VFBV

Reflect and honour

By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer

This month marks two very special days for volunteers. The first of course was 4 May which is St Florian’s day and our annual memorial, while the second event is the 18-24 May where we celebrate National Volunteer Week.

The annual CFA memorial service is held on the closest Sunday to May 4 each year to align with St Florian’s day. Saint 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.

Our memorial is a time to acknowledge and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their communities. And while we cannot come together in person this year, we can come together in spirit and thought to acknowledge and pay respect to those we have lost.

This year we pause to reflect and honour the lives of 68 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.

I would encourage members to take a moment to pause, reflect and honour those who have selflessly given their lives. 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.

May 4 is also the day chosen for International Firefighters Day that was established following the tragic events of Linton, with the day first observed on May 4 1999. We wear blue and red ribbons to pay tribute to our fallen. The ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water.

This years’ service would have been a formal occasion to pay our respects to our colleagues from DELWP, NSW RFS and the United States who tragically lost their lives battling this summer’s bushfires.

While we mourn the loss of each precious life lost as a result of these and any fires, I want to acknowledge each of the nine to whom this year we owe a special debt. Victorian firefighters Bill Slade, Mat Kavanagh and David Moresi. New South Wales firefighters Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O’Dwyer and Samuel McPaul. And North American firefighters Ian McBeth (Montana), Paul Hudson (Arizona) and Rick DeMorgan Jr (Florida) who travelled from the United States of America to help Australia in its time of need.

To all the families and loved ones of those we have lost, we say thank-you and make a solemn promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

VicPol

We were all saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of four police officers who died in the line of duty serving the people of Victoria.

VFBV has conveyed the heartfelt condolences of all CFA volunteers to the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. Along with the entire emergency management family, we stand together in solidarity and deep sorrow as we grieve this tragic loss of life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Constable Josh Prestney, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, and leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor.

May their sacrifice be forever remembered.

National Volunteer Week

This year, National Volunteer Week is being held between the 18 May though to the 24. And while many of us may not feel especially celebratory at the moment, these uncertain times may be the most important reason of all to recognise and acknowledge all our volunteers across Australia.

This year’s theme is “Changing Communities. Changing Lives.” Such an inspirational theme, but especially those who contribute through volunteering in our emergency services. I can’t think of a more fitting recognition of the incredible work and role CFA volunteers do in changing lives and keeping communities safe.

Please take a moment during this year’s national volunteer week to reflect on the difference each of you are making and take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible gift this is to the whole Victorian community. You do change lives, and our State would be so much the poorer without you.

Reform

VFBV continues to raise the concerns of volunteers on the lack of engagement, communication and meaningful consultation on reform implementation. Volunteers have been making strong representations that for an organisation that is about to transition to a fully volunteer service, the lack of respect and involvement of its volunteers on this change journey is deeply disappointing.

And just as the government has determined to press ahead regardless of COVID- 19 impediments - it is equally important to remind decision makers that volunteer consultation obligations have not been suspended, nor should they be forgotten. Remember those commitments and tributes following this summer’s horror bushfires and the promises of respecting CFA volunteers and the vital role CFA plays in keeping our communities safe?

Recent reform announcements indicate CFA and CFA volunteers are largely being treated as irrelevant. In fact, it is difficult to tell from anything that has been announced any benefit that is in the public’s interest.

Just as galling is the complete disregard and respect for the important role that administrative and non-operational staff play in modern and effective emergency management arrangements. In a sector that relies on people working together – the approach and insensitivity in decisions and communications is most disappointing.

My fear is that these missteps will make it very hard for people to envision how these arrangements will deliver lasting positive outcomes. In fact, this continued divisiveness will likely have lasting consequences on how many perceive and regard the new entity moving forward.

To those feeling disillusioned and frustrated, I share your disappointment. But please don’t stew on it or let it get to you. We are all going to have to work incredibly hard to try and fix any volunteer or community impacts that emerge. Our communities are counting on it – so I again call on each of you to focus on the things we can change and not the things we cannot.

