COMPETITION: CFA’s 12 Week Get Moving Challenge

Get Moving is a state-wide competition for CFA volunteers and staff which challenges members to increase the number of steps they take in a day while shedding some kilos.

CFA members who sign up for the 12-week program (24 March – 17 June) receive a pedometer which they can wear during the day to keep count of their total steps. A drink bottle will also be provided to each registrant.

Due to current and recent fires, the competition will now be held one month later than originally advertised to allow everyone to participate. Members who have already registered will stay registered for the new dates.

About the Challenge

Participants are asked to report their average daily steps and their "before and after" waist measurement, and go into the running for one of 20 prizes including a treadmill, spin bike and $1000 sports equipment voucher. As well as prizes linked to results there are a number of generous random entry prizes.

Registrations

Registrations for the challenge close on March 18. Supplies of the bonus items are limited, so it's first in, best dressed. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register, or search for “Get Moving” on Brigades Online and register from there.

See below to download CFA's update on the Latrobe Valley Open Cut fires

VFBV NOTE FOR VOLUNTEERS – 20 February 2014

Latrobe Valley Open Cut fires

This note is intended to provide a general update on the operations under way in the Latrobe Valley, in particular in the Hazelwood open cut and the Yallourn open cut.

Large numbers of CFA personnel, both volunteer and career, as well as personnel from MFB and other agencies, and mine contract staff, are currently deployed in rotating shifts to these hazmat/fire incidents.

The predominant deployment is to the Hazelwood brown coal open cut mine.

This is a high risk incident environment and CFA has initiated a number of precautions, along with safety management procedures, to manage the risk to personnel and in particular manage any effects of exposure to an identified carbon monoxide exposure risk.  Being a brown coal fire environment, there is potential for exposure to other gas and substance-specific risks dependent on the location of the firefighter within the open cut, combustion patterns, and resultant gas/substance concentration pockets and conditions impacting at the time.  These exposures are hard to predict or identify, which is no doubt part of the logic underpinning CFA’s decision to treat this incident as a hazmat incident.

At VFBV’s request, the Fire Services Commissioner has engaged an independent monitor to review the safety procedures required and in place, at and around the open cut incident.  VFBV has also requested a transparent process to keep us informed of the results of the audit.

The audit was requested last Friday morning by VFBV, and approved and actioned by the Fire Services Commissioner by late Friday/Saturday morning.  We understand the monitor has been onsite for much of the intervening time and is providing advice to the Fire Service Commissioner.

VFBV representatives have also visited the site both as observers and as operational volunteers, confirming to us the importance of best possible safety procedures and confirming our desire for independent monitoring.

In the meantime VFBV has also requested that significant improvements be made to CFA’s communications with members, to ensure that anybody considering deployment to the incident is aware of; the incident situation, the potential exposure, particularly to high carbon monoxide levels, and the precautions that should be taken.

At the minimum, our advice to members is that those with any respiratory vulnerability should consider whether it is appropriate that they deploy to this incident.  CFA has also advised that there is heightened risk of impact to unborn children and therefore that women who either are, or could possibly be, pregnant should not attend the incident.

There should be specific advice and instruction about these matters in CFA’s incident action planning and deployment arrangements, and members should refer to this or seek this advice formally from CFA before being deployed.

CFA has implemented procedures at the open cut site to monitor carbon monoxide exposure levels amongst crews, and carbon monoxide gas detection units are being deployed with each crew.  VFBV has raised a concern about the adequacy of this arrangement, requesting consideration of individual allocation of gas detection for all personnel entering the open cut.  We will continue to pursue this issue.

Work arrangements are in place based on a risk assessment of the various zones being worked within the open cut, and where a particular zone is considered to be of a certain risk level, then CFA advises that BA equipment is on immediate standby for each person working in these particular areas (on a one-for-one basis).

CFA has instigated work rotation cycles for personnel being deployed into the open cut and we expect these are going to be continually reviewed and refined in light of the ongoing carbon monoxide monitoring trend results.  Once again, any person being deployed to the open cut should ensure they are made aware of these procedures and follow them.

We have asked CFA to provide more specific and reliable regular updates of communication to members about the incident, the risk exposure and the safety precautions in place.

There are also potential impacts on the general public near the open cut and in areas impacted by smoke from the fires, and VFBV has expressed concern and asked CFA to ensure that the public messaging about the situation and potential exposures is reviewed to ensure it is adequate.

For more information, see www.cfa.vic.gov.au - Should you have any concerns to report, contact VFBV at (03) 9886 1141 or on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ends…

VFBV is actively supporting volunteers experiencing difficulty after the 2013/14 bushfires.

In response to enquiries about assistance for volunteers affected by these fires, we have compiled information about the support currently available from the State Government and other agencies.

See below to download a list of useful contacts and information on the assistance available from the State Government and other sources.

It is with great sadness that Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria has heard of the passing of former CFA Chief Officer and long serving CFA volunteer Brian Potter.

Brian was a gentleman, a friend to the volunteers, a respected front line firefighter and a significant reformer of Victoria’s CFA. 

He was a long serving volunteer with the Upper Ferntree Gully, Ferntree Gully and Langwarrin Fire Brigades.  As volunteers, we are proud to have counted him among our number.

As Chief Officer of the CFA, Brian Potter left a legacy of a better fire service for Victoria; he was instrumental in the introduction of the AIIMS system that is the basis of modern Incident Management Teams, and many other fundamental improvements.

He retired from his career employment with CFA in 1991, but was held in such esteem that he was brought in as an expert advisor following the major fires of 2006-07 and 2009.

Having volunteered since 1958, Brian maintained an active involvement in CFA throughout his life and was still an active volunteer with the Langwarrin Fire Brigade in recent years.

In his later years, in defiance of his own illness, Brian Potter was a valuable spokesman for the campaign run by VFBV and the UFU for better access to cancer compensation for CFA volunteers and career staff who suffer cancer as a result of their front line service to the community. 

VFBV extends the condolences of all CFA volunteers to Brian’s family and friends.

The Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) has just released its report Managing Emergency Services Volunteers, the result of an audit that set out to assess whether CFA and SES effectively and efficiently manage emergency services volunteers.

VFBV is examining the report in detail and is calling for volunteer feedback. 

Click here for the Auditor General’s report.

Click here for VFBV’s media release

Our observations after an initial examination of the Auditor General’s findings are;

The report confirms volunteers are vital to Emergency Management in Victoria.  It states that volunteers save Victoria in the order of $12.6 Billion per year, and we know CFA volunteers are worth in the order of $1 to $2 billion. CFA volunteers are a billion dollar resource.

The report recognises volunteers are unpaid professionals and provide essential services that could not be economically provided by a paid workforce.

There is a need to ensure there is excellent support, intelligence, and efforts and systems in place to encourage strengthen and maintain volunteer capability.  This is not a small issue; volunteers are 97% of the CFA workforce and CFA protects 60% of suburban Melbourne and all of country Victoria - not to mention the power, water and communications systems that serve the entire state.

