VFBV

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 09/11/14)

VOLUNTEER STRATEGY

The CFA Volunteer Strategy Draft has been endorsed by the CFA Board and has now been released to the Regions/Districts for widespread comment and feedback before the Strategy is completed in February 2015.

The Volunteer Strategy has three key strategic objectives of Encourage, Maintain and Strengthen Volunteerism. Feedback is being sought from all members of CFA, with CFA holding several Regional workshops and any member can give feedback through Brigades Online. A strategy kit, including a feedback form has also been posted to each brigade secretary. We encourage all members to give consideration to the strategy and provide feedback.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Volunteer Support Program continues with its three streams of Brigade Sustainability, Wellbeing and the District Volunteerism Co-Ordinators.

In response to concerns being raised by brigades, the committee has requested that advice be provided to the field regarding how priorities are being set and for CFA to provide improved transparency to District Councils, DPC’s and Brigades of the prioritized initiatives of the District Coordinators. Work plans are currently done in consultation with the Operations Manager and the District Coordinator, and the committee has requested CFA improve the opportunities for brigades, groups, District Council and DPC’s to be more closely involved in these discussions.

VFBV continues to encourage brigade leaders to provide comment and input to the district work plans to ensure that brigades benefit and are seeing an effect of the Volunteer Support Program work and that the work they are doing is tangible, practical and what is needed & requested by brigades.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT PROJECT

The Volunteer Recruitment Project plan was presented to the committee. The projects objective is to enhance the current systems, processes and practices used to attract and recruit volunteers. The committees view is the plan needs to add more strategy in regard to attracting new members, not just the processes involved once a person has shown an interest in joining the CFA. Other feedback was also around ensuring the project was flexible enough to support brigades with their own recruitment activities, and to avoid a one size fits all approach being forced on brigades. A reference group is in the process of being formed, and CFA has agreed to consider the committees views, and do some more work on the plan before it is initiated. As help with recruitment is one of the most requested areas of support asked for by brigades, the committee is encouraged that CFA has identified this as a priority need, and looks forward to working with CFA on this project.

VOLUNTEER EXIT SURVEY RESULTS

The Volunteer Exit Survey is now implemented and CFA has presented draft results to the committee. The survey gives vital feedback to CFA on several items that they need to improve and the reasons why volunteers decide to leave CFA.

Initial results still show over 61% of leaving members are not completing the survey, and the committee has requested CFA investigate how to make it more accessible.

The survey will be ongoing with the results analysed regularly by the committee. This will ensure that future retention strategies are now informed by actual experience and data.

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 09/11/14)

TRAINING PROJECT TOOLS, PROGRAMS & PRODUCTS

CFA have advised that a new pack of training related posters and training product materials will be distributed to all Brigades & Groups across the State.

Included in the pack are a; Training Programs Products and Tools brochure, RPL Member Information Guide, updated Who Can Train & Assess poster, F&EM Training Roles Pathway Map poster, Brigade Roles Map poster, Electrical Hazard Awareness DVD, Who Can Train & Assess DVD, and a Photovoltaic Arrays DVD.

With the amount of new materials being developed within OT&V, the committee commends these kits as a great way to keep brigades up to date on what tools and information is available.

FIRST AID CONTRACT REVIEW

EMV has requested a state wide approach to the delivery of first aid training within the sector. CFA has been requested to lead discussions with DEPI, MFB & VICSES to realise a joint approach and participate in a joint tender. CFA advise that all agencies have now agreed to participate, and the Department of Justice have now approved this sector wide approach.

CFA has indicated that it is supporting the approach advocated by VFBV for many years that will see; all CFA members able to access first aid training with no cap on numbers per brigade. OT&V is currently scoping the full costs of this model in preparation for future budget forecasting.

The intent is to completed the tender process by March/April 2015

VEMTC STRATEGY

CFA have advised that Fiskville, Bangholme, Craigieburn, and Regional Training Campuses at West Sale, Wangaratta, Huntly, Penshurst, Longerenong & Sunraysia are now all part of the EMV State wide training strategy. (Victorian Emergency Management Training Centres). All campuses are now titled VEMTC “campus”.

CFA have also recently completed a review to look at consistency across all campuses with Regional Training Campus facilities recently upgraded to ensure they have a training room, BA training room and BA filling facilities to ensure all campuses meet a base standard. Work is now currently underway on a consistent pricing model across the State with training budgets transitioning to OT&V.

E-LEARNING

The committee has been requested to provide input and feedback on a future e-learning strategy. CFA is seeking advice which will provide a primary understanding of what is required to design, develop, implement and manage organisational eLearning.

Workshops are planned to be held across the State throughout November & December to provide members with a “hands on” experience of different technology enabled learning solutions. The workshops will provide participants with a chance to adopt the position of e-learner and see what is possible. Results from the workshops will help inform important generational issues & misconceptions, identify specific learning technology and channel preferences, potential eLearning development priorities and start promoting an eLearning culture across the organisation. Workshop dates & locations will be promoted by OT&V via Brigades Online and Regional/District email notifications.

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 30/11/14)

ISSUES STOCKTAKE

There will not be a 2 Minute Briefing for the Operations committee this issue.

Following expressions of frustration and disappointment by all committee delegates on the lack of progress and engagement on the issues raised by volunteer delegates for action, the committee requested that the Chief Officer or his delegate sit down with the committee to consolidate and agree on all outstanding actions, and provide clear accountability and timelines to be used going forward.

The parties went through the complete list of outstanding action items, closed a number of topics and created new more appropriate actions for dated outstanding actions.

The committee thanks DCO Warrington for his leadership, candour and enthusiasm to engage with the committee during this process, and getting the actions back on track and committing to an action plan for the following year.

The committee looks forward to a more productive 2015.    

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 30/11/14)

HEADS UP – MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

CFA have launched a new web portal that provides information and education on mental health for all CFA members. It has been designed to be accessed from any internet-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer, and can be accessed from http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/headsup

The portal provides information on Bullying, harassment & discrimination, potentially traumatic events, mental health, and interpersonal conflict. It includes useful tools and contact details for immediate assistance.

A new guidebook has also been launched called “Manage your mental health action plan” which is a small A5 sized easy to read guide aimed at CFA members, designed to gather information about the nature of the main challenges, issues, or problems facing CFA members. It helps members understand what triggers you and causes you stress in particular situations, and how you can communicate what your limitations are around your personal wellbeing.

For more information on what tools and guides are available, members can contact the Wellbeing pilot. Contact details are available rom your District office or via the CFA website Brigades Online.

CFA PEOPLE CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK

Recognizing that over the years, CFA’s role has broadened to encompass emergency management and multi-agency response, and that this has resulted in a significant change to the roles CFA members play and the skills they need to develop to support service delivery, CFA is refreshing its People Capability Framework.

The framework intends on developing an enhanced understanding of the capability profile of the CFA workforce that will allow CFA to identify skill and capability gaps, particularly for critical job roles & recruitment strategies.

Whilst workforce planning sounds like it only deals with paid roles, the reality is CFA is a volunteer and community based organisation, and all members contribute to the organisations culture and workforce arrangement, which should be pay status blind.

The committee has been requested to provide feedback on the framework which covers; thinking capabilities, personal capabilities, people capabilities and practical capabilities. The committee has requested volunteer feedback be sought from the regional and district level.

CFA CULTURE SURVEY RESULTS

CFA has provided a high level overview of results from its culture survey. The results show a decline in organisational culture away from CFA’s preferred culture. The preferred culture as identified by members in 2012 was a vision of strong focus on constructive styles such as encouraging & supporting others, resolving conflict constructively, helping others to grow & develop, treating people as more important than things, using good human relation skills, cooperating with others, and working to archive self-set goals and enjoying work. The results from the 2014 survey shows an increased reporting of Passive/Defensive and Aggressive/Defensive styles such as pushing decisions upwards and taking few chances.

The CFA Executive Leadership Team has taken personal responsibility for the culture results, and have embarked on a state wide roadshow to explore the recent culture survey results. Each ELT member has been allocated to regions and will be visiting each of the five CFA regions. A current schedule of locations and dates is available on Brigade online. The committee has requested assurance that volunteer friendly times will be incorporated into the schedule.

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 08/11/14)

BRIGADE OWNED VEHICLE INSURANCE

The committee is still actively pursuing this issue. If a vehicle is ‘written off”, CFA’s current practice is that insurance provides the brigade with the vehicle’s market value and it is up to the brigade to fund any difference in replacing the vehicle. VFBV have raised objections as this practice differs to CFA owned vehicles which are replaced with any cost difference between the replacement and original vehicle funded centrally. Whilst current CFA practice aligns with insurance best practice, it completely ignores the fact that CFA vehicles can’t simply be bought ‘off the shelf’. It is the committees view that if a brigade vehicle is written off CFA should do everything it can to support the brigade replace a vehicle as soon as possible and policy must acknowledge and cater for those situations where brigades can’t simply buy a comparative aged vehicle at the current market ‘value’. VFBV is advocating for CFA to arrange insurance based on pre-agreed replacement value, not market value. VFBV has provided advice to a draft paper being prepared for CFA ELT and is educating decision makers on the possible effects of the loss of brigade confidence in insurance that may have an impact on brigades willingness to releasing their vehicles to support outside their immediate area.

