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.

CFA/VFBV Natural Disaster Relief Fund

Emergency Service volunteers are often victims of the disaster too, losing homes, businesses and other assets while they work to protect their communities.

Funds are in place to assist volunteers who have been directly impacted by natural disasters.  The funds are volunteer run, and are designed to respond quickly to help volunteer firefighters in need.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Donate

To help Victorian Volunteer firefighters, CFA & VFBV modified our existing Drought Relief Fund that has been operating since 2007 to update it to a Natural Disaster Support Fund. All funds collected will be used to support Victorian CFA volunteers and their immediate families affected by Natural disasters such as Flood, Drought and Fire.

Branch: Bendigo Bank Account name: CFA/VFBV Support Fund BSB: 633-000     Account number: 132 481 060

The fund is administered by a sub-committee of the VFBV Board, which makes it low on red tape and quick to help those in greatest need. The fund operates in the same way that the CFA/VFBV Drought Support Fund operated, every cent donated will go directly to volunteers. No administration costs are deducted from the Fund - they are borne entirely by CFA and VFBV.

Donations can be made to VFBV's fund by visiting any Bendigo Bank branch and using the following details:

Account name: CFA/VFBV Support Fund  BSB: 633-000 Account number: 132 481 060

Or by posting a cheque made payable to;

"CFA/VFBV Support Fund" and mailed to:

CFA/VFBV Support Fund  C-/ Adam Barnett, Executive Officer  PO Box 453  Mt Waverly VIC 3149