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.

The State and Federal Governments have announced additional assistance to local councils in areas affected by bushfires in December 2014 and January 2015.

The councils include; Ararat, Benalla, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Mildura, Moira, Southern Grampians, Strathbogie, Wangaratta, West Wimmera and Wodonga.

For details, see the State Government’s media release at http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/additional-disaster-assistance-for-victorian-bushfires

UPDATED 29 January 2015 - Now includes Concessional Loans for Primary Producers

The Victorian Government lists financial assistance, health and safety advice, and local recovery support for residents affected by the 2015 Victorian Bushfires at its Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria website:

http://www.recovery.vic.gov.au/2015-victorian-bushfires

The site also includes phone numbers for Lifeline (13 11 14) and Nurse On Call (1300 60 60 24).

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.