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Emperor’s New Clothes
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
The Emperor’s New Clothes is a classic fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1837.
It’s about a vain fashion-obsessed Emperor who considers his country’s treasury is simply there to support and enrich himself. Two con artists arrive at court and claim to be expert weavers who use only the most expensive and magnificent threads that contain a magical property that make the garments completely invisible to anyone who is stupid or unfit for office. The Emperor is intrigued, believing he could use this magical clothing to expose those in his court that are stupid or incompetent, and orders they start working on his royal garments immediately sparing no expense.
During their production, he sends countless advisors and trusted ministers to check in on the weavers and report back how the garments are progressing. And while the weavers sat at empty machines pretending to work on the garments, the shocked advisors themselves seeing nothing - and so fearful of the consequences of speaking truth to power and appearing stupid or unworthy, all go along with the lie and report back to the Emperor how magnificent and splendorous his new clothing was looking.
Finally, the clothing was ready for his fitting. Looking in the mirror, aghast that he could see nothing, he thinks himself alone as all his loyal advisors have told him they were magnificent. So, he too gushes about how wonderful the new clothes are, not wanting to appear stupid or unworthy. So confident by the flattery and praise from all who saw the new garments, he orders a grand parade to show off his wonderful new attire to the town. With great fanfare, he marches through the streets accompanied by his courtiers who famously walked behind him pretending to carry the invisible train of his flowing garments. At first, the townspeople having heard the rumours that only stupid or incompetent people could not see the clothing cheered and praised the emperors new clothing.
Until a small innocent child in the crowd exclaimed that the emperor was in fact not wearing any clothing at all. Hearing the truth finally awakens the crowd and now everyone can admit that the emperor was indeed wearing nothing, breaking into laughter pointing and jeering at him.
Feeling thoroughly humiliated but not wanting to back down - the Emperor held his head high and continued with the procession, his loyal sycophants faithfully continuing to carry the non-existent train behind him.
At its core, this is a story about independent thinking, the dangers of ego and vanity, denying reality and the importance of speaking truth to power. A fitting metaphor for current times.
With the release of the final report from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires, our goal of achieving bipartisan support for community resilience through community embedded local fire brigades is one step closer. And while the final report rewards our discipline and diligence in pursuing ground truthed common sense solutions to improving community safety, the State Government will now need to turn its mind to its response.
It is instructive therefore to remind ourselves of the government’s key messaging over the last fire season. It has variously been claimed: that CFA is better resourced than it ever has been and has been given all that it needs; CFA capital funding is adequate with CFA building more trucks now than ever; single cab tankers are safe and roadworthy; the CSBA (Community Safety Building Authority) is doing a wonderful job building new CFA fire stations; there is nothing to see about the secondment arrangements and any issues are simply administrative and have no effect on CFA’s operational capability and that volunteer numbers are stable and in fact increasing in recent years with thousands wanting to join.
After six months of public inquiry, we can now judge each of those assertions using the evidence before the inquiry. The evidence shows:
- - CFA funding has not kept pace with inflation, and in real terms CFA grant funding has dropped 13.8% since 2020/21.
- - that over the past three years CFA has only received about one-third of the funding it requested through the State Budget supplementary bidding process.
- - that CFA funding for capital works (trucks and stations) is completely inadequate, and CFA is unable to maintain its asset base with current funding.
- - figures confirm that even after considering recent boosts to fleet funding, those boosts still do not fund minimum replacement of fire trucks.
Pleasingly, the Committee has supported a fully funded accelerated fleet renewal program to replace aging single cab tankers, with transparent independent reporting to Parliament on progress.
Evidence has shown that CSBA’s delivery of CFA fire stations costs up to 3 – 4 times the cost compared to when CFA built equivalent fire stations. Since transitioning to the CSBA - new station builds have reduced to an average of only two per year, down from nine stations a year built under the CFA model for a quarter of the price. Curiously, a formal recommendation to hand station building back to the CFA was blocked by Labor representatives and the Greens.
Evidence from official agency records shows that in the week commencing Monday 5th January, there were nine significant fires that commenced. Over the same period, three of the five ACFO/Commander positions that should have been filled in District 22 were vacant, and a further 25 vacant/non-relived Commander roles resulted in a 50% reduction of command staff across five districts, including District 22 and 2 (the locations of the Longwood and Harcourt fires) which were required to commence 24/7 operations.
