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Strong, safe and sustainable
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Speaking at an ‘Every Woman Every Child’ event, it was Melinda Gates who said “The world is full of what seem like intractable problems. Often, we let that paralyse us. Instead, let it spur you to action.”
From a CFA perspective, it’s not hard to think we are surrounded by intractable problems and challenges. On those days I remind myself that every journey starts with a single step, and as long as we keep putting one foot in front of the other then today is better than yesterday.
One of the difficulties that VFBV often faces is how to communicate progress on issues that seem intractable, or where inadequate funding or resourcing simply makes solving them next to impossible.
This month, I am updating members on some of these ‘slow burn’ type issues that we are working very hard on in the background but are still struggling to get traction or see results. I can however assure you we have not forgotten, nor have we given up.
TRAINING REVIEW
It won’t surprise anyone that training floats to the top of the list.
VFBV continues to hear from many of you about the difficulty brigades are having embracing the new general fire fighter program (GFF) that replaced minimum skills. While the new package was designed to be more flexible and modular to support a diverse range of delivery options, many continue to report difficulty in getting new volunteers through the program.
VFBV continues to pursue a review of GFF. While a review was committed to when the original program was rolled out, it has taken some time for CFA to recommit and schedule it. In fairness, the CFA Training department has had a little bit going on with other packages but given the frequency of brigade complaints - CFA has agreed to prioritise this work and are commencing a review.
Members would also recall that the Chief Officer commissioned AFAC to conduct an independent peer review into CFA Training back in 2021. That review made 14 recommendations, with CFA accepting all of them.
We along with many others have poured blood, sweat and tears behind the scenes to ensure this is not yet another review that simply adorns a shelf gathering dust. We have contributed to work groups, focus groups, steering committees and implementation plans to try and influence outcomes and results from this review.
While we remain optimistic that good work continues, both Samantha Collins and I, in our roles on the Steering Committee have continued to raise the concerns of volunteers about the lack of meaningful demonstrable progress. Volunteers tell us they should be able to touch, feel and experience improvements from this work, not just read about all the great work that has been done to date. We are told that the recommendations of the working groups are progressing to the executive and have been assured progress is not far away. While confidence is waning, we will continue to apply pressure to ensure all the good will and massive effort that has gone into addressing the report’s recommendations are not lost.
One stumbling block will be the lack of additional funds to implement some of this work that makes implementation very challenging. The lack of government investment in CFA systems and technology remains a significant impediment to progress. But we are encouraging CFA to make incremental progress and communicate transparently about which initiatives cannot be implemented due to funding, and those that can - ensuring that relevant business cases and funding bids can be made for government consideration.
And while I could dedicate pages and pages on the work we are doing to progress training issues that have been raised with us through District Councils, I will finish this section by assuring members their concerns around the ever expanding training requirements, longer courses and additional skills maintenance requirements is well heard and understood.
Delegates are working very hard to highlight to CFA the issues of concern and are offering to work with CFA to try and find solutions.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
While CFA offers multitudes of different leadership style programs, these have been inconsistent and fragmented across different organisational units resulting in no clear or formalised pathways for volunteers to access formal leadership opportunities. CFA agreed to address these gaps by forming a volunteer leadership development project back in October 2020. The project was designed to establish a strategic approach to leadership development and implement a connected suite of programs that provide deliberate pathways to build transferable leadership skills.
While COVID interrupted a lot of this work, as did significant changes to personnel across CFA’s Human Resources and Training areas, progress on this project has been painstakingly slow. VFBV continues to express its disappointment in lack of progress on this project and will continue to monitor and encourage more tangible progress.
HEARING ADVOCATES
Readers of our regular 2- Minute-briefings would be well aware of the significant work we are doing to assist CFA improve its conflict and discipline processes.
VFBV remains deeply concerned about CFA’s formal hearing processes that require volunteers to be self-represented or left to arrange their own representation. We continue to express how unjust this is as well as the lack of checks and balances that should assure procedural fairness and natural justice being observed during the hearing process.
We continue to highlight the significant power imbalance that exists between CFA and the volunteer member being accused of wrongdoing. Everyone deserves a fair go.
VFBV has been calling for a program of hearing advocates that would undertake the same training that CFA’s hearing officers undergo but would be responsible for assisting the volunteer present their case and ensure volunteers are receiving the same duty of care and support as any other member.
The cornerstone of Australia’s justice system is set on principles such as procedural fairness, justice being blind and the presumption of innocence. While CFA has made significant progress on reforming its conflict and discipline processes, there is still much work to do. Sadly, we have approached an impasse with middle management on the development of a hearing advocate program. Efforts are now being made to escalate internally, and we will keep you apprised of progress.
RECRUITMENT HUB
Volunteers continue to raise concerns with the new volunteer recruitment hub. While the system appears to work well when both the brigade and recruit have access to reliable internet and technology, the advantages start to fade very quickly if either party can’t access or are not comfortable with doing everything online.
While there was considerable push back during early discussions, we are starting to see these concerns being heard and taken seriously. Delegates to our Member Services Committee are continuing to monitor and advocate for improvements.
HOSE TESTING
In a good news story, CFA has recently released its revised Hose Testing SOP incorporating much of the VFBV feedback that was provided. The SOP is well set out, concise and easy to follow.
Pleasingly CFA has removed the requirement to pressure test every hose after every use. Brigades highlighted that this practice was unnecessary unless the hose had been used in a hostile environment, and that firefighters should be trusted to inspect hose for damage and make a decision on whether it needed further pressure testing or not.
In response to this feedback, CFA has modified its procedure only requiring hose to be inspected after use. Pressure testing is now only required if defects are found or suspected. Hose is still required to be tested at least once annually and each time after repair or recoupling. This is a commonsense approach and shows CFA is listening to feedback.
In closing, while hearing about some of the intractable issues we are working on may be a depressing read for some, VFBV is pursuing more than 100 of these kind of issues through our structures. To its credit, CFA is at the table and indicating it is eager to work with us on finding improvements.
Please don’t lose sight of the incredible work that both CFA and VFBV achieve together, and the fact that regardless of our different approaches - each is seeking to achieve a strong, safe and sustainable CFA for all.
From a VFBV perspective, I can assure you we won’t ever stop trying.
Presumptive Legislation
For several years now VFBV has been active in calling for support for the expansion of Victoria’s Presumptive Legislation scheme. We have campaigned strongly for female reproductive cancers to be added to Victoria’s presumptive legislation, championed by former MP Tania Maxwell through her private members Bill in May last year.
In June of this year, the Minister for Emergency Services the Hon. Jaclyn Symes announced her intent to expand Victoria’s scheme to include the three female reproductive cancers. The VFBV Board formally commended this announcement and acknowledged the Minister’s personal contribution and advocacy in pursuing these changes.
In addition to primary site cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer, VFBV has been pursuing the further expansion of the scheme to pick up the remaining six cancers that were added to the Commonwealth’s scheme being primary site lung, skin, penile, pancreatic and thyroid cancers and malignant mesothelioma.
VFBV has called on the Victorian Government to align its scheme to ensure Victorian firefighters enjoy the same protections and support as their federal counterparts in the ACT and NT, noting that the Tasmania Government has also announced it is adding these cancers (but not primary site uterine) to its own scheme.
Acknowledging the similarity of exposure to hazards by all firefighters and given how frequently Victorian firefighters assist their interstate colleagues, it is VFBV’s desire for the prescribed cancers covered under presumptive legislation to be as uniform as possible across Australia.
VFBV supports any efforts to expand Victoria’s presumptive legislation scheme to include these additional cancers. Similarly, at least three other jurisdictions have added PTSD to its firefighter presumptive legislation schemes in order to acknowledge the routine mental health occupational hazards frequently experienced by first responders. Tasmania added PTSD in 2019, Northern Territory in 2020, and Queensland added mental injury to its presumptive scheme in 2021. VFBV is pursuing similar arrangements here in Victoria.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2023. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 28th August 2023.
Mandatory WWCC
Feedback is being sought on a CFA proposal to update its policy covering Working with Children Clearances.
This draft policy extends the requirement for all volunteers to hold a current working with children check (WWCC). The policy proposes a phased approach, requiring all members of a brigade management team and various other roles to hold a WWCC by June 2024. The policy then extends this requirement to all group and deputy group officers, as well as all members of a brigade that has members under 18, requiring them to hold a WWCC from June 2025. The final phase requires every volunteer across CFA to hold a WWCC from June 2026 as a condition of membership.
VFBV is seeking feedback from volunteers to help inform a VFBV response. Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils. Please visit the VFBV website for more information, including a copy of the draft policy.
Feedback is due by Monday 14th August 2023.
Finance Polices
Feedback is being sought on a proposed CFA Brigade/Group Finance Policy suite. The suite encompasses six draft policies that seek to clarify the processes surrounding the management of brigade and group finances.
The draft policies cover things like approvals required for purchases, restrictions on the number of bank accounts, how funds can be spent and records required etc.
Brigades and groups are encouraged to go through the policies and provide any feedback to help inform VFBV response to CFA.
Feedback from members ultimately leads to either VFBV support or non-support for a specific policy, as well as contributing to our advocacy around amendments. Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils.
Please visit the VFBV website for more information, including a copy of the draft policies.
Feedback is due Monday 14th August 2023.
Flood Inquiry
Volunteers are likely to be incredibly disappointed to read EMV’s submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria.
Neither VFBV or VICSESVA were consulted on EMV’s submission. This fact becomes obvious upon reading the submission and the underwhelming and brief mention of the efforts made by the volunteer workforce during the four long months of the flood campaign. Of the 115 page submission, the only overall metric of volunteer contribution recorded is contained within one sentence of the whole report:
“More than 2500 volunteers from 147 VICSES units were involved in the flood response, with more than 145,000 hours collectively volunteered.”
If members are looking for the section that covers CFA’s significant contribution to the flood event, you will not find one. In fact, the single sentence above is the only reference to the total volunteer contribution to the event.
Given conservative reports show more than 2,700 CFA volunteers responded to flood incidents during the event, and are estimated to have contributed over 8,000 deployments to the campaign, VFBV believes these facts should have warranted coverage.
VFBV continues to remind members that EMV has been officially classified by the VFBV Board as an organisation of concern and cautions any member relying on EMV statements claiming they respect, appreciate and consult with volunteers advising these statements are likely to be disingenuous at best.
Thank you
Thankyou to the thousands of CFA volunteers who completed last year’s VFBV vol survey.
We are currently analysing responses and preparing this year’s report. Summary results have been provided in the June edition of Fire Wise in our Quarterly Supplement.
To each of the volunteers who took the time to complete the most recent survey, you have contributed to making CFA a better place to volunteer.
Your feedback will be used to pursue positive change and contributes to our tireless advocacy on behalf of all volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.
Fire Wise – August 2023 online only edition
The August 2023 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Feedback Requested – Amendments to CFA policy for Working with Children Clearances
Feedback Requested – Brigade Finance Policy Suite
VFBV Board Vacancies - Invitation to Apply
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Feedback Loop
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
The last several months have seen some significant items out for broad consultation, with the two most recent items eliciting a very high number of responses.
We sought feedback on draft changes CFA was proposing to its Radio Allocation policy and procedure, and feedback on a new draft policy that CFA was proposing to cover the consumption of alcohol at social functions and other activities.
First and foremost, I wish to thank every volunteer that took the time to submit feedback and comment. Our networks are designed to provide the opportunity for volunteers from every part of the State to provide feedback. This is important as a policy impact can be very different depending on the location of your brigade, how large or small it is, the makeup of the membership, and your own experiences which often provide different perspectives. To canvass feedback from 52,000 volunteers across 1,214 brigades takes considerable time, effort and hard work.
