This month marks two very special days for volunteers. The first of course was 4 May which is St Florian’s day and our annual memorial, while the second event is the 18-24 May where we celebrate National Volunteer Week.
The annual CFA memorial service is held on the closest Sunday to May 4 each year to align with St Florian’s day. Saint Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters and was an officer of the Roman army who was responsible
for organising and leading firefighting brigades tasked to fight fires when Rome needed to protect itself against fire being used as an offensive weapon in the third century.
Our memorial is a time to acknowledge and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their communities. And while we cannot come together in person this year, we can come together in spirit and
thought to acknowledge and pay respect to those we have lost.
This year we pause to reflect and honour the lives of 68 CFA members and 11 Country Fire Brigades Board firefighters (prior to the formation of CFA), who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in service
to protecting our communities.
I would encourage members to take a moment to pause, reflect and honour those who have selflessly given their lives. It is also an important opportunity to reflect on our history as we pay tribute to those lost – and
reflect on the importance of the work we all do in making our communities safer.
May 4 is also the day chosen for International Firefighters Day that was established following the tragic events of Linton, with the day first observed on May 4 1999. We wear blue and red ribbons to pay tribute to our
fallen. The ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water.
This years’ service would have been a formal occasion to pay our respects to our colleagues from DELWP, NSW RFS and the United States who tragically lost their lives battling this summer’s bushfires.
While we mourn the loss of each precious life lost as a result of these and any fires, I want to acknowledge each of the nine to whom this year we owe a special debt. Victorian firefighters Bill Slade, Mat Kavanagh and
David Moresi. New South Wales firefighters Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O’Dwyer and Samuel McPaul. And North American firefighters Ian McBeth (Montana), Paul Hudson (Arizona) and Rick DeMorgan Jr (Florida) who travelled from the United States of America to help Australia in its time of need.
To all the families and loved ones of those we have lost, we say thank-you and make a solemn promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
VicPol
We were all saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of four police officers who died in the line of duty serving the people of Victoria.
VFBV has conveyed the heartfelt condolences of all CFA volunteers to the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. Along with the entire emergency management family, we stand together in solidarity and deep sorrow as we
grieve this tragic loss of life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Constable Josh Prestney, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, and leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor.
May their sacrifice be forever remembered.
National Volunteer Week
This year, National Volunteer Week is being held between the 18 May though to the 24. And while many of us may not feel especially celebratory at the moment, these uncertain times may be the most important reason of all
to recognise and acknowledge all our volunteers across Australia.
This year’s theme is “Changing Communities. Changing Lives.” Such an inspirational theme, but especially those who contribute through volunteering in our emergency services. I can’t think of a more fitting recognition of
the incredible work and role CFA volunteers do in changing lives and keeping communities safe.
Please take a moment during this year’s national volunteer week to reflect on the difference each of you are making and take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible gift this is to the whole Victorian
community. You do change lives, and our State would be so much the poorer without you.
Reform
VFBV continues to raise the concerns of volunteers on the lack of engagement, communication and meaningful consultation on reform implementation. Volunteers have been making strong representations that for an
organisation that is about to transition to a fully volunteer service, the lack of respect and involvement of its volunteers on this change journey is deeply disappointing.
And just as the government has determined to press ahead regardless of COVID- 19 impediments - it is equally important to remind decision makers that volunteer consultation obligations have not been suspended, nor should
they be forgotten. Remember those commitments and tributes following this summer’s horror bushfires and the promises of respecting CFA volunteers and the vital role CFA plays in keeping our communities safe?
Recent reform announcements indicate CFA and CFA volunteers are largely being treated as irrelevant. In fact, it is difficult to tell from anything that has been announced any benefit that is in the public’s interest.
Just as galling is the complete disregard and respect for the important role that administrative and non-operational staff play in modern and effective emergency management arrangements. In a sector that relies on people
working together – the approach and insensitivity in decisions and communications is most disappointing.
My fear is that these missteps will make it very hard for people to envision how these arrangements will deliver lasting positive outcomes. In fact, this continued divisiveness will likely have lasting consequences on
how many perceive and regard the new entity moving forward.
To those feeling disillusioned and frustrated, I share your disappointment. But please don’t stew on it or let it get to you. We are all going to have to work incredibly hard to try and fix any volunteer or community
impacts that emerge. Our communities are counting on it – so I again call on each of you to focus on the things we can change and not the things we cannot.
Busy yourselves on the things that matter. Your local brigade and your local community. Continue creating positive outcomes that make a real difference to our communities. At some point the world will wake up and take
stock. Let us maintain our proud record of selfless community service. It will not go unnoticed when the real impacts of this change journey finally emerge.
Vale Mick Taylor AFSM
On the day of publishing of this edition of Fire Wise, we have just learned of the passing of our great friend Michael Taylor AFSM. Mick was a stalwart of Mornington Fire Brigade and ex-Captain. He joined the Brigade in
1957. Mick was an Association Life Member, CFA life member, and Mornington Fire Brigade life member. He dedicated over 30 years of service to senior leadership roles in the Association, serving 23 years on State Council and was a former VUFBA President.
Mick’s support and contribution to VFBV was immeasurable. He was a member of the initial joint Associations’ Steering Committee formed to develop VFBV and was a member on VFBV’s inaugural Board for nine years, serving as
VFBV Vice President between 2005 – 2009.
We send our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Yvonne, family, friends and loved ones. We also extend our thoughts to fellow members of the Mornington Fire Brigade. Mick was a true icon of the Victorian Fire Services
where he spent his life tirelessly advocating on behalf of CFA and CFA volunteers. He will be very sorely missed.