Further, official agency records maintained since the commencement of fire service reform in 2020 show that the current financial year is projected to record the highest number of average vacancies/ non-relief positions since records commenced, with on average almost 21.9 positions empty each week, with the worst weeks recording a staggering 42 vacant/non-relieved positions at its worst. The lengths the government and officials at the Department of Justice and Community Safety went to, to try and keep this data hidden was extraordinary.
While the inquiry did make a finding that these long-term vacancy and non-relief issues impacted response (Finding 63) - the committee split along party lines when it came to how to fix it.
The formal recommendation in the majority report recommends that the Victorian government engage the Fire Services Implementation Monitor to evaluate the secondment arrangements and advise how they can be strengthened within the current framework.
Curiously, this recommendation comes even after the independent monitor himself has stated that after five years of reporting - his view is that the agencies have done all they can to try and make the current arrangements work and they simply can’t.
A stronger recommendation pursued by the Liberal, Nationals and One Nation representatives on the committee to abolish the secondments arrangements and return funding and the right for CFA to employ its own command workforce was blocked by Labor and the Greens, using Labor’s casting vote to break the tie.
And finally on the issue of volunteer numbers. Far from being “stable”, the Inquiry has made a finding that operational volunteers have in fact declined by 26% over the past decade. It further finds that despite a continued strong community interest in joining CFA, challenges remain in volunteer retention.
Pleasingly, the committee recommends that the Victorian Government develop and fund a volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention strategy. The same kind of recommendation made by the Volunteer Consultative Forum that was abolished by EMV in 2023.
If you pause and review the last dozen paragraphs, it is clear the government’s previous assertions that there was nothing to see - have been overwhelmingly debunked.
I highly recommend volunteers avail themselves of the opportunity to review the Inquiries Final Report, including the appendices and minority reports. The 406 pages, 93 findings and 80 recommendations are well worth reviewing.
Given the short time available, the Committee as a whole have done an excellent job at distilling the wide range of evidence and testimony provided to the Inquiry over the last six months. In my view, the committee have engaged constructively and maturely with the issues raised and given thoughtful consideration to the issues.
Additional recommendations made by the committee which are most welcome include findings and recommendations around:
- - improved transparency by EMV to publish annual regional readiness statements;
- - inclusion of employment protection for volunteers under the National Employment Standards which was first raised by VFBV during the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements following the 2019/20 fire season;
- - improved access and consultation with volunteers on CFA training opportunities and development of level 2 and 3 incident management roles;
- - embedding local knowledge better into IMTs and incident control centres;
- - improved transparency on CFA fleet age and operability;
- - improved support for private equipment;
- - ongoing funding for strategically located water capacity; hose coupling adapter kits to be fitted on all firefighting appliances;
- - improved risk analysis of extreme fuel risk areas;
- - creation of escalation processes for brigades to request urgent roadside fuel reduction works;
- - clearer authority for CFA to enforce roadside vegetation management;
- - increased support for bushfire preparedness activities;
- - improved warning messaging and public education;
- - stronger telecommunication resilience in disaster prone areas;
- - investigation of emerging fire detection technologies including AI-enabled cameras;
- - funding for accessible mental health and wellbeing services in bushfire affected communities;
- - improved access for veterinarians and registered firearm owners when livestock euthanasia is required and better access for wildlife responders;
- - updates to the VicEmergency app; a review of radio communications;
- - continued funding for CFA’s elevated seasonal response initiatives;
- - improved disaster resilience for telecommunication and energy providers with mandatory resilience standards for mobile phone towers to operate without mains power for a minimum of 48 hours;
- - establish a rural firefighting water infrastructure fund for installation, upgrade and maintenance of water storage assets;
- - review wire rope safety barriers to ensure they do not impede bushfire prevention; and
- - improved recovery and relief arrangements for those affected by disaster and improved recovery support for agriculture.
A very extensive list, and one that the committee should be congratulated on.
If there is to be any criticism from members, it is likely to focus on the fact that some of the recommendations do not go far enough and whether government will actually adopt the recommendations to begin with. Which returns me to where I started.
