News 
Volunteerism Joint Committee -2 Minute Briefing
Issue 6, 11 August 2013
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 11/08/2013)
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PROGRAM (VSP)
An update was given on the Project, there are numerous projects underway with many small group meetings being conducted which have appeared most successful. Project plans have been submitted to the steering committee with project staff working hard on the “discovery” phase to see what types and levels of support volunteers require. By the end of October it is hoped that CFA will begin to form a view of the demonstrated need for permanent resources that will be required after the 1st July 2014 with the ongoing permanent funding.
When first launched by the then Brumby Labor Government the Police & Emergency Services Minister announced that the Volunteer Support Program would fund 64 positions to provide direct support for volunteers. CFA and VFBV are working jointly to deliver on this initiative.
Some of the projects underway at the moment are;
- Membership sustainability,
- Not wanting to look at just Operational needs,
- Mix of membership
- How brigades deal with the issues of declining populations or diversity from which to draw future membership?
- The concept of a CFA Alumni, Investigate volunteer (member) support initiatives that other organisations such as Defence Force, Service Clubs, Forums, and Universities have and are using.
- 1800 help number – as a single information portal for member help/queries;
- CFA shop relaunched by December (State Logistics Centre are willing to participate), there would be a small mark up to ensure costs are covered - not to there to make a profit.
VSP officers have been encouraged to contact VFBV State Councillors or District Council Executive if they have issues of "coming" into the district, also let Kate Harrap know if any issues.
CFA VOLUNTEER STRATEGY - DEVELOPMENT
A working party is to be established, with representation sought from VFBV and any volunteer members willing to participate. This is key body of work for CFA and rated a high priority in Jones Report, has prominence within the Fire Services Commissioner’s Sector wide strategy and is also a key project of the Department of Justice under their Valuing Volunteers Program VSP. VFBV officers and through our Joint Committees are contributing partners in this strategies design and implementation.
As part of the design, CFA will engage other Volunteer organisations (i.e. SES, Surf lifesaving) to ensure complementary programs and themes are developed. Focus will be to embark in one direction with all agencies involved, must also involve VESA with VFBV and any other volunteer representative organisations.
JUNIOR MEMBERS – ID CARDS COMING
CFA ID cards will soon be available to junior members, they will be blue in colour, with the expiry date when they turn 16 years of age. Further information has been asked for to see if the ID card can also have the name of their brigade on it.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL (NEM)
CFA has received 3730 approved medal sets from the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat in Canberra. Another 1,000 nominations are still under consideration. It is likely that the first awards of this batch of medals will commence in September/October this year.
The NEM Working Party has meet numerous times, looking at planning and conducting presentation ceremonies within each District giving recipients and family and friends the opportunity to attend. CFA is planning for presentations to be performed by a Board member, Executive Director, or Regional Director.
