Hot off the Press
This page is updated frequently with any issues or items of Interest that have just appeared on our radar screens. As such, only summary information is provided on an issue, however as more information becomes avialable (and if appropriate) it will be posted in the Issues of Interest section of this site...so check back regulary for updates.
VFBV & CFA Youth Strategy Forum 2008
13/6/2008
VFBV is happy to announce its plans to conduct a youth forum in conjunction with CFA over the 9th and 10th of August 2008. The forum will be held at Fiskville Training College and include discussion based around CFA youth participation and CFA in general.
As defined by the Victorian State Government, youth is from 11-24years of age. Although the strategy will include guiding principle and action plans for our work with 11-15 year old brigade and community members, the main focus of the strategy and particularly the youth forum is on young people aged 18-24.
Findings from the forum will be used to produce an overarching document that will provide VFBV and CFA with a set of guiding principles to effectively engage, retain, educate and develop young people both within our brigades and the wider Victorian community. A set of forum action plans will also be developed to ensure that the guiding principals are being implemented across VFBV and CFA programs and activities, directly or indirectly targeting young people.
Who will be involved in the Youth Forum?
The forum will consist of Association representatives, CFA staff members and up to 60 young volunteer members aged 18-24 from across Victoria.
The forum is part of the consultation process that allows VFBV and CFA raise issues, seek solutions, create action plans and most importantly, it will give young people the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions to an Association representative/Staff in a supportive and constructive environment.
If you have a strong interest in participating or have suggestions, ideas, concerns that you would like included in the forum you can email Alex Batty at the VFBV a.batty@vfbv.com.au or s.mckerley@cfa.vic.gov.au by no later than 11 July 2008.
Volunteer Access to National Parks Update
30/5/2008
After announcing some time ago that the Victorian Government would provide free access for volunteers to all National Parks across the State, VFBV is happy to confirm that CEO Andrew Ford met with Victorian Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, on 22/05/2008 at Traralgon West Fire Station to launch the commencement of this initiative.
CFA and SES volunteers will be entitled to complimentary entry for one vehicle to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park; complimentary parking in the Morning Peninsula National Park, Mt Donna Buang area of the Yarra Rangers National Park and a free family day pass at the Point Nepean National Park.
Mr Cameron said. “This gesture is one way of saying thank you to CFA and VICSES volunteers who put their lives on hold to protect Victoria from the threat of bushfire”. “Giving CFA and VICSES volunteers free access to all National Parks helps reward not only our volunteers who deserve recognition, but also the families that support them”.
All volunteers will receive their passes via mail in the upcoming months.
This initiative has been pursued by VFBV and the Associations for some time and comes as a welcome benefit for all volunteer members and their families. Well done to all those involved in perusing this initiative.
If you are a VOLUNTEER and have not received your Parks Pass contact Member Services on 1800 232 636. Lost or replacement cards may also be organised through Member Services.
Emergency Memberlink Update
27/5/2008
CFA has recently launched its new Emergency Memberlink program. After lengthy consultation with VFBV and the Associations we are happy to report that the new Memberlink program now offers in excess of 250 individual benefits for volunteers and their families. The availability of benefits in rural and regional areas has also improved considerably and CFA is continuing to work on adding additional benefits.
CFA is encouraging feedback on the newly available range of benefits and any type of benefit not currently on the program that would be of significant value to you or your family. This feedback can take place by visiting the programs website.
Related articles posted on the history of VFBV’s involvement with the Emergency Memberlink project can be found under the hot issues section of the VFBV website (19/12/2007).
Be sure to visit the Memberlink website regularly to keep up to date with new offers. You can also call your Emergency Memberlink Team on 1800 820 037 to register or for advice or assistance.
General Manager - Gippsland
20/5/2008
I am pleased to announce that Malcolm McKenzie has been appointed to the position of General Manager Gippsland.
Malcolm joins CFA from the City of Monash where he held the position of Manager Commercial and Business Services for the past 10 years. Malcolm has broad-based experience across public and private sectors coupled with exposure to a wide range of management responsibilities including safety and emergency management in the Local Government sector.
Malcolm’s appointment continues the evolution of the role of our General Managers, in particular the need to build strong relationships with external stakeholders such as Local Government, other Government Departments and private sector organisations.