The Victorian Government have six months to formally respond to the recommendations. Less if they wish to do so before caretaker period. And while I remain optimistic that the overwhelming evidence makes it very difficult for them to ignore, we have been here before.
With recent changes to the Victorian Premiership, we again find ourselves at a crossroads.
Much like the Emperor’s new clothes, the decision to reevaluate previously held positions that fly in the face of overwhelming community evidence to the contrary is best made while the Emperor is privately peering at his new clothes in the mirror. Like the previous Premier before, the government has the rare chance to save face and reevaluate and change course. In the lead up to what is predicted to be another challenging summer, it is not only volunteers who are watching with interest, but millions of Victorians across our rich tapestry of communities that are watching also.
Brigade Allowance Survey
In this year’s affiliation pack sent to all Brigade/ Group Secretaries is a CFA annual allowance survey.
With recent break ins fuelling a desire to invest in increased security, together with the impacts of inflation on increasing everyday costs, an increasing number of brigades and groups are advising VFBV that their CFA annual allowance no longer covers basic expenses or amenity and has not changed for many years.
All responses are confidential with only de-identified information to be shared with CFA. Help us help you and ensure your secretary or treasurer returns the survey by Monday 31st August 2026.
AFAC Solutions Theatre
The AFAC Conference is being held in Melbourne this year, taking place from 18 – 21 August 2026.
While the Conference itself requires payment to attend, coinciding with the conference is the Exhibition and Trades exhibit that is held alongside the conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and completely free to attend.
Entry to the Exhibition is not only free, but CFA volunteers who register for a free visitor pass will also receive a free $25 meal voucher to be used at the Café.
In addition to the large trade show which features hundreds of vendors from across the Emergency Services sector, including vehicle manufactures, personal protective clothing and equipment where members can touch and feel new equipment and innovations - the Solutions Theatre in the heart of the exhibition hall will be offering free 20 minute presentations.
These presentations run right across Tuesday 18 August through to Thursday 20th August, and feature leading experts and agencies who will present on topics such as military level communication; battery electric fire trucks; thermal imaging advancements; automated fire hydrant performance testing; firefighting health monitoring; and wearable intelligence on PPC.
Each day the free sessions run from 10am through to 2pm. So even if you are not attending the conference itself, consider spending the day in Melbourne to visit the sectors largest exhibition and trades exhibit.
Register for your free visit pass from here AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ | Pricing & Registration (Scroll down the bottom of that page and you find the free AFAC Exhibition Visitor registration button), and check out the Solution Theatre schedule here.
Board positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2026. All are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board Member role statement and key selection criteria available from the website or via the office on 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.
Volunteer Unity
Thank you for members’ strong show of support!
In 2025/26, brigades and groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united and independent voice and peak body with the overwhelming majority of Brigades choosing unity over division and supporting VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year and helped us represent volunteers.
Brigade/Group secretaries have received the 2026/27 renewal notices in May.
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.
CVMM closing shortly
CFA has released the Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model (CVMM) Options Paper and seeks your 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 across roles over time.
All while supporting brigades to broaden and maintain their membership and strengthen capability without the unnecessary burdens.
The options 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.
A CFA survey and FAQ is available online here.
Focus Groups
Commencing on 18 August, online focus groups are being scheduled between 7pm - 8pm to explore each of the recommendations outlined in the options paper. Each focus group will concentrate on a specific recommendation – perfect for those who would prefer a more interactive way to provide feedback.
The focus groups will gather additional feedback, insights and ideas as well as answering questions and hearing/discussing different perspectives from participating members.
Members can register for any of the focus groups via Members Online.
ESF Mental Health Showcase 2026
The Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) will be holding their 2026 Mental Health Showcase alongside AFAC26 Conference in Melbourne on 21 August 2026.
The showcase will bring together people from across the emergency management sector and provides a platform to share knowledge, explore best practice and discuss emergency issues and approaches to psychological safety, mental health and wellbeing.
Visit the ESF website for more information and to register. ESF is also offering a limited number of free tickets for emergency service volunteers. To enquire about a free volunteer ticket, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CFA Board Vacancies
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV. This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
A closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
Fire Wise – August 2026 online only edition
The August 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.