Busy yourselves on the things that matter. Your local brigade and your local community. Continue creating positive outcomes that make a real difference to our communities. At some point the world will wake up and take stock. Let us maintain our proud record of selfless community service. It will not go unnoticed when the real impacts of this change journey finally emerge.

Vale Mick Taylor AFSM

On the day of publishing of this edition of Fire Wise, we have just learned of the passing of our great friend Michael Taylor AFSM. Mick was a stalwart of Mornington Fire Brigade and ex-Captain. He joined the Brigade in 1957. Mick was an Association Life Member, CFA life member, and Mornington Fire Brigade life member. He dedicated over 30 years of service to senior leadership roles in the Association, serving 23 years on State Council and was a former VUFBA President.

Mick’s support and contribution to VFBV was immeasurable. He was a member of the initial joint Associations’ Steering Committee formed to develop VFBV and was a member on VFBV’s inaugural Board for nine years, serving as VFBV Vice President between 2005 – 2009.

We send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Yvonne, family, friends and loved ones. We also extend our thoughts to fellow members of the Mornington Fire Brigade. Mick was a true icon of the Victorian Fire Services where he spent his life tirelessly advocating on behalf of CFA and CFA volunteers. He will be very sorely missed.

Fire Impacted

The VFBV Welfare Fund and Volunteer Support & Recovery trust are looking to finalise grant arrangements for members impacted by this summer’s bushfires. These trusts provide swift monetary grants to assist members in necessitous circumstances recover from loss of home, outbuildings, fencing, stock, livelihood and any other impacts resulting from large scale fire campaigns.

Impact assessments can continue to be sent in and logged on our fire impacted register. VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)  is coordinating this work in the North East Region, and Colin Booth (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for the South East Region. Captains and Group Officers in District 11 and 24 are in the final process of being contacted to confirm final numbers. If you are personally impacted, or know of someone who is, please ensure your Captain or Group officer is aware and make contact with either Michelle or Colin ASAP.

16/17 year old’s

Submissions are due on the 15th May 2020.

Members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.

Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member.

IFMP Consultation

VFBV has been advocating through the Joint Community Safety Committee for CFA to develop internal guidelines to provide consistency and support for members contributing to municipal based emergency management or fire prevention committees.

Draft guidelines have now been drafted by CFA and have been sent to Groups, Districts and Regions for feedback.

The guidelines cover fire prevention escalation processes, fire management planning guidelines for CFA members, and guidance on how to effectively participate in municipal emergency management and prevention planning processes and committees.

Please contact your Group officer if you are keen to review and provide feedback. Feedback on the draft guidelines can be made to your VFBV District Council or VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Digital Learning

CFA is currently working on uploading and improving the digital learning platform on the Learning Management System (LMS). Recent updates and materials have included Safe Driving and Legislation Requirements, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness and Prepare Test and Maintain Equipment.

VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee are working closely with CFA to guide and improve eLearning throughout CFA. Delegates have been keen to stress that digital learning does not replace face-to-face, but rather extends and compliments it. Physical materials are being developed to mirror each of the eLearning modules and will be made available so that those who can’t or choose not to access LMS are not disadvantaged.

VFBV is keen to get feedback from any members partaking in the new eLearning. Feedback is essential in continual improvement and allows everyone to be involved and listened to. Feedback can be provided by clicking on the feedback module after completing each course, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via VFBV through your District Council or VFBV Support Officer Chris Dent This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

National Emergency Medals

On Australia Day, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the National Emergency Medal (NEM) would be awarded to recognise emergency responders for service during the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season. The Medal was established in 2011 following the Victorian Black Saturday Fires and is awarded for sustained service during a nationally significant emergency.

VFBV delegates are working with CFA through the Joint Volunteerism Committee and are intending to review the nomination criteria, which is due to be announced later this year. As previously has been the case, the NEM is open to all emergency service volunteers, as well as fire, police, and paramedics. The Prime Minister has also announced that Australian Defence Force members may also be eligible.

