a carve up of CFA.
Philip Gardner and Ryan Carlisle Thomas lawyers have been engaged by the UFU at various times and acted for the UFU in seeking to block VFBV from being allowed to assist the Fair Work Commission (FWC) a year or so ago when we sought to assist the FWC to understand volunteer concerns with the proposed EBA prior to the events, sackings, Supreme Court action and Fair Work Act amendment that followed over the past year.
Ironically, the author as a lawyer has paid no heed to the CFA or Emergency Management Acts, let alone the high functioning capacity of our emergency management arrangements regardless of the ongoing UFU campaign.
The author ignores the facts that:
- CFA is a successful world renowned volunteer based integrated fire service operating in suburban, regional and rural Victoria (hasn’t been anything like the blogs description of CFA as being only a rural based service fire service for generations and has always had urban and rural components);
- a small number of paid operational staff including firefighters have been a successful feature of CFA and its predecessors going back to the 19th century;
- Victoria’s emergency management capacity to deal with fire, floods and other disasters across the state (and often simultaneous emergency events in different parts of the State) is based on the surge capacity inherent in our volunteer system, particularly from the large number of urban volunteers who have sufficient numbers to provide local response capacity and at the same time surge capacity to multiple events across the state for days, weeks and sometimes months – pushing out volunteers from urban areas using boundary changes would be truly disastrous for Victoria;
- Victoria’s emergency management capability cannot exist without the huge numbers of trained and experienced volunteers, which can supply trained, qualified and experienced firefighters (for local service delivery and around the state as needed) for weeks and even months if necessary and to multiple concurrent emergencies because of the very large numbers;
- there will be enormous cost to the community if the existing urban volunteer brigades in suburban Melbourne and major regional cities were to be pushed aside and replaced by additional paid firefighters;
- the UFU, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister James Merlino have made repeated claims that the proposed EBA has no effect on volunteers and if these statements are true the Fair Work Act amendments have no application. The Fair Work Act amendments only apply if EBA clauses interfere with an emergency organisations (such as CFA), legitimate work of:
- engaging and deploying its volunteers;
- providing support and equipment to its volunteers;
- managing its relationship or work with any recognised emergency in relation to volunteers;
- managing its operations in relation to those volunteers;
- being able to consult, make decisions and take action regarding the above;
- recognising, valuing, respecting and promoting the contribution of its volunteers; and
- complying with the State laws such as the CFA Act
- the Fair Work Act amendments do not prohibit CFA management from making decisions about minimum staffing. The author forgets to mention that he is not even recognising volunteers as a legitimate part of crewing numbers;
- the Fair Work Act amendments have not caused any disruption to CFA’s management of its paid firefighters and the amendments have not even been tested because the UFU has resisted CFA attempts to have the proposed EBA considered by the Fair Work Commission;
- the Fair Work Act amendments do not render CFAs management of its employed firefighters unworkable and they are entirely consistent with the current CFA Chief Officers view (as presented to the Senate Inquiry into the Fair Work Act amendment) that any award or agreement made under the Fair Work Act cannot be allowed to interfere with or detract from his powers and obligations under the CFA Act;
- the Federal Government’s Fair Work Act amendments do no more than enforce what is in Victoria’s own CFA and Emergency Management Acts as they apply to volunteers which has been repeatedly supported by both Labor and the Coalition in the Victorian Parliament – the Federal amendments simply removed an anomaly whereby the enterprise bargaining arrangements under the Fair Work Act (up until last October’s Federal amendments) could be manipulated to by-pass the state parliament and override the CFA and Emergency Management Acts and the framework they have for the organisation and operation of CFA (and other) volunteers.
Having ignored these critically important facts, the article is nothing but pure propaganda (without factual merit) aimed at planting a seed of fear and resentment towards volunteers to further another agenda. I think it is time that we called this out. It is not about community safety or a benefit to Victoria if it displaces or erodes volunteer capacity. And all this comes at an enormous cost, both in dollars; loss of emergency management capability and capacity; loss of local community capacity and reduced community resilience.
Editorial: Thank you CFA volunteers, you give me great hope
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Like my reflections in the last edition of Fire Wise, this month I want to continue my reflection on the great enthusiasm and dedication shown by hundreds of CFA volunteers and the CFA staff who made the recent VFBV State Championships held in Bendigo and Wodonga, so inspiring and such a great symbol of our CFA spirit and hope.
And the great truth is that what we see at the VFBV State Championships is just a brief portrait and window into the amazing things our CFA members do in their local communities every day of the year. Communities from all corners of Victoria, well known townships and places many have never heard of.
The events treated those who attended to a picture of thriving young volunteer participation, just under 800 junior volunteer participants in total; almost 2000 competitors altogether at the State championships and many more who participated just as eagerly in local support, training and District events throughout the year. Hundreds of volunteers, long serving CFA Brigade and Group leaders, mentors and support teams working alongside the competitors and in the background.
Generations of volunteers knowing the value the championships provide to recruiting new members, honing their teamwork and practical skills. They represent tomorrows dedicated CFA volunteers, future volunteer leaders and the next generation of CFA, building community connections, social fabric and todays local capacity.
Emergency Management Commissioner Lapsley wrote to me following his attendance thanking VFBV for the commitment and professionalism that made these events the success they are and recognising the commitment and leadership that is displayed. Talking with Craig and CFA newly appointed Chief Officer Steve Warrington and many others I am encouraged by a deep recognition that many of todays most skilled and dedicated volunteers and EM Sector leaders (including both Craig and Steve) cut their teeth as junior championship competitors.
As an example, one volunteer brigade has five of their past six Captains having started their CFA volunteering as junior members running at local fire brigade championships. Literally hundreds of CFA’s most experienced operational volunteers started their volunteering in the same way. There is justifiably a huge emphasis currently on encouraging all of us to embrace greater diversity in CFA including a need to encourage more women in CFA. The signs are positive for the future if we look at the young people coming through the brigade teams at the recent championships – just under 40% of the junior competitors were young women.
Talking of this, you will notice an advertisement in this edition of Fire Wise for VFBV Board positions. I encourage anyone who believes they can contribute at VFBV Board level to apply. Talking with Samantha Rothman, one of our last VFBV Board appointments there are many people out in our volunteer pool who underestimate the value that they could bring to the Board table. I know many very wise older people but I also know some extremely impressive young people. And gender is not a determinant of brainpower of leadership. So please make the Board selection panels job as hard as you can and serve up a fantastic pool of applicants!
Back to the championships. During these two major events, I had a constant stream of volunteers from all over the state, some I knew well, others I had not met before, all offering their gratitude and thanks for the work VFBV is doing and offering their full support for us to keep up the efforts to preserve the very essence of CFA – volunteerism, community participation, dedication and respect. Thank you for this support it means a lot and I assure you we will not give up.
It is no secret that CFA has been enduring tough times both at the top end and also right down to grass roots and brigade level. We have had our previous Board sacked for standing up for the rights of volunteers and CFA decision making powers; we have had an outstanding CEO, Lucinda Nolan, pushed out for similar reasons and gagged from talking about her concerns; our well respected and values driven CFA Chief Officer Joe Buffone resigned, publicly stating that the proposed EBA/industrial agreement between UFU and CFA would fundamentally change his decision making approach and inhibit his ability to discharge his statutory obligations as CFA Chief Officer; Minister Jane Garret forced out and demonstrating guts and real integrity at the expense of her cabinet position; and many other senior CFA officers gone or numbed into inaction.
