In Brief
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.
Somerville Fundraiser
03/03/2009
Here is the chance for all members of the CFA to Unite and help those CFA members who are in their hour of need.
"The pager has gone off to say" " Alert, Code 1 help your fellow fire fighter" so now is the time for all members to say we’re thinking of you especially to those members who suffered at the hands of Black Saturday.
To raise money The Somerville CFA has had manufactured 20,000 Sunglass head straps and 10,000 wrist bands in an effort to raise money needed to help our fellow fire fighters who suffered significant losses on Black Saturday. All the money received will go to the VFBV as a single donation and the VFBV will administer the distribution of monies via theBlack Saturday Recovery fund board of directors. This board incurs no cost.
Wristbands are $2, and Sunglass Headstraps are $5, all Ex-GST.
Brochure and Order Form
New Look Website
10/10/2008
Following the Historic events of last weekend, when the VUFBA and VRFBA were formally melded togther establishing VFBV as the unified body to represent all CFA volunteers, we are in the process of updating our site to reflect all the new changes.
First cab off the rank is our new look logo. The site has been updated to reflect the new colour scheme of the logo.
In the following weeks, there will be significant changes to the sites content, and quite a few updates, including reports from last weekends historic events.
Resignation of Director HR Barbara Lewis
01/10/2008
Yesterday, CEO Neil Bibby regretfully accepted the resignation of Director HR Barbara Lewis. Barbara has been with us for in excess of five years during which time she has undertaken significant change in the organisation including significant improvements in Equity and Diversity, the Juniors Programme, Industrial Relations, OH&S and Learning and Development.
Barbara has chosen to take a change in direction and accepted a position in the health services sector.
VFBV wish to thank Barbara for her support during her time as Director Human Resources, particularly her support for volunteers and volunteer issues. VFBV wish Barbara well for the next step in her career.
Secretary / Executive Officer Appointed
11/9/2008
The Victorian Urban Fire Brigades Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant Allan Monti to the position of Association Secretary upon the recent retirement of Peter Davis AFSM.
In conjunction with his new role, Allan will also act as Executive Officer –Urban for Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.
Allan has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 20 years, having served with a number of brigades. He is currently 2nd Lieutenant with Somerville Urban Brigade and 4th deputy Group Officer with Western Port Group in Region 8.
An extensive professional career in training, manufacturing and management has prepared Allan well for the demanding role(s) that lay ahead.
Allan commenced duties on August 4 and has enjoyed significant support from Peter and Jenni at the Association office, and is now settling into the role. Allan has indicated he looks forward to meeting and talking with as many volunteers as he can during and through the coming months.
VRFBA Annual Meeting
10/9/2008
Held at Fiskville on Thursday 14th August a number of landmark decisions were made by the membership of the Association in regard to the future.
As the number of proxies received in favour of the resolutions to be put to the meeting far outweighed the number of members actually in attendance at the AGM the business was largely a formality.
The meeting agreed the Association enter into a Deed of Agreement with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria and VUFBA on the 4th October, or any such other date as determined. It also agreed that the Association Rules be revised as circulated with the notice of the meeting and that it be recommended to State Council that it agree to the proposed unified VFBV Constitution.
To finalise the process to a unified body, from VRFBA's point of view, the meeting carried the resolution that the Association transfer its funds to VFBV on or after the 4th October subject to the Deed of Agreement being signed by all parties.
As is normal practice at the AGM the question of the annual affiliation fee was considered and it was agreed to set the fee at $60 plus GST as has been the case since 2002
At the conclusion of the meeting Chairman Peter Downes said the decisions made were far reaching and were the culmination of many years of hard work by arrange of people.
The same resolutions as were carried at the VRFBA AGM will now be put to the VUFBA AGM in mid September.
Anticipating a positive decision at the VUFBA AGM, arrangements to finalise and formalise the bringing together of VRFBA and VUFBA as the one body – VFBV, will occur at the VFBV AGM on October 4th 2008.
VUFBA Annual Meeting
10/9/2008
The Annual General Meeting of VUFBA is scheduled for the 13th and 14th of September 2008 at Fiskville.
A significant and historic vote will be conducted in line with VRFBA’s recent decision at their AGM to move both volunteer associations to a unified body, being VFBV.
VUFBA delegates will consider a similar motion at the Urban AGM.
Late August also marks the retirement of Jeff McEachern as Executive Member of the Governing Body of VUFBA. Members and delegates congratulate Jeff on his outstanding past and continuing contribution to volunteers and the fire service.