The Committee is awaiting further advice from the Honours and Awards Secretariat in Canberra. In the meantime, work is underway to develop a process to support members with nominations, and review the processes used following the 2009 Fires NEM presentations and events. The medal itself is only awarded once to an individual.

The regulations provide that if a person is awarded for additional service or nationally significant emergencies, it is done in the form of an additional clasp denoting the nationally significant emergency. For example, the Victorian Black Saturday fires were recognised by the clasp VIC FIRES 09.  

VFBV Board Vacancies

Fire Wise – Message from the Managing Editor

Due to COVID-19 restrictions impacting on our print house, the May edition of Fire Wise will not be available in print. It is currently being produced electronically, and is available on the Fire Wise website for free viewing to all - www.fire-wise.com.au   

I apologise to all for any inconvenience but hope you understand that this is beyond our control.

It is planned to return to normal printing and distribution for the June edition.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Regards

Gordon King
Managing Editor - Fire Wise
Tel: 0402 051 412

Today (Sunday 3rd May) would have been the day this year that the CFA Memorial Service would have been held.

COVID-19 restrictions have obviously made that impossible this year. However I would encourage members to take a moment over the next couple of days to pause, reflect and honour our firefighters who have selflessly given their lives in the line of service in order to protect the lives of other Victorian’s.

The annual memorial is usually held each year on the Sunday closest to St Florian’s Day (4th May).

The event pays special tribute to the 79 CFA firefighters (which includes 11 from pre-1944 who died prior to the formation of CFA under the Country Fire Brigades Board).

This years’ service would have also been a formal occasion to pay our respects to our colleagues from DELWP, NSW RFS and the United States who tragically lost their lives battling this summer’s bushfires.

While we mourn the loss of each precious live lost as a result of these and any fires, I want to acknowledge each of the nine to whom this year we owe a special debt. Victorian firefighters Bill Slade, Mat Kavanagh and David Moresi. New South Wales firefighters Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O’Dwyer and Samuel McPaul. And North American firefighters Ian McBeth (Montana), Paul Hudson (Arizona) and Rick DeMorgan Jr (Florida) who travelled from the United States of America to help Australia in its time of need.

To all the families and loved ones of those we have lost, we say thank-you and make a solemn promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

While the annual memorial 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. And while we can’t come together in person this year, we can come together in spirit and thought to acknowledge and pay respect to those we have lost.

On behalf of VFBV and all member Brigades and Groups, our thoughts and prayers are for the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died in the line of duty and for all those that have suffered loss, injury or sickness through their work, dedication and commitment to protecting their communities.

In memory of our fallen firefighters, at each years memorial the CFA Chief Officer would cause the tolling of a bell as each name of our fallen is read out. I ask that you please take time to reflect on each of the lives memorialised in our roll of honour below.

Roll of Honour

COUNTRY FIRE BRIGADES BOARD – ROLL OF HONOUR

COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY – ROLL OF HONOUR

About the Annual Memorial

The annual memorial event honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of service and is held on the closest Sunday to 4 May, which is St Florian’s Day (the patron saint of firefighters) and International Firefighters Day.

We wear blue and red ribbons to pay tribute to our fallen. The ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours also are internationally recognised as representing emergency service.

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.

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 68 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.

Over many years of support, CFA members have raised more than $34 million for the Good Friday Appeal, to support the Royal Children's Hospital with their life saving care for our kids.

This year, with social distancing rules in place, the traditional tin rattle that our Brigades have run has had to move online. More than 160 CFA Brigades have registered for the Virtual Tin Shake and more have signed up in recent days.

Visit https://www.virtualtinshake.com/#supporterSearch  and search for your closest CFA Brigade that has registered for a virtual tin.