The latest anxiety swirls around speculation that somewhere in the depths of bureaucracy or Government there is a secret plan or deal being done with the UFU to dismantle the CFA structure to circumvent the industrial parameters now in place through the Fair Work Act amendment, or worse, possibly just as pay back for volunteers making a stand. There was naturally huge talk about this amongst all attending the championships and elsewhere throughout CFA circles. And many people are asking for answers.
Unfortunately, I do not have much to report other than to repeat what I have reported previously. VFBV has not been involved in any discussion, if there is one.
Even the person on the street knows it would be reckless for any proposal that erodes Victoria’s volunteer fire and emergency service capacity to be contemplated, especially if this is driven by political or industrial motivation.
On an encouraging note, despite the message being pedalled by some and the real speculation by many senior officers within the EM Sector, both CFA Chief Officer and the Emergency Management Commissioner have assured me that they are not involved in any discussions, plans or intent to restructure, carve up or dismantle the CFA volunteer based and integrated service model.
Only a few weeks ago, in response to the current Victorian State Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Planning (Inquiry into fire season preparedness) Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley stated under oath that there is no work that he has done toward a new model for CFA and there is nothing in his remit to Government to look at changing legislation or changing organisations (CFA and MFESB).
He stated that he is not doing any work on changing the CFA service model or boundaries or work on amalgamations between CFA and MFB.
I think we owe it to these two, as the people with legislated roles and powers, to trust that no one would contemplate a change without their careful consideration and formal advice.
On the one hand I urge everyone to maintain hope and faith that our leaders, laws and systems will not fail us. Stay motivated as volunteers and for now keep focussed on working as a team, respecting one another and delivering services to the community. On the other hand, if our laws and systems are ignored, be ready to come out very strongly if someone dumps a carve up of CFA on the table. Get your networks in place now and stay tuned so that we can keep you informed.
Engaging Diversity
VFBV continues its programs of encouraging and engaging diversity from the ground up. This year’s VFBV Leadership Program continues to embrace and support volunteers from other agencies, with scholarships awarded to volunteers from CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria, St John, Live Saving Victoria and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.
Over the last 12 months, the VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network is growing from strength to strength with over 100 young volunteer delegates formally joining the network to represent their District, and start the journey towards establishing our very first State Youth Council with the support and encouragement of VFBV State Council.
Also over the last couple of months, brigade and group competition teams – both juniors and seniors have been on display to the Victorian community, with over 1,800 individual competitors competing at this year’s VFBV State Championships. This year’s State Rural Junior Championships has set a new record for female participation, with over 40% of competitors comprised of young women representing their brigade, competing in fully integrated teams, and eager to join the ranks as senior volunteer firefighters in the years to come.
And last, but by no means least, following this year’s fire season VFBV is this month rolling out its new Brigade Delegate training package across the State, which has been themed as engaging diversity to complement our other programs, and provide practical skills and knowledge to volunteers taking on the VFBV Delegate role at their brigade or group level. Please refer to its dedicated story below.
Brigade delegate training
VFBV District Councils can now book their local VFBV Delegate Development Program course. This two day course will be held on weekends and has been mapped to national competencies from the Australian Public Safety units, and has been themed as “VFBV Delegate Development Program: Engaging Diversity.”
It has been designed on the premise that if we want to attract, encourage and support a diverse range of leaders and delegates now and into the future, what kind of skills will our current leaders need to have to do that effectively?
This course will provide delegates with tools and techniques to improve and develop their issues resolution, communication skills, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, relationship and network building, strategic thinking and leadership. The objective is to increase the level of engagement between District Councils, brigades/groups and individuals, and help delegates be more involved, not just with their own issues but issues on a broader scale.
The course is available to all current and aspiring VFBV Brigade/Group delegates and office holders, with approximately 20 places available per district. As an option, members who successfully complete the course and associated assessments will be eligible to enrol to have their training recognised on their training records through a RPL process, that VFBV will support individual candidates with. Alternatively, members can simply do the course to enhance or develop their skills as a brigade delegate.
VFBV District Councils are currently registering available dates, and will shortly be contacting their brigades with full details.
To nominate for the course or ask a question, contact your local District Council executive member, or VFBV Support Officer for more details.
VFBV Affiliation
VFBV’s representation of CFA’s volunteers continues to win growing approval and support with a new record high of 95% Brigades affiliating with VFBV and almost 90% of Brigades subscribing to the VFBV Welfare Fund in 2016/17.
After a very challenging year, it is extremely rewarding to know we have record levels of membership and support. Brigades across Victoria are more connected with VFBV than ever; our VFBV State, District and Brigade delegates are more informed and active than ever and doing a great job.
The 2017/18 affiliation notices for your Brigade/ Group’s VFBV affiliation and VFBV Welfare Fund Subscriptions are with your Secretary now, with a due date of 30 June 2017.
As well as affiliating with VFBV, we strongly encourage Brigades to subscribe to the VFBV Welfare Fund. It can provide small grants to assist volunteer members, their immediate family members and long serving ex-members, who are suffering significant financial hardship, with grants up to $5,000.
VFBV and its predecessor associations established the fund in 1913. Since then the fund has helped over 1,000 volunteers. Over the last 10 years alone, the fund has provided grants worth over $1M, with an approval rate of 100% of received applications approved by the Management Committee over the last 12 months.
For any queries about VFBV affiliation contact your State Councillor or the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
State Championship results
At this year’s 134th Annual Urban State Championships, Maryvale won its 16th State Championship Grand Aggregate at Bendigo with 88 points.
Maryvale’s win was closely contested by Kangaroo Flat with both teams on almost equal points at the start of the final day of competition, however Maryvale sealed its win with two first placings to Kangaroo Flat’s one win in the Hose & Reel Eights.
With early historical records dating back to 1882 only recording brigade names and not competitors, it is believed that this year for possibly the first time, a female competitor has competed in a winning team in the A Section Hose & Reel 8s event.
Kate Dargaville and her team-mates Jackson, Thomas, Jamie, James, Craig, Lachie, Jack and David representing Kangaroo Flat were successful. Of special note is four members of the team are all from the same family, with coach David Dargaville joined by daughter Kate and sons Jackson and Thomas, all leaving an enviable legacy.
Tatura easily won the B Section aggregate with 75 points, with a couple of the brigade’s junior competitors now moving into the senior team – both juniors having been members of the Tatura team winning successive Junior State Championship titles for the past four years. Pakenham convincingly won the C Section Aggregate with 84 points, from Hoppers Crossing 53 points and Eaglehawk B 51 points.
Aggregate winners at the 61st Senior State Rural Championship at Wodonga were Division 1 Beazley’s Bridge A with 52 points, from second placed Greta A with 42 points (winner of last year’s Division 1). Division 2 was won by Chiltern A with 56 points with Dunrobin/ Nangeela C second with 38 points; and Sedgwick A won Division 3 with 32 points from Pearcedale B with 22 points.
At this year’s 39th Junior State Rural Championships, Stuart Mill won its first Championship with Eldorado A a close second. Stuart Mill A won the 11-13 Years Aggregate with Eldorado A winning the 11-15 Years Aggregate – but Stuart Mill A won the overall Junior Grand Aggregate on 82 points, with Eldorado A second on 74 points.
Below: Some of the action from the Junior State Rural Championships at Wodonga and Urban State Championships at Bendigo.
Newsletter - March 2017
Editorial: Our inspiring young CFA volunteers
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
I want to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the amazing aspects of our wonderful CFA.
A few weeks ago the VFBV State Junior Fire Brigades Championships were held at Tatura, and a big thank you and well done to the local organising committee, officials and supporters who made this event happen.
There is enough just in the organising, set up and running of this event to be proud of but on top of this there is a the fact that what we see in the young CFA volunteers attending this event is tomorrows CFA, future community leaders and our successors.
