Welcome

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES VICTORIA REGION 13 

This site is maintained by your Region 13 elected VFBV executive represntatives. We welcome your feedback on this site, your comments are valued so please contribute on any of the issues listed on the return comments section of each "Issue of Interest".

PRIORITY NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION 

Royal Commission driven feedback needed ASAP. "Feedback is needed in relation to possible fire service amalgamation ASAP". Your opinion counts, VFBV are preparing a position to possible fire service amalgamation specifically the advantages and disadvantages of amalgamating the CFA, DSE and MFB (firstly assuming that fire related land management functions such as prescribed burning remain with DSE and secondly and assuming that they become the responsibility of the amalgamated agency); Your brigade reps and Group Officers have been advised regarding feedback on this matter please check with them and send your feedback to your local VFBV.

Immediate feedback is sought, information will need to reach your local VFBV reps before the end of the month. VFBV submission to the Royal Commission will be ready near March end.

NOTICE - REGION COMMUNITY SAFETY WORK GROUP

Region Community Safety Work Group meeting is scheduled for 17th March, issues that brigades would like raised can be done via Mooroolbark Firefighter Rod Beale 0427 226 616. Three issues that will be raised are Community Safety Reps seminar, Community Safety Strategy & Planning & reporting procedures on this web site

NOTICE - REGION TRAINING WORK GROUP

Region Training Work Group meeting is set for 18th March, issues that brigades would like raised can be done through Mooroolbark Firefighter Rod Beale 0427 226 616. Agenda items, A class foam shortage of assessors, large number of applicants for chainsaw courses (89), new Structural Instructor Craig Bennett ex Aviation Fire Service. 

NOTICE - REGION HR & WELFARE WORK GROUP

Region HR & Welfare Work Group is scheduled for 22nd March, issues that brigades would like to be raised can be done through Kallista Firefighter June Cabena 9755 2187or FTG Firefighter Bill Watson 0432 585 315. Three items that will be raised are: Uniforms for all volunteers, reporting procedures on this web site, Area Welfare Plan 2010 - 2011.

NOTICE - REGION OH&S WORK GROUP

Region OH&S Work Group meeting is on Tuesday the 23rd March, any issues that need to be raised from brigades can be done by contacting Upwey Firefighter John Felstead 9754 3952. Issues set to be raised to date: Time frames for wearing new structural gear on the job, foil insulation problems, solar panel problems, findings on near miss & accidents on Black Saturday

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations Captain Helen Kenny St Andrews Fire Brigade, For outstanding service in protecting the community. Captain Kenny is recognised in the 'Womens Legends of Service Delivery' by the Institute of Public Administration Australia. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE - BRIGADE REPS WORKSHOP

Sunday April 18th 2010 is the date for the "Future Focus Workshop" The aim of the workshop is to strengthen your Regional Council. Brigade Association Representatives are invited to attend this important workshop. Further details are to follow, please register your interest with either Geoff Peacock or Bill Watson. 

BRIEF SUMMARY OF REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING 14th FEBRUARY 2010

* One minutes silence observed in rememberance of Tolmie Brigade member Hugh Monroe.

Again a very encouraging turnout of Brigade Delegates, 60 attending with guests being General Manager Lex de Man and Acting Operations Manager Gary Weir.  

Other guests were both from VFBV, Peter Beaton who is handling the media kit project for brigades, that is a kit designed to help increase the number of times your brigade appears in good news stories in your local media, and to help you make useful connections with local decision makers - connections which will pay off when you have a serious local issue on your hands. 

Adam Barnett from VFBV is running the "Future Focus Workshops", Adam gave an overview of the purpose of the workshops and the importance & relevance of your local association in terms of forthcoming changes within CFA and your association being a strong advocate for volunteers . Representatives are strongly urged to attend this workshop. 

Numerous issues were dealt with including a number of motions being passed for action.

• Brigade leave of absence protocols, clarification on policy
• Actions in relation to Feb 7 incident investigations, whats planned?
• Stores issues involving PPC, situation improving
• Request for oxygen therapy units on tankers
• Shortage of pagers, request more, situation clarified
• Region 13 spare pumper, needs replacing with a unit in line with current pumper models in use
• First aid policy in region, concerns over allowable numbers
• CFA / DSE web site containing outdated information on incident summary lists
• Request for investigation on adequate seat belts in ROPS of tankers
• Investigation into adequate seat belts in other CFA appliances
• Auxillary service awards clarification on what type(s) are allowed / available
• Travel rates for volunteers inconsistent
• Boundary alignment project impact on Region 13 Brigades
• Original T shirt issue for firefighters not followed through        These issues and others issues will be have more detailed explanation later in “Issues of Interest” keep checking  

* To keep our Regional Council meetings flowing & efficient, ensure your brigade has written motions submitted to your VFBV executive well in advance of the next meeting