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October 12, 2023 1930

Now Open - 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey

The 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey is now open for all CFA volunteers to take part. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY The survey is an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by CFA volunteers. It is one of the key opportunities for CFA volunteers to have their voices both individually and collectively heard. The results from the survey will directly influence the upcoming years priority actions while also tracking trends… (more)

September 06, 2022 4142

Open for Consultation Dashboard

This page provides a summary of items that are currently open for broad consultation and feedback is being sought. Members are encouraged to review any of the items below and provide feedback/comment and/or suggestions ASAP. We encourage members not to wait until deadlines to provide feedback, but rather provide it as early as possible which will give us a chance to conduct further research that may assist us being able to advocate more strongly… (more)

January 20, 2017 45731

CFA’S VOLUNTEER SURGE CAPACITY – ESSENTIAL FOR VICTORIA

How CFA activates thousands of TRAINED, EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS to deal with multiple major incidents, anywhere at any time. How MELBOURNE’S SUBURBS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE. How VICTORIA NEEDS CFA’S SURGE CAPACITY hundreds of times a year. Our colourful animated video explains how CFA’s volunteer surge capacity works. Our computer-generated video shows a satellite view of hundreds of brigades as they respond. Our animated video gives you a… (more)

Recent Articles

Dec 04, 2023 266

December 2023 Newsletter

To Queensland and back again By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer As another year comes to a close, we again see the value and importance of Victoria’s volunteer surge capacity in action.… (more)

Dec 04, 2023 360

International Volunteer Day 2023

“If everyone did” is the theme for International Volunteer Day in 2023. International Volunteer Day is celebrated each year on 5 December as a day to acknowledge volunteers and the spirit of… (more)

Dec 01, 2023 423

Marking 25 Years since Linton

December 2, 2023 marks 25 years since the loss of five Geelong West volunteer firefighters that died during the Linton blaze. The fire had started on private property and spread through more than 600… (more)

Dec 01, 2023 607

Feedback Requested - Unreasonable Complaints Policy

Formal consultation has commenced on a new CFA Policy to cover 'Unreasonable Complaints'. The proposed draft policy is available for download from the bottom of this page. For the purposes of… (more)

Dec 01, 2023 840

Feedback Requested - Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)

Formal consultation has commenced on six updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) covering driving doctrine. The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and… (more)

Nov 30, 2023 422

VESEP Grants Announced

The Minister for Emergency Services the Hon Jaclyn Symes recently announced the successful projects for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) 2023/24. VFBV would like to… (more)

Nov 28, 2023 862

2024 State Championships - Entries Now Open

Entries have opened for the 2024 State Championships, as with previous years entries and judge and official nominations for all State Championships will be collected online. The 2024 State… (more)

Nov 17, 2023 841

NSW in the line of duty death

VFBV is saddened to advise that a NSW volunteer firefighter lost their life in the line of duty fighting a fire near Walgett in Northern NSW. The RFS volunteer was working on the Hudson fire in the… (more)

Nov 03, 2023 1154

November 2023 Newsletter

Policy should help not hinder By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer It is clear from the fire seasons being experienced in Queensland and NSW so far this spring that this year’s fire season… (more)

Oct 12, 2023 1328

Our Community, Our CFA

We are tens of thousands of Victorians, committed to protecting lives and property. We are skilled, determined and here to serve Victorians now and into the future. We are from the community and for… (more)

Oct 12, 2023 1447

Emergency Services Foundation Scholarships

Applications are now open for the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) Scholarships. The ESF scholarship program provides an opportunity for volunteers and paid staff from Victoria’s emergency… (more)

Oct 06, 2023 1650

October 2023 Newsletter

You don’t need to be Einstein By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer Honestly, there are days that an eye roll emoji just doesn’t cut it. I refer to a gathering in Canberra of “key… (more)

Oct 06, 2023 2737

Feedback Requested - Standard Operating Procedures

Formal consultation has commenced on six updated Standard Operating Procedures. (SOP's) The proposed draft SOP's are available for download from the bottom of this page and contain: SOP 6.02 Crew… (more)