Talking to people over the Tatura weekend, the smart leaders knew the value of engaging young people in CFA, in their communities and in the broader sense of social connection, belonging and self-worth. Young girls and boys, men and women from a huge range of cultural and community backgrounds, bright eyed and full of spirit, having fun, learning skills, and already with strong foundations of community service and engagement.
The smart people know that this is one of the many great examples of how CFA volunteers pass on the baton, pass on the sense of commitment and pass on the connection with the big CFA family.
A challenge for us is that there will always be some people who miss it altogether and either don’t bother to wonder how the huge network of CFA brigades are always there when needed, or marvel in surprise when they realise what a huge army of highly trained volunteers turn up to just get on with the job when it needs to be done.
For people who have been around CFA for a long time, it is easy to take for granted that the names on the shirts came from every corner of Victoria and that there were dozens and dozens of communities represented.
It is easy to take for granted that these young competitors demonstrated some terrific practical fireman ship skills and it is easy to take for granted that many of these young volunteers are already on the path to becoming dedicated volunteers with CFA, with other services, or across many. And because it is how CFA does things, it is easy to accept that these young people trained for months, that they had support teams and families who encouraged and supported them and that there is a huge amount of work done back in the local brigade to encourage, motivate and keep them involved. But we mustn’t take this for granted.
And we mustn’t forget to be incredibly proud of all of the good things that CFA is, has always been and will hopefully still be long into the future. Like watching a sunset, we need to continually stop and appreciate what we have and consciously watch out for it and look after it.
Plenty of wise folk talk about how Victoria’s emergency management capability could not exist without volunteers and about the vital importance of CFA volunteers. And there is plenty said about the need to build resilient communities, build communities who share responsibility for their own wellbeing and safety; and build community participation.
There is also plenty said about engaging young people in this journey. Imagine we were starting from scratch and someone said they could activate dozens of young people, from towns and suburbs across Victoria, to come together and be directly involved in building tomorrows community leaders, tomorrows community networks and tomorrows volunteers.
Imagine if they said they could do this in such a way that it wasn’t just written down in a fancy strategy document but was going to be practical, tangible, ongoing and driven by the local communities themselves. What an initiative? where do we invest? would be the likely reaction.
I know I will see the same beauty and incredible spirit at our forthcoming VFBV State Urban Senior Championships on the long weekend in March and our VFBV State Rural Championships to be held in April. So, well done to the people who made the Tatura VFBV State Junior Urban Fire Brigades happen. Well done to all of CFA’s young volunteers and thank you for your time and energy. Well done to all CFA volunteers, young and old, newcomers and those that have served for decades. Well done to all of the CFA people, family support, employers and everyone who helps foster and encourage tomorrows CFA.
And particularly to the bright eyed optimistic young volunteers I saw on the track at Tatura, thank you for reminding us of the beauty of CFA and of what we have inherited from those who created and continuously evolved this marvellous community legacy.
I have chosen to reflect on the Tatura event simply because it sticks in my mind as a recent event but this doesn’t for a minute detract from the other examples of the wonderful CFA spirit that some of us are lucky enough to see regularly at brigade level, other events, incidents etc.
The same spirit, bond and CFA family was very evident at the funeral I attended for long serving and highly respected CFA officer Mark Reid.
Mark worked with many brigades and volunteers across all parts of Victoria, he understood and deeply valued the CFA volunteer based ethos. I had the good fortune of working closely with Mark, he was a respected leader and good friend to many CFA people, he will be sadly missed.
VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network Update
VFBV’s multi-agency Youth Network continues to build, with another eight field visits planned across the State over the next couple of months to bring together District Council Executives, Youth Champions and young members looking to become involved. Youth panels have now been established in almost every district across the State, demonstrating the enthusiasm and interest amongst young volunteers across the sector. Encouragingly, members from other volunteer agencies are being accepted by members with open arms, and are actively contributing to the panels.
Two field meetings were recently held between VFBV Youth Network members and the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). The first meeting brought together young CFA volunteers from four regional Districts and the second meeting was held in an outer metropolitan District.
Our young volunteers showed a high level of maturity and expressed a broad range of issues that were reflective of other young volunteers across the organisation. Their views were balanced and fair, and VEOHRC were interested and engaged throughout the conversation and welcomed the valuable input of our young members. VEOHRC assured our young volunteers that the issues raised would inform the VEOHRC Review into Equity & Diversity, and the Commission was very grateful for the time and energy of all the participants. VFBV continues to support and assist this extremely important review.
44th Junior Championships
Tatura has won its fourth successive VFBV State Junior Championship with another impressive performance, coming 1st place in 10 of the 18 events and creating one New Record Time in the Y Coupling 4 Competitors, Under 17 Years event.
The Tatura team had a significant lead in the final Grand Aggregate with 103 points, from Melton A on 37 points and Harvey A (W.A.) on 34 points. Tatura also won both the Dry and Wet Aggregates, as well as both the Under 14 Years Aggregate and the Under 17 Years Aggregate.
Other strong performances came from Harvey and Melton – Melton with 4 teams, were 2nd in the Dry Aggregate, 2nd and 3rd in the Under 14 Years Aggregate, and 2nd in the Grand Aggregate. Harvey who travelled from W.A. with 2 teams, were 2nd in the Under 17 Years Aggregate, and 3rd in the Dry, Wet and Grand Aggregates.
The Championships were again held in Tatura and attracted more than 700 junior competitors aged between 11 and 16 years old, with 78 teams from across the state, including 2 teams from Harvey, Western Australia.
Pumping Pit Recommissioning
VFBV has been strongly advocating for CFA to commit to a remediation and recommissioning program for pumping pits, whose use was temporarily suspended back in February 2015.
There are approximately 91 pumping pits in use across the state. Of vital importance is the need for pumping pits to be safe, and for there to be an efficient and timely program to clean, monitor water quality and ultimately recommission them for use.
For many Brigades, pumping pits form the only safe, controlled and viable option for brigades to train in drafting and other related pump operations and skills maintenance.
CFA has now issued a Work Instruction on the Management of Pumping Pits, and have implemented an approved recommissioning process. CFA has advised that the ultimate decision to recommission and fund the cost of these works rests with the Region. Water testing costs between $300/$400, with the cost of cleaning and refilling to be approximately $1,000.
VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee delegates have raised concern that due to Regional budget limitations, these costs will be pushed back to Brigades. CFA’s advice to these concerns is that Brigades should go through the Chain of Command and ultimately to Assistant Chief Officers who hold oversight of the Regions.
40 KPH Speed Limits
VFBV continues to advocate for a 40 kph speed limit for vehicles passing any stationary emergency service vehicle displaying its red and blue flashing lights.
VFBV has long pointed out that firefighters attending incidents on or near roads are put at a significant health and safety risk by passing vehicles. For many years, we have called for 40 kph speed limits similar to those for roadside workers, along with strong public campaigns to educate motorists on the dangers.
The VFBV/CFA Joint Operations Committee continues to advocate for new road rules that will protect all emergency service personnel when working on the side of roads and has been very pleased with CFA’s renewed support for this long awaited initiative.
Electrical Safety Mobile Props
Despite significant work and progress on the design of an electrical safety mobile trailer prop back in 2014/15 CFA, funding for the prop lapsed and is no longer available, leaving the project completely un-funded.
VFBV is advocating for these mobile props to be fully funded and reprioritised. Electrical Safety and especially skills maintenance for Low Voltage Fuse Removal has been identified as a state-wide gap for quite some time, and the VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee believes the electrical safety mobile props would significantly improve capability and member access to this vital training and knowledge. The trailers were designed by a working group of subject matter experts drawn from both volunteer and career staff ranks, many of whom were licensed electricians.