The General Managers are preparing an induction program to welcome Malcolm into CFA when he joins us on 7 July 2008.
Peter Schmidt will now take up his new position of General Manager Westernport from 2 June 2008.
Neil G Bibby
Chief Executive Officer
Joint announcement from the CFA and VFBV Boards
25/3/2008
A joint meeting of the CFA and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Boards held on Monday 17th March has set the foundation for the two Boards to work together to resolve a number of concerns raised by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria on behalf of CFA volunteers. At the meeting the two Boards had a frank and open discussion about the issues affecting CFA volunteers and the relationship between CFA and the Volunteer Associations. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two Boards to work together and to develop a constructive way forward.
It was acknowledged that CFA has become a complex organisation with a diverse range of interest groups or stakeholders. The two Boards agreed that the best way to address the interests of our volunteers is to work together at Board level and within the organisation.
Both Boards have committed to ongoing meetings and to continue to explore ways we can both work together to improve communication, engagement and consultation with volunteers at all levels within CFA. The Boards have reinforced total commitment to the Volunteer Charter and will develop mechanisms required to operationalise it and monitor the effectiveness of its application.
As a way forward, we have agreed to develop a shared vision for the future of CFA in relation to volunteers and volunteerism and will use this vision to ensure appropriate focus on the issues critical to the future success of CFA’s community and volunteer based foundations.
We didn’t resolve every issue on Monday, nor did we attempt to. However; we took a positive step forward in re-establishing the relationship between the CFA Board and the volunteers. With a co-operative approach, we hope to address the many challenges and opportunities facing CFA.
Ultimately, our shared aim is to preserve and strengthen volunteerism in CFA into the future recognising the value and fundamental importance of volunteerism in delivering quality CFA service to the people of Victoria.
We will continue to report on the progress of our strengthened relationship and the outcomes of our ongoing co-operation.
CFA and VFBV Boards
19 March 2008
Volunteer Access to National Parks
26/2/2008
VFBV has been actively pursuing the issue of a previous Govt commitment to provide volunteers with free access to National Parks. Although the issue is still not finalised we have been advised today that the State Government is in the final stages of implementing the Free Access for Volunteers to National Parks policy. Volunteers will receive information on this initiative, including how to obtain free access to the Parks, in the coming months. Further information will be provided by VFBV as soon as it comes to hand.
2008 Open Forum
18/2/2008
VFBV and the two Volunteer Associations will again be conducting a Joint Open Forum and representatives from all CFA brigades are invited to attend. VFBV, the VRFBA and the VUFBA, encourage all brigades to send delegates to the Open Forum to receive direct feedback on the operations of VFBV and the two Associations, and brigades are given the opportunity to raise directly any other issues of interest or concern. The Open Forum will be held at the Whitehorse Club, 298-336 Burwood Highway, East Burwood on Saturday 29th March 2008, commencing at 1.00pm, following a light lunch at 12.30.
For more information please contact Jenni at VUFBA on 9775 0117 or vufba@vfbv.com.au
Single Stage Ladder Developments
18/2/2008
Further to our last advice to brigades that the Ladder Review Committee had recommended to the Chief Officer that a 4m single stage ladder be approved for Medium Pumpers. Brigades are advised that the Chief Officer has given his approval subject to the ladders being operationally justified. Our position is that these ladders are operationally justified for these vehicles. We understand that most Regions have agreed to brigade requests for provision of this ladder at the Region’s cost, but that some Regions have requested brigades to meet the cost of the ladder themselves. Hopefully common sense will prevail eventually.
Volunteer Health Watch Program
23/1/2008
Over the last two years VFBV and VRFBA delegates Gary Lyttle and Bob MacDonald have been working closely with CFA, State Emergency Service, Volunteer Coast Guard and Life Saving Victoria representatives to develop a futuristic volunteer health monitoring program for all CFA and volunteer emergency service volunteers.
After acquiring funding from the Valuing Volunteers Program to assist with the development of a health and wellbeing program for our volunteers, VFBV is proud to report that after a great deal of time and effort, this initiative will soon to be released to all CFA volunteers across the State.