At last count - the following CFA Brigades had indicated they're pre-registration, with many others joining after the closing date for notification:

North East

• Belgrave
• Oxley Flats Rural
• Wodonga
• Wodonga West
• Shepparton East
• Numurkah
• Tallarook
• Beechworth
• Shepparton
• Porepunkah
• Cobram
• Eildon
• Eldorado Rural
• Yackandandah
• Wangaratta and District
• South Wangaratta
• Wangaratta North
• Bright
• Narre Warren
• Harrietville Rural
• Hoddles Creek
• Moyhu Rural
• Scoresby
• Kilmore
• Wooragee Rural
• Baranduda Rural
• Mitta Mitta
• Seville
• Wallan
• Clonbinane
• Marysville
• Wonga Park
• Selby
• Chirnside Park
• Kiewa
• Wesburn Millgrove
• Springhurst
• Montrose
• Bayswater
• Dartmouth
• Allans Flat
• Avenel
• Corryong
• Falls Creek
• Ferntree Gully
• Killawarra
• Leneva
• Merrigum
• Mt Hotham Dinner Plain
• Myrtleford
• Strathmerton
• Rutherglen
• Wandong
• Yarrawonga

North West

• Greenvale
• Korong Vale
• Kyabram
• Woodend
• Wedderburn
• Riddells Creek
• Fish Creek and District
• Gisborne
• Kangaroo Flat
• Eaglehawk
• Panton Hill
• Macedon Rural
• CFA District 14
• Taradale
• Rye Urban
• South Warrandyte
• Warrandyte
• Stanhope
• South Morang
• Tylden
• Kangaroo Ground
• Hurstbridge
• Epping
• Toolern Vale
• Craigieburn
• St Andrews
• Bolinda & Monegeetta
• Maiden Gully
• Doreen
• Romsey
• Eltham
• Research
• Yarrambat
• Caroline Springs
• Wyndham Vale
• Sunbury
• Wattle Glen
• Wollert
• Castlemaine
• Malmsbury
• Newham

South East

• Pakenham
• Patterson River
• Maffra
• Somers
• Boneo
• Lakes Entrance
• Pearcedale
• Phillip Island
• Dandenong Ranges Group
• Tooradin
• Upper Beaconsfield
• San Remo
• Rosebud
• Mt Eliza
• Casey Group
• Edithvale
• Officer

South West

• Kilcunda
• Bunyip
• Point Cook
• Truganina
• Mannerim
• Geelong City
• Werribee
• Geelong West
• Camperdown
• Bookaar
• Drysdale
• Hamilton
• Nullawarre
• Ocean Grove
• Warrnambool

West

• Learmonth-Addington
• Wendouree
• Stawell
• Beaufort
• Ballarat
• Ballarat City
• Warracknabeal
• Dimboola Urban
• Rainbow
• Bannockburn
• Sebastapol
• Gordon
• Leonards Hill
• Teesdale

It’s hard to imagine that vivacious six-year-old Quinnie almost had her life stop before it could even really begin.

This years Royal Children's Hospital Ambassador

In 2014, Quinnie’s twin Harriet, had passed away in the womb after the umbilical cord had wrapped around her in three places, resulting in the oxygen supply to her surviving sister being cut off, causing Quinnie to born by emergency caesarean and in kidney failure.

She spent the first three and half months of her life at the RCH connected to dialysis, followed by two years at home bound to her dialysis machine. At 33 months old she received a kidney transplant, which has transformed her life.

Whilst she has ongoing medical complications and will continue to be seen by RCH specialists until she transitions into adult care, the impact the RCH has had on Quinnie means she now goes to school like other 6 year olds and enjoys getting up to mischief with her little brother.

Thanks to your generous support, we can make a difference to children like Quinnie and help The Royal Children’s Hospital remain a world leader in paediatric care.

Visit https://www.virtualtinshake.com/#supporterSearch to make a donation today. 

Agility and Resilience 

By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

I want to acknowledge the incredibly difficult and challenging period we are all working through. Without a moment to catch our breath following this year’s busy Fire Season, we now find ourselves navigating an extremely complex and challenging pandemic. COVID-19 will continue to challenge us and test both our resilience and that of our communities.