VFBV will be seeking support of CFA’s new Operational Training Department in pursuit of these much needed props.
First Aid Training
Delegates on the VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee say early results from CFA's new First Aid Training arrangements with St John appear to be positive.
There has been great acceptance of the out-of-session course work that cuts down the course duration and allows students to do some of the work at home and in their own time.
Adjustments for postal delays are now being factored into future courses, based on feedback from recent courses.
Travel Reimbursement
After reports of differences in how volunteer travel reimbursements are paid and authorised in different CFA Regions and Districts, the VFBV/CFA Joint Volunteerism Committee has asked CFA to develop a State-wide Business Rule that will standardise and clarify arrangements, and CFA has agreed to progress a policy review.
VFBV’s long held policy is that no volunteer should be out of pocket due to their volunteering. The Committee continues to advocate for improved access to CFA vehicles, including corporate pool vehicles, for travel to training or other CFA related activities. Should an appropriate vehicle not be available, then volunteers should have access to travel reimbursement, which is currently set at $0.72 per km
VFBV Rural Championships 2017 - Final Results (last updated Sunday 2 April - 15:30)
Results from Day 2 - Junior's
Final Aggregates
11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Stuart Mill A |
46 Points |
|
2nd |
Sedgwick A |
42 Points |
|
3rd |
Eldorado A |
36 Points |
11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Eldorado A (determined following a countbank) |
38 Points |
|
2nd |
Springhurst A |
38 Points |
|
3rd |
Stuart Mill A |
36 Points |
CHAMPION TEAM:
|
1st |
Stuart Mill A |
82 Points |
|
2nd |
Eldorado A |
74 Points |
|
3rd |
Sedgwick A |
50 Points |
VFBV State President Encouragement Award: Truganina B
Stan Ross Conduct Trophy: Wodonga West
Junior Firefighter Sprint:
11-13 Years – Female: Bethany Evans, Greta
11-13 Years – Male: Callum Dart-Bell, Eldorado
11-15 Years – Female: Abbie Hromenko, Huntly
11-15 Years – Male: Nick Myers, Stuart Mill
Event 6A: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Sedgwick A |
21.04 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Stuart Mill A |
21.62 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Mannerim A |
23.27 Seconds |
|
4th |
Eldorado A |
24.59 Seconds |
|
5th |
Millbrook A |
25.04 Seconds |
Event 6B: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Springhurst A |
20.06 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Stuart Mill A |
20.98 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Sedgwick A |
21.44 Seconds |
|
4th |
Yarrambat B |
22.12 Seconds |
|
5th |
Springhurst B |
24.37 Seconds |
Event 5A: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Eldorado A |
27.78 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Stuart Mill A |
29.63 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Springhurst B |
29.81 Seconds |
|
4th |
Barnawartha A |
30.58 Seconds |
|
5th |
Millbrook A |
31.82 Seconds |
Event 5B: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
23.31 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Stuart Mill A |
23.76 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Eldorado A |
24.15 Seconds |
|
4th |
Springhurst A |
24.41 Seconds |
|
5th |
Greta A |
24.69 Seconds |
Event 4A: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Sedgwick A |
28.51 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Stuart Mill A |
28.91 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Beazleys Bridge A |
28.92 Seconds |
|
4th |
Mannerim A |
31.69 Seconds |
|
5th |
Hurstbridge A |
32.97 Seconds |
Event 4B: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Stuart Mill A – New Record Time |
22.13 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Greta A |
23.99 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Springhurst A |
25.18 Seconds |
|
4th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
25.42 Seconds |
|
5th |
Hurstbridge A |
26.31 Seconds |
No Event 3 for Juniors
Event 2B: Hose & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Eldorado A |
20.12 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Springhurst A |
21.41 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Eldorado B |
21.76 Seconds |
|
4th |
Beazleys Bridge A |
22.38 Seconds |
|
5th |
Sedgwick A |
22.49 Seconds |
Event 2A: Hose & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Eldorado A |
21.59 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Hurstbridge A |
22.98 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Millbrook A |
24.17 Seconds |
|
4th |
Corio A |
24.36 Seconds |
|
5th |
Eldorado B |
24.41 Seconds |
Event 1A: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Stuart Mill A |
19.22 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Sedgwick A |
19.89 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Huntly A |
20.24 Seconds |
|
4th |
Mandurang A |
20.27 Seconds |
|
5th |
Beazleys Bridge A |
20.60 Seconds |
Event 1B: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Eldorado A |
16.49 Seconds |
|
2nd |
Dunrobbin/Nangeela A |
16.58 Seconds |
|
3rd |
Willaura B |
16.98 Seconds |
|
4th |
Millbrook A |
17.05 Seconds |
|
5th |
Springhurst A |
17.36 Seconds |
Results from Day 1 (Senior's) are as follows;
FINAL AGGREGATES
DIVISION 1 AGGREGATE
|
|
1st |
Beazleys Bridge A |
52 Points |
|
|
2nd |
Greta A |
42 Points |
|
|
3rd |
Napoleon/Enfield A |
30 Points |
DIVISION 2 AGGREGATE
|
|
1st |
Chiltern A |
56 Points |
|
|
2nd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela C |
38 Points |
|
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge B |
32 Points |
DIVISION 3 AGGREGATE
|
|
1st |
Sedgwick A |
32 Points |
|
|
2nd |
Pearcedale B (on a count back) |
22 Points |
|
|
3rd |
Willaura B |
22 Points |
ALAN KING AFSM MEMORIAL CONDUCT AWARD: Wodonga West Brigade
WINNERS OF THE SPRINTS:
Female Sprint: Sarah Hooper, Greta Brigade
Male Sprint: Nathan Hooper, Greta Brigade
Event 6: Tanker Drawing Water from Tank
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Hurstbridge A |
16.68 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Napoleon/Enfield B |
17.65 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Beazleys Bridge A |
18.26 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Strathmerton A |
18.64 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Greta C
|
19.92 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Chiltern A |
16.17 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Strathmerton B |
17.43 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Willaura A |
17.59 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Eldorado B |
17.98 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Hurstbridge C |
18.38 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Sedgwick A |
21.17 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Cobram A |
21.72 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Swan Hill C |
21.97 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Springhurst D |
22.15 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Mannerim B |
22.58 Seconds |
Event 5: Hydrant & Tanker
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Eldorado A |
18.68 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Springhurst A |
19.23 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Beazleys Bridge A |
19.78 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Strathmerton A |
20.24 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Greta B
|
20.45 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Dunrobin/Nangeela C |
19.95 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Leopold A |
21.22 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge B |
21.41 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Eldorado C |
22.50 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Chiltern A |
22.94 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Springhurst D |
25.94 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Strathmerton C |
25.97 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Springhurst C |
26.14 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Baranduda A |
26.76 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Willaura B |
27.34 Seconds |
Event 4: Tanker - Priming, Pumping & Ladder
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Greta A |
20.24 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Napoleon/Enfield A |
21.22 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Beazleys Bridge A |
22.23 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Napoleon/Enfield B |
22.74 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Springhurst A
|
22.89 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Chiltern A |
24.25 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela C |
24.50 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Willaura A |
24.80 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Connewarre B |
24.88 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Dunolly A |
25.32 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Wodonga West A |
26.58 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Wodonga West B |
27.52 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Willaura B |
27.59 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Springhurst D |
28.21 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Plenty B |
28.97 Seconds |
Event 3: Tanker Hose Reel & Ladder
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Beazleys Bridge A |
39.51 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Napoleon/Enfield A |
40.10 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge A |
41.68 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Springhurst B |
42.86 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Springhurst A
|
43.15 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Hurstbridge C |
45.47 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Hurstbridge B |
45.61 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Leopold A |
45.97 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Strathmerton B |
46.26 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela D |
47.91 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Barmah A |
50.12 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Willaura B |
50.37 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Cobram A |
52.29 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Wodonga West B |
53.18 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Pearcedale B |
55.19 Seconds |
Event 2: Hose & Ladder
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Greta A |
15.34 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Napoleon/Enfield A |
15.42 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge A |
15.64 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Mandurang A |
16.11 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Beazleys Bridge A
|
16.29 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Chiltern A |
15.45 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Research B |
16.68 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela D |
16.77 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Eldorado B |
16.84 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela C |
16.91 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Sedgwick A |
18.07 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Mannerim A |
18.21 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Springhurst C |
18.46 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Pearcedale B |
18.48 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Cobram A |
19.47 Seconds |
Event 1: Low Down Pump & Ladder
|
Division 1: |
1st |
Beazleys Bridge A |
15.25 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Greta A |
15.33 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Eldorado A |
15.45 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Springhurst B |
17.01 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Strathmerton A
|
17.02 Seconds |
|
Division 2: |
1st |
Hurstbridge B |
17.43 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela C |
17.83 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Chiltern A |
18.19 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Strathmerton B |
18.23 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Eldorado B |
18.55 Seconds
|
|
Division 3: |
1st |
Pearcedale B |
17.56 Seconds |
|
|
2nd |
Strathmerton C |
18.20 Seconds |
|
|
3rd |
Springhurst C |
18.23 Seconds |
|
|
4th |
Willaura B |
18.88 Seconds |
|
|
5th |
Barmah A |
19.07 Seconds |
VFBV Rural Championships 2017 now underway in Wodonga
The 2017 Rural State Championships are being held at Wodonga, on 1 & 2 April 2017
The 2017 Program is available at the bottom of this page, and full results will be posted at the end of Day 1 Events, and the Junior Results will be posted at the end of Day 2. (Sunday)
VFBV welcomes HINO as the major sponsor for the 2017 VFBV Rural State Championships, click on the logo below to see HINO's website.