Our forums are also the perfect place for volunteers to discuss these impacts. Often there may be a perception of what a policy is saying that elicits strong feedback. Being able to discuss the policy in open forums such as our District Councils allows volunteers to hear feedback from their peers and often leads to a much better understanding and appreciation of what impacts may or may not occur in their own brigade.
Essentially, this elaborate and well-structured network is what drives VFBV to be determined to ensure decision makers use it, and treat volunteer consultation seriously to ensure issues are well understood, discussed and tested, with enough time for these discussions to be meaningful.
And yes, sometimes it can be difficult. No one likes hearing negative feedback, but if a draft policy has missed the mark, or has not prepared for a potential impact or other negative consequence, it is better for everyone to know that while there is still time to fix it.
In this sense, VFBV was inundated with feedback from members on CFA’s draft alcohol and other drugs policy. Only 13% of respondents indicated a high level of support for the draft policy. It was clear from going through the feedback that the draft missed the mark and underestimated many of the impacts caused by lose wording and vague scope and intent.
Without declaring what problem the policy was hoping to fix, it was left open to interpretation, of which there was many. In an organisation the size of CFA, it is important that policy writers maintain strict discipline in crafting policy language, scope and intent.
It is important to note that while there was overwhelming criticism of elements of the draft policy, we did not receive any feedback that advocated inappropriate policy settings or suggested volunteers did not support an overarching policy context that encourages the responsible use and serving of alcohol. This is unsurprising given the extremely high trust and reputation that CFA volunteers have built and earned in their communities.
However, there was overwhelming feedback that CFA policy must first and foremost be framed in the context that CFA is a volunteer and community embedded organisation and creating six pages of red tape that sought to reach across into people’s personal lives and simply tie people in knots was neither well received, nor appropriate given the very low incidence of issues. The point that many made was that the CFA behavioural standards, founded on the volunteer code of conduct that volunteers themselves designed and wrote - expressly outlines the behaviour expected of CFA members, so why the need for more bureaucracy?
The VFBV Board and State Council have considered the feedback received and have developed five high level principles to guide a future sensible policy. We have formally advised CFA that we cannot support its draft policy in its current format and have offered to assist CFA revisit its base assumptions, proposing a more effective policy that incorporates volunteer feedback.
While CFA has not yet formally responded to VFBV’s feedback, I have been informed that our feedback has been welcomed and is being taken seriously, with the intent of diligently considering the feedback provided before discussing next steps.
While we don’t always have to agree, this is the mature and professional way to approach consultation. Neither side is served by digging in or ignoring the others perspective, and I remain optimistic that genuine consultation, and a culture of actively seeking, listening and acting on volunteer feedback continues, and I congratulate the CFA CEO and Chief Officer on their approach to working with us to ensure volunteer consultation is not merely lip service.
There are two further major pieces of proposed policy currently out for consultation. Given their potential impacts, we are seeking broad feedback from all brigades, groups, district councils and individual volunteers.
The first is a revised CFA Finance Policy suite that proposes to streamline the various financial management policies and clarify processes for the management of brigade and group finances. In many respects, the new policies simply pick up elements from the brigade management manual that have been in place for some time now.
To its credit, CFA embarked on internal consultation with VFBV as it was developing its draft policies prior to their release, which has resulted in a better developed draft for broader consultation. While much of our initial feedback has been picked up, we are keen to hear from brigades and groups about the practicalities of some of the proposed changes, such as leasing arrangements, the use of brigade derived income from commercial activities such as fire equipment maintenance and the use of brigade social and welfare accounts.
The second item out for broad consultation is a revised working with children clearances policy. While CFA admits that the majority of roles in CFA do not perform “child related activities” and therefore do not require a working with children clearance under the Worker Screening Act, it is proposing to expand its policy to mandate that all members must hold a working with children clearance by June 2026.
Again, we are seeking brigades thoughts about the appropriateness of this requirement, and whether there may be any unintended consequences. In particular we are keen to gauge from volunteers their feeling about the administrative burden this may create, especially in remote and regional communities and the likelihood of maintaining such clearances in the future, and the workload of brigades to monitor and support members meeting the new requirements.
Interestingly no new funding or administrative support has been announced or proposed to accompany the modified proposal, so we are also keen to hear from volunteers on what additional support they or their brigade may require to support the proposed position.
While I suspect that every member supports CFA being a child safe organisation (of which it currently is), people may differ in how they think an organisation actually becomes child safe vs administrative processes that simply tick a box. I encourage members to have mature and robust conversations about the practicalities of the proposal, and provide your feedback, both positive and negative. It is critically important we don’t only hear from those opposed, but also those who support. We are committed to representing the diversity of views that are likely to be found across the membership. But unless we hear from you, this is difficult.
We are also keen to hear your views on the timelines of each schedule, the roles contained within each, how to manage members who rarely attend the brigade and the role of brigade management teams in overseeing compliance with the proposed policy.
I often remind people that genuine consultation isn’t simply about asking a question and then waiting upon a single response. It’s a journey – not a destination, it takes time, involves many discussions and sometimes it is difficult and challenging. But in the end, you get good policy and the desired outcome that because of the support, is actively complied with.
Good consultation is about empowering and trusting volunteers, engaging them as equal partners in the journey and sharing the underpinning issue, challenge or opportunity that we are seeking to address. While I am not convinced we are quite there yet, I do see positive signs.
Robust and genuine volunteer consultation is achieved by the proper analysis of the issue in partnership with volunteers; consideration of alternatives; providing timeframes that are respectful and appropriate for a large dispersed volunteer-based organisation; as well as a commitment to show how feedback has been taken into account and considered before decisions or next steps are taken.
Your voice matters and will have an impact on decisions affecting the future, so please get involved. And while we will keep striving for improved consultation arrangements with CFA, your involvement in feedback requests is critical. Visit our website for the drafts and where to send your feedback. We want to hear from you.
CFA’s newest brigade
VFBV welcomes CFA’s newest Fire Brigade at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust in District 11.
This decision follows representation from the dedicated volunteer members who’ve protected their land for two decades as a satellite station of Toorloo Fire Brigade.
In accordance with the wishes of the local community and the principle of self-determination, an indigenous name for the new brigade will be determined following engagement with Elders.
A local CFA presence was established in early 2000s by a group of First Nations women who wanted to join CFA and be trained as firefighters following a series of blazes on the former Lake Tyers Mission in East Gippsland.
You can read about the history of CFA’s newest brigade, via CFA members online.
Transferring members
VFBV delegates have been raising concerns with the process of members transferring brigades. For some time now, there has been a changed process that has altered an operational member to non-operational status upon their transfer and has required the brigade to then specifically request their status be changed back to operational.
This has resulted in many members unaware their status has changed, and has the potential to impact on service records, insurance coverage and the like.
The Chief Officer has agreed to a VFBV request to rectify this anomaly, and the process has now been amended to ensure current operational members who hold a firefighting qualification retain their operational status upon a transfer, without the brigade having to submit a change of status form. Transferring members may not turnout or respond to fires until the Captain of the receiving brigade has endorsed that member to respond (as is the case now), but this no longer requires any paperwork and can be managed at the local brigade level.
Mandatory WWCC
Feedback is being sought on a CFA proposal to update its policy covering Working with Children Clearances.
This draft policy extends the requirement for all volunteers to hold a current working with children check (WWCC). The policy proposes a phased approach, requiring all members of a brigade management team and various other roles to hold a WWCC by June 2024. The policy then extends this requirement to all group and deputy group officers, as well as all members of a brigade that has members under 18, requiring them to hold a WWCC from June 2025. The final phase requires every volunteer to hold a WWCC from June 2026 as a condition of membership.
VFBV is seeking feedback from volunteers to help inform a VFBV response. Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils. Please visit the VFBV website for more information, including copies of the draft policy.
Feedback is due by Monday 14th August 2023.
Finance Policies
Feedback is being sought on a proposed CFA Brigade/ Group Finance Policy suite.
The suite encompasses six draft policies that seek to clarify the processes surrounding the management of brigade and group finances.
The draft policies cover things like approvals required for purchases, restrictions on the number of bank accounts, how funds can be spent and records required etc.
While many of the topics covered are similar to those that currently exist in the brigade management manual, there are several areas of changed policy.
Brigades and groups are encouraged to go through the policies and provide any feedback to help inform VFBV response to CFA.
Feedback from members ultimately leads to either VFBV support or non-support for a specific policy, as well as contributing to our advocacy around amendments. Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils.
Please visit the VFBV website for the draft policy.
Feedback is due Monday 15th August 2023.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2023. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 28th August 2023.
AFSMs for Dawn and Paul
VFBV congratulates the five CFA members who were among almost 1,200 Australian’s recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list this year.
Captain Dawn Hartog AFSM has provided 18 years of dedicated and exceptional service to CFA, initially as a staff member and now as a volunteer and member of the CFA Board. Dawn has extensive emergency management experience both as a firefighter and within Incident Management Teams as an accredited Level 3 Public Information Officer and has distinguished herself with her ability to effectively engage with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve outcomes which have made a significant contribution CFA.
Captain Paul Denham AFSM has been recognised as a highly experienced and respected firefighter in both urban and rural settings for more than 40 years. Paul has served in leadership roles with Boronia Fire Brigade, Knox Group and Buxton Fire Brigade as well as serving as a State Councillor with VFBV for more than 20 years and three years as a CFA Board Member. Throughout his service Paul has been passionate about training, the safety of protective clothing and equipment used by CFA members as well as advocating for improved amenities at fire stations.
VFBV congratulates Dawn and Paul for their outstanding contribution to CFA and the broader community. Congratulations are also extended to fellow CFA volunteers Leslie Kelly and Ian Graham as well as CFA Board Member Tony Peake who each received the honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Fire Wise – July 2023 online only edition
The July 2023 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Feedback Requested – Amendments to CFA policy for Working with Children Clearances
Feedback Requested – Brigade Finance Policy Suite
King’s Birthday Honours List 2023
VFBV Board Vacancies – Invitation to Apply
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Among almost 1,200 Australian’s recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list this year were two CFA members for their contributions to the Victorian community who have been honoured with the Australian Fire Service Medal.
Dawn Hartog AFSM – Dawn has provided 18 years of dedicated and exceptional service to CFA, initially as a staff member and now as a volunteer and member of the CFA Board. Dawn has extensive emergency management experience both as a firefighter and within Incident Management Teams as an accredited Level 3 Public Information Officer. During her time with CFA, Dawn has distinguished herself with her ability to effectively engage with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve outcomes which have made a significant contribution to increasing CFA’s capability and performance which has lead to improved community safety in Victoria. You can read more about Dawn here.
Paul Denham AFSM – Paul has been recognised as a highly experienced and respected firefighter in both urban and rural settings for more than 40 years. Paul has served in leadership roles with Boronia Fire Brigade, Knox Group and Buxton Fire Brigade as well as serving as a State Councillor with VFBV for more than 20 years and three years as a CFA Board Member. Throughout his service Paul has been passionate about training, the safety of protective clothing and equipment used by CFA members as well as advocating for improved amenities at fire stations. You can read more about Paul here.
VFBV congratulates Dawn and Paul for their outstanding contribution to CFA and the broader community. Congratulations are also extended to fellow CFA volunteers Leslie Kelly and Ian Graham as well as CFA Board Member Tony Peake who each received the honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) along with other Australian's recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list this year.
Nominations for AFSM's
Nominations for AFSM's are accepted at any time through CFA's Honours and Awards Committee.
The AFSM honours the distinguished service of members of fire services who make an exceptionable contribution to their communities. The AFSM recognises those whose service is above and beyond the normal zealous and faithful discharge of normal or ordinary service, either in the short or long term.
CFA volunteers are often modest and reluctant to seek out recognition for the service they have provided to their community and may not have a realistic appreciation of the impact they have had on CFA, their community, within VFBV or your Brigade or Group. They’re not in it for the honour or glory, but it’s up to each of us to ensure we take the time to say ‘thank-you’ to those people who have stepped up and help inspire us all to do better.
