Don’t suffer in silence
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
This month’s column comes from Stawell, where at time of writing, and publishing in the April edition of Fire Wise- thousands of volunteers have gathered for this year’s State Championships. Following five years at Mooroopna, the Championships moved to the west of the State this year, and were hosted by the Stawell Brigade in District 16 where they were ably supported by surrounding brigades across the Group and District, as well as local District management and staff, and the broader teams at CFA and VFBV who support these critical events. The local Host Committee did a fantastic job, and the locals welcomed members from far and wide to enjoy the wonderful surrounding areas hospitality, good weather and local community.
With the Stawell Gift scheduled for the week following our competitions, Stawell was most certainly at its peak event tempo, and the support of the Northern Grampians Shire was very much appreciated and welcomed. The Stawell Gift is Australia’s oldest, richest and most prestigious footrace, and began in 1878, so Stawell was a very fitting place to return to, with our own Torchlight procession having commenced some years earlier in 1873.
And while our competitors were not competing for the $40,000 first place gift available to the winners of the Stawell Gift, you could hardly tell. Bragging rights alone was evidently more than enough motivation, with the friendly competition between brigades on full display and competition fierce.
This year’s Championships saw just over 1,000 competitors, from 175 teams from across the State come together, joined by thousands of other CFA members, families and the general public to make an incredible melting pot that sits at the apex of the CFA calendar.
Members not only enjoyed the competitions but had the opportunity to meet and chat with CFA organisational units, members of the executive and board, as well as inspecting and providing feedback on equipment such as the next-gen pumper, CFA’s new driving simulator, as well as trying out the aviation simulator. Free health checks as well as a plethora of services to assist members with the VRH, LMS and other systems volunteers frequently rely.
The Championships represent the largest gathering of CFA members on an annual basis, with representatives from Western Australia and Tasmania joining us this year. The fact that numbers exceeded last year, even after an exhausting fire season and increased fuel costs - is testament to the dedication of brigades and volunteers who use the annual competitions as a crucial way to keep members connected, maintain high morale and hone their fire ground skills in a friendly and fun - yet competitive - environment.
In fact, as previous Chief Officers have all testified, the annual championships are one of CFA’s most effective and efficient training exercises in our arsenal to regularly prepare and exercise the skills and tactics that are used each year to protect life and property across Victoria.
With such a large gathering of members from across the State, it was also a crucial opportunity for volunteers to discuss contemporary issues and debrief after what has been a busy summer. Getting such a cross mix of volunteers from right across the State also reinforced to me the value of VFBV’s broad consultative framework that ensures we are regularly informed by the broad and diverse range of brigades and volunteers from across the whole state.
Over the two weekends the face-to-face feedback was consistent with what has come in through our local consultative forums and District Councils held across the State so far this year.
It was particularly humbling to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback about the mature and professional approach that VFBV has provided over recent months, especially given the challenging environment and potential risks to volunteer reputation. Feedback also reinforced the importance of ensuring our work that often goes on behind the scenes to educate and build respect for volunteers not only across CFA but across the whole emergency management sector and government continues unabated.
Many voiced a strong desire for us to continue to resist partisan political headwinds that will only amplify as we move closer to this year’s State election; while ensuring we keep the heat on those decision makers who are responsible.
The anger and disappointment towards government about its lack of support for CFA volunteers was evident, but not unexpected, as people reinforced the disconnect between government messaging and their actions on the ground. There continues to be a very strong desire to call out the meaningless drivel and spin from government and agency media releases and continue to focus on practical improvements that actually benefit volunteers and the communities they protect.
Most worryingly for me was the number of volunteers who expressed concerns and reservations from experiences encountered during the fire season but had decided not to raise it through formal channels. Almost always, the reason given was they didn’t feel it would make any difference and that CFA or government didn’t care, so what was the point?
And while an element of this cynicism has always existed, I was concerned by the frequency it was raised, and the lack of confidence or trust people expressed in CFA’s after-action review process.
It is timely therefore for me to share some recent discussions with CFA to strengthen the AAR process and improve transparency and most importantly – action to actually fix the issues being raised.
For example, this year a greater emphasis on ground up feedback should be achieved by the Strike Team Leader, Sector and Divisional Commander surveys. These are in addition to the District AAR’s being held between now and the end of April. CFA have also agreed to improved cooperation with our CFA/VFBV Joint Operations Committees that will improve transparency while also providing a mechanism for volunteers to have input into the actions assigned to the opportunities for improvement identified through this year’s AAR process.
However – this very much relies on feedback from you.
If you had a poor experience or have observations that you think relevant to this year’s fire season, please get involved. Search for “Post Season Debrief” on members online, or you should find a tile on the members online homepage that you can click. Any individual may submit an observation.
VFBV’s focus will not just be on raising the concerns but simultaneously working with CFA to address them. And if the issue is outside CFA’s sphere of influence, then we will work with agency partners and government to try and have it addressed.