COMPETITION – WIN SANDOWN 500 TICKETS
Our major sponsor HINO is offering four corporate tickets to the Sandown 500 on 15 and 17 September 2017 - valued at $1,900!
Entries are now closed, and the winner will be announced at approx 11am Saturday morning.
After campaigning for recognition of Junior Service since 2015, we are pleased to announce that the proposal has now been approved by CFA.
From 1 April 2017, current members who have accurate CFA junior membership records in the CFA database (RMS) will have their junior service recognised as eligible service for CFA Service and Life Memberships awards.
This follows a District Council request to State Council to advocate for the recognition of junior service. State Council at its December 2015 meeting agreed to support and promote an extensive membership survey conducted in partnership with CFA to gauge member’s opinions and acceptance of several options put forward to recognise junior service. Results of the membership survey showed overwhelming support, with 72.5% of respondents either agreeing or strongly agreeing for junior service to be included as part of a members overall service history. Following the survey, a formal VFBV position was endorsed by State Council and through the VFBV/CFA Joint Volunteerism Committee which was submitted to CFA’s Honours & Awards Committee in June last year.
CFA have released a FAQ and have advised they are posting information to their website. The FAQ document is available for download from below.
VFBV is delighted to hear that formal CFA approval has now finally been signed off and announced to members, and we congratulate CFA on this important change that recognises and rewards our junior member’s contribution to their CFA service.
UPDATED 15:19 13/03/2017: Final Day 3 Results (Monday). Aggregate Results have been posted, and are available as a download at the bottom of this page.
134th VFBV Urban State Championships (2017)
Being held this long weekend, 11, 12 and 13th March 2017 at the Weeroona Oval, Bendigo.
Day 3 Results - Placings
Event 31: Champion Fours
| NARRE WARREN A | 17.13 |
| DANDENONG | 17.51 |
| MARYVALE | 17.51 |
| MOE | 17.53 |
| TATURA | 17.69 |
Event 30: A Section Hose and Reel Eights
| KANGAROO FLAT | 26.26 |
| MARYVALE | 26.49 |
| WENDOUREE | 27.99 |
| MELTON | 28.22 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 28.47 |
Event 29: C Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors
| PAKENHAM | 8.31 |
| HALLAM | 8.93 |
| MAFFRA B | 9.65 |
| SEYMOUR | 9.66 |
| HARVEY B | 9.8 |
Event 28: B Section Hose and Reel Eights
| TATURA | 28.88 |
| GOLDEN SQUARE | 29.38 |
| HORSHAM | 30.75 |
| SALE A | 30.91 |
| WHITTLESEA | 31.18 |
Event 27: A Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors
| MARYVALE | 7.57 |
| KANGAROO FLAT | 7.68 |
| DANDENONG | 8.01 |
| MOE | 8.11 |
| CORIO/LARA | 8.11 |
Event 26: C Section Hose and Ladder Fives
| PAKENHAM | 22.35 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 22.41 |
| HARVEY B | 22.56 |
| KNOX GROUP | 23.57 |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 24.4 |
Event 25: B Section Y Coupling - Four Competitors
| SALE A | 7.82 |
| MORWELL | 8.29 |
| BENALLA | 8.44 |
| COBDEN | 8.46 |
| HORSHAM | 8.76 |
Event 24: A Section Pumper and Ladder - Five Competitors
| MARYVALE | 12.95 |
| DANDENONG | 13.81 |
| KANGAROO FLAT | 14.01 |
| EAGLEHAWK A 2 | 14.31 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 14.56 |
Total Points as at the end of Day 2 (Sunday 12th March)
| A CLASS | |
| Dry Points | |
| MARYVALE | 12 |
| DROUIN/BUNYIP | 11 |
| MELTON | 10 |
| MAFFRA A | 10 |
| WENDOUREE | 9 |
| Wet Points | |
| KANGAROO FLAT | 42 |
| MARYVALE | 36 |
| EAGLEHAWK A | 18 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 14 |
| WENDOUREE | 12 |
| DANDENONG | 12 |
| Total Points | |
| KANGAROO FLAT | 50 |
| MARYVALE | 48 |
| WENDOUREE | 21 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 21 |
| EAGLEHAWK A | 18 |
| B CLASS | |
| Dry Points | |
| TATURA | 11 |
| KOOWEERUP | 9 |
| WARRACKNABEAL | 8 |
| BENALLA | 5 |
| SALE A | 5 |
| GOLDEN SQUARE | 5 |
| Wet Points | |
| TATURA | 46 |
| BENALLA | 32 |
| GEELONG WEST | 32 |
| HORSHAM | 22 |
| PATTERSON RIVER | 16 |
| Total Points | |
| TATURA | 57 |
| BENALLA | 42 |
| GEELONG WEST | 32 |
| PATTERSON RIVER | 24 |
| HORSHAM | 22 |
| C CLASS | |
| Dry Points | |
| PAKENHAM | 16 |
| WARRNAMBOOL | 11 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 5 |
| ST ARNAUD | 2 |
| SEYMOUR | 2 |
| Wet Points | |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 44 |
| PAKENHAM | 42 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 30 |
| WARRNAMBOOL | 16 |
| SALE B | 14 |
| Total Points | |
| PAKENHAM | 60 |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 49 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 43 |
| WARRNAMBOOL | 27 |
| SALE B | 14 |
| ALL CLASSES DRY | |
| Dry Points | |
| MARYVALE | 12 |
| DROUIN/BUNYIP | 11 |
| MAFFRA A | 10 |
| MELTON | 10 |
| WENDOUREE | 9 |
Day 2 Results - Placings
Event 23: C Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights
| EAGLEHAWK B | 35.95 |
| PAKENHAM | 37.6 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 39.45 |
| SALE B | 41.92 |
| KNOX GROUP | 45.12 |
Event 22: B Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
| GEELONG WEST | 14.37 |
| HORSHAM | 15.03 |
| KOOWEERUP | 16.16 |
| WARRACKNABEAL | 16.66 |
| SALE A | 16.71 |
Event 21: A Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights
| KANGAROO FLAT | 28.8 |