FCV & TRANSPORT VEHICLE WEIGHT ISSUES

The committee has been in discussions with CFA for some time trying to resolve weight issues with operational light vehicles (those under a 4.5 GVM). Vehicles over their GVM legally expose the driver, owner (if still using a brigade nominee) and CFA in the event of a serious or fatal collision.

CFA is currently embarking on a program to arrange for the inspection & weighing of all operational transport vehicles (FCV’s & cars etc) to record and identify any overweight vehicles. Those vehicles overweight will either be restricted in passenger capacity or have to remove items of stowage to bring them under GVM.

CFA has agreed to the committee’s request to publish & keep current a list of most common vehicles bought by brigades and their GVM, tare weight and available payload. We need to educate brigades on the low available weight of some vehicles to help them make informed decisions before purchasing. Weight loading chart & weight calculation template will be available via CFA Fleet services and VFBV will also publish on our website. Promote this information to any brigade considering replacing or purchasing a BOV.

TANKER RESTRICTING WASHER RETROFIT PROGRAM

The committee was provided a briefing on CFA’s restricting washer retrofit program. The program is in response to a safety issue related to the jet reaction associated with sudden changes in pressure when people are operating on the rear deck, when the front monitor is being used. It follows a serious accident last fire season where a firefighter was thrown off the back of a tanker and hit by the back wheels due to a sudden high pressure change on a rear deck hose.

The washers will reduce tanker rear deck deliveries to 300 l/min and will only be done on Tankers that have 900 l/min pumps, front monitors and cabin pressure controls. Concern has been raised that a training issue is being solved with a mechanical solution that may restrict firefighting capability of the fleet, however CFA have also pointed out that common branches operated on the rear deck are rarely designed to operate at more than 300 l/min.

CFA has agreed to work with delegates to look at alternatives, such as pressure relief valves and different hoses for use on the rear decks of tankers, and to investigate effects of reduced pressure more closely.

As CFA has identified this as a serious safety issue – the retrofit program will continue whilst alternatives are being investigated.

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 29/11/14)

VOLUNTARY GRAIN HARVESTING GUIDE – TRIAL 2014/15

A Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide has been developed by the Victorian Farmers Federation and CFA. Whilst there was limited time for volunteers to provide feedback and comment to the draft guide, volunteers and VFBV did make a wide range of suggestions and comments to the draft materials. CFA have advised the majority of these suggestions have been supported. The guide will be trialled by several groups in District 17 this season, with results to be evaluated to inform a final guide. Whilst supportive of the initiative, volunteers have expressed a concern that whilst the guide is promoted as being voluntary, insurance companies may see this as regulation and expect strict adherence with evidence of compliance being required when assessing insurance claims. The committee will monitor feedback following this year’s trial.

CAN I – CAN’T I ADVICE FOR BEE KEEPERS

The committee has reviewed and provided comment on a simple brochure that CFA is developing for apiarists. (Bee Keepers) The brochure is in response to frequent concerns and confusion raised by apiarists during Fire Danger Periods and on days of Total Fire Ban. The brochure provides specific advice and interpretations of the legislation contained within Section 43 of the CFA Act within the context of what bee keepers routinely do to manage their colonies. Advice on bee smokers, smoker fuel and vegetation planning controls is all covered in an easy to read bullet point format.

TYRE STOCKPILING

CFA and MFB have jointly developed a fire risk assessment framework for tyre stockpiling. The framework is specifically designed to assess the fire risk of indoor and outdoor storage of new and used tyres. While tyres are not considered to be a hazardous material, once there is a fire, the tyre product breaks down into hazardous compounds including gases, heavy metals, and oil, generating a great deal of smoke. The average passenger car tyre is estimated to produce more than 7.5 litres of oil, which can be a significant environmental pollutant that can get into ground water and contaminate well water. The new framework will be used to provide advice and to make recommendations for the safe storage of new or used rubber tyres, and to assist fire fighters to be aware of issues involving tyre stockpiles and fire.

FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANNING HANDBOOK

The committee is reviewing and providing comment to a new Fire Management Planning Handbook. The guide intends to be a once stop shop, and is an amalgamation of information from a multitude of sources, aimed to empower CFA representatives participating within the Integrated Fire Management Planning Framework with the knowledge, tools and avenues to enhance this base information. It is intended to enable and support the successful participation in fire management planning at various levels. The committee believes the guide will be particularly welcomed by those involved in IFMP, and will assist brigades and groups be better engaged and empowered at these forums.

SUMMER CAMPAIGN UPDATE

CFA briefed the committee on this year’s summer campaign. This year’s TV campaign will feature Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley. Whilst VFBV’s view that localized messaging via local identities and local Captains is essential to promoting the mutual obligation culture the sector is seeking from community members, the committee acknowledged that CFA is no longer as greatly involved in decision making over the summer campaign, with EMV and Department of Justice increasingly managing this aspect of the campaign. The biggest barrier still remains that people believe that a major bushfire will not happen to them. The committee continues to advocate for a multi-faceted, localized and layered approach to seasonal messaging, to combat high public apathy with agency and government messaging.

Issue 11: December 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held Saturday 29/11/14)

LISTENING SETS

With the recent release of EMV’s Long Term Communications Plan (LTCP), CFA have had to reassess the technical specifications of Listening Sets. The LTCP articulates the State’s operational communications vision for the sector and a high level plan to progressively move towards that vision from as early as 2017.

The complication arising out of this long term plan is the requirement for agencies to move towards P25 Phase 2 digital radio comms in the future. The current CFA digital network is P25 Phase 1, and CFA have advised that should CFA or other agencies move to Phase 2 in the future, then listening sets only capable of Phase 1 will not be able to pick up Phase 2 radio traffic. CFA has requested the committee to endorse a second round of expression of interest from manufacturers to see if a listening set capable of Phase 1 and Phase 2 is available, or able to be mass produced.

The issue confronting the committee is if CFA rolls out a listening set which members have to contribute money to, and which is only compatible with the current network, we will be back to where we are now with having to replace listening sets should the State move to Phase 2. With news that the preferred manufacturer could not mass produce the chosen Phase 1 listening set before Christmas anyway, the committee has agreed to CFA’s request to run an expedited EOI process over the Christmas and New Year period, providing the process does not exceed 6 weeks, and that CFA commits to then expedite results and a decision from that process early in the new year.

The committee has again communicated to CFA the urgency being communicated by our members and the need to choose and roll out listening sets ASAP. CFA has committed to working with the committee out of session in order to ensure there are no further delays. Updates will be provided early in the New Year to update members on progress.

WEB STREAMING

Web Streaming is an option for members who don’t want to use a listening set, but would prefer to “stream” radio comms via their computer, smart phone or tablet. It is an electronic method of listening in on CFA radio channels, similar to how a listening set operates, but without the need for special hardware, or an upfront cost.

The committee was advised that attempts by CFA to develop an in house app for radio streaming has not been successful. The committee has now endorsed moving to an external “streaming” provider. A preferred supplier has been chosen, and is being trailed over the next few weeks with CFA advice that it should be able to roll out the service shortly.

Members need to be aware that this service will consume bandwidth, and those accessing via their mobile phones or tablets need to be aware of the consumption. The committee has requested CFA publish streaming rates and estimated data use per hour to ensure people can factor that into their decision to use the service.        CFA will also provide “beeps” at intervals to remind people they are still streaming – even though no voice traffic may be present on the network to assist members monitor their bandwidth usage.

PAGER CRADLES

CFA have advised there has now been some progress with a small number of visual and high volume alerting cradles being trialled for members who work in noisy environments. There are limitations to the cradle, and there are initially only 100 units available for trial. Members will provide feedback on their use. If the trial is successful, the committee will advocate for more units to be made available.

LABOR’S PRE-ELECTION COMMITMENTS

Taken from Labor media releases;

• $141.3 million to recruit an additional 350 CFA firefighters and 100 Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) firefighters over the next four years
• Legislation to give career and volunteer firefighters presumptive rights to compensation for cancer claims arising from their service
• A Parliamentary Inquiry into the pollution, contamination and unsafe practices at the training college at Fiskville to examine health effects on employees
• Ensure that the Fire Services Property Levy is used to support firefighters and improve emergency response
• Implement Emergency Medical Response at all integrated CFA stations
• Re-establish a CFA/MFB Board of Reference to resolve staffing and station needs
• Examine options for the establishment of a Career Firefighters Registration Board
• Honour all agreements
• Also train and equip firefighters with the latest technology to battle brown coal fires
• Expand support services for firefighters suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• $18 million to purchase 50 new fire trucks… …to fund the new medium tankers in its first budget
• $1 million to install toilet and wash room facilities at up to 100 rural CFA stations, with grants of up to $25,000 to brigades (while contributions from brigades will be welcomed, they will not be mandatory)

New additions to CFA’s Template Toolkit will help you with fundraisers, community meetings, letters, recruiting and publicity.