If you know a quiet achiever who has contributed to CFA, who goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of someone in a similar position, please consider nominating them for an AFSM.
The Australian Honours system has been designed to break down artificial barriers and open the Australian Honours to all parts of our society. Any member of the community can nominate any other Australian citizen for an award.
It is also critically important we encourage nominations for groups who are typically under-represented in Australian Honours like the AFSM. In particular we are encouraging a greater gender mix.
Women in particular are under-represented in AFSM’s awarded when we consider the thousands of women within the fire services across the country. And while things are improving, much more can be done.
There are so many exceptional CFA women and men deserving to be recognised, so please consider nominating someone you feel is deserving.
A common misconception is that only those members who have decades worth of service are recognised by the Honours system. The AFSM is not a long-service award, its sole criterion is distinguished service. And while prolonged service forms part of the key criteria, ‘prolonged’ is considered by the honour and awards committee’s to be taken in context as to what is considered ‘longer than usual’ and in context of what is ‘above and beyond’ the normal or ordinary service expected. Exceptional service that is sustained over a period of time can be considered as satisfying the criteria. For example, has the members contribution been in excess of expectations for a ‘normal’ member and over what duration? The Committee will consider the nature of the service or achievement within the context of a member’s service history when weighing up the various criteria.
This is especially important for women within CFA who may have their service overlooked simply because they haven’t been a Captain or Group Officer for 30+ years. While these are important leadership roles – our service is a team environment, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Nothing should take away from the incredible achievement decade long service is, but the Honours system is designed to recognise those that make a significant contribution, and to represent the things that our communities believe to be deserving of recognition, including from those who are perhaps trailblazers for others to follow. Think of those people who have pushed the boundaries or have been first to reach and hold leadership positions that has been inspirational to those around them. For example, think of members who have overcome additional barriers, like English not being their first language and who have toiled away to learn the language and become masterful communicators designing new innovative community safety engagements to CALD communities and serving as a role model for other community members. Who are the people you look up to? Who are the people who have really made a difference in your Brigade or Group?
Distinguished service includes service that is above and beyond and can be short-term or prolonged. It is service that can be exemplified by; responsibility for an outstanding event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service or community; development of a new system, procedure or technique that is unique and made a significant contribution to the fire service; or outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth within the fire services.
While it can seem daunting to nominate a potential recipient, some guiding principles that could assist in completing a nomination for an AFSM are:
- In what role(s) has the nominee excelled?
- How has the nominee demonstrated service worthy of recognition?
- How has the nominee’s contribution affected a particular field, locality, brigade, group or community at large?
- Over what period has the nominee made a major commitment?
- Has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?
- What makes this person stand out from others?
- What specific examples can be provided to show how the nominee’s contribution(s) have been outstanding?
Nominations for awards are strictly confidential. The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of the confidential nomination at any stage of the process.
Additional Resources to Assist
Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
Want to discuss a potential nomination or need some more information? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the Australian Fire Service Medal
Introduced in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal recognised distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to both volunteer and paid members. The award recognised the distinguished service by members of a State or Territory Fire Service, a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the Fire Services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Island) and Norfolk Island.
The medal is awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day award and King's Birthday award announcements.
Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal
To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has given service beyond the norm exemplified by:
- Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance in a particular area that has proved significant benefit to the fire service; and one or more of the following.
- Responsibility for and management of an outstanding/exceptional event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Development of a new system, or procedure, or technique that is unique and has made a significant contribution to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth, within the fire service and the fostering and furthering of the aims of the fire service to the long-term benefit of the fire service and the community.
- Demonstrated creativity in the development and implementation of innovative changes that have made a significant contribution to the fire service, fire/emergency operations, or the interests of community safety.
The change makers
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
In this month’s edition of Fire Wise, members will find a copy of the 16-page VFBV Quarterly Supplement. As well as the usual updates from our Joint Committees, we have also included the summary results of our most recent volunteer survey.
Now in its eleventh year, our annual survey is the largest of its kind. The longitudinal nature of the survey along with its consistent questions and themes, provides a robust snapshot of volunteer views and opinions over time and allows for trend and other analysis to be conducted.
At a high level the results give cause for optimism, with incremental improvement in volunteer satisfaction with CFA across most of the survey themes, with 22 questions recording an improvement. Five questions recorded a drop in satisfaction and six questions recorded no change.
Not surprising, the main areas of volunteer dissatisfaction with CFA continues to be around training, consultation, and the need for greater support for recruitment and retention.
This year we also piloted four new questions. Three of those questions help us delve a little deeper into the long-term dissatisfaction around training, and asked members if CFA’s training expectations were fair and reasonable for the roles that you perform; if CFA’s online training courses were easy to use and effective; and if members had access to adequate internet in order to participate in online training.
On the internet question, 86% of survey respondents indicated they had access to adequate internet. And while this may sound like a good result, in an organisation the size of CFA, having 14% of members not able to access adequate internet is a reminder that CFA must continue to offer flexible ways for people to stay connected.
While the survey results are highly credible from a sample size perspective, it should be noted that given most of our survey respondents choose to do the survey online, the number of people who still have trouble accessing online services is likely somewhat understated in these results. Even taking the 14% as a conservative figure, that still equates to more than 7,000 volunteers.
This is precisely why when CFA advised they were moving to electronic multi-factor authentication for all CFA online services later this year, it was VFBV that was left to argue that while the majority of members were likely to have a mobile phone, not all would be capable of running an authenticator app, leaving potentially thousands who would be locked out of all CFA online systems.
Rather than use this as a reason not to do something – we argued the case that it is incumbent on CFA to ensure it finds flexible ways for these members to remain connected without weakening security to ensure we don’t leave anyone behind. To its credit, CFA was able to identify an alternative method resulting in a good outcome. This again highlights not only VFBV’s commitment to working collaboratively with CFA to solve problems, but also highlights the importance of genuine and robust consultation with volunteers before CFA embarks on significant change.
BUDGET WATCH
VFBV remains highly vigilant in monitoring developments on CFA’s budget post fire services reform. With the Victorian Government handing down its state budget late last month, there was very little good news for CFA volunteers. For the first time in many years, there was no new funding for any new fire stations, trucks or equipment. The only announcement was for the redevelopment of three fire stations.
This lack of capital funding is devastating given the poor shape of CFA’s capital works budget, and the unsustainability of CFA’s asset pool. Funding three fire stations out of 1,214 stations across the state means it will take 404 years to get around to all. Given we are now pushing fire trucks well past their 20-year age limit, with many well over 30- years old, CFA is facing a rapid deteriorating asset base that is very concerning.
And while we hear a lot from the government about the $126 million that was provided to CFA back in 2020, there are a lot of little facts that keep being left off the brochure so to speak. First of all, it was $126 million over five years, so $25.2 million a year. Second of all, just weeks after making the announcement, the CFA annual budget from government grants went from $807 million, to $351 million, a reduction of $456 million dollars overnight. One needs to go back 14 years in time to 2009 to find government contributions to CFA dropping to this level.
And thirdly, under the terms of fire services reform, CFA was forced to transfer another $229 million in property, plant and equipment off CFA’s books, and gifted free of charge to FRV to account for the 37 co-located fire stations, land, building and equipment.
This marks a particularly poor record on funding for CFA over the last three years, and there is no way to spin it otherwise.
Incidentally, FRV’s revenue grew from $461 million to $859 million over the same period.
Now if we work that out by fire station, CFA runs 1,214 fire stations on its $351 million or approx. $290k per station per year, and FRV runs its 85 fire stations for $807 million working out at $9.5 million per station per year.
The only highlight from this year’s budget papers was the output measurements of the fire services which confirmed CFA delivered a 90% outcome for response times to structure fires over the 2022/23 period, with FRV delivering an 87% outcome for structure fires. An interesting outcome for those who argue that response time performance measurements are the be all and end all.
The government has not revealed CFA’s base budget for this year in the budget papers, so VFBV will continue to monitor developments closely. Volunteers will no doubt anxiously await confirmation of this year’s CFA budget and any impacts of reduced funding. Given the cuts already made, any further cuts will be nothing short of devastating, and will require strong volunteer advocacy.
As the most efficient fire service in Victoria, and following decades of underinvestment, it would be irresponsible to think that the world class emergency service provided by volunteers could possibly be subjected to any further cuts or tightening. It a brave Government indeed to choose not to fund fire stations and fire trucks at a time where large scale emergencies like fire and flood are predicted to occur more often and with higher intensity due to a changing climate. On behalf of a future Royal Commission, allow me to pre-empt the very first question a future Commission is likely to ask – what were you thinking?
Readers would recall our advice that the VFBV Board has now elevated EMV to an organisation of concern over their appalling record of noncompliance with their obligations under the volunteer charter and following their ill-advised disbanding of the volunteer consultative forum. Given the current financial environment, our investigations on the amount of money that is now being redirected from the fire services to EMV to fund this burgeoning bureaucracy remains a high priority. We will keep you updated on progress.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
National Volunteer Week ran from 15–21 May this year. This year’s theme was ‘The Change Makers’ to recognise that volunteers dedicate their time and energy to effect real and positive change in their communities, a theme that CFA volunteers had no trouble identifying with.
On behalf of VFBV I wish to pass on our deep gratitude and respect to all CFA volunteers and other emergency service volunteers across the sector. Over the last 12 months our members have dealt with fire and flood and everything in between.
Victorians are safer because of the work you do each and every day, and we could not be more proud of you.
Not only did we say thankyou to our volunteers during Volunteer Week, we took this opportunity to also thank all those who support and encourage CFA volunteers. In the words of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th American President “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.
PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION
In breaking news, I am pleased to report that the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Jaclyn Symes MP has announced she will be introducing legislation to expand the presumptive rights scheme to include the three female reproductive cancers to Victoria’s presumptive legislation scheme for firefighters.
This is a change we have been advocating very strongly for and welcome this announcement.
The proposed amendment will expand the scheme by adding cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers to the list of prescribed cancers covered under the scheme, and will be backdated to cover cancer diagnoses on or after 1 June 2016 which aligns it with the other 12 existing cancers already covered. This change applies equally to volunteers and career staff.
Readers would recall that the topic of expanding the scheme to cover female reproductive cancers has been going on for several years now. Our advocacy followed the important work done in the United States and Canada that studied the impact of the under representation of women across the firefighting cohort used for previous cancer studies. Up until recently, female firefighter numbers were too low to determine conclusively the risks of developing female-specific cancers from their firefighting work. Recent research has begun to reverse this anomaly, with the Commonwealth government recently accepting the evidence and adding cervical and uterine cancers to the commonwealth legislation.
I wish to commend the unflinching advocacy done by fellow CFA volunteer and former MP, Tania Maxwell who drafted an amendment back in October 2021 seeking for these cancers to be added to the scheme. Disappointed with progress, in May 2022 she put up a private members bill again seeking to add the cancers to the legislation, which was defeated. Her untiring support and advocacy has been instrumental in highlighting this issue and getting the requisite support.
This has been a long campaign, and VFBV has taken up the cause both publicly supporting Tania’s amendments and Bill, and privately by engaging in discussions directly with the Minister following the Bill’s defeat.
While we hope no firefighter ever has to use this legislation, it provides peace of mind and great comfort knowing that these protections have finally been realised. I also wish to acknowledge the work done by Melina Bath MP who worked with us many years ago in the early days to shine a light on the lack of female firefighters in the international study cohorts.
I will have more to say about presumptive legislation down the track, but feel it would be ungracious to meet the announcement of this much anticipated expansion with simply a request for more. So, I will return to this topic at another time.
On behalf of the more than 4,300 female CFA volunteer firefighters across the State, I commend this amendment and congratulate Minister Symes on her announcement. I look forward to its passage in Parliament and urge all parties to support this Bill.