| MARYVALE | 30.61 |
| BASSENDEAN | 31.49 |
| DROUIN/BUNYIP | 31.53 |
| BENDIGO | 32.99 |
Event 20: C Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
| EAGLEHAWK B | 15.98 |
| NARRE WARREN B | 16.56 |
| WARRNAMBOOL | 16.81 |
| ST ARNAUD | 16.85 |
| SEYMOUR | 17.13 |
Event 19: B Section Y Coupling and Ladder Eights
| TATURA | 30.23 |
| PATTERSON RIVER | 32.93 |
| GOLDEN SQUARE | 36.44 |
| COBDEN | 37.18 |
| WARRACKNABEAL | 38.45 |
Event 18: A Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
| EAGLEHAWK A | 13.66 |
| WENDOUREE | 13.78 |
| MOE | 14.1 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 14.11 |
| DANDENONG | 14.27 |
Event 17: C Section Hose and Reel Sixes
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 31.93 |
| SALE B | 34.17 |
| SEBASTOPOL | 34.23 |
| HARVEY B | 35.48 |
| KNOX GROUP | 35.66 |
Event 16: B Section Marshall - 2 Competitors
| KOOWEERUP 1 | 15.11 |
| TATURA 2 | 15.24 |
| BENALLA 2 | 15.78 |
| BENALLA 1 | 16.57 |
| ROLEYSTONE 1 | 16.59 |
Event 15: A Section Hose and Reel Sixes
| KANGAROO FLAT | 26.27 |
| MARYVALE | 26.57 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 27.52 |
| DANDENONG | 27.67 |
| EAGLEHAWK A | 28.21 |
Event 14: C Section Marshall - 2 Competitors
| PAKENHAM 1 | 15.62 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING 1 | 16.11 |
| WARRNAMBOOL 1 | 16.72 |
| SEYMOUR 2 | 17.41 |
| MAFFRA B 1 | 17.52 |
Event 13: B Section Hose and Ladder Eights
| BENALLA | 21.74 |
| TATURA | 22.13 |
| PATTERSON RIVER | 22.62 |
| SALE A | 23.38 |
| GOLDEN SQUARE | 23.57 |
Event 12: A Section Marshall - 2 Competitors
| WENDOUREE 2 | 14.69 |
| MAFFRA A 1 | 14.92 |
| MARYVALE 2 | 14.99 |
| MARYVALE 1 | 15.11 |
| HARVEY A 1 | 15.25 |
Event 11: C Section Pumper and Ladder - 5 Competitors
| PAKENHAM 2 | 15.13 |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 16.16 |
| HALLAM | 16.56 |
| MAFFRA B | 17.94 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 18.31 |
Event 10: Hydrant Race - One Competitor
| DROUIN/BUNYIP 2 | 11.27 |
| MARYVALE 2 | 11.38 |
| NARRE WARREN A 1 | 11.55 |
| BASSENDEAN 1 | 11.85 |
| TATURA 1 | 12.12 |
Day 1 Results - Placings
Event 9: A Section Marshall - One Competitor
| TATURA | 28.25 |
| BENALLA | 29.24 |
| COBDEN | 30.73 |
| SALE A | 32.23 |
| HORSHAM 1 | 32.81 |
Event 8: A Section Marshall - One Competitor
| MELTON 2 | 23.8 |
| MAFFRA A 1 | 23.84 |
| DROUIN/BUNYIP 2 | 24.25 |
| MELTON 1 | 24.55 |
| WENDOUREE 1 | 24.73 |
Event 7: C Section Hose and Reel Fours
| PAKENHAM | 19.05 |
| WARRNAMBOOL | 19.11 |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 19.81 |
| BUNBURY | 19.88 |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 20.21 |
Event 6: B Section Marshall - One Competitor
| WARRACKNABEAL 2 | 25.71 |
| GOLDEN SQUARE 1 | 26.26 |
| TATURA 1 | 26.39 |
| TATURA 2 | 26.58 |
| KOOWEERUP 2 | 26.72 |
Event 5: A Section Hose and Ladder Eights
| MARYVALE | 19.72 |
| KANGAROO FLAT | 20.27 |
| DANDENONG | 22.11 |
| NARRE WARREN A | 22.17 |
| WENDOUREE | 22.77 |
Event 4: C Section Marshall - One Competitor
| WARRNAMBOOL 1 | 26.62 |
| PAKENHAM 2 | 27.35 |
| PAKENHAM 1 | 27.5 |
| ST ARNAUD 1 | 28.09 |
| HARVEY B 2 | 28.15 |
Event 3: B Section Pumper & Ladder (Five Competitors)
| GEELONG WEST | 16.28 |
| HORSHAM | 16.39 |
| BENALLA | 16.82 |
| TATURA | 16.89 |
| SALE A | 16.91 |
Event 2: Ladder Race - One Competitor
| KANGAROO FLAT 1 | 6.36 |
| SALE A 1 | 6.51 |
| NARRE WARREN A 2 | 6.56 |
| MARYVALE 2 | 6.56 |
| NARRE WARREN A 1 | 6.65 |
Event 1: Discipline Contest
| A Class | |
| MILDURA | 87.27% |
| MELTON | 86.36% |
| BASSENDEAN | 82.73% |
| HARVEY A | 78.18% |
| DANDENONG | 77.73% |
| B Class | |
| PATTERSON RIVER | 80.45% |
| BENALLA | 80.00% |
| KYNETON | 76.82% |
| WARRACKNABEAL | 76.82% |
| WHITTLESEA | 75.91% |
| C Class | |
| HOPPERS CROSSING | 87.27% |
| EAGLEHAWK B | 85.91% |
| KNOX GROUP | 85.45% |
| PAKENHAM | 82.27% |
| MORNINGTON | 79.55% |
More...
This is a re-post from the Lara Fire Brigade Facebook Page. Well done Lara!
Yesterday our members were paged to a grass and stubble fire on the corner of Plains Road and Flinders Ave Lara.
Our Tanker 1 was first on scene quickly backed up by our colleagues from Little River CFA and followed on by our Tanker 2 and Corio CFA Tanker.
Whilst actively involved in the fire fight in the paddocks near a farm house the incident controller in Lara Tanker 1 was advised by the Central CFA dispatcher, VicFire, that Ambulance Victoria had received a call for a person reported suffering smoke inhalation.
Tanker 1 broke away from the fire fight to look for the reported injured person. They subsequently found a person lying near a tractor complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath.
They assessed him decided to treat it as a heart attack and applied our defibrillator just in case he deteriorated.
That was a good move as no more than 5 minutes after they had the Defib pads on the patient he started to go quiet, change colour and the Defib identified that his heart was in trouble and advised to shock the patient.
They followed procedures and shocked the patient, where upon he regained composure, asked what had happened and actually stated he was feeling much better.
The team had in fact acted so quickly that the patient had the best possible outcome and limited the extension of cardiac and any possible brain damage from the cardiac arrest (Fibrillation). They continued to look after him until Ambulance Vic arrived on scene and transported him to hospital.