AFAC
VFBV is proud to be a supporting partner to this year’s AFAC conference powered by INTERSCHUTZ, Australasia’s premier emergency management and first responders conference and exhibition.
AFAC26 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-21 August.
Separate to the conference agenda, the AFAC26 Trade Exhibition is free to attend and open from 18-20 August.
Spanning over 16,500 square metres, it is the largest showcase of emergency management products, services, and solutions in Australasia.
CFA volunteers can register for a free visitor pass and will receive a free $25 food voucher to spend at the Café.
See the website for details.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Donate Now – Supporting CFA Volunteers in a time of need
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Choose your own adventure
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
Last month I reminded members of the importance of engaging with consultation processes, and the vast opportunities for people to pursue what interest them the most. With so much going on, I thought I would use this opportunity to highlight several opportunities that will shortly be closing for feedback.
I’ll start of course with our very own Annual Vol Survey. The current 2025/26 survey has been open since October last year and will close at the end of this month.
It has been conducted every year since 2012 and has become a critical tool that gives CFA and Government clear feedback directly from volunteers on what is working and what isn’t with regards to their current CFA experience. It is aligned with the financial year to best influence internal CFA budget cycles and priority settings.
We run it each year so we can track and baseline volunteer thoughts and concerns and track trends in volunteer satisfaction. Ultimately the survey measures volunteer morale, and those issues that have a significant impact either on a volunteer’s role, experience, the processes and systems designed to support them, and the overall culture of the organisation and its impact on their experience.
The questions have been chosen by volunteers, and each year there are two or three topical questions which are not baselined but provide a pulse check on contemporary or emerging issues. This year’s unique questions explore whether volunteers think the Victorian State Government provides sufficient funding to support the adequate replacement of CFA trucks and stations; how the CFA systems and processes that volunteers use to register for training works; impacts from the Governments new Emergency Services Tax; and feedback on the new volunteer rebate.
Historical questions that provide trend line data explores issues such as; respect and professionalism towards CFA volunteers; feedback on your role as a volunteer; how well CFA actively engages and consults with you; feedback on support provided by CFA to volunteers to help them with their role; how members access training and their views on training courses; feedback on volunteer recruitment and retention; and how people are managed at the brigade level.
With such a busy fire season, and all the other distractions, we’ve left this year’s survey open until the end of July 2026.
And while the survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, it is one of the most impactful things an individual member can do to provide feedback that gets measured and directly influences CFA’s future budget priorities and where they are going to divert energy towards. The results are studied not only by CFA and Government, but we use the results extensively to inform our advocacy.
Even if you feel nothing much has changed from the last time you completed the survey, our trend data relies on people doing the survey each year so we can track progress (or lack of progress) on the issues of concern to volunteers. If people feel the issue they raise in previous years has not been addressed, but they stop completing the survey – the results may infer that rather than people having given up - the issue is fixed and now everything is great.
The survey is completely confidential, and your personal details are never shared with CFA with only deidentified data being used to report on trends. Complete this year’s survey by going to www.vfbv.com.au/cfa
Now to the project that inspired this month’s title.
Many of you might remember the popular children’s series of books called ‘Choose your own adventure’. The books are pitched towards 7- to 14-year-old’s and allow the reader to choose their role in the adventure and sometimes influence how the story ends. There were 184 books that made up the original series.
And while they are getting a little old in the tooth, and perhaps don’t compete with today’s iPads - their popularity has led to the title entering common vernacular.
Choosing your own adventure however is a fitting metaphor for the CFA Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper that has been released. After a couple of false starts over the years, this project is exploring genuine ways the CFA membership model could be tweaked in order to help the current model meet its full potential and provide greater flexibility.
The Options Paper explores 13 options that have been identified to form the basis of a potential refresh. Several options cover true tweaks, such as formalising dual memberships that allow volunteers to join two or more brigades and how this might affect voting rights, to more substantive changes such as introducing cadet or seasonal membership.
None of these options are written in stone, and the options paper explores support for not only the underlying concept but also seeks your views on any disadvantages or concerns that need to be considered if the option were accepted and implemented.
The options are grouped into three categories; enhancing what already exists; unlocking new opportunities; and refining foundational concepts that support CFA governance.
Such change has not been considered since the brigade and member reclassification projects that date back to the late 90s, and early 2010.
