As another year’s fire season winds down, it is undeniable that our fire season is consistently starting earlier and running later. With the longer duration comes a larger commitment and I want to formally acknowledge the exceptional work you have done over the season. In a difficult environment and with an air of uncertainty hanging over our sector, you have my utmost admiration for the professionalism and work ethic exhibited by all members who have contributed over the season.

This year we have seen record summer temperatures and have responded to over 3,300 grassfire/bushfire incidents, with 62,590 member responses. Incredibly, and proof of your exceptional skill and work, over 98% of these incidents have been contained to less than five hectares – a significant achievement and a strong endorsement of the effectiveness of our fire service, your training and your expertise. So well done – and thank-you.

While the cooler weather will hopefully bring some respite, we know firsthand from the high fuel loads and ongoing drought conditions present across the state that Victoria will continue to face a heightened risk throughout the year.

The fact that the fire danger period has been extended to mid-May for some areas of Victoria is telling, and brings into sharp focus the essential need to protect and strengthen the role of CFA volunteers and the critical role they play in Victoria’s Emergency Management as our communities face potentially worsening natural disasters, extended periods of drought and the effects of climate change.

I also want to acknowledge and thank Minister Lisa Neville, who personally wrote to all Brigades last month thanking them for their efforts and expressing her thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices made by members. This recognition and respect for the work you do is welcomed and is not only critical to building and sustaining a strong and sustainable volunteer culture within the sector, but is a much needed injection of goodwill and support from Government for the work that you do in protecting your communities 365 days of the year. A very welcome step change and one for which I am grateful.

Annual Memorial

This year’s CFA Memorial Service was held in Healesville on Sunday 5 May. This annual memorial is always held on the Sunday closest to International Firefighters’ Day and St Florian’s Day (4 May) – with St Florian being the patron saint of firefighters.

A number of significant dates from our history were reflected on during this years’ service including; 80 years since the 1939 Black Friday fires which led to the establishment of CFA, the Tarrawingee fires of 1943, 50 years since the 1969 Lara fires, and 10 years since the 2009 Black Saturday fires.

The annual memorial was a time for us to come together either in person or in spirit and remember and honour the 79 CFA firefighters (including 11 from pre-1944) who have selflessly given their lives to protect the lives of other Victorians. While the service is always solemn and reflective, it is also an important opportunity to reflect on our history and pay tribute to those lost – and the importance of the work we do to make our communities safer.

CFA CEO Paul Smith departs

Many were shocked to learn of the recent resignation of CFA CEO Dr Paul Smith, who finished with CFA at the end of April. While Paul was only appointed just over a year ago – I always found Paul to be an honest and driven leader, and someone who genuinely wanted to see CFA succeed and do well. I’m disappointed to see yet another senior leader from the sector depart, and terribly worried about a period of further instability as CFA looks for a yet another CEO on the cusp of what is likely to be major sector reform.

I wish Paul all the best in his new job and hope that he will always keep a special place in his memory for CFA and its people and will continue to be a strong advocate for us in his new job. Similarly – I congratulate the Acting Chief Officer Gavin Freeman AFSM on his appointment as Acting CEO for the next four weeks.

National Volunteer Week

Later in the month, from 20 – 26 May, we will celebrate National Volunteer Week. This is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of the six million volunteers across Australia, recognising the incredible impact volunteers make in our local communities, society and the world. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this national celebration.

In terms of fire services, there are over 250,000 volunteer firefighters across Australia who both individually and collectively are certainly ‘making a world of difference’, which also happens to be this year’s theme. During these national celebrations, it is important we also recognise the people that stand behind us and support our volunteering. Employers, partners, family, loved ones and friends who also make sacrifices to support us and deserve our thanks and recognition for the important role they play in our lives.

The Year Ahead

And finally, I want to acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing VFBV CEO Andrew Ford. I have worked with Andrew for close to 12 years and consider him not only a respected work colleague, but also a friend. I have witnessed first hand the professional and personal sacrifices he has made on our behalf, and while I know he does not regret any of them, I have nonetheless seen the toll they have taken and understand his reasons for wanting a change.

We are rightfully very proud of the organisation that Andrew has helped lead and I commend him on the very solid and strong foundations he leaves behind. While Andrew will continue his strong involvement and contribution to the Association in a new important strategic advisory role, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the VFBV Board, State Council and all Association members to formally thank him most sincerely for his outstanding service and acknowledge the significant contributions he has made over the years building a safer Victoria.