There are large parts of Victoria where CFA’s emergency response is volunteer run and managed, so it is critical that CFA and the Government understand what attracts and keeps volunteers and what they need in the way of training, equipment and support to do the job.

Investing in CFA’s support to volunteers is not a cost - it is a wise investment, and the report brings into question the wisdom of recent budget cuts to CFA.

The report recognises volunteers have the capacity, the expertise and the interest to do what needs to be done, but the management of, and support to get the very best from this huge and vital resource could be improved.

This isn’t a surprise to us, we want CFA and Government to invest in the best possible support to recruiting, training and equipping volunteers.  And we want the volunteer capability to be utilised – put to work in the roles they train for – that’s the key to keeping them.

As demand grows in growing communities, we must grow the support to recruit, train and equip a volunteer capability.  As community decline impacts on volunteer availability – we must find flexible solutions to ensure you get the best possible use of the volunteer capability that is there.

Investing in volunteer capability is the only viable option for the continued provision of many essential services.  Contemplating that volunteers can be replaced by paid workforce is not economically viable.

VFBV encourages volunteers to read the Auditor General’s report and send comments, questions and suggestions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Uniforms

A new VFBV Uniform Working Party will progress the Station Wear/Field Wear issues raised by the Chief Officer.

District Councils have been asked to choose delegates to a reference group, coordinating grass roots input to decisions and VFBV’s official position.

Contact your District Council to take part.

• CFA Training Strategy Survey

You can download CFA’s Training Strategy Implementation Survey on Brigades Online or click here to take part. The survey closes on 31 March.

• CFA Section 29 Brigade Feedback trial

Brigades are invited to participate in the trial, either along with their Section 29 or stand-alone.

Click here to take part.

VFBV extends its congratulations to all CFA members who were honoured with the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) or the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

David Gerrard AFSM - Beaufort CFA volunteer, Captain of 22 years, Deputy Group Officer and former District 16 VFBV President.

Peter Schmidt AFSM - CFA’s Southern Regional Director is also an ex Captain, former Deputy Group Officer and volunteer of 30 years. He currently volunteers with the Sorrento Fire Brigade.

Andrew O'Connell AFSM - an Operations Commander with the MFB, Andrew is also a long serving volunteer with Hurstbridge Fire Brigade.

Recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) are;

Leon Williams OAM (Mooroopna CFA)

Ian Bodinnar OAM (Nyah Nyah West CFA)

Norm Bodinnar OAM (Nyah Nyah West CFA)

John McEvoy OAM (Dederang CFA)

Alan George Eley OAM (Echuca CFA)

CFA is trialling a Brigade feedback section for its expanded Section 29 Online Inspection Reporting system.

Brigades are invited to participate in the trial, either along with their Section 29 or stand-alone.

Click here for the online version.

CFA invites all members to respond to its Training Strategy Implementation Survey.

The Strategy, and a hard copy of the survey, can be downloaded from Brigades Online (Training > Strategy > F&EM Training Strategy).

The survey will be open until 31 March, 2014.

Click here to take the survey, which will take about five minutes to complete.

VFBV provides a range of awards, medals and badges for Brigades and Auxiliaries.

An application form and process applies for the Gold Star Award. All other awards are available by contacting VFBV by phone: 9886 1141, fax 9886 1618 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

See below for downloads; the Gold Star application form, the order form for Life Member jewels, and a full price list with pictures of the medals, badges and awards available.

Items available include;

• VFBV logo pin badge (also available with the words Ladies Auxiliary or Auxiliary)
• VFBV Gold Star award – for 30 years’ service in support of the Association
• Brigade Life Member Jewels
• Ladies Auxiliary or Auxiliary Life Member Jewels
• Ladies Auxiliary or Auxiliary long services badges
• Ladies Auxiliary or Auxiliary office bearer badges
• Auxiliary Name badges

• Survey - Portability and Training Qualifications for Emergency Management Volunteers

The survey is open until 9 February – click here to take part.

The Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum (AEMVF) is running a survey open to emergency management volunteer organisations and volunteers. 

The survey is for the Portability and Training Qualifications for Emergency Management Volunteers project.  It is being conducted by the Australian Red Cross, for the AEMVF, and is funded through the National Emergency Management Projects program. The results will be published by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department later this year.

Download the document below for details.

• Uniforms

A new VFBV Uniform Working Party will progress the Station Wear/Field Wear issues raised by the Chief Officer.

District Councils have been asked to choose delegates to a reference group, coordinating grass roots input to decisions and VFBV’s official position.

Contact your District Council to take part.

• New Incident Management Role Specifications 

VFBV seeks members to participate in a Volunteer Reference Group.

Closing date for expressions of interest is 20 January, 2014.

Respond by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., fax (03) 9886 1618 or by mail, Attn: Adam Barnett, PO Box 453 Mt Waverley VIC 3149.

The survey is 9 February – click here to take part.

The Australian Emergency Management Volunteer Forum (AEMVF) is running a survey open to emergency management volunteer organisations and volunteers.

The survey is for the Portability and Training Qualifications for Emergency Management Volunteers project.  It is being conducted by the Australian Red Cross, for the AEMVF, and is funded through the National Emergency Management Projects program. The results will be published by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department later this year.

Download the document below for details.

The address of the survey itself is; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H6KNCFF

Information for Brigades

VFBV will again run a summer fire safety campaign through January and February 2014, telling the public that Fire Safety Starts with You.

The campaign will carry basic fire safety messages while showcasing the preparation and professionalism of CFA volunteers and reminding everyone that fire safety is a shared responsibility between the fire services and the community.

Funded by the State Government, the campaign will involve advertising through local radio, TV and newspapers and some media activity coordinated by the VFBV office, but the local component is very important and will require local involvement from Brigades.

For Brigades, there will be bumper stickers carrying the message Fire Safety Starts with You.  There will also be a small printed handout that provides a simple checklist for householders.  These will be available free of charge to Brigades and are designed to be useful at community events or other activities as a conversation starter.  For stickers and handouts, call the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brigades working with local newspapers

Local volunteers and local activities carry far more weight with the public and with local media than corporate spokespeople, so we invite Brigades to nominate Captains or other volunteers to talk to local newspapers about fire safety and the summer season.  VFBV can assist with speakers’ notes or a media release.  Call the office on (03) 9886 1141 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get things started.

This year’s State Government campaign is “Leave & Live” and will be supported by the following four facts;

•              Four out of five bushfire deaths happen close to the home

•              People living in the suburbs are at risk from fire too

•              Grassfires can surge up to 25 KPH on risky fire days

•              Temperatures can reach 800 degrees during a bushfire

VFBV will be promoting the 5 common sense messages that we collaborated on with CFA for last year’s campaign;

1.            Plan where to go and when, so you don’t have to decide at the last moment

2.            Talk to your neighbours, family and friends about your plans

3.            Pack your leave early kit now, so you can leave quickly when it’s time to go

4.            Check Fire Danger Ratings daily. On hot, dry, windy days, check for warnings

5.            Talk to your local brigade for tips & advice

Call the office on (03) 9886 1141 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get things started.