Volunteers face a harsh environment and heavy workloads when on duty, this program is designed to assist you with being prepared for the heavy tasks faced on the fire ground, whist maintaining a health and safe working environment for you and your crew members.
This site contains an array of information on general health, incident health, nutrition, BMI index calculator, HIV and Hepatitis and regular newsletter updates for health related information as it comes to hand.
The site also offers a cardio risk assessment database. Members who wish to participate can create a personal account using ‘Heartrack’ which serves as a minimum intervention program with the demonstrated ability to identify and quantify multiple risk factors for lifestyle related diseases and reduce those levels of risk in individuals identified in the high risk category.
The Volunteer Health Watch Program website can be view at: www.esvhealthwatch.vic.gov.au
The Heart Track database program can be viewed at: www.htonline.com.au
For more information on Heart Track, you can download a comprehensive information sheet by clicking on the document download, located on the right-hand side of this page.
VFBV, VRFBA and VUFBA understand the importance of maintaining quality levels of health on the fire ground and as such, encourage all members to take the opportunity to utilise the resources on this site when and wherever possible.
VFBV Regional Meetings
23/1/2008
During 2008, the VFBV Board will hold a number of its Board meetings in regional areas across the State, each Board meeting to be followed by a Regional meeting, to which all Rural and Urban Brigades are invited to send representatives.
These Regional meetings will enable the VFBV Board to report on issues currently being dealt with by VFBV, and allow the volunteer members to give insight to the Board on grass root volunteer issues and concerns that affect all CFA volunteers.
Brigade representatives will also have the opportunity to raise directly any other issue of interest or concern.
The dates and venues of Regional Meetings are as follows:
- Friday 1st February, 2008 at Lilydale Fire Station
- Friday 29th February, 2008 at Sale Regional HQ
- Friday 2nd May, 2008 at Swan Hill (location to be advised)
- Friday 30th May, 2008 at Benalla Fire Station
- June to December - TBA
The Regional meetings with brigade members will commence at 6.30pm, with a light tea being provided to all brigade representatives attending, from 6.00pm onwards.
Please advise VFBV if your brigade will be attending a Regional meeting at least 1 week prior to the respective meeting, together with numbers attending for catering purposes, via Email vufba@vfbv.com.au, Tel 03 9775 0117 or Fax 03 9775 0096.
Applications for National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund
8/1/2008
As of today, 7 January 08, the Attorney-General has given the green light to call for applications for the 2008-09 round of the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund (NEVSF) and has issued a press release to that effect.
Press advertising will commence on Wednesday 16 January in some regionals and Saturday/Sunday 19/20 January in the major metropolitan daily newspapers.
Closing date for application remains at 7 March 08.
For further information, application guidelines, application form and applicant guide please see the EMA website www.ema.gov.au/communityengagement
CFA Environmental Grants - Closing Date Extended
8/1/2008
For your information the closing date for applications for the CFA Environment Grants for 2007-2008 has now been extended to 18 January 2008.
Small grants are being offered to help support environmental improvement projects by CFA Brigades. Projects may be eligible for grants of up to $500. Individual brigades can apply or one or more brigades may apply as a group.
Further information regarding the CFA Environment Grants can be found on the CFA’s Brigades Online web page or by contacting: Maryanne Graham at CFA HQ or email environment@cfa.vic.gov.au
CFA/VFBV Drought Support Fund
19/12/2007
Over the past several months, a number of Association delegates have reported of the growing desire at Brigade and Group level to provide support to CFA Brigades and communities in the more severe drought affected areas of the State.
A drought support strategy is already operating in the North West Area, and the Midlands Wimmera Area is also implementing a similar strategy. There are other parts of Victoria experiencing significant impacts from the drought, and it has been proposed to establish a ‘CFA/VFBV Drought Support Fund’ to expand on the support already being given, and enable brigades and individuals Statewide to contribute financial support if they so wish.
This is one step towards supporting communities affected by drought, and will form part of an overall program to be consolidated by CFA in conjunction with VFBV. VFBV with the support of the CFA, has arranged for the Bendigo Bank to establish a ‘CFA Drought Support Fund’. This will enable a co-ordinated collection point for Brigades and Groups wishing to contribute financial assistance.
