VFBV

RMIT University and the Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC are holding a series of workshops with key stakeholders to analyse alternative strategies for engaging with non-traditional emergency volunteers (e.g. unaffiliated with formal emergency management organisations and plans).

The workshops are a part of the ‘Out of Uniform’ project that examines opportunities for emergency management organisations to contribute to community resilience by supporting non-traditional emergency volunteers - to learn more about the project, click here.

The workshops build on reviews conducted of knowledge and practice in this area, and case studies of non-traditional volunteering in action in Australia.

The workshop series has three aims:

1. To test and refine a proposed framework to assess alternative engagement strategies in relation to desired outcomes

2. To conduct a SWOT analysis to identify and compare the full range of potential Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats associated with four broad engagement strategies (currently labelled as Ignore, Resist, Tolerate, Embrace)

3. To identify what is needed for emergency management organisations to develop and implement volunteer strategies for non-traditional forms of volunteering.

The workshop series is currently in planning, with the first two workshops scheduled for October 2016.

It will have three overall outputs:

1. A tested and documented framework to underpin a strategic decision support tool for emergency management organisations

2. Identification of knowledge gaps for addressing specific organisational needs in volunteering for possible research funding by the BNHCRC

3. A report on key workshop outcomes

For further information or to register your interest in hosting or attending a workshop please contact Blythe McLennan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9925-5227.

On 21 January, the Victorian Premier announced the release of the Fiskville Firefighters’ Health Study by Monash University. You can download it from the Fiskville Investigation page of the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au

The study was commissioned by CFA in November 2012 and led by Monash Universities Associate Professor Deborah Glass. It adds to the already well established evidence showing connections between firefighting and cancer that led to VFBV’s continuing campaign for presumptive cancer compensation legislation to cover all Victorian firefighters, in line with federal legislation.

It is important to note in relation to the Fiskville training facility in particular, that in announcing the details of the study, the Premier Mr Andrews said that for those who work and train there now, there are very low risks associated with the site today because remediation work has been done.

Whilst acknowledging that issues relating to Fiskville are largely historical, the Premier went on to say that there is ongoing oversight and monitoring of those risks – and that vigilance is critically important.

VFBV has worked with CFA since questions were raised about the safety of training practices at the site, supervising onsite inspections alongside the EPA and successfully pressing for greater monitoring and easier access to information for members, including the posting of regular water testing results on the CFA website for the information of all members. VFBV has also been advocating and supporting changes to new training foams to be used at all training grounds.

VFBV continues to closely monitor the situation and advocate on behalf of our members. If you have concerns or questions, or would like to provide us with feedback, talk to your VFBV State Councillor or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.