South Australian CFS volunteers have begun an angry protest aimed at State politicians, after the Liberal Opposition supported the Labor Government’s discriminatory cancer legislation.

The legislation provides presumptive compensation for SA career firefighters but applies an eligibility requirement to volunteers that will exclude most of them from coverage.  To qualify for coverage, Country Fire Service volunteers must attend at least 35 incidents a year for five consecutive years.

The Bill was passed in the last minutes of the current SA Parliament’s final sitting for 2013, ahead of the March 2014 state election.

SA volunteers are still attending emergency calls but now leave a lot of the clean-up work to government agencies.   They are refusing to attend any media activity involving State politicians, and have erected banners in key locations.

Presumptive legislation removes an unfair barrier to compensation for firefighters suffering work related cancer.  It recognises that firefighters are known to be more prone to certain types of cancer and presumes those cancers to be work related.

For information on the campaign for presumptive legislation in Victoria, click here

Updated 18 December - click here for SA volunteers' angry protest over cancer backdown

Lilydale: Volunteers turn out to support cancer campaign

One hundred CFA volunteers have lined the main street of Lilydale with fire trucks, at a family day in support of the campaign for fairer and simpler cancer compensation for Victoria’s firefighters.

Local volunteer representatives, including Lilydale Captain Warren Davis and VFBV District 13 President Bill Watson AFSM, met with Liberal MP Christine Fyffe to discuss the issue, and she offered her advice and assistance in organising meetings with other key MPs.   Labor MP Danielle Green also attended to show support, and both MPs addressed the crowd.

Volunteers are pursuing the issue because current Victorian law leaves firefighters with an almost impossible task; they are entitled to cancer compensation, but to get it they must show evidence of fires or incidents they attended that might be 10 or 15 years ago, and prove on the balance of probabilities which incidents or which toxic exposures caused the cancer.

Volunteers are calling for presumptive legislation that would reverse the onus of proof; if a firefighter suffers one of the known firefighter cancers, it would be presumed to be work related.  That would allow the firefighter to concentrate on treatment and recovery, instead of a lengthy and expensive court case.

So far, the Australian, Tasmanian, West Australian and South Australian Governments have changed their laws, but Victoria is lagging behind.

As the CFA volunteers’ association, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) is calling on all volunteers to write to their local MPs, or meet with them, to explain the importance of the issue and ask them to introduce and support presumptive legislation for volunteer and career firefighters in Victoria.

Return to the Cancer Law Anger story

Volunteerism

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL

CFA is well advanced with the planning and conduct of presentation ceremonies for members receiving the National Emergency Medal. In conjunction with Region and District staff, OTV staff are pre-planning ceremonies that fit in with members’ time and opportunity, this requiring some consideration of local impacts such as harvest, upcoming Fire Danger Period and the wishes of members for the timing and location of presentation events.  It should be noted that as a result some ceremonies are planned in conjunction with Regions and Districts during 2014.

VFBV senior representatives have witnessed many of the early ceremonies and agree with CFA that there is overwhelming acceptance and positive feedback for the events.

Members should be made aware that if any volunteer believes that would meet the eligibility criteria and have not been nominated to date, there is the opportunity to nominate at any time as there is no prescribed cut-off date.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

CFA has advised that additional field resources (31 additional project personnel) will be engaged and deployed within the Membership Sustainability and Member Welfare Projects for an extended 12 month trial. The Program Steering Committee and Working Group are actively working towards developing an ongoing volunteer support resource model – known to be a ‘BAISB Model – Business as it should be’.

VFBV representation at both Steering and Working Group levels is pursuing a ‘directly embedded model’ that would see 64 full time resources deployed to work directly with Brigades and volunteers – closely aligned to Fire and Emergency Management field support resources.

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - JVDP

Congratulations to the 23 members who recently we were supported by CFA and the Government’s Valuing Volunteers Program and travelled to Sydney to participate in the Australian National Fire Cadet Championships in October.  Eighteen juniors accompanied by five junior leaders represented CFA with distinction and by all reports had a fulfilling and great time.

The Chief Officer is considering a report that would devolve the management of juniors to CFA Districts.  VFBV delegates are keen to understand the rationale for such a move, given the great work of the junior program staff at HQ who have delivered a level of consistency and program support across CFA.  The experiences of the past suggest that while responsibility for day to day administration might reside best locally, the accountabilities associated with meeting statutory and legal requirements of working with children may well still require organisational oversight.

JONES INQUIRY

CFA is still finalising the third progress report (June-August 2013) on Jones Inquiry Implementation.

Although concerned about the delay, VFBV is more concerned to ensure the progress reports are accurate. The CFA report indicates 23 of 141 agreed actions are complete, 44 are on target, 64 are behind target and 10 yet to start.

With concerns raised by VFBV and the Joint Steering Committee, CFA’s Lex de Man has commissioned an internal CFA review to identify actual progress and what can be done to get things moving and VFBV has raised its concerns with the CFA Board.

There has been good progress on a few issues but many more seem to be dragging on.  VFBV is trying to work constructively with CFA and hopes the review will be the catalyst for more focused effort. We will keep District Councils updated on progress against actions to ensure the benefits are delivered in full at Brigade level.

Visit our website www.vfbv.com.au to review the action plan and CFA status report.

Training

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

DRIVER TRAINING / VIC ROADS HEAVY LICENCE TESTING

CFA has advised that discussions have progressed with VicRoads, our Gippsland Regional Training staff and external heavy vehicle licence testing providers as a result of VicRoads changes to heavy licence requirements as of July 2013.

Training requirements, associated costs, current providers and possible training options with external providers for CFA licence requirements have all been considered and CFA is preparing a position paper for consideration by the Chief Officer.

One likely option would be for CFA members to undertake the Drive Vehicle under Operational Conditions course PUAVEH001B then once complete and appropriately practiced under the direction of driver mentors and educators, undertake their licence test with a VicRoads approved external licence provider.  VFBV delegates expressed some concerns that CFA may struggle to meet demand for the internal on-road course if current resources are not significantly increased in the future.

The Driver Education and Endorsement Strategy Information Paper circulated to all Brigades for feedback in October outlines a strategy for CFA to plan for and introduce driver education and skills maintenance for all drivers.  VFBV will consider member feedback at the December 2013 State Council meeting at Fiskville on Sunday, 8 December.

ELECTRICAL AWARENESS PACKAGE

Progress has happened on the long awaited electrical awareness package to assist members in heightened awareness of electrical hazards including alternate power supplies – Solar, local generators etc.

It is expected that the Chief Officer will endorse the package shortly following a last round of consultation with a special purpose working party established to guide the package’s design.