Donations to the Fund can be made at any Bendigo Bank branch (“CFA /VFBV Drought Support Fund” Account 1324-810-60) or by forwarding a cheque payable to “CFA/VFBV Drought Support Fund”, mailed to CFA HQ Finance Section, PO Box 701, Mt Waverley, VIC 3149 marked attention Ron Fasciani. Further information will be released on our website shortly, or you can contact Bob MacDonald 03 5427 3325 or Ron Fasciani 03 9262 8221.
CFA, supported by VFBV, will establish a means for distributing the funds collected. This will initially be via programs already in place in the Midlands Wimmera and North West Areas, plus extending the distribution of funds to other parts of the State identified as warranting support. Whilst the CFA will administer the CFA Drought Support Fund and the distribution process of funds collected, there will be volunteer involvement in determining the most effective use of funds raised.
It is envisaged that this is an initial step towards consolidating the support strategies already in place, and more information will be provided in the New Year.
In the meantime if your brigade wishes to make a contribution, please do so as outlined above. If you require further information in this regard, please contact Bob Macdonald (03) 5427 3325.
Information on Review of Emergency Memberlink
19/12/2007
After concerns was raised in early 2005 regarding the appropriateness and accessibility of the services/discounts available through CFA's existing membership benefits program 'Emergency Memberlink', VFBV, VUFBA and VRFBA has been working closely with CFA on achieving a revised membership benefits program to better meet the needs of all CFA volunteers. After significant consultation between both VFBV, the Associations and CFA, VFBV has been advised the following:
Emergency Memberlink will remain with CFA, but the development of the program’s market, the accessing and securing of providers and actual service delivery to members would be contracted in via a new selected provider.
Essentially, the aim is to enhance the program through a greater range of discounts and benefits on offer, in addition to the offers already made available through the current Emergency Memberlink range of Providers.
VFBV and the two Associations have been consulted during this process and have now been advised that CFA has entered into an arrangement with Member Benefits Pty Ltd for the service provision functions of Emergency Memberlink. Their core business is in establishing and managing member benefits programs.
With new offers such as discounts on fuel and groceries and much more, VFBV anticipates that the new program framework is a forward step in developing a member benefits program that is of greater use to a wider range of CFA volunteers right across the State.
Existing Memberlink cardholders will be sent out information packs in March with a new look Memberlink card and a booklet containing all of the new discounts and offers. Plus www.emergencymemberlink.com.au will feature all of the offers and how you can access them.
2008 Victoria Police & Emergency Services Games
17/12/2007
For those members of the CFA interested in participating in sporting events, or just enjoy participating, the opportunity for both individuals and teams can compete in the 2008 Victoria Police and Emergency Services Games. The Games will be held over the period Friday 28 March to Thursday 10 April 2008. There will be 41 different sports to choose from. Eligibility to participate is to be either a current employee, retired employee and or a volunteer member who has been registered for at least 12 months in the CFA.
Find out more about the games and entry from:
- Games booklets located at your work/ Region locations
- On the website www.emergencyservicesgames.org.au ; or
- Contact Fire Officer Brian Neal, CFASRA Co-Ordinator at Boronia FS on 9762 1322 or by email b.neal@cfa.vic.gov.au or neal@hard.net.au
You can enter as an individual or from a team depending on your event. Competing teams and individuals are requested to also register with Brian Neal on (03) 9762 1322 or email b.neal@cfa.vic.gov.au so that a list can be compiled and CFASRA support can be arranged as required.
ENTRIES CLOSE: Friday 7 MARCH 2008.
This is a great opportunity for all CFA members to join with other emergency agency members and have some fun.
National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund
14/12/2007
Applications opening soon!
It is anticipated that applications will be called for in January 2008 for the National Emergency Management Volunteer Fund (NEVSF).
The 2008/09 round of grants will focus on emergency management volunteers in recognition of their needs and the significant front line role they play in reducing vulnerability and enhancing community safety. Grants will be available for projects that assist in maintaining adequate staffing and training levels and that address the challenge of attracting volunteers.
Make sure you keep checking the following link for any further developments on the application process.
http://www.ema.gov.au/communityengagement