They include;

• A new Events Materials Booking System
• Updated letterheads
• Poster, flyer and media templates
• Style guides for design and writing
• Media release and agenda templates
• ‘How To’ and help guides

Check them out at CFA Online, at;

 http://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=corporateMaterials

and

http://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au/mycfa/Show?pageId=templateToolkit

VFBV and Brigades were involved in initial design stage of the CFA Template Toolkit, which contains a variety of items that are useful and easy to use.

By Andrew Ford, Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of the VFBV Board I would like to provide the first of a number of important communiques to follow up on the action taken by VFBV in the lead up to the recent Victorian election and concerns about the Labor Party policy announcements impacting on CFA.

Please rest assured that the VFBV Board did not contemplate nor take the recent actions without a great deal of reflection, agonising and analysis. The reality is that it was vitally important for VFBV to raise the concerns, motivated then and now by a firm belief and deep fear that the policy suite announced by Labor includes elements that could have disastrous consequences for CFA and therefore Victoria’s volunteer firefighting capacity.

Firstly may I take this opportunity on behalf of the VFBV Board to thank VFBV Delegates and volunteers across the State for your support and involvement in helping to communicate the VFBV Board’s concerns. The VFBV campaign was delivered very well given the short time frame, the message was put across well and received by those who needed to hear it most.

Sensitive issues such as this can often cause tension and/or be distorted by people with different views or agendas and I am very proud of the way VFBV Delegates and volunteers engaged in calm, constructive messaging; respected the rights of others to have a different viewpoint; and avoided twisting our concerns or targeting individuals.

Members need to be aware that the policy announcement triggering our concerns about surrendering the decision making powers of the CFA Chief Officer to external industrial interference and union-driven process was only made by Labor on 18 November. This meant that our timeframe for activating and explaining our concerns was very tight.

Whilst our campaign activation required short lead times, the concerns expressed by VFBV are not new. Only a few years ago VFBV collected 23,000 signatures petitioning the Legislative Assembly of Victoria to address volunteer concerns about similar industrial interference with CFA.

The recent Jones Inquiry and countless discussions and representations to Government over the past nine years or so provided a deep background to the concern expressed in the VFBV Board open letter.

The overwhelming response from both the general public and our membership has been extremely encouraging, and will provide a good platform for us to continue to pursue our concerns with the new Government, and a base of understanding to work towards fixing the concerns we have raised.

VFBV remains deeply concerned and our energy will now be put to working with our new Minister and MPs across all political parties to find solutions. I have already spoken to several MPs and Government staff about quickly starting a conversation to improve the understanding of the concerns VFBV has raised, and to find a way forward that not only avoids damage to Victoria’s vital volunteer capability, but sustains and strengthens it.

In the lead up to the election, the CFA Chief Officer and others were not able to comment nor discuss the implications of Labor’s CFA-related policy elements, however we do know that in recent years they have been equally troubled by the very same concerns raised by VFBV. VFBV spoke up because no one else could.

CFA have been seeking, over the last few years, to remove this industrial interference and overriding of the Chief Officer’s powers and to ensure the Chief Officer is in charge of determining CFA operational resource needs, volunteer brigade support needs etc. We are aware that CFA did not request the additional paid staff that Labor announced and we know the CFA Board and management are strongly committed to delivering the direction set down in the CFA Act, maintaining CFA as a volunteer based and fully integrated organisation.

VFBV will now focus on working with CFA and Emergency Management Victoria to ensure volunteers are positively and fully engaged in working within the new Government’s policy context to avoid damage to CFA volunteer capability and to educate MPs, key Government decision makers and the community about what is required for the long term success of CFA.

Now that the new Government has been sworn in, I will be seeking an opportunity to meet with our new Minister, The Honourable Jane Garrett, in the next few weeks. I will continue to pursue and explain the concerns raised by the VFBV Board and will be offering our support to finding a solution to our concerns.

It is important to remember that the VFBV campaign in the days leading up to the election was a campaign about a policy with which we have deep concern. In the same way that our strong campaign for presumptive legislation was highly critical of inaction by the previous Coalition Government but was not anti-Coalition, our recent assertive public campaign and our continued approach on this issue needs to remain focused on the concerns we have about this policy and the way it has been constructed, not party political.

I have said many times that these concerns are not about being anti-paid staff, and are not about being anti-union. CFA members, paid and volunteer alike, working together as one integrated team is vital for effective fire and emergency services to Victoria. Nothing in VFBV’s recent campaign was about detracting from the value of CFA paid firefighters and nothing was about criticising the union pursing the best possible pay and conditions for their members.

I urge all members to stay focussed on the real issues of concern and that is that VFBV believes there should not be external industrial interference with the CFA Chief Officer’s power to decide where and when and how he uses CFA firefighters. VFBV is very concerned about any policy or motivation that wittingly or unwittingly erodes Victoria’s volunteer firefighting capacity, and VFBV is strongly opposed to industrial agreements that override CFA decision making and unfairly impact on the rights and support of volunteers.

On a brighter note, other policy announcements made by Labor included additional CFA fleet funding, the introduction of presumptive cancer legislation for both career and volunteer firefighters, and additional funding for the fire station amenities program.

Some of the detail on these issues is still patchy and I will provide more as soon as I have it. With regard to fleet funding, I will be writing to the Minister to clarify whether the additional $18M is an annual base funding adjustment consistent with our advice about CFA’s annual base funding shortfall for fleet replacement, or whether it is a one-off, in which case our old problem has not been resolved.

I will also be following up to confirm that the intention is not to treat volunteers differently from career firefighters with regard to presumptive cancer legislation, as has been done in the Tasmanian legislation referred to in Labor’s announcements.

I can assure you VFBV will work hard to find the best way forward and in the meantime we will also stay focussed on the many other challenges and opportunities ahead for CFA.

Please pass on this thanks and update to your networks and stay tuned for some further advice in the coming weeks.

The upcoming bushfire season is traditionally a period of high visibility and a showcase of CFA professionalism and dedication. As in years past, VFBV will continue to represent your interests, so you can continue to do the vital work of protecting our communities in their time of need.

VFBV’s final Open Forum for the year was held at Burwood, and was given the thumbs up by attendees, as highly engaging and well worth attending.  

The CFA Chief Officer, CFA CEO, CFA ED OT&V, Emergency Management Commissioner and VFBV President and CEO were all taking part in the panel session and talking shop with volunteers throughout the afternoon, and were able to deal with many questions and queries on the spot.  

The Forum came just a week before the State Election, so the future of CFA and the EM Sector was high on the list, and volunteer views were canvassed and discussed.

The panel session also tackled issues including female PPC, better organisation of strike teams to reduce waiting time, strike teams working in community recovery, improving communication within CFA, better access to information technology for volunteers, uniforms, and concerns with CFA’s plans for FEM administration cost recovery from Brigades.  

The Open Forums are an important link with grass roots volunteers, and provide opportunities for CFA senior management to connect directly with volunteers and discuss matters important to them. VFBV thanks all attendees to this year’s three forums and those who participated in the panel discussions.   See pictures (right) from the VFBV Volunteer Forum in November, which included speakers and a panel discussion and question session.

Expressions of interest are now open for Victorian Brigades wishing to compete in the 20 15 Australasian Firefighter Championships.

The Championships will be held at Echuca on 24/25 October 20 15, and the closing date for EOIs is 1 March 2015.

The Australasian Championships comprise 10 events with 30 teams from Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

It’s set to be a great weekend with top level competition and will be good value for competitors and spectators alike. To enquire about lodging an Expression of Interest, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call VFBV on (03) 9886 1141.

You are invited to:

‘Jubilation’ Christmas event, 12-14 December

Please join us to celebrate the spirit of Christmas at this inaugural event at Docklands.

What makes this such a special Christmas event is that the organisers from Destination Docklands have decided to use this as an opportunity to thank CFA’s members, by raising money for CFA’s Volunteer Fund.

The benefits for CFA are two-fold:  not only will CFA members be acknowledged for the work they do; it is also a chance for us to promote summer fire safety messages to a Melbourne audience ahead of the holiday season.

A CFA Zone will be set up with activities including trivia, rescue demonstrations, junior brigade running drills and hose rolling, and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard members will also be exhibiting their boats. So come down and support those participating. Or, if you’d like to help out on the stand, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by next Tuesday.

Other free activities include:

• Live music (including Kayla Dwyer, CFA member from Koroit, The Red Austins)
• Santa and Captain Koala appearances
• Roving entertainers
• Markets
• Lighting show

Dates:   Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December

Time:    5pm – 10pm each day

Where:  Harbour Esplanade, Victoria Harbour Docklands, Melbourne

Consultation with CFA members throughout November has been active with a number of regional forums held across the state.