Unsurprising – our brigades have stepped up and have again proven themselves to be highly effective and agile. I commend you all on the amazing work done at the local level to activate emergency plans and protocols that are maintaining emergency response continuity to our communities.

A state level Pandemic Management Team has been established within CFA and is operating similar to an IMT, coordinating state level response, communications and planning. CFA and VFBV have activated the same working protocols we use during periods of high operational activity, and are working very closely together to share and leverage off the incredible knowledge and experience that sits within both organisations to help navigate the difficult pathways ahead.

With things moving so quickly, and the need to monitor both State and Commonwealth responses, I want to recognise the difficult and dynamic environment that we all find ourselves operating in. And while I know that some would like a little more detail or specific instructions/protocols to help guide brigade planning, I urge you all to have confidence in yourselves, your abilities and your training.

The reality is, this challenge puts every single one of our brigades on the ‘fireground’, responding to the needs of each of our own communities and dealing with an incident that is impacting directly on each and every-one of our members, both from a CFA perspective as well as a personal one.

Through our brigades – we are ready and prepared to give our all - working together with a very stressed and anxious community. No one knows your local patch and community better than you do. No one knows your members and their unique and diverse situations better than you do. No one will be able to adapt quicker and more effectively than you can. Back yourselves, your judgement and each other.

I have every confidence that you will use your very best endeavours to adapt and respond to the upcoming challenges as best we can. The strength of our systems and model is that our brigades represent the very best of over 1200 Victorian communities across the State. We have unparalleled reach and connection with our communities, their needs and how to keep them safe.

Use your local knowledge and experience to best adapt to the situation at hand. Be guided by your knowledge and experience and approach the challenge with the same calm and professionalism that we are renowned for.

You are vital and respected leaders within your communities. During these periods of uncertainty when many citizens are feeling scared, anxious and isolated - they are looking to you for leadership and assurance. I have every confidence that you and your Brigade will continue to be a beacon of hope and calm - just as we are during campaign fires.

Please take time to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing and keep an eye on those around you. Each of us will respond differently to the current situation, so its important we don’t approach it like a one size fits all.

All peer and welfare services are running as normal, 24-hours a day. The CFA Wellbeing Support line is 1800 959 232. A new confidential opt-in ‘check-in’ service has also been initiated whereby members can sign up to receive regular scheduled phone calls from a peer, chaplain or wellbeing team member. This service can be used for a social chat, or if you need to talk more deeply about the challenges you are facing.

You can register for this service via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (03) 9262 8939.

Welfare Fund

Priority has been given to maintaining business continuity and operations of our Welfare Fund. All processes and systems to deal with applications remain in place and are operating as normal. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the Welfare Fund secretary is preferred (rather than phone) but phone options remain available via (03) 9886 1141.

VFBV Support Officers can assist with any initial enquiries or questions on process as well, and we have procedures in place to triage member enquiries. The Welfare Fund is also aiding members experiencing hardship to assist them register for other government support and assistance. We are tracking all Commonwealth and State relief packages to support impacted members connect with all options available.

Fire Impacted Areas

It is incredibly important that members in fire impacted communities do not feel forgotten or abandoned. I am committed to ensuring support for fire impacted communities continue, and we will stand by fire impacted communities for as long as it takes. On behalf of VFBV, I commit to every brigade, group or member in these communities that we will continue to support you and walk the long road of recovery together, every step of the way. Our support for you and these recovery activities will not waiver.

Impact assessments can continue to be sent in and logged, with our work to identify members impacted by this season’s bushfires continuing. VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)  is coordinating this work in the North East Region, and Colin Booth (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for the South East Region. While our working bee’s and recovery taskforces have had to be suspended for now – they will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

District Council Support

State Council has approved streamlined processes to enable District Councils to continue supporting brigades and groups at the local level. Care is being taken to ensure the focus is on brigade/group operational response and logistics.