Members’ strong show of support
Again in 2022/23, CFA Brigades and Groups showed that is it more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united, independent and credible voice with more than 95% of Brigades demonstrating strong support for VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for all CFA volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year.
2023/24 renewal notices for your Brigade/Group’s VFBV Affiliation and Welfare Fund subscriptions and have been mailed out to Brigade and Group secretaries with a due date of 30 June 2023.
All Brigades and Groups that pay their VFBV affiliations before 30th June will automatically be entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. The prizes have for the third-year running been donated by GAAM Emergency Products and Powdersafe and we sincerely thank them for their continued generous support. Further details of the prizes on offer are detailed on the flyer included with your renewal notices.
As well as affiliating, we strongly encourage Brigades to subscribe to the VFBV Welfare Fund. The Welfare Fund is a capital fund and an exclusive benefit to affiliated members with VFBV funding all the administration and operating costs ensuring 100% of funds received go directly to CFA volunteers experiencing personal hardship. The VFBV Welfare Fund provides small grants of up to $5,000 to assist volunteer members and long serving ex members. The grants support members and their families experiencing personal financial hardship/crisis by providing welfare grants, on a needs-assessed basis, that may help alleviate stress impacting their ability to maintain involvement as a volunteer.
Nominations for trust fund
VFBV is calling for nominations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Fund.
The purpose of the fund is to raise and receive money and donations of goods and services from the public for distribution to brigades to assist with costs of purchasing and maintaining firefighting equipment, facilities, training and administrative expenses which are associated with their firefighting functions.
Following nominations, five new or reappointed members will be appointed by the VFBV Board to serve as VFBV Trustees on the fund for a term of two years.
All current trustees are eligible for re-appointment. Please visit the VFBV website for details. Nominations close on Monday 19th June 2023.
VESEP
Applications are now open for the 2023/24 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Applications are due to your District ACFO by the 16th June 2023.
VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications. This pack is available from our website, or paper copies can be obtained by phoning the office.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of operational equipment.
VFBV wishes all CFA Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thanks you for your untiring service to Victoria!
Mandatory WWCC
Feedback is being sought on a CFA proposal to update its policy covering Working with Children Clearances.
This draft policy extends the requirement for all volunteers to hold a current working with children check (WWCC). The policy proposes a phased approach, requiring all members of a brigade management team and various other roles to hold a WWCC by June 2024. The policy then extends this requirement to all group and deputy group officers, as well as all members of a brigade that has members under 18, requiring them to hold a WWCC from June 2025. The final phase requires every volunteer to hold a WWCC from June 2026 as a condition of membership.
VFBV is seeking feedback from volunteers to help inform a VFBV response. Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils.
Please visit the VFBV website for more information, including copies of the draft policy.
VFBV Board Positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2023. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 28th August 2023.
CFA Board Positions
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV.
This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2023, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, nomination will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 26th June 2023.
Finance Policies
Feedback is being sought on a proposed CFA Brigade/Group Finance Policy Suite.
The suite encompasses six draft policies that seek to clarify the processes surrounding the management of brigade and group finances.
The draft policies cover things like approvals required for purchases, restrictions on the number of bank accounts, how funds can be spent and records required etc.
While many of the topics covered are similar to those that currently exist in the brigade management manual, there are several areas of changed policy.
Brigades and groups are encouraged to go through the policies and provide any feedback to help inform VFBV response to CFA.
Feedback from members ultimately leads to either VFBV support or non-support for a specific policy, as well as contributing to our advocacy around amendments.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades, groups and District Councils.
Please visit the VFBV website for more information, including copies of the draft policy.
King’s Birthday Honours 2023
Among almost 1,200 Australian’s recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list this year were two CFA members for their contributions to the Victorian community.
Dawn Hartog and Paul Denham have both been recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).
VFBV congratulates Paul and Dawn for their outstanding contribution to CFA and the broader community alongside the other Australian’s recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year.
You can read more about Paul and Dawn on the VFBV website.
Quarterly Supplement
Included with the June 2023 edition of Fire Wise is the latest edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.
The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates, information on current issues being pursued by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes additional resources or updates that are available via our website.
An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.
Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Feedback Requested – Brigade Finance Policy Suite
Feedback Requested – Amendments to CFA policy for Working with Children Check Clearances
Nominations for CFA and Brigades Donations Fund
VFBV Board Vacancies – Invitation to Apply
CFA Board Vacancies – Invitation to Apply
2023-24 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack
King's Birthday Honours List 2023
International Firefighters’ Day 2023
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Formal consultation has commenced on a proposed Brigade/Group Finance Policy Suite, which is intended to replace current brigade and group finance policies.
The proposed draft policy suite is available for download from the bottom of this page.
The proposed brigade finance policy suite enhances and clarifies processes surrounding the management of brigade finances. The proposed policy suite maintains alignment with the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (the CFA Act) and Country Fire Authority Regulations 2014 (CFA Regulations), which prescribe the manner in which all brigades and groups must operate.
Members are encouraged to review the proposed draft policy suite (made up of six individual policies) and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policies.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback is due by Monday 14th August, 2023.
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
- For those that prefer to answer a survey to provide feedback, you can access one here: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/hyBcgm
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
Feedback Requested - Amendments to CFA policy for Working with Children Clearances
Written by VFBV
Formal consultation has commenced on amendments proposed by CFA to their policy for Working with Children Clearances. (WWCC)
The proposed draft policy is available for download from the bottom of this page.
For the purposes of consultation, while the majority of roles in CFA do not require a WWCC under the Worker Screening Act, CFA is proposing to require all staff and volunteers to have a valid working with children check even if they are not legally required to.
The policy proposes a phased approach, requiring all members of a brigade management team and various other roles to hold a WWCC by June 2024.
The policy then extends this requirement to all group and deputy group officers, as well as all members of a brigade that has members under 18, requiring them to hold a WWCC from June 2025.
The final phase requires every volunteer to hold a WWCC from June 2026 as a condition of membership.
Members are encouraged to review the proposed draft policy and provide any feedback/suggestions/amendments including indicating support/non-support for the proposed policy.
Feedback can be provided by individuals, brigades and groups.
All feedback is used to inform and influence formal VFBV positions as well as used to influence CFA positions and thinking during the deliberative process. If we need to use your feedback to demonstrate or illustrate the views of members, your personal details will not be shared with CFA, and feedback will always be de-identified to protect your privacy.
We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly for your desired outcome.
Feedback is due by Monday 14th August, 2023.
We have extended the feedback closing date to Monday 4th September, 2023
All members are welcome and encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any questions, please contact your local State Councilor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
How to provide feedback:
It would be preferred that members provide feedback ASAP, so that it can be received incrementally, allowing us enough time to consolidate, identify trends and research issues raised by members.
Feedback can be provided via:
- Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Complete our survey via: https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/xsBcPN
- Your local VFBV District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
- By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
- By Fax: (03) 9886 1618
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Where indicating non-support, it would be helpful to understand the key reasons why, and even a couple of brief bullet points would be adequate. Likewise, if you would prefer to provide a more detailed response, or mark-up and suggest changes to the documents, that is welcome also.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
This week (15 – 21 May) is National Volunteer week, and sets out to celebrate the power of how volunteers drive change and ensure that volunteering is inclusive.
The 2023 theme for National Volunteer Week is The Change Makers. This recognises that volunteers dedicate time and energy to effect change in their communities which VFBV believes sums up CFA volunteers perfectly.
This year’s them identifies change makers as people who are driven to contribute for the greater good; are passionate about the causes they care about; turn their passions into purpose; are a force for social change; and give their time and energy to make a difference for their communities.
Adam Barnett, VFBV CEO, thanked CFA volunteers for the time and energy they dedicate to making change within communities across Victoria, and said that each of these qualities are evident each and every day in CFA volunteers.
“VFBV passes on our deep gratitude, respect and appreciation to all CFA volunteers for the work you do in your communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
“Over the past 12 months this has been evident where in addition to protecting their own communities, many CFA volunteers travelled afar to flood affected areas across the state to effect change in communities in need. While it would be easier to say this was someone else’s job, CFA volunteers again put their hand up to come to communities in need. Your ‘can do’ attitude should be celebrated, respected and acknowledged by everyone.“
“Victorian’s are safer because of the work you do, and we could not be more proud of you, your brigades and all those that support you in the work you do to protect lives and property” he said.
Adam also noted that it is not only CFA volunteers who contribute to the safety of Victoria. These are also volunteers from the broader emergency services sector such as VicSES, St John Ambulance, Ambulance Victoria, Life Saving Victoria, Coast Guard, Salvation Army, Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry – just to name a few who work together to contribute their time, skills and resources to make change in their communities as emergency management volunteers.
The 3V’s report “Uncovering the hidden value”, conservatively estimates that Victoria’s 100,000 emergency service volunteers contribute $1.9 to $2.5 billion in value each year.
From VFBV, thank you and well done for you incredible dedication and service to the people of Victoria and beyond, not just this week but every hour, day, week and month of the year.
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About VFBV: VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria. |
Want to read more about CFA volunteers?
VFBV regularly publish stories about CFA volunteers, please explore our website to discover some of these amazing stories.
Interested in becoming a CFA volunteer?
Visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/apply-to-volunteer to find out more information.
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed each year on the 4th May. This is also St Florian's Day, who is the patron saint of firefighters.
St. Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters and was an officer of the Roman army who was responsible for organising and leading firefighting brigades tasked to fight fires when Rome needed to protect itself against fire being used as an offensive weapon in the third century.
On St. Florian’s Day, firefighters, families and communities across the world take a moment to acknowledge firefighters commitment and dedication to their communities and their selfless duty to protecting lives and property.
Each year, CFA and VFBV come together to honour our fallen firefighters through the annual memorial service which is each year commemorated on the Sunday closest to May 4th. By proudly wearing and displaying blue and red ribbons pinned together or by participating in a memorial or recognition event, we show our gratitude and respect to firefighters and their families everywhere. The blue and red ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water.
This year’s service will be held on Sunday 7 May at VEMI Conference and Event Centre in Mt Macedon as part of the commemorations of the 40th anniversary for the Ash Wednesday fires. The 2023 Annual Memorial Service will be livestreamed by CFA on Sunday for those who are unable to attend in person.
The Annual Memorial Service is a formal and reflective day to acknowledge and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their communities. It’s a time for reflection and just one of the ways we can remember the lives of 69 CFA members and 11 Country Fire Brigades Board firefighters (prior to the formation of CFA), who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in service to protecting our communities. The full Role of Honour can be found on CFA’s website.
This year’s service will be especially poignant following the death of Queensland Fire and Rescue Firefighter Izabella Nash earlier this week which only further highlights the risks that firefighters face while protecting lives and property. VFBV on behalf of all Victorian firefighters extends its deepest sympathies to Izabella’s family, friends, loved ones and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Fellow firefighter Lia Drew was also injured at the same fire and is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital, we wish Lia all the best in her recovery and our thoughts are also with Lia, her family, friends and colleagues.
VFBV CEO, Adam Barnett spoke of the importance of the annual memorial service for not only the families, friends and loved once of the fallen, but for all CFA members.
“The annual memorial and St Florian’s Day is a time for us to come together and remember the 80 CFA firefighters who have selflessly given their lives to protect the lives of other Victorians.”
“While we pay tribute to those lost while protecting our communities, it is also a day to reflect on the importance of the work that CFA volunteers do on a daily basis to make Victorian communities safer.”
“On behalf of VFBV, thankyou to all firefighters for your incredible dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property.”