CHIEF OFFICER’S ENDORSED IMT PERSONNEL

VFBV representatives sought advice from CFA regarding strong concerns that the current Chief Officer’s list of endorsed IMT personnel includes only 218 volunteers authorised to undertake a primary role in IMTs across the State.  CFA have indicated that they will follow up the matter and advise VFBV of the status of volunteers that have ‘slipped off the list’.

VFBV delegates also queried the surprising lack of notice or advice of available vacancies on some of the IMTTP Pilot courses, only to find that the courses were cancelled due to lack of interest.  CFA will investigate the manner and extent of the Regional IMT Capability Coordinators’ efforts in communicating to Brigades and members the opportunities that have existed.  The cancellation of pilot courses in 2013 which were scheduled over timeframes that were more volunteer friendly (weekends and evenings) only to find that there was no interest from volunteers is hard to believe and brings into question the methods and energy applied by CFA in filling such courses.

VSP TRAINING PROJECTS UPDATE

Opportune work is progressing across a number of high value training development projects as a result of the Volunteer Support Program.  Resources are allocated to five (5) key projects and stakeholder groups activated (including VFBV reps) to guide the development through the advice from subject matter experts.

 The projects that warrant scrutiny as they progress into early 2014 finalisation are:

1. Recruit / Bushfire Skills Development – The replacement for the old Bushfire Minimum Skills (1999)
2. Skills Pathway Map and associated training programs aligned to volunteer career development
3. BOSP review and re-focus to guide member development and address risk profile gaps in Brigades
4. RPL re-scoped and designed – A new way forward in Skills and Role Recognition that is practical and fair.
5. State Training Guide – An exciting project to develop a consolidated reference and guide.

HR, Welfare and OH&S

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION

VFBV calls on volunteers to write to State MPs calling for support for the firefighters’ cancer law.  VFBV is receiving copies of Brigades’ and volunteers’ letters, and the MPs’ replies.  The issue will be raised in Parliament in December, but lacks Government support and Victoria lags behind; Tasmania now has presumptive legislation and the SA and WA Governments have begun putting through legislation.  See www.vfbv.com.au for how to get involved.

CFA PEOPLE STRATEGY 2013 - 2015

CFA is progressing the development of a People strategy to guide the work under five (5) key areas:  Leadership, Culture, Health Safety & Environment, People Sustainability and People Capability.

As part of the development of this strategy, CFA is intending to conduct a further round of their CFA Culture Survey to examine trends and shifts in responses from the first survey in 2013. The findings from this research will be built into the design and implementation of the CFA People Strategy.

MEMBERS IN RECEIPT OF DISABILITY PENSION

The issue of members on a disability pension who make an injury compensation claim requires some careful consideration by CFA and VFBV. CFA has formed no definitive position or policy to condone a person undertaking firefighting activities; morally and legally there is a need for some processes and rules to be introduced to ensure the welfare of the member and of the crew they may be part of.

The development of a CFA Position /Policy is in its early days, however VFBV is engaged in the progression of draft documents that explore the options for the management of members who have illnesses or conditions (recognised by the receipt of disability pension support) and how CFA may require medical and fitness for duty assessments of any member current or future that is in receipt of a disability pension. This may include the introduction of a reasonable adjustment policy that CFA could impose to introduce controls and restrictions on members who are assessed medically to be at risk due to their illness or condition.

VFBV would indicate that CFA membership is typical of the general population, thus with the many thousands of CFA volunteers engaged in firefighting activities, a similar percentage of volunteers may be impacted by the introduction of a CFA policy/position on this matter.

VFBV delegates will discuss the matter in more detail at the December 2013 meeting

OH&S CLAIM STATISTICS

Regular quarterly snapshot reports are considered each meeting on injury / OH&S statistics with interesting trends in the number, severity and cause of injuries across CFA.

Not surprisingly the vast majority of injuries are soft tissue, sprains, strains and minor abrasions with around half of all claims occurring in non-response or non-emergency situations. The recent NSW support deployment triggered 12 injury reports, all relatively minor.

The Committee members have recommended that CFA communicate to members some typical examples of injury causes with many being the result of careless / unwise behaviours and actions that could be avoided or minimised with greater awareness.

CFA reported that the Member Healthwatch Program is gaining high recognition as an industry innovation leader and is shortlisted for Fire Awareness Award consideration. CFA has embraced this program building it into the ongoing business and service to member’s arrangements.

Communications & Technology

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

REGIONAL RADIO DISPATCH SERVICE UPDATE

CFA has advised that due to industrial negotiations as part of an EBA process at ESTA, the planned roll out of the digital radio dispatch migration commencing with District 12 will be delayed. With ESTA operator work bans in place, no training for console operators is possible and the planned 8^th December 2013 cut over to digital radio dispatch in District 12 will now be delayed. CFA will advise all members of the changed timelines for migration based on this recent development.

On a positive note, CFA advises that the infrastructure development of the new digital network is progressing ahead of schedule by Telstra and that early field truth testing is providing excellent coverage and clarity results. At the same time the Tait radio reflash program is steaming ahead with this program well advanced and a necessary step in getting all CFA radios digital ready. Training programs are also well advanced with CFA keen to progress the training for members in spite of the delays to actual migration dates.

LISTENING SET REDUNDANCY - UPDATE

CFA has advised that two solutions to the issue of the redundancy of analogue Listening Sets have received CFA Executive Leadership Team endorsement.  First, CFA proposes to engage a provider to stream dispatch channel audio to internet subscribers and mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet devices.

The second part of the plan is the identification of suitable digital listening sets and the prospect of CFA obtaining special pricing from the vendors.  VFBV has advised CFA that while audio streaming is one good option, the demand for replacement listening sets, in either portable or base format, is as yet unknown.  CFA is about to test the market, seeking expressions of interest from vendors who may have products that would meet the users’ requirements.

BRIGADE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY & INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORKING GROUP

The newly appointed CFA Executive Manager of Technology Services Justin Bree convened the first meeting of the this new Working Party. The question of CFA having data connectivity to all its shop fronts – its Brigades has long been an issue for resolution for VFBV. Many brigades proactively fund their own internet service by contract arrangements with independent service providers. The wide variety of connections, speeds, data upload and download capacities plus the difficulties of private email and access addresses makes the communication highway a very rutted and at times impassable track.

The intent and focus of this new working party is to identify the solutions and opportunities that may exist or are soon to emerge in providing brigades and senior authorised members with access to CFA data systems to assist in the day to day operations of their community service work. The future National Broadband Network capabilities may factor into better and price competitive options for Brigades and authorised members to link to the system. Opportunities for CFA negotiated service agreements and services forms part of VFBV’s objective in pursuing this initiative.