I am feeling excited and privileged to be taking on the role of CEO, but I also acknowledge the gravity of representing CFA volunteers at a time of significant upheaval that has caused many of you great distress. I know there are many challenges ahead as we work to ensure we have the strongest possible CFA in the future. With the ongoing support of the VFBV Board, VFBV representatives, brigades and members, it is my role to ensure that our voice is heard, that volunteer views are known and understood, and that we always put the welfare and efficiency of volunteers along with the safety of the communities we protect first in every interaction. This is my commitment to you.

We are a resilient people, and I frequently reflect on our Association’s proud history of close to 150 years partnering to build safer communities and helping to build a strong, effective and vibrant emergency service for the people of Victoria. Just like our forebears, we will face the future together. I encourage all members to continue to raise any issues with your brigade or District VFBV representative, engage with your local VFBV District Council and as always, feel free to contact myself directly. Your voice is important, now more than ever. VFBV is your organisation, so please stay active and engaged as we continue our work seeking the best possible outcomes for a strong and united CFA – working together to build safer and more resilient communities. 

The State Rural Championships held last month in Bendigo were highly successful with an estimated 2,000 people in attendance, with well above 500 members and juniors competing over the two days of competition. The Championships were conducted at the Tom Flood Sports Centre, where the famous annual Bendigo International Madison cycling race was held in March, which provided an ideal location for competitors and spectators alike.

VFBV congratulates the District 2 Championship Committee led by chair Brendan Dreschler, for its significant work and effort in hosting the Championship, and thanks all Committee members for their contribution. We also pass on our sincere appreciation to the City of Greater Bendigo for its support to the District 2 committee and its contribution to our State Championships. The Bendigo Council have been particularly supportive of the State Championships, with not only the Rural Championships last month, but also the Urban Championships in March, being the third successive Urban Championships held in Bendigo.

Greta repeated its win of last year in being named the Champion Brigade winning the Division 1 Aggregate, with Dunrobin/Nangeela coming first place in Division 2 and Mandurang was first placed in Division 3. Greta won four of the six senior events and ran a new record time in the Tanker Hose Reel & Ladder event.

Springhurst won its second Junior Championship title, being first placed in the 11-15 Years Aggregate and second in the 11-13 Years Aggregate. There were two new record times, one by Springhurst in the 11-13 Years Hydrant & Tanker, and the other by Mandurang in the 11-13 Years Low Down Pump & Ladder.

Full results of the 2019 State Rural Championship are available from the VFBV website.  

As reported in the last edition of Fire Wise, CFA has commenced consultation on proposed changes to SOP 6.06 Practical and Hot Fire Training. CFA is proposing this SOP replace the existing SOP 6.06 called Hot Fire Training -PAD Briefs.

As this proposed SOP includes significant changes from its predecessor, VFBV is requesting that all Brigades, Groups and members discuss and assess the possible implications and potential barriers that these changes may create when conducting training. Members are encouraged to discuss at upcoming District Council meetings with active feedback and involvement from interested Brigades, Groups and members.

VFBV requests that all concerns and feedback be directed to VFBV Support Officer Chris Dent so that VFBV can provide CFA with a consolidated, informed position based directly on your feedback. Feedback is due by Friday 14th June 2019, but earlier if possible. VFBV Support Officer Chris Dent can be reached via [email protected]

Brigades or Groups that pay VFBV affiliations before 30 June 2019 will automatically go into the draw for a chance to win one of four great prizes!

The 2019/20 Affiliation notices for your Brigade/Group’s VFBV affiliation and VFBV Welfare Fund Subscriptions are with your Secretary now with a due date of 30 June 2019. As a gesture of appreciation to Brigades and Groups that pay VFBV affiliation prior to 30th June, VFBV will automatically place your Brigade or Group into a draw for a chance to win one of these great prizes, kindly donated by GAAM Emergency Products and Powdersafe Pty. Ltd.

For further details, checkout the “You Could Win” flyer included with your 2019/20 VFBV Affiliation Notice sent out to your Secretary in March.  

Volunteers have highlighted to CFA the significant safety issue when working at incidents that require the rescuers to operate above ground level. An Elevated Work Platform (EWP) is being trialled by brigades for use during rescues that require stable above-ground access at incidents, such as when rescuing a person trapped in a rolled over large truck cabin.

