Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit to being registered as a brigade member with CFA?
No.

Can all auxiliary members be registered with the CFA as brigade members?
Yes, if they wish to do so. This should be by agreement with the brigade. Meaningful roles should also be agreed on at this time. Normal registration requirements apply ie. criminal record check etc.

What are the advantages of being registered as a brigade member as opposed to an auxiliary member?
Service history is recorded on CFA's Resource Management System. Insurance provisions are much clearer. Emergency Memberlink Card availability.

When auxiliary members are registered as brigade members, do they have voting rights?
Currently they would have normal voting rights unless a brigade constitution specified otherwise. Under the Chief Officer’s Brigade and Membership Classifications Position Paper, voting rights of all brigade members may be described in brigade constitutions.

Can past auxiliary service be recorded on CFA's Resource Management System?
Yes, if registered as a brigade member. This requires relevant information to be provided to the Regional Officer.

Being recognised by the CFA with auxiliary members having their own individual numbers like volunteer firefighters.
Only members registered with the CFA can be issued with an ID number.

Photo identification for auxiliary members.
This is a local issue with the Brigade and the Region.

If I transfer to another brigade, does my service history continue?
Your previous brigade should advise your service details to your new brigade. If registered as a brigade member, your history will already be recorded.

How does the CFA record new members of Auxiliaries?
If the member is registered with the CFA, their details will be included on the CFA database. If not registered with the CFA, the Auxiliary maintains the record.

How do auxiliary members access Brigades On Line if don’t have a volunteer number?
Have to be registered with the CFA.

Are Auxiliary Long Service Awards available?
Yes, these are available from the Associations if the Brigade is affiliated; but if the Auxiliary is not registered with the Brigade, service awards are not available.

Are auxiliaries required to close their bank account and have the funds in the brigade account?
No, but the account must be under the umbrella of the Brigade.

Are there CFA Guidelines for the overall operation of auxiliary finances.
No. Auxiliaries can have their own accounts/books, but comes under the umbrella of the Brigade.

Financial Constraints of Auxiliaries; the centralisation of financial control ie. the need for auxiliaries to place orders through the Region, then the Region invoices the auxiliary.
If an Auxiliary or the Brigade does not have their own ABN, the Auxiliary can claim the GST through the CFA under the CFA’s ABN after a purchase. Small claims must be aggregated to a minimum of $200.00 before claiming under CFA ABN.

How to attract new younger members to become involved.
Recruitment is a local issue. For future discussion with the CFA.

Communication and sharing of information between auxiliaries – sharing of ideas and initiatives that brigades are undertaking.
The Auxiliary Annual Conference is the ideal forum; possibly information may be available through the VFBV webpage in the future.

More frequent State Conferences or Regional Conferences ie. two smaller Conferences a year.
Not feasible at this point in time.

The apparent “phasing out” of Ladies Auxiliaries.
Aim of the Working Party and the Annual Conference is to encourage Auxiliaries to stay viable.

That there should be no discrimination eg. ‘Ladies’ Auxiliary.
It is not illegal to have a ‘Ladies Auxiliary’; this is a decision of the Auxiliary in consultation with the Brigade.

The unsureness of boundaries ie. what is a brigade role, what is an auxiliary role?
This is an internal issue between the Auxiliary and the Brigade Management Team.

Catering issues:

• a confidential list of health issues eg. Gluten Free, Diabetic, Celiacs
• what to feed the firefighters - what works, what doesn’t
• working with other agencies, as addressed by CFA HQ
• children being where meals are prepared
• takeaway food
• uniform code throughout the CFA of food able to be supplied
• list of what can help us supply the food eg. hot boxes/cold boxes.

These and other issues are covered under the Operational Catering & Facilities Review document.

A member interested in the position of Catering Officer.
There is no position within the CFA at this time.

What training/competency is required for Auxiliary members to deliver food to the fire ground, attend staging areas and incident control centres?
Maintain Safety at a CFA Incident. This is a basic course which is delivered in one day.

How can auxiliary members obtain first aid training?
It is the decision of the Brigade Management Team as to who receives first aid training.
Regional Policy determines the numbers of volunteers to be trained in first aid.

Are auxiliary members covered by insurance?
All auxiliary members are covered and insured under Work Cover; refer to CFA HR policy.