Volunteer Firefighters David Love, Michelle Cable and Brian Stevens pictured below should be recognized for what they achieved yesterday, along with all of the CFA structures, including the dispatchers who tied the information together about the 2 calls for help, and also the other CFA members who kept working on the fire.
We also need to remember all of the members who raised money to buy the Defib and the community members who donated money for them as well. This one event, that has saved and changed a life, is in fact the result of a whole lot of little things that our community has made possible.
UPDATED: With full results from the weekend.
To be held this weekend, 25 and 26 February 2017 at the Tatura Racecourse.
Over 700 Competitors from 78 teams and 45 brigades, including teams from Harvey, Western Australia will take part in 18 events that are designed to build fitness, dexterity, confidence and practical firefighting skills in young CFA volunteers.
Hosted by Tatura Fire Brigade and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria with major sponsors Greater Shepparton City Council, The Shepparton Club, Tatura Milk Industries and Unilever Australia.
Results:
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
DRY AGGREGATE:
1st TATURA 51 points
2nd MELTON A 27 points
3rd HARVEY A 21 points
WET AGGREGATE
1st TATURA 52 points
2nd MORWELL A 19 points
3rd HAARVEY A 13 points
UNDER 14 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st TATURA 48 points
2nd MELTON A 30 points
3rd MELTON B 28 points
UNDER 17 YEARS AGGREGATE
1st TATURA 55 points
2nd HARVEY A 34 points
3rd PAKENHAM 21 points
GRAND AGGREGATE
1st TATURA 103 points
2nd MELTON A 37 points
3rd HARVEY A 34 points
2017 - Champion Team Members – TATURA:
Coaches Martin Rennie, Darren Rennie & Damian Briese, and competitors:
- Harry Browning-Briese
- Josh Esam
- Hayley Rennie
- Luke Rennie
- Matthew Rennie
- Tailah Rennie
- Kelham Tyson
- Grady Tyson
- Tim Wilson
Full results, including event by event results are available for download below.
Having waited since 2012 for the latest CFA review to strengthen the role of the Group, the VFBV/CFA Joint Operations Committee is disappointed with the lack of progress or CFA leadership, and has endorsed a plan for a volunteer-led review instead.
The review will gather feedback from all Groups to arrive at a formal position for which volunteers can advocate.
Starting after the Fire Danger Period, we will need representatives from all Districts to lead and coordinate discussion. We will also use the feedback from CFA’s previous review as well as discussing the many ideas that may have been rejected by CFA at the time.
In the previous review, VFBV advocated for;
- Greater support and recognition from CFA to Groups and the Group structures in local command and control
- Greater flexibility in how Groups can structure themselves to accommodate and respect local and regional differences and flexibility to match operating models to local risks. A ‘one size fits all’ model is not supported.
- Strengthening the chain of command to empower and enhance the capability and capacity for local command and control being exercised by CFA members at the local level ensuring that local participation continues as incidents grow in size and complexity
- Systems of work that recognise and enhance how Brigades, Groups, OOs and RDOs interact and support each other in Operational Readiness & Response, Training & Mentoring and Community Education
- Strengthening the role of Groups in assisting Brigades building local capability for Incident Management and volunteer upskilling and mentoring for Level 2 and 3 incident management roles
- Greater support and recognition of the important role of Group Comms including role, systems and processes in supporting local incidents and deployments, and recognition in CAD processes and procedures of this vital role
- Greater support and recognition of the important role Groups play in readiness, pre-incident planning & coordination, strike team resourcing & deployment, maintaining situational awareness and training delivery
All members can share their thoughts, and VFBV will help Groups and Districts to participate in structured discussions and share information from neighbouring Groups and Districts.
To get involved, contact VFBV at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or (03) 9886 1141 and we will record your details.
In this Edition
- Editorial - Summer and Business as Usual
- Apply Now for Scholarships
- Coalition Moves to Change CFA Act
- Delegate Development course
- Digital Scanners at Cost Price
- Youth Network in 20 Districts
- Planned Burning as Training
- Chainsaw Training
- 2017 Championships
- Australasian Championships
- Cancer Law Reminder
- Donations Welcome
SUMMER AND BUSINESS AS USUAL
By Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
I am hoping that everyone has found at least a few quiet moments to enjoy Christmas and managed to reflect, re-energise and prepare for 2017. It has been a hot few weeks and certainly looks like some parts of the state will have a very busy summer.
As we go into a new year, it would be easy to think that over the past 12 months the CFA and emergency sector has been tied up with just a few major issues.
But while there have been major challenges at the statewide level and attention to CFA issues right up to the Federal level, your volunteer association that is VFBV has been quietly getting on with business as usual in the background.
Volunteer delegates on the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees, and any number of volunteers on working groups and at the District level, have been working on the equipment, training, projects and other issues that make up our everyday representation work for volunteers and Brigades.
As just a few examples of the association’s work over the past 12 months; VFBV has launched its VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network, another class of VFBV Leadership participants has graduated, a VFBV-advocated partnership with CFA has delivered 10,000 subsidised digital scanners to Brigades and Groups, we have provided practical assistance to Brigades applying for VESEP grants, and we have launched two innovative short videos, the first explaining in simple terms how CFA’s great volunteer surge capacity works, and the second transforming CFA turnout data into a graphical depiction of how Brigades from all over the state contribute to CFA’s ability to deal with multiple major incidents at a time while still protecting every Brigade’s local community.
We have also contributed to the State Government’s Fire Services Review; worked with CFA, DELWP and EMV to increase volunteer participation in planned burning; given assistance and support to the VEOHRC Independent Equity and Diversity Review; provided submission and input to the Fiskville Inquiry; and we continue the work on yet to be resolved issues like presumptive legislation, the role of CFA Groups, chainsaw training, 40 kph speed limits near incidents, new BA acquisition and electrical safety mobile props.
It is very satisfying to note that volunteers have given their association’s work a very strong stamp of approval through the year, with record numbers of Brigades affiliating with VFBV, record numbers subscribing to the VFBV Welfare Fund, record numbers of volunteers taking part in the annual VFBV Volunteer Welfare & Efficiency Survey, and higher levels of activity across District Councils and on our social media sites.
And I’d like to add a final note appropriate to the season. Summer is here, volunteers are busy in many parts of the state, and we all need to be mindful of safety and wellbeing; our own and that of our fellow members. So stay safe, look after yourselves and keep an eye out for one another.
VFBV VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS - APPLY NOW FOR 2017
VFBV’s Volunteer Leadership Program scholarships will be available again in 2017 and we are now calling for Expressions of Interest from potential participants.
The two 2017 courses will be based in the Euroa (District 22) and Ararat (District 16) areas, they will run from late March to the end of the year, and successful participants will achieve the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Leadership & Management. Both locations have been chosen based on an effort to rotate the courses across the State, and their location on major highways to make travel to and from those areas as easy as possible for members from neighbouring Districts.
The VFBV Volunteer Leadership Program has already produced over 250 graduates and many are in leadership positions with their agencies, volunteer representative organisations or local communities. Graduates will graduate with a nationally recognised Cert IV in Leadership & Management (BSB42015).
You can download the application pack from the VFBV website. We are offering scholarships to volunteers from CFA, Ambulance Victoria, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Life Saving Victoria, VICSES and St John. Nominations close Friday 27 January 2017.
The VFBV Leadership Scholarship course has been designed for volunteers, with a mix of lectures and interactive activities designed to suit the needs of adult students, as well as ample support using distance learning methods. The course involves 12 units, eight face to face days (six Saturdays and two Sundays) throughout the year, with course work and assignments spread throughout the year.