In particular, I am keen to address those issues which have been persistent over the years and should no longer be occurring at all. While the fog of war in the very early days of a campaign fire can make logistics challenging, I continue to be frustrated by reports of strike teams well into the season not receiving proper SMEACS briefings, not being tasked, or turning up to only be told they weren’t expected, or there isn’t any accommodation or food.
These are simply unacceptable and fails to recognise that volunteers are giving up the most precious thing they have – their time. And CFA’s systems, oversight and accountability processes need to recognise this. In interagency settings, EMV must step up to provide the accountability and assurance across the agencies. If you are benefiting from the volunteer system you must equally be accountable for caring, nurturing and protecting it.
It is also timely to discuss flexible shift and deployment formats, acknowledging that not one format will suit everyone or even every District – but volunteers should be involved with how they are designed and implemented.
A very big theme raised with me has been Comms, and in particular radios. I was shocked by how many people reported issues, but when asked if they had completed a radio observation report said no. In members online, search for “Operational Communications” and you will find a link to the Operations Communications Tools and Applications. From here, you can report issues with paging, supplementary alerting, radio observations and more general communications observations.
When you make a report – each issue is allocated to a technician to investigate. This is the only way we can demonstrate widespread issues that cannot be simply dismissed.
This is also the only way that problems with the radio network, towers, or handsets will be able to be diagnosed. The assumption that radios simply don’t work in smoke can sometimes be overstated and be a bit of misnomer, and reporting an issue allows technicians to determine if the issue was a tower, channel, topography, or even user error, such as trying to use a portable radio when a mobile radio should have been used. It will also reveal if an IMT was not using the pre-determined comms plan and channel allocation – which will contribute significantly to the AAR process.
Another advantage to reporting a comms fault, is CFA can also use this data to report blackspot observations that the Commonwealth Government can then use to prioritise 4G and 5G blackspot remediation programs down the line.
It is also timely to remind members that submissions to the Upper House closes Inquiry into the 2026 Summer Fires on the 19 April, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity to raise broader observations and impacts such as planned burning, budgetary pressures, the age of the fleet, lack of infrastructure, maintenance, morale or workforce issues including lack of IMT training and mentoring/exercising that may have been observed during this year’s fire season.
No one can fix what they don’t know about, so I urge members to embrace the numerous opportunities available to provide feedback.
Given we appear to be entering a window of heightened fire activity, the next few years could be challenging. But the challenge also presents an opportunity. It was Churchill who opined that those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. As one of the most fire prone places on the planet, Victoria has the distinction of being at the forefront of bushfire management. The decisions and actions we take today will not just influence emergency management in our little part of the world but may also inform other fire services right across the world.
Get involved and provide your feedback. Your feedback is what drives our advocacy and helps us try and effect change that benefits not only volunteers – but the very communities who rely on our duty and service. We simply cannot do it without you.
Vale
VFBV were saddened to learn of the passing of Association Life Member L. V. E. “Digger” Winsall AFSM in late March.
Digger was a member of the Warracknabeal brigade for more than 75 years and was a member of the VUFBA Executive Committee representing Region 17 for 19 years from 1978 to 1997. During his time he served on many committees including Fire Prevention Committee, Communications Committee, Finance Committee, Equipment Review and Training Committee and the Competitions and Rules Committee.
On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Digger’s family, friends, loved ones, the Warracknabeal brigade and fellow firefighters at this sad time.
Survey last chance
The annual VFBV Volunteer Survey will close shortly.
Visit the VFBV website to take part in the survey today.
Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
Volunteers supporting the Good Friday Appeal
CFA volunteers have again stepped up to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital with their annual Good Friday Appeal.
CFA volunteers raised an incredible $2.15 Million during this year’s appeal, marking more than $43 million that has been raised by CFA volunteers for the appeal over the last 75 years.
To think this is on top of the $2.5 Billion dollars that emergency service volunteers contribute towards the Victorian economy each and every year just underscores the incredible public value created by Victoria’s emergency service volunteers.
While some members have been the direct beneficiaries and seen first hand the incredible work that the Royal Children’s Hospital does for our kids, it is testament to our broad community links that sees thousands of CFA volunteers from right across the State coming together each year to volunteer even more of their precious time to take part in this important cause.
Volunteers should be incredible proud of their significant contribution to raising funds each year for the RCH, and we pass on the sincere thanks and gratitude of appeal organisers for the significant efforts shown each year.
Donate now
The VFBV Volunteer Support & Recovery Trust fund (formerly Black Saturday Recovery Trust Fund) was established in 2009 following the Black Saturday fires.
This fund is established to respond to significant natural disasters such as floods, storms and bushfires impacting on CFA volunteers, and is calling for donations to support CFA volunteers who have been directly impacted by the 2025/26 Bushfires.
Donate at: www.givenow.com.au/volunteersupport
State Champs wrap
This year more than 1,000 competitors and 200 judges and officials came together at North Park Reserve in Stawell to contest the State Rural and Urban Championships over two weekends.