Feedback from member has also been provided via email, mail and CFA’s website. Contributions are still encouraged, with the deadline extended to 19 December 2014.

Member feedback has also been provided through a new online service for CFA which allows members to share their views, provide comments and join discussions online. The link is:

http://cfa.engagementhq.com/cfa-draft-volunteerism-strategy

Regional forums have been great, with a diverse range of views and ideas being shared. Some of the key themes discussed have included:

• Attracting and retaining younger members
• The importance of good leaders and great ‘people skills’ at CFA, across all levels
• Declining community understanding of volunteer brigades and shared responsibility for fire risk
• How to measure ‘success’ of the Strategy at brigade level
• The need to make sure that the Strategy is ‘more than just words’
• Valuing senior members and retaining their skills and experience
• The impact and expectations of time available for training – keep it simple
• Trusting, respecting and utilising volunteers
• The role that CFA and government can play in fighting for and investing in volunteerism
• The importance of letting local brigades serve local communities in the best way for that community
• Getting the culture of CFA right
• Working with employers – addressing declining employer support for volunteer activity
• The need for a modern approach to CFA’s brand in the community

At the end of the consultation period, outcomes will be collated and shared, and will go on to shape development of the final strategy.

The final Strategy will be presented to CFA’s board in early 2015.

COMPETE IN THE 2015 AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Expressions of interest are sought from interested Victorian Brigades to compete in the 2015 Australasian Firefighter Championships to be held at Echuca on 24 & 25 October 2015.

Closing date to the VFBV office is 1 March 2015.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (03) 9886 1141.

Quizzed today on ABC radio about the prospect of merging CFA and MFB to save money, Minister Wells answered that this will not be contemplated by a Coalition Government.

Although consistent with previous Government commitments from both Coalition and Labor, this is reassuring news.

There was extensive discussion at the Bushfires Royal Commission about the disastrous effect merging CFA and MFB could have on Victoria’s volunteer capacity.

The Victorian Farmers Federation and the Country Fire Authority are working with local volunteers and farmers to trial a new grain harvesting code of practice.

The VFF/CFA grain harvesting code of practice is based on the South Australian code, which prohibits harvesting when conditions reach 35 on the grassfire danger index. The trial of the grain harvesting guide by local CFA groups around Warracknabeal over harvest this year is a voluntary one, with all harvesters choosing to opt in if they want to contribute to the pilot and test the guide.

The guide uses the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) model to give growers parameters about when they should stop harvesting. The GFDI takes into account average wind speed, temperature and relative humidity, and the code has a sliding scale which calculates a figure, and stipulates grain harvest should be suspended when this figure exceeds 35.

The guide is supported by a brochure that outlines the GFDI and the potential fire spread under certain conditions, as well as including recommended practices for grain harvesters during the Fire Danger Period, and on high risk days. A simple ‘dashboard sticker’ is also provided as a quick calculator for when local condition reach the point where it is recommended that grain harvesting cease. The aim of this trial is to provide a more common sense approach to grain harvesting that takes into account local conditions – rather than a blanket ban on harvesting on Total Fire Ban days.

VFBV was provided a small window of opportunity with a three week consultation period in which to collect and provide feedback to CFA on the proposal before it was introduced. VFBV field officers worked with District Council members to seek input from brigades who may be affected by the proposal. Good feedback was received from brigades and groups across the State, with some positive suggestions on improvements to the draft proposal. This feedback was compiled by VFBV and provided back to CFA to inform the final grain harvesting code of conduct.

On October 31, VFF Grains President Brett Hosking and CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson launched the trial at Cannum Fire Station near Warracknabeal, with local VFF and CFA members. VFF Grains President Brett Hosking said “the advantage of this scheme is that it provides a straightforward, user-friendly, and objective way for growers to manage potential fire risk on their individual properties and uses data which most growers would have on hand”.

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said “research is telling us that fires which start during harvesting can and do occur. We want to do everything we can to prevent costly fires in equipment and in valuable grain crops at this crucial time of year. If farmers can consider suspending harvesting during the few hours of highest fire danger we should see a reduction in fire starts. Last season was busy. Early indications suggest that the fire season may be 2 to 3 weeks earlier than in past years. It’s so important that we’re all well prepared across the state.”

The trial will continue throughout the summer harvest period within these groups in District 17, with an assessment of the trial expected at the end of the season.  VFBV will continue to advocate for volunteers to have sufficient time to comment as part of the assessment process at the end of the trial period, before decisions are made post trial.

VFBV MEDIA RELEASE

CFA volunteers cautiously welcome Coalition’s cancer announcement

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, the CFA volunteers’ association, says that on face value the coalition’s announcement of a commitment to presumptive legislation for Victorian firefighters sounds like the makings of good news.

"We cautiously welcome this morning’s announcement, but await the detail, to confirm the Coalition’s commitment delivers the cancer compensation arrangements that we have been seeking for the past three years,” said Mr Andrew Ford, VFBV Chief Executive Officer.

“The issue is very important to Victoria’s volunteer and career firefighters,” he said.

“VFBV has been stepping up its campaign with tens of thousands of signatures on a petition to Parliament and increasing community awareness and support.”

“There are 12 cancers included in the presumptive legislation arrangements federally and in other states, and we expect the same in Victoria,” Mr Ford said.

“We would expect the detail of the Coalition’s commitment contains at least the same standards, and we look forward to the Government providing the information to us as soon as possible,” he said.

Current Victorian compensation arrangements have meant that it is almost impossible to access cancer compensation because the firefighter has to show evidence of fires or incidents they attended that might be 10 or 15 years ago and prove on the balance of probabilities which incidents or which toxic exposures caused their cancer.

Presumptive legislation would work by reversing the onus of proof – the firefighter’s cancer would be presumed to be work related provided the firefighter has sufficient years of service. A firefighter’s claim could still be rejected if it could be proven that the cancer was not related to firefighting duties.

Federal legislation and laws in South Australia, WA, Tasmania and NT recognise 12 specific cancers to be covered by presumptive legislation for firefighters.

South Australian CFS volunteers now have equal access to cancer compensation with their career colleagues under that State’s presumptive legislation.

Amid media reports of a backdown, the SA Government has scrapped its discriminatory extra eligibility requirement that applied to volunteers but not career firefighters.

The SA Government had been resisting the introduction of presumptive legislation for volunteers, based on incorrect and exaggerated costings.

With a year’s experience, the SA Government realised it had the costings wrong and has now moved to fix the problem and introduce legislation to give equal coverage to volunteers as soon as possible.

This leaves Victoria as one of the few States still resisting the introduction of presumptive legislation.

If you are holidaying in District 10 between now and 30 April 2015, CFA would like to hear if you'd be willing to turn out with a local Brigade.

The Vols on Hols pilot project is open to current CFA volunteers who have completed their minimum skills and 6 mths probation.

It’s an opportunity to build on your professional skills and experience as a CFA volunteer, by turning out in a new and different environment. It's also a way to meet fellow volunteers at a new Brigade.

For further information please contact Terri Marsden at the CFA District Office at Sale on 5419 1000 or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

VFBV has received several enquiries from members who were unaware that there is bushfire PPC available that has been specifically designed to suit female members.

Modifications to the cut of the trousers, and an elastic waist in place of braces are just some of the differences available.

Any female member can have their existing bushfire PPC replaced with the new cut, with automatic pre-approval, by contacting their local stores or Operations Officer.

VFBV has requested that CFA once again promote awareness among Brigades of the options available, and ensure that female PPC options are added to all PPC order forms to make members aware of it.

After long delays, the Committee has been advised that the Chief Officer has now endorsed the proposal for phased Breathing Apparatus (BA) competencies.

This means that there will now be two levels of BA training & competency.

Level 1 will be for training on BA for external fire attack such as car fires, bin fires and haystacks.

Level 2 will incorporate search and rescue aspects and internal structural attack scenarios.

For more details, click here to see the VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee's latest 2 Minute Briefing.

To receive the 2 Minute Briefing every quarter via email, with summaries of the latest issues from all of the Joint Committees, click here.

UPDATED 25 OCTOBER 2014: Liberal MP Neale Burgess' statement to the Victorian Parliament after tabling part of the CFA Volunteers' Cancer Petition, which calls on the Government to fix problems with the existing firefighters’ cancer compensation process.

Mr BURGESS (Hastings) -- Earlier this week I tabled a petition that represented half of a petition with a total of more than 60 000 signatures. The petitioners are seeking simpler cancer compensation arrangements for Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer firefighters and their career colleagues.

Victorian firefighters, both paid and volunteer, are a very special breed of people; they are people who choose to put their lives at risk to keep ours safe. We are particularly fortunate in Victoria because, while we have some of the most dangerous fire conditions in the world, we also have some of the very best firefighters in the world.

The issue is one confronting all firefighters, paid and volunteer alike.