Early feedback already shows some significant divergence in views about some of the concepts and therefore the more people that respond the more robust the final analysis will be on what changes should be considered to the CFA membership model.
The most recent leadership of this project has exemplified model volunteer consultation by pitching concepts, options and proposals for true consideration; provided enough detail to help members understand why it is being considered; has allowed enough time for members to consider their feedback; has worked in partnership with VFBV to engage and harness the lived experience of volunteers; and has provided opportunity for open feedback for any member, BMT, GMT, DPC and District Council’s to influence and provide feedback on each of the options.
Feedback on this project closes end of July. Ensure you have a say on what the future membership model might look like by visiting www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/CVMM
And last but not least, I again draw attention to the large number of Standard Operating Procedures that form the basis of CFA operational doctrine. Acknowledging it can sometimes be hard to keep up with what is being reviewed and what is not, we list all SOPs that are currently open for feedback during their formal VFBV consultation period via our consultation dashboard.
VFBV does not provide formal positions back to CFA until after we have provided an opportunity for all volunteers to review and provide feedback on the changed policies via our processes. This gives every single member an opportunity to significantly influence whether we support a draft CFA position or not, and provides a private and confidential method for you to provide feedback.
Your feedback through our processes usually results in significant change or amendment to procedures that perhaps have not always been well tested from a practicality point of view or where unintended consequences abound.
There are currently 17 SOPs open for feedback and where consultation will shortly close, including SOPs covering RPAS; Foams and Retardants; Health Monitoring; Conducting Planned Burns; Alpine; Animals and Wildlife; Community Education; Incident Handovers; and Response to Power Facilities.
Rather than expecting everyone to comment on everything, reach out to members of your brigade who have subject matter expertise or have shown an interest in a specific incident type and encourage them to get involved. It is only though widespread volunteer testing, and feedback that this doctrine can be ground-truthed and battle tested.
The dashboard is available from www.tinyurl.com/vfbvDashboard/
Choose your own adventure and get involved today.
Brigade Allowance Survey
In this year’s affiliation pack sent to all Brigade/Group Secretaries is a CFA annual allowance survey.
With recent break ins fuelling a desire to invest in increased security, together with the impacts of inflation on increasing everyday costs, an increasing number of brigades and groups are advising VFBV that their CFA annual allowance no longer covers basic expenses or amenity and has not changed for many years.
Recent requests from VFBV to the CFA Board to apply CPI increases to Brigade and Group allowances has not achieved a satisfactory response, and as a result the survey data will inform further VFBV advocacy on this issue.
All responses are confidential with only de-identified information to be shared with CFA. Help us help you and ensure your secretary or treasurer returns the survey by Monday 31st August 2026.
AusAlert
As reported in last month’s 2-Minute-Briefings, on Monday 27 July 2026 all mobile phones in Australia will receive a TEST alert from AusAlert at 2pm AEST. AusAlert is the new national warning system to be used during local and national disasters.
The test warning will vibrate and sound a siren like warning for 10 seconds, and display a critical alert on your screen. The system will also target some smart watches and tablets that are compatible with the system. There is no way to opt out of this system, and only devices that are turned off will be silenced.
Visit the AusAlert website if you want to know more about the system and how it works.
Survey last chance
The annual VFBV Volunteer Survey will close shortly.
Visit the VFBV website www.vfbv.com.au/cfa to take part in the survey today. Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
Volunteer unity
Thank you for members’ strong show of support!
In 2025/26, brigades and groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united and independent voice and peak body with the overwhelming majority of Brigades choosing unity over division and supporting VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year and helped us represent volunteers.
Brigade and group secretaries would have received the 2026/27 renewal notices in May.
Those who pay before 31st July will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. Prizes have been donated by GAAM and we sincerely thank them for their continued support.
VFBV Board Positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2026. All are eligible for re-appointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.
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.
CVMM closing shortly
CFA has released the Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model (CVMM) Options Paper and seeks your 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 across roles over time.
All while supporting brigades to broaden and maintain their membership and strengthen capability without the unnecessary burdens.
The options 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.
A CFA survey and FAQ is available online here.