EMV home goal
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
This month I am drawing strength from a Gandhi quote – “Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
I was most unfortunate to attend the recent meeting of the volunteer consultative forum (VCF) where it was announced by the Emergency Management Commissioner that a decision had been made to disband the VCF. To say that the volunteers at that meeting drawn from the various agencies were saddened, hurt and disappointed would be an understatement.
The VCF was an initiative floated by VFBV during discussions of the Victorian Government’s White Paper on emergency management back in 2012. The concept was embraced and announced by the then Minister, the Hon Kim Wells MP. The VCF was officially formed on the 18th November 2013 and was heralded as delivering on the Victorian Government’s commitment to consult emergency management volunteers across the sector. The forum was designed to provide a multi-agency volunteer feedback loop direct to the Minister for Emergency Services on issues affecting EM volunteers. It was made up of more than twenty emergency management volunteers and agency nominees drawn from CFA, SES, Life Saving Victoria, Australian Red Cross, Ambulance Victoria, VFBV, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Coast Guard, Salvation Army, VICSESVA and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry.
The first meeting of the VCF was attended by Minister Wells who spoke about how grateful he was for the opportunity to consult with volunteers with regard to the emergency management sector and in particular the importance of volunteers having input in ensuring the sustainability and effective utilisation of volunteers across the EM sector. It was widely acknowledged that EM volunteers face unique challenges that deserved dedicated and focussed efforts.
Upon a change of Government at the end of 2014, the new Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Jane Garrett MP attended her first meeting of the VCF on the 6th December 2014. Minister Garrett was a frequent attendee and echoed the importance of the VCF and acknowledged that ministerial involvement with the VCF would continue to be a priority under the Andrews Government.
On the 4th May 2016, Premier Andrews, along with Minister Garrett and the Emergency Management Commissioner signed the Emergency Management Volunteer Statement that was an agreed commitment between the State of Victoria and emergency management volunteers that committed the State of Victoria to consult with EM volunteers and their representative bodies through the VCF on matters which affect them. The statement was co-signed by each of the eleven organisations represented on the VCF, including VFBV.
Therefore it was rather surprising to learn that consultation around the disbanding of the VCF with the VCF itself had not occurred prior to the decision being made. To disband the forum and ignore the commitments made without so much as a discussion with the very volunteers affected is quite astonishing and represents a significant betrayal of trust and integrity.
Even more remarkable is the fact that the EM Volunteer Statement was a public statement of commitment signed by the Premier himself on behalf of the whole Victorian Government.
It is at times like these that I remind members why VFBV had to take the extraordinary step of giving the CFA Volunteer Charter legal effect by inserting recognition of the Charter into the CFA Act. A change it should be pointed out, that received and celebrated bi-partisan support across both houses of Parliament.
Volunteers should not have to fight for governments to simply honour the commitments they make and it is heartbreaking to have to deal with such betrayals.
VFBV has learned that the decision to disband the VCF was made after a secret briefing and recommendation was prepared by EMV and given by the Emergency Management Commissioner to the Minister.
In an effort to hold decision makers accountable for their actions, VFBV has committed to public advocacy and formally advised the Minister of our concern that EMV has failed to acquit its obligations under the Volunteer Charter, which is a hard fought statutory obligation on not only CFA but also the State of Victoria.
In response, the VFBV Board have unanimously declared EMV to be an ‘Organisation of Concern’. This decision has not been made lightly and follows the VCF’s disbandment as well as consideration of recent activities such as the EMV Operating Model Review and the lack of a cross agency after action review for last year’s flooding event.
The VFBV Board has taken this unprecedented step in order to highlight the serious disquiet and concern we have towards this behemoth of a bureaucracy and its recent poor record of engagement and direct consultation with volunteers and their representative bodies on several matters. We take no joy in having to take these steps but are committed to representing CFA volunteers with integrity and transparency.
We have taken no comfort from the Commissioner’s protestations that EMV will conduct some future review and consider future arrangements further. If the machinery of government cannot honour the public commitments made to volunteers under the EM Statement, how can anyone expect volunteers to trust any further promises?
EMV’s development since it first commenced operation on 1 July 2014 has been quite a journey. Moving from a small, dedicated team of less than twelve people who formed the Fire Services Commissioner’s Office, EMV has now morphed into a bureaucracy of several hundred, with its own CEO, Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and countless executive directors, public servants, consultants and advisors.
Despite those resources, clearly they appear unable to support the peak volunteer forum that was given “enduring effect” under the EM Volunteer Statement.
Volunteers are sick and tired of hearing leaders give speeches about how much they respect and value the contribution of CFA volunteers, to then not match these words with actions.
If we add up all the numerous committee’s and working groups that EMV host across the sector filled with agency representatives and employees, it is quite an indictment that the only committee dedicated to emergency management volunteers who make up more than 90% of the workforce gets dumped. One only needs to track the poor progress of EMV’s actions towards the thirteen strategic priority actions developed by volunteers through the VCF back in 2015 and quietly erased from EMV’s strategic action plan over consequent years to see how far volunteer priorities and initiatives have been abandoned.
EMV’s recent Operating Model review is a further example of poor process.
Readers would recall our concerns from the January and February 2022 editions of Fire Wise where volunteers were expected to provide feedback to their review over the Xmas and New Year period. The final report cemented EMV’s position that the solution to any and every problem facing the sector was to recommend more public servants.
Any cursory review of the COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine inquiry will show you the dangers of mixing public servants with incident management. Yet, EMV’s Operating model review advocates for more public sector full-time personnel to be employed to form fulltime Incident Management Teams managed by EMV. It then uses the gaps observed during their recent pandemic (Class 2) emergencies to argue for even more public servants to lead the management of Class 1 and 2 emergencies moving forward. The review even proposed a business case to train 500 public servants to form a new ‘Emergency Management Corps’. Where was the recommendation to recruit, retain and encourage another 500 volunteers you ask? Good question, we asked the same thing.
To demonstrate their priorities one need look no further than the announcement in last year’s State Budget of a record $36.2 million dollars for the establishment of EMV’s new fulltime State Control Centre workforce. This isn’t even a new capability. It simply replaces the current workforce contributed by each of the agencies through existing surge capacity. A surge capacity that is being undermined and neglected. The lack of any real action to address consecutive drops in endorsed level 3 incident personnel across the sector over recent years is a good example of just hoping for something to fail and then rushing in with a pre-formed solution.
$36.2M could have bought 80 brand new fire trucks.
The emergency management sector relies on trust, and a workforce that is overwhelming volunteer. EMV’s actions risk it becoming more and more distant from the very people that make up the EM sector.
Advice from the ground will become more and more filtered and censured by the layers and layers of bureaucracy. Governments and Ministers will then be on the receiving end of very poor advice so distorted and disconnected to be almost useless. Current case in point.
Victoria cannot simply afford layers and layers of bureaucracy for no tangible benefit. With a cost-of-living crisis looming large, budgets will become more and more under scrutiny. Priority must be given to CFA’s budget that is already under strain after decades of underinvestment, with ageing trucks, stations and hundreds of personnel transferred out of CFA under recent reforms.
If the Government is looking for savings that won’t impact on front line services and the critical work that emergency volunteer first responders do each and every day to keep our communities safe, then it need look no further than this bemouth of a bureaucracy. EMV’s status as an organisation of concern to volunteers represents a significant deterioration of support.
VFBV will continue to monitor and pursue meaningful arrangements that ensure genuine volunteer engagement and consultation though whatever means possible. We will continue standing up for CFA volunteers and reminding decision makers that EM volunteers contribute more than $2.4 billion dollars every year to the Victorian economy and taxpayer. Volunteers keep doing their bit, it is time for EMV and other sector leaders to step up and do theirs.
You can view a copy of the Emergency Management Volunteer Statement here.
CFA Annual Memorial Service
CFA’s Annual Memorial service will be held on Sunday 7 May in Mt Macedon to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s memorial service will mark the 35th event, which has been held since 1987, with the only cancellation being in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Family members and friends, CFA and VFBV executives as well as government representatives will come together to lay wreaths, light candles, remember lives and honour the personal sacrifices and commitment firefighters make each and every day.
Junior CFA members will also attend the memorial service and will be actively involved throughout the ceremony by assisting wreath layers and patrons.
VFBV CEO Adam Barnett spoke about the importance of the annual memorial service for not only the families, friends and loved ones of the fallen, but for all members.
“The annual memorial service is a time for us to come together either in person or in spirit to remember and honour the 80 CFA firefighters (including 11 from pre-1944) who have selflessly given their lives to protect the lives of other Victorians.
"And while the service is always solemn and reflective, it is also an important opportunity to reflect on our history as we pay tribute to those lost and reflect on the importance of the work we all do in making our communities safer.”
RSVP’s to attend the service closed on Monday 1 May via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Annual Memorial Service will be livestreamed here from 2pm on Sunday 7 May.
National Volunteer Week
The week of 15 – 21 May is National Volunteer week, and it sets out to celebrate the power of how volunteers drive change and ensure that volunteering is inclusive.
The 2023 theme for National Volunteer Week is The Change Makers. This recognises that volunteers dedicate time and energy to effect change in their communities which sums up CFA volunteers perfectly.
This year’s theme identifies change makers as people who are driven to contribute for the greater good; passionate about the causes they care about; turn their passions into purpose; are a force for social change; and give their time and energy to make a difference for their communities. Each of these qualities are evident in CFA volunteers each and every day.
VFBV passes on our deep gratitude, respect and appreciation to all CFA volunteers for the work you do in your communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
During this year’s volunteer week we reflect on the past 12 months where in addition to protecting their own communities, thousands of CFA volunteers travelled to flood affected areas across the state to effect change in communities in need. While it would have been easy to just say this was someone else’s job, CFA volunteers again put their hand up to come to communities in need. Your ‘can do’ attitude should be celebrated, respected and acknowledged by all sector leaders.
Victorian’s are safer because of the work you do, and VFBV could not be more proud of you, your brigades and all those that support you in the work you do to protect lives and property.
We also acknowledge all our brothers and sisters across all of Victoria’s emergency management volunteer workforce including volunteer first responders from VicSES, St John Ambulance, Ambulance Victoria, Life Saving Victoria, Coast Guard, Salvation Army, Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry – just to name a few who work together to contribute their time, skills and resources to make change in their communities as emergency management volunteers.
Thankyou
Thankyou to the thousands of CFA volunteers who completed this year’s VFBV vol survey. We are currently analysing responses and preparing this year’s report.
To each of the volunteers who took the time to complete this year’s survey, you have contributed to making CFA a better place to volunteer. Your feedback will be used to pursue positive change and contributes to our tireless advocacy on behalf of all volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.
Vale
As this edition was sent to print we were saddened to hear of the passing of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Izabella Nash on 2nd May.
We extend our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to Izabella’s family, friends, loved ones and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Fellow firefighter Lia Drew was also injured at the same fire and is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital, we wish Lia all the best in her recovery and our thoughts are also with her family, friends and colleagues.
Members’ strong show of support
Again in 2022/23, CFA Brigades and Groups showed that is it more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united, independent and credible voice with more than 95% of Brigades demonstrating strong support for VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for all CFA volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year.
2023/24 renewal notices for your Brigade/Group’s VFBV Affiliation and Welfare Fund subscriptions and have now been mailed out to Brigade and Group secretaries with a due date of 30 June 2023.
To thank Brigades and Groups for their support, those who pay their VFBV affiliations before 30th June will automatically be entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. The prizes have for the third year running been donated by GAAM Emergency Products and Powdersafe and we sincerely thank them for their continued generous support. For further details of the prizes on offer, see the flyer included with your renewal notices.
As well as affiliating, we strongly encourage Brigades to subscribe to the VFBV Welfare Fund. The Welfare Fund is a capital fund and an exclusive benefit to affiliated members with VFBV funding all the administration and operating cost ensuring 100% of funds received go directly to CFA volunteers experiencing personal hardship. The VFBV Welfare Fund provides small grants of up to $5,000 to assist volunteer members and long serving ex members. The grants support members and their families experiencing personal financial hardship/crisis by providing welfare grants, on a needs-assessed basis, that may help alleviate stress impacting their ability to maintain involvement as a volunteer.