Oct 05, 2023 1611

Presumptive Legislation Update

For several years now VFBV has been active in calling for support for the expansion of Victoria’s Presumptive Legislation scheme. We have campaigned strongly for female reproductive cancers to be… (more)

Oct 02, 2023 1824

2024 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest

VFBV are seeking expressions of interest from members to be Joint Committee District Nominees for the 2023 VFBV/CFA Joint Committees. Interested volunteers are encouraged to submit your expression of… (more)

Sep 05, 2023 1992

September 2023 Newsletter

Integrity and Honour By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer It was theoretical physicist Albert Einstein who said: “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with… (more)

Aug 04, 2023 2367

August 2023 Newsletter

Strong, safe and sustainable By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer Speaking at an ‘Every Woman Every Child’ event, it was Melinda Gates who said “The world is full of what seem like… (more)

Jul 17, 2023 2460

July 2023 Newsletter

Feedback Loop By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer The last several months have seen some significant items out for broad consultation, with the two most recent items eliciting a very high… (more)

Jun 15, 2023 2796

June 2023 Newsletter

The change makers By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer In this month’s edition of Fire Wise, members will find a copy of the 16-page VFBV Quarterly Supplement. As well as the usual updates… (more)

Jun 13, 2023 3026

King's Birthday Honours List 2023

Among almost 1,200 Australian’s recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list this year were two CFA members for their contributions to the Victorian community who have been honoured with the… (more)

Jun 08, 2023 4129

Feedback Requested - Brigade Finance Policy Suite

Formal consultation has commenced on a proposed Brigade/Group Finance Policy Suite, which is intended to replace current brigade and group finance policies. The proposed draft policy suite is… (more)

Jun 08, 2023 3953

Feedback Requested - Amendments to CFA policy for Working with Children Clearances

Formal consultation has commenced on amendments proposed by CFA to their policy for Working with Children Clearances. (WWCC) The proposed draft policy is available for download from the bottom of… (more)

May 15, 2023 2881

National Volunteer Week 2023

This week (15 – 21 May) is National Volunteer week, and sets out to celebrate the power of how volunteers drive change and ensure that volunteering is inclusive. The 2023 theme for National Volunteer… (more)

May 04, 2023 2749

International Firefighters' Day 2023

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed each year on the 4th May. This is also St Florian's Day, who is the patron saint of firefighters. St. Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters… (more)

May 03, 2023 4987

May 2023 Newsletter

EMV home goal By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer This month I am drawing strength from a Gandhi quote – “Truth never damages a cause that is just.” I was most unfortunate to attend the… (more)

Apr 28, 2023 4045

2023-24 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack

Applications should be submitted to your District ACFO by Friday 16th June 2023. Applications are now open for the 2023-24 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the closing… (more)

Apr 20, 2023 2758

CFA Annual Memorial Service 2023

The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 7 May in Mt Macedon to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year’s memorial service will mark the 35th event,… (more)

Apr 06, 2023 2902

April 2023 Newsletter

Be alert – not alarmed By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter” is one of my favourite quotes (for obvious reasons), attributed to… (more)

Mar 26, 2023 4769

2023 State Urban Senior Championship Results

Final results for the 2023 State Urban Senior Championships held in Mooroopna on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2023 are now available. The full results are available for download at the bottom of… (more)

Mar 26, 2023 3487

2023 State Rural Junior Championship Results

Final results for the 2023 State Rural Junior Championship held in Mooroopna on Sunday 26 March 2023 are now available. The results are available for download at the bottom of this page. Presentation… (more)

VFBV Newsletter

VFBV Updates

Welcome

VFBV is the representative body (Association) for CFA Volunteers and is established under Victorian law, the Country Fire Authority Act, to represent CFA volunteers on all matters that affect their welfare and efficiency.

Our vision statement is: Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria.

VFBV works with the CFA Board and Management, Go...