AFAC26
VFBV is proud to be a supporting partner of this year’s AFAC conference powered by INTERSCHUTZ, Australasia’s premier emergency management and first responders conference and exhibition. AFAC26 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18 to 21 August. The AFAC26 Exhibition is free to attend and open from 18 to 20 August and is one of the largest showcase of emergency management products, services and solutions in Australasia.
VFBV will also have a stand on the exhibition floor at Stand 526. For more information on the conference including how to register for a free exhibition visitor pass which includes a complimentary lunch voucher for CFA volunteers, visit the VFBV website.
King’s Birthday Honours
On the King’s Birthday in June, 4 CFA members were recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for their distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.
The CFA members to receive the AFSM were Peter Irving (Edenhope Fire Brigade), Rodney McErvale (Raglan Fire Brigade), Fiona Macken (Diamond Creek Fire Brigade and CFA staff member) and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan. VFBV Board Member Darren Wallace was also recognised in the honours list, being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
You can read more about each of the recipients on the VFBV website and also learn about how to nominate a member for an AFSM for future honours lists.
Urban Senior Championship Survey
The Urban Competition and Rules Committee are conducting a survey of brigades who compete in the Senior Championship. The survey is seeking to get feedback on the changes that have been implemented to the Senior Championship in the last few years.
The survey is available here and will be open until Monday 27 July 2026 and can be completed by individuals, teams/brigades and competition associations. If you require a paper copy of the survey, please contact the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
CFA Board Vacancies
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV. This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
A closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Donate Now – Supporting CFA Volunteers in a time of need
Closing Soon– 2025/26 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
VFBV is proud to be a supporting partner to this year's AFAC conference powered by INTERSCHUTZ, Australasia’s premier emergency management and first responders conference and exhibition.
AFAC26 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18 to 21 August 2026.
If you have ever wanted to get hands on with the latest firefighting equipment, see new techniques demonstrated live, or connect with peers from across Australasia, AFAC26 is the place to be this August as the best part is, it is right here in Melbourne.
The AFAC26 Exhibition is free to attend and open from 18 to 20 August. Spanning over 16,500 square metres, it is the largest showcase of emergency management products, services, and solutions in Australasia. Hundreds of national and international brands, manufacturers, and suppliers will be on the floor presenting the latest equipment and technology across capability fleet, capability equipment, capability PPE, fire safety, and more, giving you the chance to see it up close, compare options side by side, and speak directly with the people behind the products.
What's on at AFAC26:
- Live Demonstrations on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August, with the latest techniques and technology shown in action on the exhibition floor
- Solutions Theatre delivering free, practical presentations from industry professionals across all three days
- Resources Rescue Theatre offering expert-led sessions tailored to those working in high-risk environments, with CPD points available for attendance, developed in partnership with the Emergency Management Community of Practice
- AIDR Knowledge Centre showcasing the latest research and projects from across the sector
- Continuing Conversations Lounge near the AFAC stand, a great spot to connect with peers and fellow volunteers from across Australasia
- Complimentary $25 lunch voucher redeemable at the Visitor cafes on the exhibition floor for visitors from AFAC member agencies. Check your eligibility when you register.
Whether you are looking to build your skills, get hands on with equipment you may actually use, or simply make the most of having one of the world's leading emergency management events on your doorstep, there is something at AFAC26 for every volunteer.
VFBV will also have a stand on the exhibition floor, if you are attending come say hello at Stand 526.
CFA volunteers may register for a free visitor pass to the trade show exhibition. Registering will also get you a free $25 food voucher to spend.
Register for your free exhibition pass at afacconference.com.au
On 8 June, 949 Australian’s were recognised in the 2026 Kings Birthday’s Honours List, among them were 4 CFA members who were recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for their distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service. VFBV congratulates these members on being recognised for their contribution to CFA and the wider Victorian community.
Peter Irving AFSM – is a widely respected leader who has led volunteer response to major fire events across western Victoria with a strong emphasis on firefighter safety and community protection. A volunteer for more than 40 years, Peter has held a variety of roles in CFA including Group Officer, Lieutenant, Secretary/Treasurer, Brigade Training Officer and also as an office bearing for the VFBV District 17 Council. You can read more about Peter here.
Rodney McErvale AFSM – a CFA member for 37 years, Rodney has held a range of roles across the Raglan fire brigade and Beaufort Group. His strong connection to with his local community has led him to facilitate projects documenting the history of the 2019 Lexton fire and 2024 Bayindeen and Rocky Road fires. You can read more about Rodney here.