Nominations for Trust Fund
VFBV is calling for nominations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Fund.
The purpose of the fund is to raise and receive money and donations of goods and services from the public for distribution to brigades to assist with costs of purchasing and maintaining firefighting equipment, facilities, training and administrative expenses which are associated with their firefighting functions.
Following nominations, five new or reappointed members will be appointed by the VFBV Board to serve as VFBV Trustees on the fund for a term of two years.
All current trustees are eligible for re-appointment.
Please visit the VFBV website for details. Nominations close on Monday 19th June 2023.
VESEP
Applications are now open for the 2023/24 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP). Applications are due to your District ACFO by the 16th June 2023.
VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications. This pack is available from our website, or paper copies can be obtained by phoning the office.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of operational equipment.
Now in its 23rd year, VESEP first started out as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program in 2000 and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the intent being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
VFBV wishes all CFA Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thanks you for your untiring service to Victoria!
Final Reminder: Draft CFA Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Feedback is being sought on a new draft policy covering Alcohol and other drugs, including prescription medication.
The draft policy covers arrangements for the appointment of a ‘responsible officer’, when alcohol can be consumed and a ban on brigades applying for a new liquor licence, with existing licences able to be kept.
All members are encouraged to read the draft policy and provide feedback ASAP. Feedback is due by Monday 8th May 2023.
Please visit the VFBV website for more information on how to provide feedback and view a copy of the draft policy.
CFA Board Positions
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV.
This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2023, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, nomination will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 26th June 2023.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2023. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 28th August 2023.
2023 CFA Communications Survey
CFA have recently launched the 2023 CFA Communications Survey on the ‘Your Say CFA’ platform to get feedback on how they can deliver more relevant, timely and easy-to-read communications.
CFA communicate through wide range of channels every day and, as an emergency service, it’s important CFA provides information in the way members want to receive it. The survey is open to all CFA members.
CFA will use the information from this survey to develop and improve the way they communicate and the options available for members.
The online survey closes on Monday 8 May and written surveys distributed with the upcoming issue of the Brigade magazine need to be received by CFA by Friday 26 May 2023.
The online survey can be accessed here.
Fire Wise – May 2023 online only edition
The May 2023 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Feedback Requested – Draft CFA Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Nominations for CFA and Brigades Donations Fund
VFBV Board Vacancies – Invitation to Apply
CFA Board Positions – Invitation to Apply
CFA Annual Memorial Service 2023
2023-24 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack
Open for consultation dashboard
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Applications should be submitted to your District ACFO by Friday 16th June 2023.
Applications are now open for the 2023-24 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the closing date fast approaching. VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of additional equipment in recognition of the significant contribution emergency service volunteers provide in supporting Victorian communities.
Now in its 23rd year, VESEP first started out as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program in 2000 and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the intent being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
Since 2000, the program has funded over 2,150 projects totalling more than $160 million dollars, as a investment in maintaining and building volunteer capability by supporting volunteers through grants in five categories:
- Volunteer amenities under $5,000
- Minor works under $150,000^
- Operational Equipment
- Specialist Appliances and Field Command Vehicles
- Tankers*
^all minor works applications must be registered with the VESEP Land & Buildings Project Manager via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Thursday 1st June 2023. Applications not pre-registered for review will not be considered by the Steering Committee.
*as with previous years, CFA have advised that additions to the fleet will be afforded a low priority with only exceptional circumstances being considered by the Chief Officer. An Addition to the Fire Fighting Fleet form will be required to be completed and approved by the District ACFO and Regional DCO.
VFBV Help Pack
VFBV's VESEP Application Help Pack is again available in 2023 to assist Brigades and Groups in completing their application, with the pack divided into easily downloadable sections at the bottom of this page.
|
VFBV's VESEP Help Pack |
Contains general information about VESEP and some handy hints on how to complete your application. |
| Attachment 1 |
Application forms for Special Access Grant The Special Access Grant can reduce or in some cases eliminate all together the Brigade/Group contribution. |
| Attachment 2 |
CFA VESEP Guidelines The guidelines outline criteria, aims and requirements that Brigades/Groups need to consider for their application to be completed. The Guidelines have been updated in 2023. |
| Attachment 3 |
CFA Application Forms Provides Brigades and Groups with application forms for Part A: Vehicles and Operational Equipment, Part B: Volunteer Amenities and Minor Works and Addition to the Fire Fighting Appliance Fleet Operational Justification. |
| Appendix |
CFA Information Sheets Collates all information sheets produced by CFA to assist with Brigade and Group applications and ideas. |
Key Dates
1 June 2023: Brigades/Groups applying for a grant for Minor Works, applications must be pre-registered with the VESEP Minor Works Project Manager, Land and Buildings Services via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
16 June 2023: Applications close, and should be submitted by this date to your District AFCO using the CFA application forms.
16 June - 29 June 2023: DPC meetings held to review and endorse applications.
October/November 2023: Anticipated Ministers announcement of successful projects.
Additional Support
If you need any assistance with you Application please contact your local VFBV State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer of the VFBV Office. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you would like a printed copy of the VFBV 2023 VESEP Application Help Pack please call the VFBV office on 03 9886 1141 and we will post one out.
Information is also available from CFA Members Online https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/programs/vesep
VFBV wishes all CFA Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thank you for your untiring service to Victoria!
More...
The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 7 May in Mt Macedon to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year’s memorial service will mark the 35th event, which has been held since 1987, with the only cancellation being 2020 due to the pandemic.
Location: The service will be held at the VEMI Conference and Event Centre, 601 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon VIC 3441
Date: 2.00pm on Sunday 7 May
Dress: CFA uniform or smart casual
The 2023 Annual Memorial Service for Firefighters is a free event, to attend please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 0401 944 349 by Monday 1st May 2023.
Family members and friends, CFA and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) executives as well as government representatives will come together to lay wreaths, light candles, remember lives and honour the personal sacrifices and commitment firefighters make each and every day.
Junior CFA members will also attend the memorial service and will be actively involved throughout the ceremony by assisting wreath layers and patrons.
VFBV CEO Adam Barnett spoke about the importance of the annual memorial service for not only the families, friends and loved ones of the fallen, but for all members.
“The annual memorial service is a time for us to come together either in person or in spirit to remember and honour the 80 CFA firefighters (including 11 from pre-1944) who have selflessly given their lives to protect the lives of other Victorians.
"And while the service is always solemn and reflective, it is also an important opportunity to reflect on our history as we pay tribute to those lost and reflect on the importance of the work we all do in making our communities safer.”
Members are encouraged to RSVP via: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 0401 944 349 by Monday 1st May 2023.
Be alert – not alarmed
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter” is one of my favourite quotes (for obvious reasons), attributed to many but believed to be originally put by French mathematician, physicist and philosopher Blaise Pascal in the 1600’s. And while I could probably start every month’s column with these words, the past month has been a particularly busy one.
The results of last week’s successful State Championships held over two successive weekends is not only detailed elsewhere on this page, but throughout this month’s edition of Fire Wise. A huge thank-you to all members, judges, officials and staff who contributed to a most successful event, and well done to all competing brigades and the almost 900 competitors who thrilled us with their incredible firefighting skills and professionalism.
I’ll start this month with the release of the Fire Services Implementation Monitor’s annual report, tabled in Parliament on the 23rd March 2023, where the independent monitor, the Hon. Niall Blair considered and reported on the progress of implementation of the Governments fire services reforms.
At a high level, the report recognises the good progress that has been made on implementation actions. Importantly he acknowledges that many of those positives have largely been made possible not by any formalised arrangements or plans, but rather the goodwill and personal endeavour of volunteers and staff who Mr Blair rightly describes as wanting the best outcomes for Victoria’s fire services and the Victorian community.
The report outlines slow progress and why actions are behind schedule, and highlights some of the challenges caused by the secondment arrangements, less than optimal volunteer utilisation, the sense of loss for those who have faced changes brought about by reform and how it was done. Of note are the warnings about the dangers around the future sustainability of the fire services, and in particular the risks of the chronic underfunding of capital funding for asset replacement and renewal given the number of assets (trucks and sheds) that are ageing beyond their useful life.
It was refreshing to see an independent statutory officer actually walk up to the issues and call them out by providing frank and fearless advice and putting our communities and the millions of people we protect at the heart of what fire service reform should be about – actually delivering better services and building strong and resilient communities.
The findings certainly vindicate the concerns raised by VFBV on behalf of volunteers during the reform debates around the predicted impacts on budgets, morale, culture, volunteer numbers and resultant declines in surge capacity.
At this juncture I am reminded of a Winston Churchill quote “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity: an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
And the latter best describes our approach to pursuing reform outcomes in a constructive way, seeking to minimise the harm while searching for the opportunities available. Like Mr Blair, I’m not interested in spin or empty promises, and continue to advocate and pursue outcomes that actually benefit our communities. VFBV remains focused on looking forward, not backward, and with the tightening fiscal environment that is facing Victoria, the need to ensure every dollar that goes into fire services actually results in a community safety outcome is critical.
I was very pleased to note Mr Blairs recognition of the constructive approach to engagement and collaboration that VFBV has taken on behalf of volunteers, and I thank all of those who have contributed to our feedback loops and been involved in discussions thus far.
I commend the independent monitor and his team for their diligence and honesty and believe it speaks volumes about the importance of integrity by those charged with responsibility in the public safety space in which we operate.
FIRE DISTRICT REVIEW PANEL
This will be a difficult pivot, but the Governments Fire District Review panel published its determination of “change in fire risk” in the Victorian Government Gazette on 30 March 2023. To accompany the determination, the panel published a ‘supporting report’ on the same day.
The panel’s report claims to use a risk-based assessment of changes in fire risk in order to support its determination. Tellingly, despite a “state-wide analysis”, the panel has chosen to only identify 13 station response areas all in the country area of Victoria and covered by CFA.
It would be fair to say that I am somewhat disappointed by how the panel has chosen to go about its work, which has resulted in a high level of anxiety and concern for those brigades affected. Since the publishing of the panel’s determination, volunteers have expressed to us the detrimental impact these arrangements have had on morale.
To be clear, there is nothing unusual about fire services conducting analysis to track changes to fire risk to help inform and plan how service delivery may need to be modified to treat changes in risk. In fact, CFA and all predecessor fire agencies have done this for centuries. As risk changes, stations are upgraded or moved, appliances and equipment are added, and training and skill sets of responding crews is modified to meet the changing risk. All of course provided that government actually funds these necessary changes. The CFA model flexes up seamlessly to do precisely that, and does so in a highly efficient and cost effective way that ensures the Victorian taxpayer is not burdened with unnecessary costs better spent on hospitals and schools.
However, what is unusual about the arrangements the government has implemented is for this work to be done by people who are not experts in fire service planning, and who are engulfed in a cloud of political partisanship and bias that strikes fear and anxiety into all those impacted.
Volunteers expressed their anxiety about the potential for bias very early in discussions, and this featured prominently in our submission to the panel on their draft methodology in late 2021.
Sadly, the supporting report does little to alleviate volunteer concerns. While acknowledging that this is the panels first report and should have been a baseline, it then uses thirteen-year-old data to attempt to highlight what it thinks has been a change.
The first review should have been an opportunity to bed in their methodology and test the model for accuracy and set a baseline for “risk”. Instead, not only have we not had the benefit of understanding the methodology or testing it for accuracy, but the panel has thrown in a completely new metric and data source not even contemplated in their draft or final methodology nor discussion papers. The use of motor vehicle accidents and casualties dwarfs the number of casualties from fire and explosions by a significant factor, yet appears to have been lumped in with vehicle fires.