PAGER REPLACEMENT

Evidence from volunteers across the VFBV network indicate that there is a widespread dissatisfaction with the performance, reliability and useability of the new Alpha Legend pager. All members are encouraged to report non-performance, to ring the 1800 EAS Pager Help Line to resolve your paging issues.

Community Safety

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing 

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

FIRE PREVENTION INFORMATION BULLETINS

Delegates have advocated for the need to provide an easy and prominent way to update brigades on Community Safety (Prevention) processes & policies. The committee reviewed two draft Information Bulletins, and is reviewing their format, and publishing processes to ensure they will provide an easy to read format for brigades to use, whilst also ensuring they are not overused to prevent brigades from being inundated with information. The intent is to provide prominence to emerging issues, along the same lines as existing Operations Bulletins.

One of the first subjects to be covered by the new bulletins, will be the escalation process for brigades who have concerns around Fire Prevention Notices not being enforced in their area. Brigades frequently report they are unclear about the process they are to use to inform the relevant landholder of the need for fire prevention works to address a risk to life or property, and how to secure commitments from landholders on what they consider necessary to reduce the risk.

It is hoped the first of the new Fire Prevention Information Bulletins will be finalised shortly, for distribution to all brigades. Keep your eye out for this important initiative.

BRIGADE PARTICIPATION IN IFMP

The committee continues to monitor brigade participation and involvement in local planning processes, and in particular IFMP, to ensure brigades have sufficient opportunity to be involved in local planning and prioritisation of fire prevention activities within their areas. Following increasing reports of brigade dissatisfaction with their level of involvement in local Integrated Fire Management Planning processes, CFA instigated a state wide review through the Managers Community Safety to audit what level of involvement each brigade has in local IFMP processes, now that MFPC’s have been wound up. In particular, the committee is keen to understand that in situations where CFA employees (OO’s etc) are representing local brigades at these meetings, what processes are in place to ensure their views are informed by those of the local brigades, and how are decisions and information communicated with brigades before and after these meetings. Whilst four of the Regions have submitted results from their detailed audit, the committee is now awaiting the results from the other four regions who worryingly, where unable to supply the requested information. The committee will continue to monitor the progress of the audit, and hopes to work collaboratively with CFA to identify and solve any trends arising from the review that is inhibiting local brigade engagement and involvement in these critical planning processes.

THE ROLES OF REGIONS IN CAPACITY & CAPABILITY BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY ACTIVITIES

The committee continues to advocate for the need to scope and develop policies and guidance around the roles of Regions and Districts in local capacity and capability building, for brigades to be engaged in Community Safety activities. A key body of work is the development of a Brigade Gap Analysis, that allows a brigade to indicate what capacity it already has, what capacity it believes it would be able to build, and most importantly, what area’s the brigade has little or no capacity or interest in, so that support can be provided through the District and Region to support the brigade in those activities. The committee often receives reports from brigades who are anxious about a perception that work is being “pushed down to brigades” and the purpose of the gap analysis is to provide an opportunity for a regular and structured conversation to occur between the brigade and the district around where it’s priorities lie, and what areas the brigade wants external support or assistance with, to take the pressure off brigades where local capacity or capability may be low.

Equipment & Infrastructure

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing 

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 09/11/2013)

CREW PROTECTION RETRO-FIT PROGRAM – VICTORIA LEADS THE WAY

This program continues to run on-time and under budget. There are 105 tankers in progress to be updated by June next year with the new Crew Protection retro-fit, taking the total of tanker to be retrofitted to 1048 tankers. The original program was for 844 tankers, with the additional 105 added to the program this year. These tankers were not originally planned for retrofit as it was hoped they would have been sold and replaced with new tankers by now. However due to no additional government funding for the fleet program in 2012/13, these tankers can no longer be replaced this year, and will now need to be upgraded to ensure all tankers in the fleet are protected. There are 22 Tankers that have been identified from the entire fleet that will not be able to be retro fitted due to mechanical or weight issues that cannot be overcome. These tankers will now be prioritized for replacement.

The huge success of this ambitious project is now receiving interstate acclaim, with CFA being asked by Western Australia’s Department of Fire & Emergency Services to install a crew protection retro fit on one of their own vehicles as a proof of concept. CFA representatives will be travelling to WA to share their knowledge on the program, and assist WA design and implement their own crew protection retro fit program. 

AD-BLUE NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL BP & SHELL CFA FUEL CARDS

Back at its August meeting, delegates raised the concern that brigades were becoming frustrated with the process of ordering AdBlue for their trucks through the Region/District stores, and that given the short shelf life of the solution, that it was unwise for Regions or Districts to try and manage centralized quantities.

AdBlue is the registered trademark for AUS32, or Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5% that is used with the Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of diesel vehicles. An increasing number of new CFA trucks are being built with AdBlue systems in order to comply with every increasing emission standards.

Following approaches by the Committee, Fleet Services have now confirmed that authority to purchase AdBlue has now been activated on all BP and Shell CFA Fuel cards – so Brigades with an AdBlue Truck, can now pick up AdBlue in 10 or 20 litre containers from their local BP or Shell service station. Both BP & Shell have advised they are increasing the availability of AdBlue throughout their stores and have confirmed that individual stores will order it in if requested by a brigade.

AdBlue can continue to be ordered through DMO’s if it is more convenient for brigades, however it is recommended that where a local supplier can be found, that brigades purchase it directly, due to the limited 12 month shelf life of the solution.

VESEP TRAILER PUMP PROTOTYPE

The committee is involved in the design and evaluation of a Trailer Pump prototype which is being developed in time for next year’s round of VESEP (Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program) grants. The aim is for the eventual removal of stand alone Godiva pumps which due to their weight are becoming an OH&S hazard. The purpose built trailer will also have the capacity for a welfare locker to store water, googles and gloves etc and a planned 60 litre diesel fuel tank will provide in excess of 12 hours of continual operation, with a water cooled pump, which will be much quieter than previous pumps.  The trailer is being design with an off road capability in recognition of the environments these units usually need to traverse when used on the fire ground.

Operations

Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing 

Issue 7, November 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/11/2013)

MEETING WITH FIRE SERVICES COMMISSIONER

The Committee met with Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley on the 18^th September to progress discussions around Operational doctrine at the State Level. From that meeting, an action plan is being developed to progress actions around the following key themes that were discussed;

• Incident Management   • Pre formed IMT’s   • Resource Management   • Rostering Systems  
• De briefing process & systems   • Volunteer Utilisation at every level of Incident management  
• Volunteer awareness training for Agency Personnel operating in Multi Agency Environments

A letter of thanks was received from Craig on the 8^th November, thanking the delegates for their valued input. The committee looks forwards to progressing this important work with Craig in his new role as Victoria’s inaugural Emergency Management Commissioner Designate throughout 2014.