Fiona Macken AFSM – has been a CFA volunteer since 2008 and as a member of the Diamond Creek brigade has served as a Lieutenant as also Community Safety Coordinator as well as being a CFA Trainer and Assessor, Strike Team Leader and Driver Educator. Alongside this, Fiona is a CFA staff member who has been overseeing the development and implementation of the Fire Medical Response Program within CFA. You can read more about Fiona here.
Jason Heffernan AFSM – CFA’s Chief Officer has been recognised for his distinguished leadership in fire and emergency management across Victoria and New South Wales for more than 20 years. His award acknowledges his leadership of CFA through significant organisational reform and his championing of a volunteer-focused culture for CFA. You can read more about Jason here.
Also recognised with an AFSM on the King’s Birthday was Aaron Kennedy from Forest Fire Management Victoria and Peter Schroder from Fire Rescue Victoria.
One of VFBV’s Board Members, Darren Wallace, was also recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Darren was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community of Trafalgar through a range of roles including his service to CFA and VFBV.
Other current and former CFA members to be recognised with the Order of Australia Medal for service to their communities include Patricia Crosbie, Colin Gerrard, John Greenwood-Smith, Christine Oliver and Barry Sneddon.
Congratulations to the CFA members and all Australian’s recognised in the King’s Birthday honours this year.
Nominations for AFSM's
Nominations for AFSM's are accepted at any time through CFA's Honours and Awards Committee.
The AFSM honours the distinguished service of members of fire services who make an exceptionable contribution to their communities. The AFSM recognises those whose service is above and beyond the normal zealous and faithful discharge of normal or ordinary service, either in the short or long term.
CFA volunteers are often modest and reluctant to seek out recognition for the service they have provided to their community and may not have a realistic appreciation of the impact they have had on CFA, their community, within VFBV or your Brigade or Group. They’re not in it for the honour or glory, but it’s up to each of us to ensure we take the time to say ‘thank-you’ to those people who have stepped up and help inspire us all to do better.
If you know a quiet achiever who has contributed to CFA, who goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of someone in a similar position, please consider nominating them for an AFSM.
The Australian Honours system has been designed to break down artificial barriers and open the Australian Honours to all parts of our society. Any member of the community can nominate any other Australian citizen for an award.
It is also critically important we encourage nominations for groups who are typically under-represented in Australian Honours like the AFSM. In particular we are encouraging a greater gender mix.
Women in particular are under-represented in AFSM’s awarded when we consider the thousands of women within the fire services across the country. And while things are improving, much more can be done.
There are so many exceptional CFA women and men deserving to be recognised, so please consider nominating someone you feel is deserving.
A common misconception is that only those members who have decades worth of service are recognised by the Honours system. The AFSM is not a long-service award, its sole criterion is distinguished service. And while prolonged service forms part of the key criteria, ‘prolonged’ is considered by the honour and awards committee’s to be taken in context as to what is considered ‘longer than usual’ and in context of what is ‘above and beyond’ the normal or ordinary service expected. Exceptional service that is sustained over a period of time can be considered as satisfying the criteria. For example, has the members contribution been in excess of expectations for a ‘normal’ member and over what duration? The Committee will consider the nature of the service or achievement within the context of a member’s service history when weighing up the various criteria.
This is especially important for women within CFA who may have their service overlooked simply because they haven’t been a Captain or Group Officer for 30+ years. While these are important leadership roles – our service is a team environment, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Nothing should take away from the incredible achievement decade long service is, but the Honours system is designed to recognise those that make a significant contribution, and to represent the things that our communities believe to be deserving of recognition, including from those who are perhaps trailblazers for others to follow. Think of those people who have pushed the boundaries or have been first to reach and hold leadership positions that has been inspirational to those around them. For example, think of members who have overcome additional barriers, like English not being their first language and who have toiled away to learn the language and become masterful communicators designing new innovative community safety engagements to CALD communities and serving as a role model for other community members. Who are the people you look up to? Who are the people who have really made a difference in your Brigade or Group?