In Victoria, paid and volunteer firefighters work side by side, attend the same incidents, face the same risks and are exposed to the same toxins. Technically, all Victorian firefighters are already entitled to compensation for work-related cancer, but the current onus of proof arrangements require the firefighter to provide sufficient evidence to prove that the cancer arose from attendance at particular fires or incidents or other work duties. They may be events that occurred over the last 10 to 15 years, or even more. For most firefighters this is difficult because of the absence of sufficient records, data or analysis held by the CFA on each event a firefighter attends.

Under commonwealth jurisdiction and some state laws, the law lists 12 cancers known to be more common to firefighters, and presumes them to be work related if a firefighter has sufficient years of service, effectively reversing the onus of proof.

The CFA volunteers are asking for legislation that will take the burden of proof away from the sick firefighters and, importantly, that will treat all firefighters, volunteer and paid, as equals.

My own electorate is in an area protected by CFA volunteers, but that is not unusual -- CFA brigades protective 60 per cent of suburban Melbourne -- --

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Morris) -- Order! The member's time has expired.

See the VFBV media release here

VFBV is hopeful the presentation of these petitions to the Victorian Parliament next week will help convince MPs of all parties to fix a problem that has now been fixed in most other States across Australia.

16,000 signatures are included in this first batch, making this one of the largest petitions to be presented to the current Parliament. In the meantime, the campaign continues and volunteers are urged to keep collecting signatures and posting completed petitions to VFBV, PO Box 453, Mt Waverley 3149.

The first batch of petitions was lodged with the assistance of Labor MP for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan, and Liberal MP for Hastings, Neale Burgess (Pictured).

Please post signed petitions to:

VFBV Cancer Petition, PO Box 453, Mt Waverley 3149.

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the petition kit, including instructions for its use and a leaflet explaining the issue to the public.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/08/14)

VOLUNTEER STRATEGY

Work on the Volunteer Strategy is continuing with input from VFBV with VFBV State Council and Board having had several opportunities to input at a broad level. The draft strategy is still being progressed and is likely to be presented to the CFA Board at their September meeting. Work on the strategy will then continue over the next three to six months, with the focus being to road test and discuss the draft strategy with volunteers more broadly and to get volunteer input into what needs to be done to convert the strategy into real results on the ground. The draft strategy should be available for District & Regional level discussions from October onwards.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

CFA have advised that twenty new Volunteerism Co-Ordinators, with one located in each District have commenced and their focus is on co-ordinating and implementing District volunteerism initiatives, aligned to state and local priorities. They now join the members from the Wellbeing Pilot and Brigade Sustainability Pilots, to complete the 60 staff employed under the Volunteer Support Project. VFBV has requested clear and concise communications go out to the field to ensure members understand the role and objectives of each of the three pilot programs & how they will interact & coordinate.

The Committee will now be focussing on evaluating the programs and gaining feedback from volunteers in the field. The feedback we are seeking, amongst other things is the effectiveness of the tools being developed; how they are introduced to Brigades; the Brigade’s accessibility and line of sight to the 60 support officers/staff; and if they are making a difference out in the field on matters important to Brigades and volunteers. The feedback will be used along the way to help improve the projects and will be used during the pilots final evaluation early next year.

With each of these three projects having different roles and reporting streams, it is important that Brigades understand what is available for them and how they access each. If you are unsure what the projects are, or require assistance from any of them, contact your Operations Manager/Officer who has been briefed on the role and function of each stream.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PROGRAM - RESOURCES

The Volunteer Support Program is developing and updating many resources and tools for Brigades to use for their benefit. Some of these tools, include attraction, recruitment and retention guides, customisable promotional products, volunteer resources catalogue, online Brigade Leadership HUB, F&EM Roles Pathways Map and an online CFA apparel shop, to name just a few.

VFBV support and encourage these initiatives but also seek to ensure these useful tools and resources are informed by the field, and not developed in isolation. Formal VFBV consultative forums are an important link for the project teams to engage and seek feedback from brigades, and provide opportunities for volunteers to test and review the tools before they are published for accuracy, relevance and ease of use. The Committee believes this is an area that could be improved, as feedback from Brigades is important to ensure that the correct tools, with the correct information are being developed for what Brigades need. The Committee looks forward to greater engagement on these products in the future.

VOLUNTEER SURVEY RESULTS

The VFBV Welfare & Efficiency Survey and CFA’s Volunteer Survey have both been completed, with a combined total of over 4,000 responses. Results from both surveys will be available shortly. The Committee has requested that CFA formulate an action plan to address any areas of weakness, and to promote and build upon any identified strengths.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 10/08/14)

PHASED BA COMPETENCY ENDORSED BY CHIEF OFFICER

After long delays, the Committee has been advised that the Chief Officer has now endorsed the proposal for phased Breathing Apparatus (BA) competencies. Essentially, this means that there will now be two levels of BA training & competency. Level 1 will be for training on BA for external fire attack such as car fires, bin fires and haystacks. Level 2 will incorporate search and rescue aspects and internal structural attack scenarios. Work is now underway to establish suitable BA training and assessment packages and processes. A pilot is also underway in District 13 to trial different helmet markings that will be used to denote the two different levels of BA competency a member holds.

DRIVER TRAINING / HEAVY VEHICLE LICENCE TESTING

Work continues on the selection of approved licence testing providers for CFA members to attain heavy vehicle licenses. CFA is currently negotiating with VicRoads as to exemptions to cover training aspects which are delivered internal to CFA members being recognized by VicRoads for license testing purposes, such as the “Drive Operation Vehicles” package. VFBV has also requested CFA review the budgetary arrangements and District inconsistencies with members getting access to CFA funded heavy vehicle licence testing. Given the cost of heavy vehicle license testing to an individual can be hundreds of dollars, VFBV has requested CFA review the “one strike and you’re out” policy that is in effect in some Districts, which see volunteers having to pay for any subsequent testing themselves, should they fail their initial assessment. The Committee has requested CFA replace it with a discretionary policy which could review cases on their merits and support members in the attainment of a licence for the benefit of the Brigade.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AWARENESS – NEW REFERENCE MANUAL

The new Electrical Safety Awareness Reference Manual has now been completed, and is available for ordering through your District Office or through Training Materials Online. The manual provides basic awareness to identify electrical hazards at incidents and how to minimize risk and avoid injury. The manual includes information on solar power.

WORKING WITH LADDERS – NEW REFERENCE MANUAL

Working with Ladders Reference Manual is now available on Training Materials Online. Copies have also been distributed to District Training departments. This reference manual is designed to provide information on the safe use of portable ladders during both operational and non-operational activities.

ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING

The Committee has requested CFA review its training strategy involving atmospheric monitoring equipment. This follows complaints from some members who have been told that they must complete the Monitor Hazardous Atmospheres course in order to use a handheld monitor such as the LD322’s. The Committees view is that there should be a basic awareness package aimed at “operator status” in order for firefighters to easily deploy & use the equipment during incidents, with higher level training for those expected to interpret the readings or results of the monitoring equipment.

WHO CAN TRAIN AND ASSESS?

At the Committee’s request, CFA has agreed to re-establish the CFA Training Ground User Reference Groups. CFA have committed to re-establishing these important groups by 31 December this year to all 8 Training Grounds. The Committee commends this decision and will continue to enthusiastically monitor their progress.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 31/08/14)

VOLUNTEER UTILISATION IN IMTs

The Committee again discussed its concerns surrounding the underutilization of Volunteers within IMT’s, and the barriers that are preventing Volunteers involvement. Practical examples like long shift deployments of 7 and 14 days, and short notice (night before) for deployments makes it almost impossible for Volunteers to negotiate with their employers. The Committee has also voiced its concerns about perceived cherry picking of roles, with Volunteers only used to fill gaps.

Disappointingly, CFA have advised that the HCMS system that was planned to be online for this fire season would not be ready. This system would have assisted with the scheduling and tracking of member availability over the FDP.

The Committee has requested the Chief Officer form a clear intent statement for the use of Volunteers within IMT’s and encourage and promote the flexibilities required to maximize their involvement. The Committee has also requested that CFA write to the Emergency Management Commissioner requesting he also take steps to encourage, maintain and strengthen the utilization of Volunteers in all multi-agency endeavours.

LOW VOLTAGE FUSE REMOVAL

The Committee has escalated the issue of Low Voltage Fuse Removal training, after being advised by the Joint Training Committee that they were still waiting for Chief Officer’s endorsement. VFBV first raised this issue in 2008, and has been seeking operational support and priority for members to be trained in low voltage fuse removal for all structural brigades in order to ensure the safety of crews during first attack. Long delays by power companies attending incidents continues to acerbate the issue.

The Committee has warned that after years of inaction, and delays in an approved package being delivered, swathes of members currently qualified in low voltage fuse removal, are facing the expiry of their qualifications, and no pathway for reaccreditation. The Committee is seeking an urgent decision by the Chief Officer.