The trial is the direct result of active requests from rescue brigades which had identified the requirement as a key safety and efficiency measure for rescue operations and pursued it via the Joint VFBV/CFA Equipment & Infrastructure Committee. CFA has provided in-principle support and agreed to trial the equipment to evaluate options. Casterton Fire Brigade first trialled a portable lightweight Elevated Work Platform, with Werribee and Ballarat Brigades now part of a wider trial.

Members are reporting positive results from the trials. Given the limited stowage capacity on appliances, the trial is now assessing the best options that will take up the least amount of room. We will keep you apprised of progress.  

VFBV has successfully escalated safety concerns raised by members about the Automated Manual Gearbox (semi-automatic transmission) in the IVECO EUROCARGO 4.4C Tankers. Following further reports from volunteers, delegates to the Joint VFBV/CFA Equipment & Infrastructure Committee on behalf of VFBV State Council have sought an urgent review and operational risk assessment be conducted.

The issue stems from how the transmission deals with a drop in engine revs. In a semi-automatic transmission, software engages the clutch automatically during gear changes. However, when the engine revs drop below approximately 700/800 RPM, these transmissions automatically engage the clutch to prevent the vehicle from stalling – leaving the driver effectively controlling a vehicle coasting in ‘neutral’ and therefore without exhaust brakes. This presents a significant issue when moving down a steep decline for example, and relies on the driver to then use the accelerator to increase the engine revs – which is very counter intuitive when the driver is seeking to slow the descent of the vehicle and engage the air brakes.

CFA has previously advised it would address this issue by targeted driver training and vehicle familiarisation. VFBV has expressed concerns that this is inadequate – and even with improved driver training, this still presents a significant safety issue which is then compounded when these vehicles form part of a strike team or are committed to campaign fires and drivers are regularly rotated.

CFA has now agreed to discontinue the use of the semi-automatic gearbox in the current build of tankers and replace it with an Allison automatic transmission for all future builds. Unfortunately, this has led to CFA having to reduce its planned build program of 20 Heavy Tankers scheduled for this financial year to 18 – again highlighting the inadequacy of the CFA base budget for appliances.

While this fix addresses the problem for the future, this still leaves approximately 80 appliances fitted with the older semiautomatic transmission. Delegates have expressed concern about the potential to now have two identical looking vehicles, one with a semi-automatic transmission and the other with a fully automated one – and how this may manifest during campaign fires for example where drivers are frequently rotated. Delegates have requested a funding bid be developed for Government to cover a retro fit program, and in the interim for CFA to develop measures to make the transmission type easily identifiable.

The VFBV Board is calling for nominations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Trust Fund.

Following nominations, five new or reappointed members will be appointed by the VFBV Board to serve as VFBV trustees on the Trust Fund for a 12 month term. The Trust Fund committee meets quarterly, either via teleconference or at CFA HQ.

Nominations close Friday 21st June 2019 and can be mailed to VFBV office 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151 or emailed to [email protected]

Millions of GPS devices worldwide, including the Tait radios on CFA appliances, experienced a Y2K-style glitch on April 6 when the GPS internal date counter resets itself. Volunteer Delegates on the Joint VFBV/CFA Communications & Technology Committee have expressed disappointment that neither CFA or Tait had put in place planning for a known fault that occurs every 20 years and which impacted on CFA during the fire season.

As outlined in CFA Operations Bulletin 006-2019 released on 12 April 2019, all vehicles will still have full use of their radio for communication purposes.  However, the glitch means the radio GPS loses satellite lock and cannot re-establish.  As a result, appliance locations will not be visible using the resource tracking system, eMap or EM-COP, and when the “L” button on the handset is pressed, the last stored coordinates is displayed.  When the duress button is pressed the correct co-ordinates are not sent. EMV are removing all symbols from EMCOP and eMap so there is no confusion as to whether the signal is working or not for those users of the mapping product. 

TAIT is working on providing CFA a firmware patch that requires reprogramming of the GPS antenna, however installation will require a visit from a technician to each vehicle fitted with a mobile radio.  CFA expects the patch will be completed as quickly as possible and planning is currently underway. Due to the use of external aerials, CFA Bag radios are likely to be updated by a different process that is yet to be determined by CFA’s Comms Department. This will be communicated to the Districts when finalised.