ROLE OF GROUP

The Committee wrote to the Chief Officer in June of this year expressing its concern with the perceived lack of progress in his review into the role of group, and requesting a Communications and Action plan be developed so that brigades & members could clearly understand where this review is at, and what the next steps are.  Deputy Chief Officer Alan Ellis who attended the November meeting of the Committee has agreed to meet with the Working Party (which last met in November 2012) sometime in December, so as to progress feedback received from Districts during the review period. At this stage, the committee is not aware of any final decisions being made as to the role of group review, and is advocating the need for all feedback received from Districts, Groups & Brigades during the review period to be fully studied by the Working Party, and for acknowledgment of that feedback to be provided to any brigade, group or member who has submitted feedback, with a response as to how their feedback has been considered. Members frequently commit a great deal of time, energy and effort to providing written and detailed submissions, and the Committee is strongly supportive of the need to ensure CFA acknowledges this feedback, and provides a response back that explains how their feedback/submission has been dealt with.    

ELECTRICAL SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP

Since 2008, the Committee has been strongly advocating for the need for CFA to review its policies around the provision and priority of low voltage fuse removal training and tools for structural brigades in order to ensure safety of crews during the initial stages of first attack.  The Chief Officer has now approved the formation of a CFA Electrical Safety Advisory Group that will be made up of subject matter experts, operational and volunteer representation to provide advice to CFA on a arrange of matters involving electricity. Operations Manager of Structural Planning - Ross Sullivan will be facilitating this group, with final terms of Reference hoping to be finalised this year.

SLOW PROGRESS

Unfortunately planned updates that the Committee had requested on Utilization of Volunteers in IMT’s, Multi Agency Liaisons to State All Hazard Committee’s, CFA Regulations Review, CFA Discipline Process Review,  2012/13 Pre-Season Briefing Schedules,  and 2013/14 Season Debrief planning was unable to be significantly progressed by the CFA representatives to the Committee. VFBV delegates continue to encourage CFA to proactively engage and support the Committee in progressing these important items and will continue to seek stronger focus & attention and working collaboratively with the committee to achieve meaningful and practical improvements in these key areas of interest to Volunteers.

VFBV Media release - 22 November 2013

VOLUNTEER FORUM TO ADVISE POLICE & EMERGENCY SERVICES MINISTER

The CFA volunteers’ association has welcomed the announcement of a Ministerial volunteer
consultative committee to provide direct input and advice to the Minister for Police and
Emergency Services on major changes to the emergency management sector.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) CEO Andrew Ford said the new Volunteer
Consultative Forum will give the Minister direct access to the valuable practical knowledge
of the people at the front line.

It will provide a forum for volunteers to provide direct advice to the Minister, on;

• Issues affecting Victoria’s emergency management volunteers 
• Matters relating to the capacity of volunteers to deliver emergency management services in Victoria 
• Strengthening the culture of volunteerism in Victoria 
• Maximising the capacity, capability and utilisation of volunteers 
• Monitoring the health and wellbeing of the volunteers, and 
• Volunteer views about how to achieve changes proposed for the Emergency Management sector 

The State Government’s announcement of the new Forum follows many discussions
between VFBV and the Government, and comes with the endorsement of the Fire Services
Commissioner.

“The new Forum is being initiated at an important time; with the move towards a more
joined-up emergency management network,” Mr Ford said.

“For the new arrangements to work it will be extremely important that decision makers
listen to the volunteers on the ground, and take advice from volunteers about what it will
take to achieve improvement on the ground,” he said.

“It’s a matter of common sense; when making major decisions, nothing works as well as
listening to the people at the front line.”

“Engaging with volunteers should not be seen as a burden. Engaged and empowered
volunteers are tomorrow’s volunteers. Engaging and empowering volunteers must become
a core mindset of everyone in Victoria’s emergency management sector,” Mr Ford said.

“VFBV has committed its support to help the State Government to engage with volunteers,
and have regard to their practical advice about what works on the ground, what has or has
not worked in past, and what needs to be factored in to make sure things keep working into
the future,” he said.

The Volunteer Consultative Forum will include volunteer representation from the CFA, SES,
Life Saving Victoria, Australian Red Cross, Ambulance Victoria, Volunteer Fire Brigades
Victoria, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Coast Guard, Salvation Army, Volunteer Emergency
Service Association and the Victorian Council of Churches, plus management nominees from
the various agencies.

“The decisions being made now will have a strong influence on the capability and capacity
of volunteers to contribute to emergency management in Victoria into the future,” Mr Ford
said.

In addition to the establishment of the Volunteer Consultative Forum, the State
Government introduced the Emergency Management Bill 2013 into Parliament earlier this
month. The Bill continues the move towards a more joined-up emergency management
network, co-ordinated by an Emergency Management Commissioner.

In introducing that legislation, Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells said
“Volunteers play a critically important role in the emergency management sector, and the
Bill recognises this by including specific measures to ensure volunteer capacity and
capability is encouraged, strengthened, and maintained.”

The Bill requires both the Emergency Management Commissioner and Emergency
Management Victoria to have regard to this important feature of Victoria's emergency
management arrangements in the carrying out of their functions. The Bill requires that
agency work plans include specific actions and measures to encourage, strengthen and
maintain the capacity and capability of volunteers and the community.

Minister Wells said, “Volunteers have been and will continue to be fundamental to
emergency management service delivery in Victoria. They do a magnificent job for this
state. Equally, they will be fundamental to the successful implementation of these reforms”.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, the Victoria Emergency Service Association and the
Volunteer Coast Guard made a joint submission on behalf of their volunteer members, to
the Government’s White Paper on Victoria’s Emergency Management reform and amongst
other things requested the establishment of a Ministerial-level Volunteer Consultative
Forum. VFBV’s representatives will be President Hans van Hamond AFSM and CEO Andrew
Ford, the SES volunteers’ association is represented by President Neil Hedger and David
Rowlands, and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard volunteers by Richard Burgess and
David Goldfinch. All of those representatives are active emergency service volunteers.

Ends…

 VESEP GRANT APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR 2013

Planning for 2014?  See below for Case Studies that show how Brigades made successful applications in previous funding rounds.

We will be posting more useful information, including an Application Help Pack for the coming year, shortly.

Any questions? Contact VFBV’s VESEP Project Officer Mary Anne Egan on 0428 937 210 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CFA’s change to digital radio dispatch channels is set to begin on 8 December in District 12, the first CFA District to migrate to the new digital frequencies on CFA Tait Radios.

The change will roll out District by District, with radio traffic still available on existing analogue radio frequencies for a period of time while the change to digital radio is bedded in.