Aside from Rescue, last time I checked, the Victorian road safety action plan identifies the Department of Transport, Victoria Police, the Transport Accident Commission and the departments of Justice and Health as being responsible for road safety.
The panel may have a reasonable explanation beyond a simple correlation coefficient to justify why this should impact a fire service boundary, but by not engaging and then lumping it into their determination, stakeholders and agencies alike have been blindsided and are now seeking to understand this significant change. The question remains - if they made this change to their “final” methodology without warning - what other changes have they made that are less obvious?
This takes me to the most obvious concern. The empowering legislation in the Fire Rescue Victoria Act is very explicit. Section 4J states that the object of a review is to conduct a risk-based assessment within (a) the Fire Rescue Victoria fire district; and (b) the Country Area of Victoria. Well, the report is very clear on what parts of the Country Area of Victoria they have looked at, yet somewhat vague about what parts of the FRV district has experienced a changed in fire risk. To only analyse the FRV district in order to draw criticisms of CFA areas is neither fair, balanced, evidence based nor in the public interest.
“Change” in fire risk should be a neutral term, which can describe a risk that has risen or just as equally - declined. An unbiased panel would look equally at areas where the risk has declined and where a boundary may contract, just as it would for proposing a boundary be expanded. No such analysis is apparent within the supporting report. Perhaps given their remit, the panel should have looked for what change in underlying risk occurred when the former CFA integrated stations transferred to Fire Rescue Victoria, and they put new logo’s on the trucks so we could measure community outcome and benefit.
Putting to one side that none of the analysis actually defines community outcomes that a change in boundary is likely to achieve, nor how outcomes should be measured or monitored, my main advice to members worried about this panels work is to remain alert – but not alarmed.
While I’m disappointed, I am also not panicking. At the end of the day, the panels’ role is to provide a recommendation to the Minister for Emergency Services. The CFA has been given 9 months (of a possible 12 months they could have been provided) to provide a formal response to the panel’s determination. During this time, the panels review is suspended.
CFA have until January 30, 2024 to lodge its response, and the panel will then consider this response before providing a “recommendation” to the Minister by June 30, 2024. Upon receiving the advice, the Minister must then have regard to the capacity of each fire service, any implications on budget and resources and any other consequences before deciding to either make no changes, make some changes or ask the panel to conduct a further review.
During this time, we are seeking that CFA supports each of the brigades in trying to understand what the change in fire risk actually is, how it should be treated, and what additional resources they require from government in order to address the “changed risk.” We will then look to government to ensure it supports each brigade. To not fund an agency to improve an outcome, and then criticise that agency for the gap is at the heart of our discontent over reforms, and we will therefore monitor governments actions closely.
Given both CFA and VFBV formally highlighted the obvious shortfalls and limitations of the panel’s draft model with extensive submissions to the panels draft methodology, we will continue to seek greater transparency and less controversial engagement opportunities to help inform the panel’s recommendations.
And while I am confident that CFA will be able to ably demonstrate how it is meeting or plans to meet the changed risk, I really feel for those brigades who now have to do what should be routine business as usual in a very public and politically charged environment. I ask all members and all brigades to please support these brigades as they travel this unnecessary difficult journey. As we have said previously, there are grave risks to putting fire service modelling into that type of environment, and VFBV will continue to advocate that ‘surprises’ and cherry picked data are incompatible with good public policy and public safety outcomes. All brigades and firefighters, both volunteer and paid must know and have confidence in the data being used to measure their performance, and measurements should be transparent, and outcome focussed to ensure the Victorian public is not misled or misinformed about their safety.
State Championships Success
Over the last two weekends in March, the 2023 State Championships were held in Mooroopna for the third year in a row.
The first weekend of competition saw the Urban Junior Championship take place, where Melton A won the Grand Aggregate for the third consecutive year. Melton A also took out the Under 17 Aggregate and Euroa A won the Under 14 Aggregate.
The following weekend, the Rural Senior Championship took place on Saturday, with Hurstbridge A winning the Division 1 Aggregate, Sedgwick A won the Division 2 Aggregate and Dunolly A the Division 3 Aggregate. Napoleons-Enfield was a runaway winner in the Rural Junior Championship on Sunday, winning the 11 – 13 years, 11 – 15 years and the Grand Aggregate winning an impressive eight out of ten events held on the day.
Melton A followed up their Urban Junior win with success at the Urban Senior Championship, winning the Grand Aggregate. Osborne Park B was successful in the B Section Aggregate and Euroa won the Female Aggregate for the second year in a row. Full results of the 2023 State Championships can be found in this month’s edition of Fire Wise.
In total over both weekends almost 900 competitors took part with 157 teams entering the state championships, including teams from Harvey, Kellerberrin and Brunswick Junction brigades from Western Australia who travelled across the country to compete.
The State Championships would not be possible without the support of more than 200 judges and officials who volunteer their time over the two weekends. VFBV also passes on our appreciation to the competitors, coaches, supporters and families of the competitors who keep the competitions going, and all the CFA staff and dignitaries that contributed to the championships success. A special thank you should also be passed onto the CFA State Championships Committee and local host committee for the hard work and efforts in preparing the venue for the Championships particularly following flooding that affected much of Victoria in late 2022.
We also pass on our appreciation to the Greater Shepparton City Council for their continued support to the Championships, with this year marking the 11th time our Championships have been held in either Shepparton or Mooroopna since 1975.
VFBV’s competition committees will be meeting in the coming months to review this year’s Championships, if any brigades, competitors or spectators have any feedback they would like considered by either committee it can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
VALE
It was with great sadness that we bode farewell to Association Life Member Quentin Turner AFSM who passed away on Friday 31st March 2023.
Quentin was a member of the Creswick brigade for many years, including serving as Captain for 24 years as well as holding other officer roles during his service to the brigade and surrounding Group.
Quentin served as an Executive Member for Region 15 to the Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association (VUFBA) for more than 20 years from 1983 to 2004. During his time as an Executive Member he served two terms as Association Vice President (1986/87 and 1997/98) and three terms as Association President (1987/88, 1998/99 and 1999/20). Quentin was also one of the Association nominees to the CFA Board from July 1989 to December 1993. Quentin served terms on almost all VUFBA Association and CFA Joint Committees and was keenly involved in Championships for many years also.
As the inaugural Chair of VFBV (elected in October 2002), Quentin was one of the driving forces in bringing together both the Urban and Rural Associations as one unified body in 2008. He served as Chair until 2004 and continued on as a VFBV Board Member until October 2010. Quentin also played key roles in the development of the Volunteer Charter and the Volunteer Code of Conduct in the early 2000’s. Quentin was also a founding Trustee of the CFA & Brigades Donations Fund in 2004 and served as a Trustee for this Fund until 2019 including serving as Chair of the Trust for many years.
For his service to volunteers, Quentin was awarded the VUFBA Gold Star Award in 1992, VUFBA Life Membership in 1993 and was honoured with the Australian Fire Services Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2002 as well as a National Medal with first and second clasps and the Centenary Medal for service to the CFA and VUFBA.
We send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Maisie, Mandy & Garry, Penny, Jason & Kristie, extended family, friends and loved ones and thank them most sincerely for sharing Quentin with us. We also extend our thoughts to fellow firefighters and members of the Creswick Fire Brigade.
CFA Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Feedback is being sought on a new draft policy covering Alcohol and other drugs, including prescription medication.
The draft policy covers arrangements for the appointment of a ‘responsible officer’, when alcohol can be consumed and a ban on brigades from applying for a new liquor license, with existing licenses able to be kept.
All members are encouraged to read and provide feedback ASAP. Feedback is due by Monday 8th May 2023.
Please visit the VFBV website for more information and a copy of the draft policy.
VFBV Board Positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2023. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 28th August 2023.
CFA Board Positions
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV.
This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2023, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, nomination will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 26th June 2023.
Nominations for Trust Fund
VFBV is calling for nominations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Fund.
The purpose of the fund is to raise and receive money and donations of goods and services from the public for distribution to brigades to assist with costs of purchasing and maintaining firefighting equipment, facilities, training and administrative expenses which are associated with their firefighting functions.
Following nominations, five new or reappointed members will be appointed by the VFBV Board to serve as VFBV Trustees on the fund for a term of two years.
All current trustees are eligible for re-appointment.
Please visit the VFBV website for details. Nominations close on Monday 19th June 2023.
Fire Wise – April 2023 online only edition
The April 2023 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Feedback Requested – Draft CFA Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Nominations for CFA and Brigades Donations Fund
VFBV Board Vacancies - Invitation to Apply
CFA Board Positions - Invitation to Apply
2023 State Urban Junior Championship Results
2023 State Rural Senior Championship Results
2023 State Rural Junior Championship Results
2023 State Urban Senior Championship Results
Open for Consultation Dashboard
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The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Final results for the 2023 State Urban Senior Championships held in Mooroopna on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2023 are now available.