The State Urban Junior Championship was held first on 21 and 22 March with Echuca A having a dominate weekend, winning the Grand Aggregate as well as the Dry Aggregate, Wet Aggregate and the Under 17 Aggregate. The Under 14 years aggregate was a close contest with just 2 points separating first to third places, with Grovedale A coming out on top with 26 points.
The following weekend, 28 and 29 March, saw the Rural Senior and Junior and Urban Senior State Championships take place. The State Rural Senior Championship was the first title decided this weekend with Leopold A the winner in Division 1, Mandurang A won Division 2, Hurstbridge D won Division 3 and Eldorado E collected points in all 6 events to win the female aggregate.
Beazley’s Bridge was the Champion brigade in the State Rural Junior Championship with 126 points from Napoleon’s-Enfield with 64 points. Beazley’s Bridge A also won the 11-13 years aggregate taking out first place in all five events. While Napoleons-Enfield A won the 11-15 years aggregate.
The State Urban Senior Championship Grand Aggregate was won by Osborne Park Orange with 64 points ahead of Melton Maroon with 52 points. Cohuna won the B Section Aggregate by just one point from Creswick. The Female Aggregate was won by Echuca and Tatura won the Dry Aggregate. While the Champion Competitor was awarded jointly to Bailey Rhodes (Melton Maroon) and Jeremy Withall (Tatura).
The popular Torchlight Procession also took place as part of the Championships with first place awarded to Melton and Knox Group with 92%, Euroa came second with 90% and third place was awarded to Morwell and Dandenong. Full results from the State Championships can be found on pages 10 to 12 of this month’s edition of Fire Wise and also on the VFBV website.
The State Championships would not have been the success that they were without the tireless efforts of the Stawell State Championships Committee who worked tirelessly to ensure that the venue was prepared with the support of the Northern Grampians Shire Council. Thank you also to the competitors, coaches, supporters and families who keep the competitions going, not only in attending the State Championships but also the many local competitions held each year. VFBV’s thanks is also extended to the CFA staff who contribute to the success of the championships, particularly the DMOs.
VFBV’s competition committees will be meeting in the coming months to review this year’s State Championships, if any brigades, competitors or spectators have any feedback that they would like to be considered for either committee please forward this to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rebate Scheme
A reminder that the eligible volunteers rebate scheme is now open for eligible volunteers and life members to apply for a rebate on an eligible property under the Emergency Services Tax.
VFBV continues to hear misinformation about eligibility. Some members have reported they are not eligible due to the current rate freeze that paused the primary producer tax rate to last year’s levels. This pause does not affect the rebate scheme, and members who own their primary place of residence or farm and are listed on the title, are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a rebate by logging into their CFA online account, to complete the CFA eligibility test.
To check the rules and eligibility requirements, you can visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/evrs
If you are eligible and own an eligible property, head to Members Online to start the process
2026 Annual Firefighter Memorial Service
CFA’s Annual Firefighter Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 3 May 2026 at VEMTC Central Highlands, Balan to honour firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting their communities.
The service is held on the Sunday, close to International Firefighters’ Day, and provides an important opportunity for family members, friends, CFA and VFBV executives as well as government representatives to come together to lay wreaths, remember lives and honour the personal sacrifices and commitment firefighters make each and every day.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by 20th April via www.cfa.vic.gov.au/rsvp
Fire Wise – April 2026 online only edition
The April 2026 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website for a small subscription fee.
You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
All members are invited to have your say on a major piece of work, years in the making, that CFA claims will shape the foundations for flexible, clear and modern volunteer membership at CFA now and into the future.
The Options Paper seeks feedback on 13 recommended options that are designed to support real life circumstances and improve the way people join, stay, move between brigades, contribute in different ways, and transition roles over time. All while supporting brigades to broaden and maintain their membership and strengthen capability without the unnecessary burdens.
The options in the paper come directly from what volunteers and brigades have told CFA over the past several years about some of the unintentional barriers in the current model, that limit opportunities for volunteering.
For more information on how to provide feedback to both CFA and VFBV on the options presented as well a link to download the Options Paper visit the VFBV website.
SOP Feedback
CFA has requested VFBV review and provide feedback on 11 updated or new SOP’s. Please visit the VFBV website for links to download each of the SOP’s as well as VFBV’s comparison tables for the 9 updated SOP’s.
Given the importance of SOP’s in CFA’s operational doctrine, all members are encouraged to review and revised SOP’s and provide any feedback, suggestions or amendments including indicating support or non-support for the proposed SOP’s to VFBV ASAP.
Please visit the VFBV website to access the draft SOP’s and change logs to help guide your feedback as well information on how to provide feedback.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Donate Now – Supporting CFA Volunteers in a time of need
Now Open – 2025/26 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
2026 Annual Firefighter Memorial Service
Parliamentary Inquiry into 2026 Fires
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
SOP Feedback – Various Interim SOP’s (October 2025)
2026 State Urban Junior Championship Results
2026 State Rural Senior Championship Results
2026 State Rural Junior Championship Results
2026 State Urban Senior Championship Results
Presumptive Legislation Update
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