HEAVY PUMPER AND SPECIALIST APPLIANCE INCREMENTS

CFA has agreed to investigate why so few Volunteers have been trained and endorsed for specialist appliances. The problem is most acute at integrated locations, where even the number of Volunteers endorsed to operate Heavy Pumpers (which is not a piece of specialist equipment) is extremely low, yet at Volunteer Brigades with Heavy Pumpers there are very high numbers of members trained. CFA has an obligation under the CFA Act to encourage and support Volunteers to deliver all its services, yet there does not appear to be any measures or KPI’s in place to monitor how well it does that. The Committee has received reports from many Volunteers over the last 12 months who have described the barriers that appear to be preventing Volunteers gaining endorsement on specialist appliances. Whilst an opportunity to train is one thing, the Committee has also stressed the need for there to be affirmative action plans to have Volunteers use that equipment, to address the chicken and egg analogy of why someone would want to be trained on something that they never get to use. The Committee is hoping to see a renewed focus with the introduction of ACO’s.

REVERSE SECTION 29 PILOT EXTENDED

The reverse Section 29 Pilot has been relaunched, with an online option to be provided to Brigades during the trial period that commenced 9 July 2014. The trial has now been extended to 30 June 2015. Any Brigades wishing to complete the “reverse section 29” can do so, simply ask your Operations Officer or Operations Manager to send you the link. The reverse S29 provides Brigades an opportunity to provide feedback to CFA to capture key viability challenges faced by Brigades.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 31/08/14)

WELLBEING PILOT EVALUATION

The Wellbeing Pilot Program has been progressively rolled out to CFA Brigades in recent months. Contact with the Wellbeing Field Officers who are able to provide support for issues such as Mental Health concerns and Relationship Issues (which may be related to Interpersonal conflict within a Brigade) can be initiated at a number of points, including individual referral, through the Brigade and CIS Peers. The initiatives being implemented support CFA members to be better able to operate in a psychologically healthy and safe environment and as a result support the ongoing viability of Brigades. Anecdotal feedback to VFBV at this point in time has been positive.

CFA has agreed to the Committees request for it to be actively engaged in the Pilot Program’s evaluation, and delivered upon that commitment with a briefing on how the program is being evaluated. VFBV is keen to ensure that the Pilot Program is developed in a manner that delivers the best results to members and it is important that broad ranging and rigorous evaluation of the program is conducted in an ongoing manner.

Depending on the circumstances of each contact with the Wellbeing Field Officers the evaluation process will have the flexibility to be sensitively undertaken according to the needs and appropriate follow up for each case’s ongoing health and progress. Evaluation will in most instances not be limited to one opportunity to provide feedback as it may be that initially the outcomes of the support from the Wellbeing Field Officers may not be known for some time or that events at a local or personal level may require that implemented strategies are reviewed.

OH&S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REVIEW

CFA has undertaken a review of many OH&S policies and procedures as a result of recent and ongoing changes in Legislation. The Committee has been provided with draft copies of the changes, and had a productive discussion surrounding the purpose and objectives of the procedures.

Delegates have raised their concerns that many of the organisations OH&S Policies and Procedures are written very much in the context of a CFA Office location, and are extremely difficult to understand within a Brigade context. Given the vast majority of CFA workplaces are in fact Fire Stations, and volunteers operate in a far more complex and dynamic environment than administration offices, the Committee has urged CFA produce far simpler, practical and easier to read guidance for Brigades use.

CFA has agreed to investigate an alternate strategy that would still ensure member and community safety is maintained without Brigades incurring an unnecessarily onerous burden of paperwork and training in procedures that are rarely used and/or are not applicable. An example used by the Committee was the requirement for all locations to conduct a fire drill once a year. There are 1,219 CFA work locations that would find this requirement humorous to say the least.    

VOLUNTEER EQUAL OPPORUNTIY OFFICERS

CFA has advised that they will no longer be supporting the voluntary EEO Officer network that was established in the early 90’s. CFA data indicates that in recent years there have been very few contacts made by members with these Officers, and that training and skill maintenance has been progressively scaled back over the years as the complexity of legislation in this field has increased. CFA feels this role can now be better managed through the Wellbeing Field Officers and specialist support available through the Wellbeing Pilot. The Committee has cautiously accepted the decision, but has raised its concern with the sustainability of a paid only model. Delegates still see value in a voluntary network similar to the CIS Peer Program, which would embed these skills and knowledge within Brigades.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 09/08/14)

REAR DECK ACCESS HATCHES

The committee has for some time been advocating for easier methods for crews to embark and disembark from the rear working deck on tankers. Issues around access have been exacerbated by CFA’s decision to not accommodate a rear facing ROPS area on new tankers, which necessitates crews having to frequently embark and disembark between trips and protracted incidents where water points are located long distances from the fire line. CFA have advised that the main reason for the phasing out of external ROPS on new truck builds has been due to them not meeting modern day Australian Design Regulations and health and safety concerns raised by Worksafe.

Many years ago, rear deck access hatches (DAH’s) where trialled in some crew cabins, that would allow crews to access the rear deck by a small door at the rear of the main cabin. Whilst feedback from the trial was mixed, they are no longer an alternative due to modern truck cabin designs which has resulted in manufacturers no longer willing to build DAH’s due to fear that they may impact upon the structural integrity of the cabin.

The Committee has strongly advocated the need to address the issue urgently, with CFA Fleet Services agreeing to investigate options and report back. Initial investigations will look at folding stair or ladder adjustments through to the enclosed rear facing modules that mining companies have been using that would provide an enclosed ROPS that would meet Australian Design Regulations. (ADR’s)

MEDIUM TANKER ROAD HANDLING INVESTIGATION

After several reports to the Committee from Brigades using the new Medium Tankers raising concerns about road handling, CFA agreed to commission an independent expert report to test the vehicles road handling. The report has conclusively found not only that the vehicle is safe, but scores quite highly across the board on most of the individual test results.

Prior to the test, CFA wrote to 124 Brigades who have a Medium Tanker, inviting them to provide feedback on the trucks handling. Of those, only 10 Brigades expressed concerns, with most indicating its performance in highway driving. For the purposes of the test, CFA provided a new tanker straight off the production line, as well as two tankers from the two Brigades who had raised the most concern over its handling. All three vehicles were tested using identical scenarios and criteria.

The full results are currently being collated, and will be provided to the Committee shortly. Discussion on the initial analysis of Brigade feedback and the independent test results indicates that driver training needs to be improved, especially considering brigades are usually upgrading from a 20 or 30 year truck, and thus may not fully appreciate the significance of changes. The Committee has requested that CFA review its training materials in order to provide a better comparison between models – and to highlight area’s that Brigades should concentrate on during vehicle changeover training.

BRIGADE OWNED VECHICLE INSURANCE ISSUES

The Committee is strongly advocating for CFA and the CFA Board to modify its Policies on insurance coverage involving Brigade Owned Vehicles. Under current policies, CFA will only provide market value to Brigades whose vehicles are written off on the fire ground. The committee has used four recent examples where this has occurred, and where the CFA response has been completely inadequate. Whilst not necessarily arguing for new for old, the Committee is adamant that the policy must be like for like at a minimum, and CFA must support Brigades to return to status quo after an incident.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 30/08/14)

2014 Annual Community Safety Forum

This year’s forum was yet again another huge success, with a record 390 members attending, from 185 Brigades.

The Committee reviewed feedback from this year’s participants, with an overwhelming number of responses rating the weekend as exceptional. This is now the fourth year of the Annual Forum, and its continued growth and success is directly attributed to its bottom up design and construct which see’s volunteers actively designing and running the weekend, with vols speaking to vols in the conduct of the majority of plenary and workshop sessions. The Committee congratulates the Volunteer Reference Group on another successful year, and also commends Jamie Devenish, CFA’s Member Engagement Project Manager, for his untiring support and enthusiasm to this annual event.

IFMP AUDIT

In response to the Committees continued calls for reform of the IFMP process, CFA has commissioned an external audit by KPMG, to audit and review the effectiveness of Brigade involvement in IFMP at the municipal level.

The draft report has vindicated the Committees concerns, with its key findings that CFA could better facilitate and improve volunteer and Brigade involvement in the process and address the perceived gaps between the new IFMP process and the former MFPC structure.

The report now provides CFA with substantive data and provides recommendations on how to address the shortfalls. CFA has agreed to reconstitute the IFMP State Committee, and VFBV is looking forward to working with CFA to implement an action plan that will better support and encourage strong Brigade involvement in the IFMP process.

CHANGES TO VICTORIAN PLANNING PROVISIONS (BMO)

The Committee received a detailed briefing on Amendment VC109 which includes significant changes to the bushfire controls contained in the Victorian Planning Provisions. One of the most significant changes has been the modification in some places from CFA being a “determining referral authority” to now only being a “recommending referral authority”. As a recommending referral authority CFA still provides advice in relation to an application, however the local Council is no longer bound to follow CFA’s advice. This is a significant change & will need to be monitored, as under the previous legislation Council was bound to follow CFA’s advice and apply any conditions CFA imposed on an application.

Other changes include alterations to defendable space requirements, provision of acceptable bushfire protection measures, construction standards, and the ability for removal of vegetation within defendable space.