The course includes units on; leadership, decision making, planning, safety and risk management, team effectiveness, making presentations, managing projects, and engaging the community.
Any questions or queries can be directed to any of VFBV’s Support Officers, and information packs are being posted to all Brigades.
COALITION MOVES TO CHANGE CFA ACT
The Coalition parties have introduced a Bill into the upper house of State Parliament, in an attempt to introduce additional protections for volunteers’ rights into the CFA Act.
The Bill is designed to prevent any outside deals that affect volunteers but bypass the existing protections of the CFA Act and the Federal Fair Work Act.
The proposed legislation is listed for debate in State Parliament in the new year, and is worthy of support from all Members of Parliament. We encourage volunteers to raise the issue with local MPs – talk to your VFBV State Councillor if you need advice.
The explanatory notes included with the Bill say it would make minor adjustments to the CFA Act “to protect volunteers from the implementation of any deed, agreement or arrangement that may have adverse effects on the volunteer firefighters across the state.”
The notes also say: “Deeds, agreements and or arrangements to commit the CFA to implement clauses, which would otherwise be subject to approval by the Fair Work Commission (FWC), is not compliant with the principles of the Volunteer Charter. This amendment will ensure the CFA Act 1958 supports the integrated model of fire fighting in Victoria, a volunteer organisation with support from career staff.”
ENGAGING DIVERSITY WITH DELEGATE DEVELOPMENT
VFBV will soon offer more than 100 Brigade Delegates, BMT members and other volunteers a nationally recognised training course in skills for volunteer representatives.
The course will offer modules that go towards Cert II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) and Cert III in Public Safety (Community Safety).
Participants will develop practical skills in understanding the structure and communications channels of VFBV and CFA, the Delegate’s role, communication skills and problem solving skills.
The newly developed course will involve two full day sessions several weeks apart, and each participant will work with a more experienced volunteer as a mentor.
The course will be free to all participants, details will be posted on the VFBV website in January, and volunteers interested in taking the course should discuss it with their District Council executive or their VFBV Support Officer.
DIGITAL SCANNERS AT COST PRICE
We are still receiving enquiries from members about digital scanners, and we have good news for everyone still needing a scanner.
Digital Scanners are still available at cost price - $446.75 plus postage and handling - which is hundreds of dollars below retail, and CFA is still accepting orders from Brigades, Groups and individual members.
The digital scanner subsidisation program was advocated by VFBV and run in partnership with CFA, and has been an overwhelming success since it began in October 2015. Over 10,000 digital scanners have been delivered to over 1,000 Brigades and Groups, with savings to members adding up to over $3 million dollars.
To order a scanner now, you will need to place a Tier 3 order, using the order form that’s available for download here.
VFBV MULTI-AGENCY YOUTH NETWORK
The VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network now has active groups in 20 Districts, including 16 where young members, the Champions – experienced local volunteers chosen to assist and mentor them – and VFBV District Council representatives have begun work on recruiting young volunteers and discussing issues and suitable projects.
Districts 4, 5, 6 and 22 are still seeking Champions and all Districts are looking for more young volunteers – if you’d like to get involved, talk to your VFBV Support Officer or call Chris Fryer in the VFBV office on 9886 1141.
In District 12, young volunteers taking part in the VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network, supported by the VFBV District Council Executive, are to begin work on a new smart phone app.
The app will create a register of volunteers matched with their skills, qualifications and attributes, and will be accessible by other members, making it easy for them to get in contact with volunteers with particular skills and capabilities.
Looking for a volunteer who has expertise in a particular Brigade skill? Or perhaps a volunteer who is a local plumber or garden contactor? Consult the app.
The VFBV Multi-Agency Youth Network in District 12 has also had success with new members from VICSES. Three young SES volunteers have joined the Network and are now working to recruit more young volunteers from their agency.
In Districts 9, 10 and 27, young volunteers are working together to create an interconnected CFA paging system using mobile phones instead pagers.
The app and pager projects are part of a theme that is building up among the young members of the Youth Network, the need to make better use of modern technology.
Young volunteers interested in getting involved should contact their VFBV District Council, or Chris Fryer at VFBV on (03) 9886 1141 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PLANNED BURNS AS TRAINING
For many years now VFBV has been advocating for a more holistic approach to planned burning, and for CFA to promote the training advantages of participating in planned burns.
The VFBV/CFA Joint Community Safety Committee has been very pleased to observe that recent planned burns have developed into exercises, not just in fire behaviour and fuel load interactions but also extend to learnings in weather behaviour, impact on flora and fauna, bush heritage and Indigenous fire management practices.
The camps are very practical ‘hands on’ for all involved, each participant is specifically tasked with both coaching and mentoring roles, allowing involvement by volunteers across all aspects of the planned burning.
Recent burn camps also saw attendances from Traditional Owners, Trust for Nature (landowners) bird scientists, along with DELWP, plantation owners and CFA paid staff. The attendees worked well together and contributed experience and expertise, building valuable relationships and creating an atmosphere of co-operation in complex burn scenarios.
These camps offer a great opportunity for volunteers to train in realistic settings and gain extensive firefighting experience. The Joint Committee has requested CFA produce a brochure which clearly explains and illustrates upcoming Burn Camps to Brigades.
CHAINSAW TRAINING
The VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee continues to advocate for much greater access and support for members to attain chainsaw qualification and training.
Despite two Mobile Chainsaw Training trailers developed through the Mobile Prop Project back in 2015 to add additional capability for members to access chainsaw training, a UFU grievance over the training package, equipment and trailer use and design has resulted in a yearlong ban on paid instructors using these trailers to deliver any chainsaw training, resulting in the widespread cancellation of CFA planned courses for volunteers.
CFA advises that the IR issues are now close to being resolved, and has confirmed that there are no IR restrictions that relate to volunteer trainer and assessors accessing, towing and using the trailers.
Whilst disappointed that Brigades are currently unable to access paid support and delivery of chainsaw courses through CFA’s training pool, the Joint Committee has requested that CFA increase the number of endorsed volunteer trainer and assessors to deliver this training, so that Brigades can access this vital training.
CFA has agreed to streamline and prioritise volunteer access to the new trailers, equipment and training package, as well as investigate an Expression of Interest process for subject matter experts to be identified and endorsed for volunteer training and delivery.
2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Over 900 competitors are expected at this year’s VFBV State Urban Championships, with 59 senior teams and 74 junior teams entered.
With Bendigo hosting its 30th urban senior championships, there will be a limited edition commemorative medal for every competitor, free entertainment in the Bendigo CBD after the torchlight procession, and a spectacular display of Chinese lion dancing.
Dates and locations the state championships are as follows:
- VFBV State Urban Junior Championships - at Tatura, on 25/26 February 2017
- VFBV State Urban Senior Championships - at Bendigo, on 11 to 13 March 2017
- VFBV State Rural Championships - at Wodonga on 1 and 2 April 2017
Visit the Urban Championships area of the website for the latest rule book, entry forms, and judges’/officials’ nomination forms.
More details and entry forms will be posted on the Rural Championships page soon.
AUSTRALASIAN FIREFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Australasian championships will be held at Carterton, New Zealand, on 17 to 19 November 2017.
Expressions of interest are open until 1 March. Send your Brigade name and contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call the VFBV office on 9886 1141.
CANCER LAW REMINDER
Throughout summer, public attention turns to fire and firefighters.
If you encounter any Members of Parliament this summer, VFBV urges you to remind them that
Victorian volunteers and paid firefighters were promised presumptive legislation two years ago, but this important issue for all firefighters remains unresolved.
Your local MPs need to know volunteers won’t accept second best just because they are not paid. Click here for more information on the Firefighters' Cancer issue.
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