District Council executive members are being supported to keep regular contact with their brigades and groups to monitor any areas they need assistance with. Regular contact between the District Council leadership group and the local CFA management is ensuring any local issues raised by brigades can be quickly acted on and resolved at the local level.

Priority is being given to resolve any issues brigades or groups may be experiencing with accessing appropriate protective equipment and supplies. Ordering systems remain in place and stock levels are being constantly monitored. Orders should be placed and processed through the State Logistics Center as normal. Procedures to protect supply are in place, and you are requested to only order what you need.

Please work to resolve any issues at the local level first and escalate to your local District Council if you require any assistance.

Thank-you

Thank-you for the continued work you are doing in keeping our communities safe.

These are extraordinary times and will require us all to work together and support each other as we navigate the challenging road ahead. Never forget that we are well prepared and have a very robust and resilient operational response model in place. Each time our collective efforts have been tested - we have always risen to the challenge.

My hope is that just like in previous times, when we look back on this period and our response to it – that it will be remembered as a period of compassion, agility, fortitude and resilience.

A special thank-you to all members who in their other non-CFA roles continue to work within the health sector. Thank-you also to each of you contributing to essential roles like transport, logistics, and customer service/sales. There are too many sectors to mention – but we are indebted to you all.

Never forget that when we all work together, we are capable of so many extraordinary things. Don’t lose sight of the tremendous ‘good’ that you are responsible for generating and putting into our communities. Stand tall, be kind to one another and keep your heads up.

Please stay safe, take care of yourselves and each other.

COVID-19 Resources 

VFBV have created two landing pages on our website for members to access summary information with links to the source material. 

Operational and health information can be found on this page. This article also includes a log of Operational Guidance notes issued by CFA with links to the CFA members area for each.

The second page summarises the current financial support and assistance resources available.

VFBV will be making every effort to keep these pages up to date with current information.

CFA have also created a landing page within the members area of Brigades Online which can be accessed here.

16/17 Year Old's 

The deadline for submissions has been extended, with a new closing date set for 15 May 2020.

Members are requested to discuss and make submission on whether the minimum age for operational activities should be changed or if there are further steps that can be taken to protect and improve the safety of children participating in CFA activities.

Information on how to make a submission can be found on the VFBV website, or by contacting your local State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer or District Council Executive member.

Federal and State Inquiries 

On the 6th April, State Council has requested that both the Federal and State bushfire inquiries that were established earlier this year extend the period available for volunteers to make submission.

With this year’s debriefing and after-action reviews significantly impacted by COVID-19, there is little opportunity or chance for CFA members to genuinely respond to the terms of reference.

With submissions for both inquiries closing shortly after Easter (April 15 for the Victorian Inquiry and April 17 for the Federal Inquiry) State Council is urging a little common sense and respect for those who have not had a second to catch their breath from this year’s fire season.

Update: 9th April 2020: Both inquiries have made a short extension to their submission closing timelines. The new closing dates for submission for each are:

Federal - closing date of Tuesday 28th April 2020

State - closing date of Thursday 30th April 2020

For more information see the VFBV website.

Fire Wise - Message from the Managing Editor 

Due to current restrictions impacting on our print house, Fire Wise will not print April edition but instead upload this to the website for free viewing to all – www.fire-wise.com.au 

I apologise to all for any inconvenience but hope you understand this is beyond our control.

It is planned to return to normal printing and distribution for May edition.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards

Gordon King
Managing Editor – Fire Wise
Tel: 0402 051 412

Championship Cancellation 

Following the ban of mass gatherings in response to COVID-19, members were advised on the 13th March that this year’s State Championships had been cancelled.

Commencing in 1873, the State Competitions have enjoyed a very long and proud history which pre-dates our Federation and even predates Australia’s first Test Cricket match by four years! Highlighting the historic nature of this year’s cancellation – the State Competitions have only ever previously been cancelled during the war years of the first world war and second world war.

VFBV would like to recognise the impact this decision makes not only on our own people, but on the host city of Mooroopna in particular. In recognition of these impacts, VFBV has requested CFA approval to conduct the 2021 and 2022 State Championships in Mooroopna.

