The Fireman Columns
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Most Recent Column in The Fireman - May 2009
VFBV REJECTS BOARD OF REFERENCE FINDINGS
The Board of VFBV is extremely concerned about the decision of the UFU/CFA Board of Reference/Disputes Board on brigade staffing published by its chairman, former Industrial Relations Commissioner, Bob Merriman on 7 April 2009.
The Board of Reference/Disputes Board was established under the UFU’s enterprise agreement and empowered by a common law deed signed by the CFA with the UFU last year. The decision, if imposed on CFA, sets career staffing levels at 25 brigades and establishes manning levels for appliances at a number of these brigades – overriding the powers of the Chief Officer and the Authority under the CFA Act.
The Disputes Board even determined that the "... CFA must develop a Volunteer Development Program in consultation with the UFU and the Volunteer Association.."!
VFBV supports the CFA as a volunteer and community based fire and emergency service. We support the current integrated model of paid career staff working with and in support of volunteers at key locations as determined necessary by the Chief Officer in consultation with volunteers, staff and the community.
We do not support industrial agreements, deals and fixes that override the statutory role of the Chief Officer and the Authority to determine operational staffing and resource deployment.
Extremely concerned by this process (including its precedent for the future) VFBV wrote to the Chairman and CEO of CFA, the Premier and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services on 9 April requesting further action on this matter be suspended and the matter be reviewed in accord with the Volunteer Charter and the associated common law deed between CFA and VFBV. At the time of publication we are awaiting replies.
VFBV BOARD MEETS IN REGION 2
The VFBV Board held its May Board Meeting at Eaglehawk Fire Station on Friday 1 May. Prior to the meeting Board members were joined by State Council Executive Committee members to participate in a workshop facilitated by Catherine Dunlop from Maddox Lawyers to fine tune the key issues contained within the VFBV submission to the 2009 Bushfire Royal Commission.
Board members were joined in the evening by association, group and brigade members from throughout Region 2 where an open forum discussion covered many issues. All present enjoyed a fine dinner provided by our hospitable hosts. VFBV thanks Eaglehawk Brigade and the Brigade Auxiliary members for their warm welcome and their attentive service.
VFBV GRANTED LEAVE TO APPEAR AT ROYAL COMMISSION
On behalf of all CFA volunteers, VFBV sought and has been granted conditional leave to appear before the 2009 Bushfire Royal Commission. In seeking to appear VFBV has secured the opportunity to prepare a submission and provide in person verbal evidence directly to the Royal Commissioners on matters vitally important to CFA volunteers and the future for our CFA Volunteer and community based fire and emergency service.
VFBV working in partnership with CFA will promote the value and effectiveness of the integrated volunteer model and will strongly advocate that the State of Victoria and our communities are best served by preserving and strengthening the volunteer and community model to continue to serve our communities.
CFA MEMORIAL SERVICE
VFBV representatives joined with more than 300 fire service, community representatives and family members in attending the 2009 CFA Firefighter Memorial Service held at Fiskville on Sunday 3 May.
Marking the significance of this year’s memorial was the large contingent of Political Leaders, Emergency service leaders, community and family members to take part in this remembrance service, so soon following the tragic events of the 2009 Bushfires.
The Victorian Premier Hon John Brumby MP spoke to those gathered of the sacrifice and commitment emergency service personnel give every day, and implored all CFA members who may be at this time reflecting on their involvement in the future to stay on and continue the fight..."‘your State and our communities need you" was a resounding and clear message to all present.
Bishop Michael Hough unveiled plaques on the Wall of Honour for Joseph Sheppard from Arthurs Creek who lost his life as a result of the 2009 bushfires, and a special plaque remembering 10 Tarrawingee Brigade members lost in fires in 1943 prior to the formation of CFA. Also remembered was David Balfour from the ACT Fire Service who was tragically killed while on support force duties assisting his Victorian colleagues in the recent fires.
VFBV OPEN FORUM
A reminder of the Joint Open Forum for all CFA brigades being held on Saturday 21 June. VFBV encourages all brigades to send delegates to the Open Forum to receive direct feedback on the operations of VFBV, and for brigades to directly raise any other issues of interest or concern.
Directions: The Open Forum will be held at the Burwood Campus of Deakin University, Melways Map 577, delegates entering via Gate 1 from Burwood Highway and proceeding to park in the multi level carpark via carpark entrance #6 and parking on Level 3. VFBV Signs will direct delegates to Lecture Theatre No.12 in Building X
Visit the VFBV website for a copy of the map of the Deakin University campus: www.vfbv.com.au
Commencing at 1.00 pm, following a light lunch at 12.30pm, delegates are requested to advise their attendance for catering purposes by Friday12 June 2009 Email to: vfbv@vfbv.com.au or Tel. 9886 1141
REGIONAL FUTURE FOCUS WORKSHOPS & COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Over the next 9 – 12 months VFBV will facilitate Regional Council planning Workshops aimed at strengthening Regional Councils and raising their profile both within CFA and in the broader community. It is planned that there will be a Workshop in every Region and they have been funded by the Valuing Volunteers Program which is an initiative of the State Government.
The Planning Workshops (to be titled "Future Focus Workshops") will provide the opportunity for representatives of all financial brigades and groups in the region to be part of development of a plan for the way forward for their Regional Council. It is important that in developing a plan that there is as much input from the membership as possible to ensure that the plan is truly reflective of the aspirations and expectations of them.
The Regional Future Focus Workshops will be complemented by four Communication Development Workshops that will be in locations spread strategically around the state. Participation in these Workshops will be by nomination and are targeted at current State Councilors, Regional Council Executive Committee members and volunteers who have potential to be more actively involved in VFBV activities.
Communications has always been a problem for the volunteer bodies and we are keen to address this so that VFBV can effectively and proactively support volunteers safe in the knowledge it represents their views.
VOLUNTEERS TO VISIT DARLEY STUD
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, largest racehorse owner in the world and owner of Darley Stud in Victoria, donated $1,000,000 to VFBV for the promotion, development and advocacy of volunteerism following the fires in February for which we are most grateful.
Subsequently Darley Stud management has invited both staff, VFBV representatives and a small group of CFA volunteers to an open day at the stud at Northwood Park (near Seymour) on Friday 22 May as a way of expressing their thanks for the contribution made by volunteers during the Black Saturday fires.
Following a meeting to be held by VFBV and CFA North East Area representatives, the day will feature a parade of stallions, a tour of the property followed by lunch, which will also be attended by a range of racing personalities.
As well as his contribution to VFBV the Sheikh provide a further $1,500,000 for infrastructure projects in the fire ravaged areas of central Victoria.
NEW ROUND OF CSESP ANNOUNCED
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services Hon Bob Cameron MP announced on 1st May, the launch of Round 3 of the very successful Community Safety Emergency Support program –CSESP.
$3.76M has been allocated for Round 3 applicants and the program is open to all CFA brigades, VICSES Units, Life Saving Victoria Clubs, Australian Volunteer Coastguard (AVCG) flotillas and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
The Minister in his press release said local CFA brigades could also apply for the Brumby Government’s special allocation for slip-on units, which have evolved into new ultra-light tankers.
Further information can be found on the CSESP website