VFBV has important advice for everyone using a listening set or scanner to monitor local Brigade activity;

• Don’t dispose of your existing analogue set – analogue radio frequencies will still be used for incident management channels for the foreseeable future, even after regional dispatch goes digital
• CFA will make regional dispatch available online, which means your computer, tablet or smart phone could monitor sufficient radio traffic to know when Brigades are called out or returning from calls.
• CFA is now looking at digital scanners/listening sets, with the intention of partnering with a vendor(s) to select digital sets that will be available for members to purchase at a competitive price – VFBV representatives are on the working party that will assess the machines’ suitability

The project was built into CFA’s Regional Radio Dispatch Project after VFBV’s 2010 Scanner and Listening Set Stocktake confirmed that there were thousands of sets being used by Brigades, volunteers and their families to monitor the movement of appliances and the escalation of jobs in their local area.   For operational volunteers, their scanner provided a way of predicting when their own pager might light up, and for family members, the listening set offered a way of providing support or just keeping tabs on how things were going for a volunteer in the field.

Well done to all Brigades that responded to the stocktake, which gave VFBV solid facts and figures to back what had been common volunteer wisdom up until that point, and well done to CFA Headquarters staff and in particular the Regional Radio Dispatch Project and CFA Technology Services Teams for working with VFBV and Brigades to provide flexible options that will help keep volunteers, Brigades and communities in touch with their crews in the field.

Digital radio promises more range, sensitivity and voice quality in radio communications and dedicated dispatch channels for each CFA District.

With Telstra contracted to build the new Regional Radio Dispatch network, the infrastructure build program is well advanced and once District 12 migrates across, a schedule for all CFA districts will cascade in quick succession.

Progress reports and project updates are being posted on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au 

CFA Survey: When holidaying, would you be interested in responding to incidents with a local brigade?

CFA is calling on members to indicate whether they would consider turning out with the local brigade where they are holidaying.

Fill in the online survey here (taking part enters you in the draw for a small prize) or call Operational Training & Volunteerism’s Rhonda Day on 0417 109 800 or Lisa Cruickshank on 0417 096 325.

The survey closes on 13 December 2013.

Victorian Young Achiever Awards

Do you know an outstanding young person making a difference in the community?          

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Victorians. The Awards recognise the achievements of Victoria's youth (up to 28 years of age) in six categories, with one of the category winners being named the Victorian Premier's Young Achiever of the Year. (Nominate a young achiever)

The Community Service and Volunteering Award

The candidates for this award will be reviewed in several areas including:

• Length of service and commitment
• Who and how many people benefit from their dedication
• How the candidate has overcome barriers and difficulties
• Their contribution to lasting solutions and sustainability
• The winner, if not all the candidates, will be an extraordinary young person.

The other categories include:

• Leadership and innovation
• Science and technology
• Sport
• Regional achiever
• Small business achievement

Nominations close early December 2013 (nominate a young achiever) with the winners announced and recognised at a gala dinner on Friday 2 May 2014.

To learn more click here to visit the Awards Australia website 

FEEDBACK DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THE END OF NOVEMBER

CFA is undertaking a review of the Annual Brigade Allowance that is made to Brigades.

As part of a consultation process with member Brigades, VFBV is seeking advice and feedback from Brigade Management Teams on the types of expenses that notionally the Brigade Allowance makes a contribution towards.

Additionally, the move of all Brigades to Risk Based Classifications over the next few years as part of the CFA’s Brigade and Member Classification Project provides a good opportunity to review the intent for the Annual Brigade Allowance, the Brigade expenses it is intended to contribute towards and the amount / form that these allowances are made based on every Brigades Classification.

All Brigades will have receivede correspondence and a questionnaire from VFBV during October (see below to download a copy) seeking feedback to equip VFBV with solid evidence of the requirements volunteers in Brigades seek as part of this Brigade Allowance Review.

Extended deadline: feedback to VFBV is due by 30 November 2013.

UPDATE: Typing error corrected on page 4 - FEEDBACK OPEN UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER

VFBV is providing opportunity for all volunteers to comment on the much anticipated CFA Driver Education and Endorsement Strategy that is being considered for acceptance by the Chief Officer. Members will recall a Discussion Paper in 2009 that sought feedback on eight (8) key principles that could underpin the development of any future strategy.

Entitled 'Providing Safer Drivers & Operators for all CFA vehicles’ the Draft Strategy currently under consideration has a defined future focus that will:

‘By implementing all recommendations contained within the Strategy, it is CFA’s goal that by 2024, all members will hold CFA or nationally recognised competencies giving them the skills to drive and / or operate CFA vehicle in a safe manner.’

VFBV has developed and posted to all brigades an Information Paper (download a copy below) that provides an executive summary of the important changes proposed and the specific member and organisational impacts of adopting the strategy.

VFBV is keen for all Brigades to consider the details contained within the Information Paper and for local discussion to be held at VFBV District Councils in preparation for consideration of VFBV’s position to be ratified at the December 2013 State Council meeting.

State Government media release - Sunday 27 October 2013

The incredible contribution of Victoria's volunteers will be recognised by  a new state award, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award, Premier Denis  Napthine announced at a garden picnic event at Cruden Farm near  Langwarrin, today.

 Dr Napthine said the Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Awards recognise the  outstanding contribution volunteers make to the community, with the top  award named in honour of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, who was one of Victoria's  great philanthropists.

 “Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was a generous, humble and loving benefactor. Her  life was about improving other people’s circumstances,” Dr Napthine said.

 A volunteer from Moe, Mr Darell Benjamin OAM, who has raised almost $1  million for the Royal Children's Hospital, was named as the state's first  Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award winner at today's event.

 “Mr Benjamin is a terrific winner of the first Dame Elisabeth Murdoch  Award. He represents the genuine grass roots community volunteer who are  the heart of the soul of many local communities across the state,” Dr  Napthine said.

 Mr Benjamin, 85, has been raising money for the Royal Children’s Good  Friday Appeal since 1978. In 2004 he was awarded the Latrobe City Citizen  of the Year award and in 2008 he received an Order of Australia Medal for  his year-round fundraising efforts.

Mr Benjamin’s significant contribution to the community includes his  involvement with the Moe Lions Club and as a group leader for  intellectually, physically and mentally handicapped Boy Scouts.

As part of the award, Mr Benjamin received $10,000 for his chosen charity.

Dr Napthine also announced the members of the Awards Committee, who would  provide advice on nominations for the awards, which from 2014 will include  the following categories:

 ·        Victorian Volunteer of the Year - The Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

          Award - $10,000 to  chosen charity.

 ·        Senior Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.

 ·        Youth Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.

 ·        Regional Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.

 ·        Metropolitan Volunteer of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen

          charity.

 ·        New Resident of the Year - $2,000 to their chosen charity.

 The Awards Committee includes Mr Craig Lapsley, Fire Services Commissioner  Victoria and Board Member Volunteering Victoria, Mrs Janet Calvert-Jones,  Murdoch family member and Ms Julie Pettett, CEO of Wimmera Volunteers.

 The Committee will be chaired by The Hon Jeff Kennett AC, the Chairman of  beyondblue, which has successfully worked to improve services and change  attitudes to depression and anxiety since 2000.

 “There are about 1.5 million volunteers in Victoria who give their time  and effort to improve the lives of people in hardship. Volunteer work is  not just about helping others, it’s also about making our society a better  place for everyone,” Dr Napthine said.