VFBV has requested that the update program be developed to ensure there is minimal impact on Brigades, and delegates have requested that CFA give Brigades plenty of notice of when these visits will occur to limit the inconvenience and ensure minimal appliance off line time. CFA has supported these requests and has committed to provide regular updates as soon as details have been finalised.

VFBV continues to advocate for the speedy resolution of the CFA dress uniform contract.

All orders for dress uniform tunics and trousers were put on hold while contractual arrangements with a new tailor are being negotiated.

While slower than hoped, CFA has provided an update indicating positive progress is being made. Due to probity constraints around commercial negotiations, details regarding the commercial arrangements are unable to be released publicly, but VFBV will update members as soon as possible.

VFBV also continues to lobby for changes to the cut of the female dress uniform based on feedback received from female members, who are looking for more diverse options in the cut and fit of the dress uniform shirts in particular.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria is pleased to have Hino Australia as its major sponsor of the State Rural championships since 2013.

It is hoped this mutually beneficial partnership continues well into the future.

At the 2019 State championships VFBV President Nev Jones AFSM (pictured in the centre of the photograph) and VFBV CEO Andrew Ford (right) thanked Hino Australia for its ongoing support and presented a plaque in appreciation of its annual ongoing support of this event.

The plaque was accepted by Corporate Business Manager – Government Tom Aryton (left), who said Hino Australia was pleased to support CFA volunteers in this manner and proud to be associated with CFA.  

 

Inviting Applicants for CFA Board 

The CFA legislation recognises that is is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, CFA legislation provides for four of the CFA Board's Members to be appointed from a panel of names submitted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, two being representatives from brigades predominantly serving urban communities and two being representatives from brigades predominantly serving rural communities. 

The terms of CFA Board Members Hazel Clothier, Lynda Hamilton, Peter Shaw and Tim Young expire 19th July 2019, triggering the need for VFBV to seek applications for a panel of names to be nominated for the next term commencing 20th July 2019. 

VFBV is seeking applications for volunteers interested in filling one of the four VFBV nominated positions on the CFA Board. 

CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA, are invited to apply for nomination to the CFA Board. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following: knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; or expertise in fire or emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA. 

From applications received and following interviews, VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services. 

The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require commitment of one half day per month. Attendance at official functions is also expected. 

The appointment  to the CFA Board would be for a period of up to three years; the retiring members are eligible for re-appointment.

CFA Board members current annual remuneration is $58,598 (including Superannuation).

The CFA Board Charter is available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV - contact details below. 

Applications including a current resume must be emailed or faxed to VFBV by COB on Friday 24th May 2019 to: email: [email protected] or fax: 03 9886 1618. 

Help us support and represent CFA's volunteers
POSITION VACANT
VFBV EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  VFBV is seeking a talented and motivated person for the position of Executive Officer to work full time based at our Burwood East office. 

Reporting to the CEO, this senior position involves working in a team environment to address issues impacting on all volunteers and representing VFBV on committees and working parties. You will work actively with VFBV State Council and District Councils with an aim to ensure volunteers' views are understood and that issues of concern can either be resolved locally or escalated through appropriate channels. 

The role has responsibility for the provision of expert technical, practical and strategic advice matters affecting CFA volunteers. The role provides important leadership support to VFBV's network of consultative forums, committees and working parties, as well as providing senior level support to the CEO in developing and managing relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders. 

We need a person who can effectively represent volunteers within CFA, to Government, to other organisations and the general public. The role involves considerable liaison with CFA at Executive and senior management levels; working closely with brigades and District Councils; and influencing external decision makers. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills is essential. 

Applicants need to have an understanding and appreciation of the issues relevant to CFA brigades and volunteerism in general. You need to be able to demonstrate an ability to establish productive relationships within our own membership base and also with people who influence decisions about matters affecting volunteers. It is important that you are a self starter and can demonstrate success while managing multiple concurrent issues and challenging work demands. You need to be a good communicator and someone who understands how to lead and influence others to achieve outcomes. 

This is a permanent position, based at our Burwood office. Recognising that the position supports brigades across Victoria, the position involves considerable travel including weekend and evening work required to support our volunteer membership base. 

All applications must include current resume and cover letter addressing key selection criteria outlined in the Position Description found on our website.

Please contact Cathie Smith for any queries by phone 03 9886 1141 or via email [email protected] 

Applications close Friday 24th May 2019.  

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