VRFBA State Council
10/9/2008
During the State Council Peter Downes from Mandurang in Region 2 was re-elected State President with Bruce Vine from Tawonga in Region 24 and Ian Walter from Dooen in Region 17 re-elected as Vice Presidents until such time as the unified body comes into being. Peter will then become Vice President-Rural of VFBV and the senior rural member.
Other members of the State Executive are Bob Horner (Region 13) Treasurer, Bruce Conboy (Region 8), Ian Nash (Region 16) and Tom Brodie (Region 22). CFA Board members David Gibbs and Kevin Erwin are ex officio members of the Executive.
The Executive has been appointed to deal with all transitional arrangements on behalf of the Association once VUFBA agrees to the proposals and the Deed is signed.
VFBV and CFA are also entering into a Deed of Agreement the objectives of which are to commit both bodies to actively support the principles, commitments and undertakings set out in the volunteer charter. The State Council, as required by the Deed gave its approval for the making of the deed and the functions conferred and imposed by it VFBV.
During the course of the State Council a number of speakers were invited to give presentations on matters of interest and concern to the State Councillors. These included Allan Rankin, CFA Project Officer on Integrated Fire Management Planning, Luke Corbett on map books and fire mapping as well as Jo Richards, CFA Project Officer on the Incident Catering Project.
Executive Officer Bob MacDonald gave a presentation on the Volunteer Welfare Fund on behalf of Martin McPhee who was unable to attend and is the project officer for that initiative.
One Service Award Update
10/9/2008
At the Joint CFA / VFBV Board meeting on 25th August, the CFA CEO advised that the tender process was about to commence to secure a supplier for the new service awards and that full funding has been approved by the CFA Board for the project to be fully implemented.
Following contract negotiations to nominate the new supplier – expected to occur in October, service award presentations will be made using the new service medals commencing later this year.
Based on conversations at the VFBV Board meeting on Monday August 25th with CFA CEO Neil Bibby, we are hopeful this could be as early as November.
Rentention of Brigade Sirens
10/9/2008
CFA has been progressively removing the capacity to activate sirens remotely from brigades when they convert to Category 1 despatching.
A number of brigades in rural areas have indicated their desire to retain their sirens for operational or community purposes when they go across to Category 1 despatch.
VRFBA recommends brigades in these circumstances make sure their Regional Headquarters are aware of their wishes in regards to the retention of their siren and that it gets hooked up to the pager encoder. It is much more difficult to redress the situation once it has taken place.
Deed between VFBV and CFA
10/9/2008
Progress on a significant issue was finalised at the Joint meeting of VFBV and CFA Boards on Monday 25th August, that being the Deed of Agreement providing a binding legal framework to ensure implementation of the Volunteer Charter being agreed by the two Boards and signed by Chairmen, Kerry Murphy – CFA and Gary Lyttle – VFBV.
Signing of the Deed has been endorsed by both the State Council of the Rural Association and the Executive of the Urban Association.
Details of the Deed will be explained at the VFBV Annual General Meeting and further information provided on the VFBV website and the next edition of the Fireman.
VFBV Board Vacancies
10/9/2008
At the closing of nominations in late August, two nominations were received for the vacant VFBV Board membership positions.
Tom Brodie nominated for Rural Volunteer representative and Hans van Hamond AFSM for Urban Volunteer representative.
Both nominees names will be forwarded to the VFBV Annual General Meeting on October 4th 2008 for endorsement.
State Auxilliary Conference
10/9/2008
A very successful State Auxiliary Conference was held on the 16th August 2008 at Dromana Fire Station and attended by 105 people.
Congratulations to the Dromana Brigade Auxiliary for organizing and hosting this 5th Annual Conference.
Joint HR Committee
10/9/2008
At the August meeting of the Joint Associations / HR Committee a number of presentations proved informative for some key ongoing projects:
- Emergency Memberlink currently has 24,300 CFA and close to 500 SES members; the website is enjoying heavy demand and further benefits are being added weekly.
- Consultant’s report ‘CALD and Volunteering’ offers conclusions and recommendations that will influence future recruitment and retention campaigns.
- A Project Manager has been appointed to improve training records management and information systems with expected completion by years end.
- CFA Memorial Service is planned for 2009 at Fiskville. The existing memorial at Fiskville to be evaluated for upgrade or replacement.
- Injury Claims data for 2007/08 show a continuing reduction in overall claims for all CFA members. Sprain/strain Joint/muscle injuries remain the predominant injury type.
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