 More than 100 volunteers from charity organisations across Victoria  attended the event at the beautiful garden setting of Dame Elisabeth  Murdoch’s home.

VFBV has long pressed for a Fire Services Property Levy discount or exemption for CFA volunteers, in recognition of the significant contribution they already make as members of Brigades.

Since the levy took effect this year and people have had the chance to see it in practice, it has become the subject of media coverage and some public debate, and there have been volunteers with useful opinions to contribute.

If you would like to express an opinion on the levy, possible recognition of volunteer service or any other aspects, we invite you to contact the office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

VFBV made comprehensive submissions to Government when the levy was first mooted and being designed. You can see VFBV's full report at the time of the levy's introduction and the content of our submissions by clicking here

CFA Sunday will be on 24 November – at the end of Fire Action Week which starts on 17 November.

More than 120 Brigades have registered so far (25 October).

Headquarters is supporting Brigades with CFA publications and giveaways, some financial assistance, information to assist with local media interviews, fliers, posters and backup support and advicefrom CFA's Communities & Communications team.

Brigade registrations close on Friday 1 November.

CFA will publish a map on its website, showing the locations of all participating brigades and the details of their events. The CFA Sunday information page is at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/cfa-sunday/

Brigades can register at - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFASunday2013registration

The VFBV Annual Report 2012-13 includes;

• Reports from the President and CEO
• A snapshot of the year's major events
• The VFBV Volunteer Welfare Fund centenary
• Strategic issues in the Emergency Management Sector
• Practical representation and equipment trials
• VFBV Championships results
• Financial/audit statements

You can download a copy of the VFBV Annual Report below.

VFBV - MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 24 October 2013

The CFA volunteers’ association says some MPs are missing the point on the campaign for fairer and simpler cancer compensation for firefighters.

Andrew Ford, CEO of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), said Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips has told newspapers ‘Victorian firefighters are already able to access compensation’ but does not address the unfair obstacle they face when they apply.

“Yes the entitlement is there but because of the nature of firefighters’ work and the overly complex process requiring firefighters to prove which event caused the illness, they can’t actually access the entitlement.  That is our key concern. We are not looking for a new entitlement, just a fairer process,” Mr Ford said.

“Under current Victoria law firefighters are entitled to cancer compensation, but they must show evidence of fires or incidents they attended that might be 10 or 15 years ago and prove on the balance of probabilities which incidents or which toxic exposures caused the cancer,” he said.

The Australian Government and three other states have already accepted the scientific studies that show there is a list of a dozen cancers that are clearly more common in firefighters.

“The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have changed the laws to reverse the onus of proof; if one of their firefighters suffers one of those typical firefighter cancers, it is presumed to be work related. That allows the firefighter to concentrate on treatment and recovery, instead of a lengthy and expensive court case,” Mr Ford said.

“The South Australian and West Australian Governments are in the process of changing their laws for career and volunteer firefighters, which leaves Victoria lagging behind,” he said.

“CFA volunteers and their career colleagues are not asking for something extra, just the removal of an unfair barrier to compensation to which they are entitled,” Mr Ford said.

“And with other States going through with legislation, volunteers are tired of hearing excuses.  First there was the wait for extra research, when even the researchers said the wait was unnecessary.  Then there was the introduction of an extra assessment process, a process that doesn’t address the problem of that unfair barrier,” he said.

CFA Brigades protect 60% of suburban Melbourne, regional cities and all of country Victoria.

CFA volunteer firefighters are on call every day and night of the year, they train to professional standards and respond to fires, road accidents, industrial incidents, chemical spills and rescues.

Victoria’s 60,000 CFA volunteers are more than 97% of CFA’s workforce, which makes them an essential part of Victoria’s Emergency Management capability.

'We Are Thinking Of You' 
Melburnians Rally for New South Wales

Federation Square
Centre Stage

12.00 noon Friday 25 October 2013

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson is asking all CFA members to update their contact details before the fire season.

Euan has asked every Captain, Group Officer and Secretary to remind their members.

See his blog on the CFA website for details;

http://news.cfa.vic.gov.au/blog/Update-your-details-before-the-fire-season.html

Members can update their contact details via Brigades Online (cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au), by phoning 1800 62 88 44 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Invitation to all CFA members:

A team of firefighters will be taking part in this year's YMCA Murray Marathon - the iconic five day canoe race from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill - as part of the inaugural Emergency Services Challenge Cup.

The fireys are already in training in Albury but need more paddlers to fill the team. 

The YMCA Murray Marathon is the longest canoe/kayak race in the southern hemisphere and 2013 will be the 45^th race.

The 2012 event attracted 400+ paddlers and 1,500 ground crew, moving along the Murray River between Yarrawonga & Swan Hill for the 5 days between Boxing Day & New Years Day.

There is more information on the YMCA website www.murraymarathon.ymca.org.au/

To join the fireys' team and experience this great adventure, contact John Schneider at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0428 507 450

Coming soon: 27 October, 9 and 17 November, 14 December.

In place of the annual VFBV Coaches/Judges School this year, there will be 4 Urban Competition Hands On Skills Workshops conducted at 4 locations around the state. 

These Workshops are being organised and facilitated by experienced Competitors/Coaches, and all Brigades are encouraged to attend their nearest Workshop.  Current or prospective competitors and coaches will gain an insight into the techniques of successful competitors and teams, which will not only lead to better competition but safer competition.

Each Workshop is being facilitated by your fellow competitors/coaches – so take advantage of their experience and skill, support their willingness to assist you, and attend a Workshop. 

There is no limit on numbers attending, but please advise VFBV office of numbers for catering purposes by returning the reply slip (download below), or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 9886 1141.

Central area:

Co-ordinator: Leigh Schintler (Bendigo)

Date:             Sunday 27^th October 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:           Bendigo track

Facilitators:     Leigh Schintler, Steve Ellis, Wayne Ellis,  

                    Barry Doye, Bruce Payne & Wayne Patterson  

Gippsland area:

Co-ordinator:  Robert Johnson (Maryvale)

Date:             Saturday 9^th November, 12pm to 3pm

Venue:           Traralgon track

Facilitators:     Robert Johnson, Dominic Keating, Stuart Kelso,

                    Col Flowers, Brian White & Rod Atkinson

Western area:

Co-ordinator: Anthony Rhodes (Melton)

Date:              Sunday 17^th November 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:           Ballarat track

Facilitators:     Anthony Rhodes, Steve Ellis, Wayne Ellis,

                       Lee Schintler Tom Waterson, Col Jordan,

                       Brendan Hawkes & Craig Briody

Outer metro area:

Co-ordinator:   Andy Waterson (Dandenong)

Date:              Saturday 14^th December 2013, 10am to 2pm

Venue:            Dandenong track

Facilitators:      Adrian Jones, Craig Lansdown, Chris Mullins,

                     Andy Waterson & Rick Owen