The full results are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Photo's of presentations are being progressively uploaded to VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook Page. Team times for each event are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Grand Aggregate Winner - Melton A
B Section Aggregate Winner - Osborne Park B
Wet Aggregate Winner - Pakenham/Narre Warren
Female Aggregate Winner - Euroa
Final Aggregate Results:
SATURDAY, 25th MARCH
Event 1 – Ladder Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK B (2) (Aiden Couzens) |
6.50 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA A (1) (Nathan Rennie) |
6.54 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY (2) (Rhys Landwehr) |
6.56 |
seconds |
|
4th |
EAGLEHAWK (1) (Steven Matthews) |
6.82 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING (1) (Brenton Lawrence) |
6.83 |
seconds |
Event 2 – B Section Hose & Ladder, Five Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK B |
22.42 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
23.01 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
24.19 |
seconds |
|
4th |
ECHUCA |
24.77 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL |
25.04 |
seconds |
Event 3 – A Section Y Coupling, Four Competitors
|
1st |
HARVEY |
7.71 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK A |
7.84 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MELTON A |
7.93 |
seconds |
|
4th |
DANDENONG |
8.81 |
seconds |
|
5th |
SALE |
8.95 |
seconds |
Event 4 – A Section Hose and Ladder, Eight Competitors
|
1st |
WENDOUREE |
22.97 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MORWELL |
24.27 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
EAGLEHAWK |
25.83 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
25.84 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK A |
26.83 |
seconds |
Event 5 – B Section Y Coupling, Four Competitors
|
1st |
KYNETON |
8.56 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
ECHUCA |
8.81 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
CRESWICK |
9.03 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HALLAM |
9.05 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MAFFRA |
9.16 |
seconds |
Event 6 – Female Y Coupling, Two Competitors
|
1st |
MELTON B |
13.25 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MILDURA |
14.43 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA A |
14.78 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SEYMOUR |
14.79 |
seconds |
|
5th |
SWAN HILL |
15.07 |
seconds |
Event 7 – A Section Y Coupling Ladder Eights
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK A |
30.42 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HARVEY |
32.75 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
EAGLEHAWK |
32.88 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WENDOUREE |
34.56 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MORWELL |
37.12 |
seconds |
Event 8 – B Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
|
1st |
COHUNA |
14.37 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON B |
14.48 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA |
14.72 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SWAN HILL |
15.03 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MAFFRA |
15.90 |
seconds |
Event 9 – B Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice with Removable Back Cap
|
1st |
WARRACKNABEAL RECORD |
17.59 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
18.25 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA |
18.80 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
18.87 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KNOX GROUP |
19.59 |
seconds |
Event 10 – A Section Hose, Hydrant and Pumper
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT |
12.99 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
DANDENONG |
13.86 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE |
13.92 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
14.33 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK A |
14.79 |
seconds |
Event 11 – A Section Hose & Reel Sixes
|
1st |
MELTON A |
29.40 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK A |
29.45 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MORWELL |
31.39 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
31.54 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WENDOUREE |
31.61 |
seconds |
Event 12 - B Section Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
TATURA A (1) (Jeremy Withall) |
23.17 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
KYNETON (1) (Nic Hanna) |
25.72 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN (2) (Jayden Bull) |
26.20 |
seconds |
|
4th |
OSBORNE PARK B (1) (Tom Evans) |
26.70 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WARRNAMBOOL (1) (Adam Bishop) |
27.24 |
seconds |
Chief Officer’s Challenge Event
|
1st |
KYNETON (Sam Foster, Royce Sharp, Luke Stanley, Spencer Zan) |
16.62 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
CHIEF’S CHARGERS (Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, DCO Kaylene Jones, DCO Rohan Luke, DCO Garry Cook) |
21.70 |
seconds |
Event 13 – B Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice
|
1st |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
16.57 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK B |
17.57 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MAFFRA |
17.61 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KYNETON |
18.06 |
seconds |
|
5th |
ECHUCA |
18.56 |
seconds |
Event 14 - A Section Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
MELTON A (1) (Bailey Rhodes) |
24.77 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WENDOUREE (1) (Craig Briody) |
25.06 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG (1) (Millar Anderson) |
25.23 |
seconds |
|
4th |
OSBORNE PARK A (2) (Devon Winsall) |
25.60 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK A (1) (Dean Jordan) |
26.06 |
seconds |
Event 15 – Female Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
EUROA (Teagan Kubeil) |
31.29 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
SWAN HILL (Sienna Kruger) |
31.38 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA A (Hayley Rennie) |
32.10 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HORSHAM (Claire Longstaff) |
32.31 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING (Amanda Lawrence) |
32.33 |
seconds |
Event 16 - B Section Pumper & Ladder
|
1st |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
16.19 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
COHUNA |
16.64 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK B |
17.61 |
seconds |
|
4th |
ECHUCA |
17.64 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
18.19 |
seconds |
Event 17 - A Section Hydrant & Tanker
|
1st |
MELTON A – RECORD |
13.45 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
DANDENONG |
14.09 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE |
14.87 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
15.04 |
seconds |
|
5th |
EAGLEHAWK |
15.75 |
seconds |
SUNDAY, 26th MARCH
Event 18 – Hydrant Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
TATURA A (1) (Matthew Rennie) |
11.41 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HARVEY (2) (Rhys Landwher) |
12.67 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
SWAN HILL (2) (Adam Saunders) |
12.69 |
seconds |
|
4th |
DANDENONG (2) (Murray Anderson) |
13.04 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MELTON B (2) (Denzel Johns) |
13.23 |
seconds |
Event 19 – Female Hydrant Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN (Samantha White) Run off conducted for first place |
15.22 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON B (Lorelei Geysing) Run off conducted for first place |
15.22 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WARRACKNABEAL (Isabella Orszulak) |
15.37 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SALE (Dana King) |
16.91 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KNOX GROUP (Jessica Walker) |
17.51 |
seconds |
Event 20 – A Section Pumper & Ladder
|
1st |
HARVEY |
14.91 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON A |
15.38 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK A |
16.25 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WENDOUREE |
16.40 |
seconds |
|
5th |
DANDENONG |
17.31 |
seconds |
Event 21 – B Section Hydrant & Tanker
|
1st |
ECHUCA |
13.58 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
COHUNA |
13.60 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
15.49 |
seconds |
|
4th |
OSBORNE PARK B |
16.06 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
16.58 |
seconds |
Event 22 – Female Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
EUROA (Teagan Kubeil, Amelia Delahey) |
19.40 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA A (Charlotte Freemantle, Hayley Rennie) |
19.72 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
SWAN HILL (Emma Templeton, Porcha Bruton) |
19.96 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KNOX GROUP (Jessica Walker, Isabella Gluskie) |
20.40 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KERANG (Kendall Ash, Zalie Ash) |
22.24 |
seconds |
Event 23 – B Section Hose & Reel Sixes
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK B |
32.11 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
KNOX GROUP |
36.62 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
37.14 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WARRACKNABEAL |
42.68 |
seconds |
Event 24 – A Section Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
MELTON A (2) (James Arandt, Bailey Rhodes) |
14.90 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT (2) (Tyler Harris, Blake Harris) |
15.26 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE (1) (Craig Briody, Damon Sutton) |
15.50 |
seconds |
|
4th |
OSBORNE PARK A (1) (Jordan Winsall, Dean Jordan) |
15.53 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK B (2) (James Mullins, Devon Winsall) |
15.96 |
seconds |
Event 25 – A Section Hose and Reel Eights
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK A |
28.95 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WENDOUREE |
29.27 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MELTON A |
29.53 |
seconds |
|
4th |
PATTERSON RIVER |
30.66 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MORWELL |
32.53 |
seconds |
Event 26 – B Section Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
TATURA A (1) (Nathan Rennie, Jeremy Withall) |
16.45 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MAFFRA (1) |
16.86 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA (1) (Jordan Simpson, Martyn Currey) |
16.88 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WARRACKNABEAL (1) (Shaune Winsall, Kynan Jonasson) |
16.89 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK B (2) (Tom Evans, Jaxon Winsall) |
17.13 |
seconds |
Event 27 – Champion Fours
|
1st |
PATTERSON RIVER |
17.99 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
KANGAROO FLAT |
18.11 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY |
18.17 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WENDOUREE |
18.51 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MORWELL |
18.77 |
seconds |
Vic./W.A. Challenge Event
|
1st |
VICTORIA |
29.21 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WESTERN AUSTRALIA |
29.77 |
seconds |
Torchlight Procession
|
1st |
DIAMOND CREEK |
96.00% |
|
|
2nd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
95.00% |
|
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
92.00% |
|
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
Dry Aggregate
|
1st |
TATURA A |
21 |
Points |
|
=2nd |
MELTON A & HARVEY |
16 |
Points |
Wet Aggregate
|
1st |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
54 |
Points |
|
=2nd |
OSBORNE PARK A, WENDOUREE & OSBORNE PARK B |
52 |
Points |
Female Aggregate
|
1st |
EUROA |
16 |
Points |
|
2nd |
MELTON B |
13 |
Points |
|
3rd |
TATURA A |
11 |
Points |
SECTION AGGREGATES:
‘A’ SECTION
|
1st |
MELTON A |
67 |
Points |
|
2nd |
HARVEY |
64 |
Points |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK A |
63 |
Points |
‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
|
=1st |
OSBORNE PARK A & WENDOUREE |
52 |
Points |
|
=2nd |
HARVEY & MELTON A |
48 |
Points |
‘B’ SECTION
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK B |
63 |
Points |
|
2nd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
57 |
Points |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA |
46 |
Points |
‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
|
1st |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
54 |
Points |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK B |
52 |
Points |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA |
38 |
Points |
APPLIANCE AGGREGATES
‘A’ SECTION
|
1st |
MELTON A |
26 |
Points |
|
2nd |
HARVEY |
24 |
Points |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
22 |
Points |
‘B’ SECTION
|
1st |
COHUNA |
36 |
Points |
|
2nd |
ECHUCA |
26 |
Points |
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM/NARRE WARREN |
22 |
Points |
2023 CHAMPION BRIGADE:
The team members of Melton A are:
- James Arandt
- Jake Caroll
- Ben Geysing
- Jack Geysing
- Devante Johns
- Bailey Rhodes
- Cooper Rhodes
- Manaia Robinson
- Jacob Steele
- Anthony Rhodes – competitor and coach
- Ashely Goudie – coach
Results for the 2023 Champion Competitor:
|
1st |
Bailey Rhodes (Melton A) |
26 |
Points |
|
=2nd |
Rhys Landwher (Harvey) |
22 |
Points |
|
=3rd |
James Arandt (Melton A), Corey Goodhill (Harvey) and Mitch Golding (Harvey) |
17 |
Points |
Final results for the 2023 State Rural Junior Championship held in Mooroopna on Sunday 26 March 2023 are now available.
The results are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Presentation photos and times for all events will be posted on VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook Page.
Results for all events are available to view here.
Event 1A: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
17.99 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Ascot & District B |
18.05 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
18.15 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
19.43 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Miners Rest B |
20.22 |
Seconds |
Event 1B: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons/Enfield A – New Record |
15.59 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Miners Rest A |
18.68 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Gapsted A |
19.20 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
19.23 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Springhurst A |
19.45 |
Seconds |
Chief Officer’s Challenge Event, Low Down Pump & Ladder
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield 11-15 Years: Billy Bedggood, Mitch Hazlett, Ethan Kuchel & Aleisha Roberts |
17.33 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Napoleons-Enfield 11-13 Years: Darcy Kuchel, Clancy Bedggood, Charlotte Roberts & Jayden Roberts |
17.99 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, DCO Kaylene Jones, DCO Brett Boatman, DCO Garry Cook & ACFO Glenn Probstl |
30.76 |
Seconds |
Event 2A: Wet Hose & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Ascot & District A – New Record |
25.00 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Miners Rest A |
26.36 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District B |
26.89 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Mandurang A |
27.47 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Beazley’s Bridge C |
27.96 |
Seconds |
Event 2B: Wet Hose & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A – New Record |
21.63 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
24.37 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
24.99 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Springhurst A |
25.83 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Springhurst B |
26.03 |
Seconds |
Event 4A: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
26.76 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Ascot & District A |
28.26 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
30.52 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Mandurang A |
31.97 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Miners Rest A |
32.78 |
Seconds |
Event 4B: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
22.68 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Doreen A |
23.87 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
26.12 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
26.62 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Springhurst A |
28.00 |
Seconds |
Event 5A: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
27.33 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
28.52 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
28.84 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
29.57 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Beazley’s Bridge B |
29.73 |
Seconds |
Event 5B: Hydrant & Tanker – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A – New Record |
21.69 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
23.34 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Springhurst A |
24.30 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Springhurst B |
25.08 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Swan Hill A |
26.46 |
Seconds |
Event 6A: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-13 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
21.71 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge B |
22.70 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
23.76 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Miners Rest A |
25.79 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Beazley’s Bridge C |
26.12 |
Seconds |
Event 6B: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11-15 Years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
18.81 |
Seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
19.65 |
Seconds |
|
3rd |
Springhurst A |
19.76 |
Seconds |
|
4th |
Eldorado B |
22.01 |
Seconds |
|
5th |
Swan Hill Bill B |
22.95 |
Seconds |
FINAL AGGREGATES
11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
52 |
Points |
|
2nd |
Ascot & District A |
44 |
Points |
|
3rd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
20 |
Points |
11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
80 |
Points |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
36 |
Points |
|
3rd |
Springhurst A |
20 |
Points |
CHAMPION TEAM:
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A: Clancy Bedggood, Charlotte Roberts, Darcy Kuchel, Jayden Roberts, Mitchell Hazlett, Billy Bedggood, Ethan Kuchel & Aleisha Roberts |
132 |
Points |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
56 |
Points |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
44 |
Points |
VFBV State President Encouragement Award winner: Strathmerton Brigade
Stan Ross Conduct Trophy winner: Ascot & District Brigade
Junior Firefighter Sprint winners:
11-13 Years – Female:
1st Charlotte Roberts – Napoleons-Enfield
2nd Tilly McErlain – Ascot & District
3rd Neve Chesman – Beazley’s Bridge
11-13 Years – Male:
1st Tom Griffiths - Gapsted
2nd Darcy Kuchel – Napoleons-Enfield
3rd Henry Small – Beazley’s Bridge
11-15 Years – Female:
1st Abbey Weir – Beazley’s Bridge
2nd Matilda Lewis - Springhurst
3rd Lily Gibbs - Eldorado
11-15 Years – Male:
1st Otis Paton – Beazley’s Bridge
2nd Ethan Kuchel – Napoleons Enfield
3rd Samuel Handreck – Miners Rest