Appreciation and gratitude are extended to all members of our Competition Committee’s and the Mooroopna Host Committee who have together toiled extremely hard over the last 18 months to prepare for what was to be an historic celebration of our Urban and Rural competitions. With the next two successive championships to be held in Mooroopna much of that work will not be lost.

Thank-you to all competing brigades, competitors, coaches, organisers, sponsors and supporters for your understanding and cooperation as arrangements of the cancellation were progressed. The State Championships signify one of the earliest times in Victorian history that volunteer fie brigades united as one, and we look forward to continuing that tradition in the years ahead.

Protective Face Masks

VFBV delegates to the State PPC/E Committee have requested CFA establish a working party to review all scientific and research literature on protective face masks for use during bushfire firefighting.

In recognition that there are still many unknowns and a lack of consistency across fire services across Australian jurisdictions in this space, VFBV has requested that a multi-state working party be established. The intent would be to invite other States and Territories to consider becoming involved and sharing resources to investigate and consider the available evidence. VFBV is aware of a number of services who have conducted limited field evaluations on alternate products.

VFBV State Council has recommended a collaborative and multi-faceted approach to ensure all health and safety factors are considered. CFA Health and Occupational specialists have long cautioned on the widespread replacement of the current P2 masks without first investigating the available evidence, warning that there are complex interactions that first need to be tested and understood first. For example, concern has been raised that higher rated masks may increase the risks to firefighter’s cardiovascular system as the body needs to work harder and compensate for more laboured breathing as is frequently experienced with non-positive pressure masks.

CFA has indicated support to this approach and will work with the committee to progress. We will keep members apprised of progress.

Cancer Claims

VFBV continues productive discussions with WorkSafe on how to streamline and simplify how volunteer firefighters apply for compensation under the new presumptive legislation scheme. In recognition that this is the first time many volunteers will be accessing a WorkSafe scheme, the work cover authority has agreed to progress in collaboration with VFBV new documentation and guides to assist volunteers with the application process and completion of the required forms.

Any volunteers who are considering making application under presumptive legislation are encouraged to contact a VFBV State Councillor, Support Officer or the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 prior to making application. We can assist you understand the paperwork and process while these hard-fought improvements are yet to be implemented.

Driving Strategy

VFBV delegates to the Joint Training Committee have reported positive progress on changes being progressed under CFA’s Driving Strategy.

VFBV recently met with the CFA State Driving Coordinator as part of the consultation process to discuss and workshop a strategy that will essentially result in a more streamlined and consistent approach to heavy vehicle licencing; safer driving both on-road and off-road; and a more flexible delivery of CFA driving legislation and policy.

VFBV continues to advocate strongly for volunteers to be engaged, with particular emphasis and priority on supporting volunteer trainers and assessors to be empowered and supported with delivery.

Fire Services Reform 

VFBV continues to strongly advocate for volunteer engagement and consultation throughout the Governments Fire Services Reform implementation.

With many consultative processes being directly impacted by COVID-19 arrangements it will be essential that decisions either be delayed, or new processes put in place to ensure volunteers continue to be genuinely engaged and consulted.

Examples of priorities being pursued by VFBV have been to request brigade and volunteer consultation on the development of asset allocation statements; the inclusion of an appeal process prior to Ministerial signoff; a tenancy agreement for co-located brigades to clarify and protect volunteer access to amenities and shared area’s and dispute resolution; volunteer consultation on any changes proposed to the response or operating model; the CFA/FRV secondment model; the Fire District Review Panel; the Implementation Monitor and Plan; and a volunteer support and respect package to strengthen and enhance the support provided to volunteers during the changes to protect Victoria’s essential volunteer surge capacity.

Progress and response to these requests have been found wanting. Members will need to continue to monitor for any volunteer impacts (intended or otherwise) and escalate as required.

VFBV will continue to monitor progress and continue to highlight concerns as they become apparent.