CFA is currently considering the impact of these changes, and are seeking clarification from Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure who are responsible for the legislation.

CHIEF OFFICERS INTENT STATEMENT: COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS & FIRE PREVENTION

This year, it has been proposed that the Chief Officer issue an intent statement for this upcoming fire season that sets out his expectations for community preparedness and fire prevention. The statement will provide guidance and clarity that will allow Brigades & Staff to prioritize activities according to local risk, key needs and the availability of resources. It is hoped that as a result, Communities will be safer and more resilient due to fire prevention plans and actions having reduced the impact of fire on communities and assets, and those at risk are aware of their risk and ready to respond to warnings and advice. The need to change community attitudes was a popular discussion point at this year’s forum.

Issue 10: August 2014

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held Saturday 30/08/14)

LISTENING SETS

The VFBV/CFA Listening Set working party have recently met, and been provided a briefing on the results of CFA’s submission to the Victorian Government Tendering Website, for Expressions of Interest for the supply and delivery of a VHF/UHF digital listening set. Whilst there are complex probity issues involved in the evaluation & selection process, CFA has agreed to VFBV’s request for the volunteer delegates to each be provided an evaluation unit of CFA’s preferred model, in order for them to conduct field evaluations. VFBV successfully argued that a desktop analysis should form only part of the selection methodology, and issues such as useability and field conditions is vital to their acceptance in the field.

Results from those evaluations have been very positive, with only minor requests going back to the manufacturer for clarification. The working party is hoping to complete field evaluation in early September, in order to allow enough time for CFA to commence negotiations with the preferred supplier in the lead up to this year’s Fire Danger Period.

VFBV has also strongly advocated for a significant financial subsidy program, in order to subsidize the initial cost to members wishing to replace existing listening sets that will be made redundant by the closing down of the analogue network. With a significant subsidy budget now available through VFBV’s support for a Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grant, CFA have agreed to VFBV’s request for a robust distribution and communications strategy to accompany the rollout. This will ensure equity and fairness in the process used to calculate how many subsidized units can be accommodated in the budget and how they are distributed.

Further details will be provided as soon as contractual arrangements are finalized between CFA and the manufacturer/supplier.

RADIO DISTRESS BUTTONS

The committee received reports on an increased number of radio distress button activations. With the new digital network, activation of the distress buttons on the Tait radio’s sends a priority message to VicFire, who then must implement emergency procedures to contact the radio/vehicle involved. Recently, many of these requests by VicFire have gone unanswered. This is most likely due to members accidentally activating it during routine maintenance or testing, and then switching the radio off, or are too embarrassed to respond to VicFire’s inquiry. As the radio ID is sent with all distress button activations, the committee has recommended that CFA advise District Operations Managers of any recurring problems, so that individual Brigades can be followed up if required. Brigades are requested to please ensure your members understand the severity of activating the radios distress function, and encourage your members awareness of the button during routine testing and maintenance activities, in order to avoid accidental activation.

PAGER OBSERVATION REPORTS

Amid ongoing reports of frustration from Brigades who are submitting Pager Observation Reports and are reporting that they never hear back, CFA has agreed to implement an Observation Report tracking program, that will monitor all submitted Observation Reports, and their outcome. The Committee will now receive a quarterly report of all outstanding reports, including data on how quickly submitted reports in that quarter were actioned. This not only provides improved accountability to the process, but the Committee believes that this will also provide far greater transparency to the process, and help with an improved level of understanding and support to reported pager reception issues.

THIS SATURDAY AT BENALLA: There are still some places available at VFBV’s Open Forum for Volunteers at Benalla this weekend - see below for details and how to book - and plenty for the forums at Hamilton and Burwood East.

This is your chance to talk shop with senior CFA and VFBV personnel, raise an issue, ask a question or make a comment.

Dates and locations are;

THIS SATURDAY, 4 October - Benalla Bowls Club, 25 Arundel St, Benalla, with lunch at noon and forum at 13.00hrs.

Saturday 18 October – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, 113 Brown St, Hamilton, with lunch at noon and forum at 13.00hrs.

Saturday 22 November – Whitehorse Club, Burwood Highway, Burwood East, with lunch at noon and forum at 13.00hrs.

Book now by contacting VFBV on (03) 9886 1141 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CFA is advertising jobs for sessional training instructors - qualified, experienced volunteers are encouraged to apply.

The new positions are good news for volunteers, as they mean more capacity to train at times and places to suit the needs of volunteers. VFBV and volunteers pressed for these roles during the Jones Inquiry.

For details of the sessional trainer roles, visit;

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/jobs-at-cfa/

CFA is advertising jobs for sessional training instructors - qualified, experienced volunteers are encouraged to apply.

The new positions are good news for volunteers, as they mean more capacity to train at times and places to suit the needs of volunteers. VFBV and volunteers pressed for these roles during the Jones Inquiry.

For details of the sessional trainer roles, visit;

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer-careers/jobs-at-cfa/

The Greens will be raising the issue of presumptive/cancer legislation for firefighters in the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament tomorrow, Wednesday 17 September, about 4pm.

They’ll be calling for the support of all parties.

This issue affects all CFA volunteers, so you are welcome to attend to sit in the gallery, hear the debate & show your support.

The address is Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne.

Get there early, visitors/observers are welcome but there are formalities with security.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) has welcomed the news that registration and responsibility problems with CFA Brigade Owned Vehicles (BOVs) have been resolved.

After contact with affected Brigades, initial research work and ongoing encouragement provided by the VFBV/CFA Joint Equipment and Infrastructure Committee, CFA has negotiated with the State Revenue Office and VicRoads to resolve the technical aspects of taking over responsibility for registration of BOVs.  Ownership of the vehicles will stay with the Brigades and they are able to retain their existing number plates.

When investigating moving BOVs to red plates, as was the original plan, VicRoads advised that CFA would have to transfer ownership of the vehicles to Corporate CFA, which would incur transfer fees, duty and all vehicles would require a roadworthy inspection before the new plates could be issued. It would also have resulted in the full Registration cost being applied, and not the discounted rate available to Brigades registering emergency vehicles, who currently only have to pay the TAC portion of the registration.

Following this advice, CFA & VFBV have been working through an alternative solution that would allow Brigades to add CFA as the Registered Operator of the vehicle, while retaining the ownership with the Brigade, an option typically employed by large transport fleets.  However CFA would still be required to negotiate with the State Revenue Office to keep the exemption that Brigades have on the registration cost and get permission from VicRoads to treat individual CFA Brigade ownership of the vehicles as permissible under the common registration process.

Over the past nine months, CFA has successfully negotiated with the State Revenue office and with VicRoads that results in a real win for Brigades.  Not only will Brigades be able to add CFA as the Registered Operator which removes the liability from the Brigade nominee to manage traffic infringements and registration issues, they retain ownership of the vehicle, are exempt from the transfer fees, and the first year’s registration during the transition to a common registration date will be picked up by CFA through the Volunteer Emergency Service Equipment Program.

Paperwork and transfer forms will shortly be on the way to Brigades, and VFBV Executive Officer Adam Barnett urges BMTs to get the transfer form back to CFA as soon as possible.

“This solution is a good thing for Brigades and shows the strength of the VFBV/CFA Joint Committee system, with the issue raised by volunteers, moved along by the Committee, and resolved by action at Government Departmental level by CFA,” Mr Barnett said.

“It offers improved support to volunteers and Brigades at the front line, resolves a long standing source of problems for BMT members and lets them concentrate on providing frontline emergency service to their communities,” he said.

He also paid tribute to CFA Fleet Services who have worked extremely hard negotiating with the State Revenue Office and VicRoads to reach this solution.

While CFA and VFBV have only been able to agree on CFA funding of BOV registrations for the first year, CFA has committed to working with VFBV over the next 12 months to investigate options to make this arrangement more permanent.  Brigades are increasingly reporting the inadequacy of their Brigade allowances, from which registration costs are normally paid, and VFBV will continue to pursue either an increase to Brigade allowances, or the reduction of costs incurred by Brigades.

The CFA Chief Officer has written to all OM’s and OO’s requesting they advise Brigades to revert to the old “Member Registration” forms until further notice.

VFBV raised its concerns with the new membership application forms that have been sent to Brigades over the last four weeks, and in particular the implied process new members were instructed to follow with regards to the completion of mandatory medical forms, which not only applied to new members – but also all transferring members, including junior members.

On the forms, members are requested to choose from a tick list of 20 medical conditions which are so broad, that it potentially meant most new members would have to pay for a medical professional to complete the two page form and sign a detailed declaration before CFA would accept lodgement of the new application forms. In an environment that is supposedly seeking to remove red tape, the new process was a major setback to volunteerism, and placed an unreasonable delay and cost back to community members wanting to join their local Brigade.

The Chief Officer has committed to engaging with VFBV over its concerns, and to conduct a review to address those concerns. Brigades are advised to revert to the existing member registration forms and process until further notice.

Transition

The Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) project reached a significant milestone on Sunday 10 August 2014, with District 5 marking the final transition across regional Victoria to digital dispatch. All CFA regional brigades now have access to clearer, high quality dispatch communications. The transition to RRDS enables CFA members communication between a 24/7 CAD centre and emergency appliances in regional Victoria using enhanced coverage and better audio quality.

“This has been a major project and CFA is very pleased with the results. RRDS will make a major contribution to better emergency management as well as the safety of our members and the wider community,” said CFA Deputy Chief Officer Joe Buffone.

“RRDS solves many radio ‘black spot’ issues,” Mr Buffone said.

“RRDS ushers in a new generation of high-quality digital dispatch capability across the state. It’s the sort of service already enjoyed by Victoria Police, MFB, Ambulance Victoria and our brigades in metropolitan Melbourne.”

Reflash 2

Following the transition to CFA’s new digital radio network, the Radio Reflash 2 team has once again commenced scheduling brigade visits to upgrade software in CFA Tait radios.

All CFA Tait radios must be updated with new software enhancements, enabling additional radio features which are available through the digital network.

Radios across the state will be upgraded with new software, delivering additional functionality, including a 6 digit grid reference display.

When operating within regional districts, additional functionality will also allow for:

• Resource tracking - this feature allows IMTs to track appliance movements whilst on a dispatch talkgroup
• Trunk RMR network site name display – shown when the PPT is pressed

End User Observation Reports

RRDS team members have performed extensive field testing of the regional radio dispatch service and, in collaboration with members, conducted confidence trials across the state.

We are currently in the warranty phase, and members are reminded to inform us of unexpected coverage issues through the use of the end-user observation reports (Docs, Forms, Manuals > Fire & Emergencies > Communications > Regional Radio Dispatch Service). These observation reports are an important tool for capturing feedback relating to black spots, echoes or delays in transmission, difficulties receiving or transmitting to ESTA VicFire and/or other appliances and any other coverage issues.

End-user observation forms are currently available for download on CFA online, via a link from the communications page. Instructions on where to send the form are available on the bottom of the form.

The RRDS team is developing an online version of the observation report. Members will receive communication once this has been finalised.

RRDS Support Material

To assist with maintaining the learning from RRDS, we have provided each brigade with the following:

• Complete Learning Package & Materials DVD

A DVD containing all materials of the Regional Radio Dispatch Service’s learning program. Brigades may have already received some of this material as part of their RRDS trainer kit however this disc contains the full catalogue of the learning package to assist with ongoing training and skills maintenance.

• CFA District Dispatch Talkgroups/Channels Map

The map and associated table below ensure all brigades and members will have access to one complete visual list of digital talkgroups, as well as current and previous analogue channels for each district.

Download maps RRDS-1 and RRDS-2 below

• Dispatch Radio Procedures Sticker (download RRDS-3 below)

The dispatch radio procedures sticker is designed to be applied to the dashboard of brigade appliances, support vehicles, big fills and FCVs. This is to replace the current “wordback table” sticker.

The blue “radio information” sticker is designed to provide radio operators with talkgroup and local command channel information as found in your current local “comms” plan.

Sunday 14 September between 10.30 and 5pm at the Darebin Arts Centre in Preston.

More than 60 projects from CFA, DEPI, MFB and SES will be on show including a broad range of operational, community safety, training, IT, safety/rehabilitation displays along with vehicles and equipment. All emergency service members are invited to come along with family, friends and colleagues to see what’s new, talk with project teams and take advantage of free health checks.

CFA and DEPI projects include:

• New release training projects and mobile props
• Volunteerism resources and brigade sustainability pilot
• Health & Wellbeing and Manage your Mental Health initiatives
• Concept and new release equipment including (from CFA) Scoresby Hoselayer, Technical Rescue Pod, ArmCore Cooler Harness, Bendigo Hydraulic Pole Saw and Alpine vehicle; (from DEPI) Vehicle-mounted flame-thrower, aerial intelligence gathering platform and the self-propelled incendiary flare.

For more information and who’s exhibiting please visit www.projectexpo.com.au

VFBV/CFA Joint HR, Welfare and OH&S Committee

2 Minute Briefing

Issue 9: May 2014

WELLBEING PILOT

The committee received a briefing on the Wellbeing Pilot that is being funded through the Volunteer Support Program. This pilot will see 10 specialist people hired to provide brigades with direct support for mental health & relationship management. This encompasses aspects such as physiological first aid, and includes assisting with behavioural and interpersonal conflict issues which sometimes arise within brigades.

The Wellbeing Pilot Project is not designed to replace the very important role of CIS Peers but will operate at a higher level of support for CFA members. In conjunction with the member concerned, Peers may in fact choose to make a referral to the Intake & Triage Support Officer to provide more specialist support. It is anticipated that this specialist support will enable Operational Leaders to be more focused on their role of protecting lives and property.

The discussion provided the committee the opportunity to discuss VFBV concerns around the centralized model proposed by the pilot, and the philosophical argument that member welfare and wellbeing should be seen by the organisation as core business. VFBV is very supportive of this program and its outcomes but consider the care of members to be at the core of CFA’s business and funding, and not (as is the case currently) to be the subject of opportunistic funding through the Volunteer Support Program. The committee will be closely monitoring the evaluation of this program and have requested to be actively & regularly engaged during the pilot period in order to inform the final evaluation of the pilot early next year.

All cases will be managed confidentially, and CFA will shortly be advertising the service and contact number. VFBV delegates have requested CFA to ensure all brigades are included in the communique, and not to rely solely on the CFA intranet to make members aware of what is available.

VFBV WELFARE & EFFICIENCY SURVEY

The VFBV Welfare and Efficiency Survey will be conducted for the third time in June. The survey should be live by the time this edition goes to press, or shortly thereafter.

This very important survey is an opportunity for volunteers to be able to provide feedback on how they perceive many aspects of their involvement as a CFA volunteer. The results of this survey are taken very seriously at all levels within CFA and are used in most Districts to guide change and improve performance and relationships across the organisation. The committee has agreed to work together to monitor the results, and champion initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns raised by Volunteers.

There are 33 questions in the survey which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your answers are confidential and are used to advise both the CFA and Government on a range of issues that affect volunteers.

Please encourage as many volunteers as you can to visit the VFBV website at www.vfbv.com.au to complete the survey.

Alternatively members can choose to contact the VFBV Office on (03) 9886 1141 for a hard copy to be posted to you.

VFBV/CFA Joint Training Committee

2 Minute Briefing

Issue 9: May 2014

MOBILE TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

The three prototype mobile hot fire training props have now moved from pilot to business as usual. Groups can download a booking form from Brigades Online or request one through your District office. The props are proving to be very popular, with demand currently in excess of capacity. An additional 10 Mobile Hot Fire Training Props are currently out for tender. Based on member feedback, delegates have requested that simple prop guides be developed for each of these props, similar to training ground PAD info sheets which outline sample drills and learning outcomes to assist Brigade trainers running the props to maximise the learning outcomes when running the drills and to support greater consistency of the training delivery.

PHASED BREATHING APPARATUS

The committee expressed its frustration at the lack of progress on the Phased BA Competency developed and recommended by the committee last year. OT&V have advised they fully support the phased approach, and are awaiting approval by the Chief Officer. OT&V are meeting with the Chief on the 12^th June to try and progress. An update will be issued as soon as more information is available.

F&EM TRAINING GUIDE UPDATE

This project aims to deliver highly practical guides which will assist all involved in planning & delivering of training at brigade, group, instructor and assessor levels, both at operational and volunteer levels. The design & content stages of the guide are now complete. The next step is to pilot the guides to validate the proposed delivery format of the content with the reference group, which consists of over 65 volunteers and staff. This stage is expected to be completed by the end of August 2014, with a planned role out of the guides to brigades by February 2015.

F&EM TRAINING STRATEGY SURVEY OUTCOMES

The committee reviewed the draft results from the survey on the CFA “Training Strategy” that was run between January and April this year. There were a total of 1,044 respondents. The results will allow CFA to focus on particular areas of concern across the state with action plans developed from the data obtained by the survey. The committee will be working with OT&V and F&EM to identify priorities, and monitor training related KPI’s to review performance across the six strategic outcomes outlined in the strategy. Further information on the survey results is expected to be published online and in Brigade Magazine shortly.

RESPOND TO URBAN / CONTROL URBAN INCIDENT

An independent group of volunteers have trialled the draft training sessions. CFA have advised that it hopes to have the procedures signed off by July 1st and then roll out the “Train the Trainer” sessions by September 2014. The goal is to have the complete package rolled out by the start of next year.

WHO CAN TRAIN AND ASSESS?

OT&V have developed a new DVD and Poster to further clarify & explain who can train & assess at your brigade. The poster has an easier to understand definition on the terms such as “oversight” and “equivalence” and has been developed due to overly onerous interpretations by some Districts. Look out for these turning up at your brigade in the near future, with further information to appear in Brigade Magazine and the Fireman.