Distinguished service includes service that is above and beyond and can be short-term or prolonged. It is service that can be exemplified by; responsibility for an outstanding event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service or community; development of a new system, procedure or technique that is unique and made a significant contribution to the fire service; or outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth within the fire services.
While it can seem daunting to nominate a potential recipient, some guiding principles that could assist in completing a nomination for an AFSM are:
- In what role(s) has the nominee excelled?
- How has the nominee demonstrated service worthy of recognition?
- How has the nominee’s contribution affected a particular field, locality, brigade, group or community at large?
- Over what period has the nominee made a major commitment?
- Has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?
- What makes this person stand out from others?
- What specific examples can be provided to show how the nominee’s contribution(s) have been outstanding?
Nominations for awards are strictly confidential. The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of the confidential nomination at any stage of the process.
Additional Resources to Assist
Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)
Want to discuss a potential nomination or need some more information? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the Australian Fire Service Medal
Introduced in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal recognised distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to both volunteer and paid members. The award recognised the distinguished service by members of a State or Territory Fire Service, a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the Fire Services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Island) and Norfolk Island.
The medal is awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day award and King's Birthday award announcements.
Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal
To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has given service beyond the norm exemplified by:
- Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance in a particular area that has proved significant benefit to the fire service; and one or more of the following.
- Responsibility for and management of an outstanding/exceptional event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Development of a new system, or procedure, or technique that is unique and has made a significant contribution to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.
- Outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth, within the fire service and the fostering and furthering of the aims of the fire service to the long-term benefit of the fire service and the community.
- Demonstrated creativity in the development and implementation of innovative changes that have made a significant contribution to the fire service, fire/emergency operations, or the interests of community safety.
Consultation is non-negotiable
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
If you’ve been following our 2-Minute-briefings over the year, you would be aware that we have been at loggerheads with CFA over its attempted introduction of new medical standards.
Over the past 12 months, we have had more volunteers and brigades raising concerns with how CFA has treated medical issues than on any other issue. Complaints about the lack of transparency, lack of communication, shifting goal posts, long and complex forms, rigid interpretation of risks and conditions, a culture of rejection rather than risk mitigation or treatment plans, breaches of privacy and secretive review panels that have not disclosed what medical information they are considering, let alone who is actually on them.
Inexplicably, these complaints are evidence of a culture and approach that saw CFA attempt to unilaterally introduce processes and protocols that perceivably try to apply the highest level of medical standards on any firefighter anywhere in the country – including across paid services. Just think about that for a moment.
A community member who puts up their hand and says they wish to share responsibility for their fire safety is being told by the organisation Parliament has tasked with making that happen that they must exceed standards that apply to those who wish to be employed by career fire services. And someone thought that would be a good idea and sounded fair and reasonable to them?
Upon questioning, CFA representatives charged with working on these new arrangements exclaimed that they did not consult with VFBV or volunteers on their development because we “are not doctors.” When delegates to our People, Culture and Safety Committee pointed at that neither were the CFA staff, management committee or the CFA Board subcommittee charged with overseeing their development – you could hear crickets.
Funny how hypocrisy does that.
At the end of the day – it is all a moot point.
The CFA Act requires CFA to consult with VFBV and provides no such qualifications for CFA to ignore this statutory obligation. No ifs, buts or maybes. Consultation is non-negotiable, and it pains me to no end that we are still required to remind work units of their obligations under their own Act. But I am unapologetic when things get to this stage and we must call it out.
I am also at pains to add that it demonstrates an abject failure of CFA’s governance framework that allows such blatant failures to go undetected for so long.
VFBV is demanding that CFA’s medical guidelines and processes will be developed in the open, and in full consultation with VFBV and volunteers. Given asthma and diabetes seem to be the most common conditions responsible for the majority of anguish, we are urging CFA to prioritise these and any other common conditions to front load the review.
Rejecting an applicant because they report they had childhood asthma and have not used Ventolin or had an attack for over 20 years is simply bureaucracy gone mad. I was recently told a story by an ACFO of a volunteer who had applied to a small rural brigade that was desperate for members, only to be told due to childhood asthma they could not.
The prospective members own GP wrote back to CFA advising the last recorded attack was when they were 12 years old, and that there had been no recorded issues or concerns in the past 15 years and this prospective member was a young and fit adult that was more than capable of meeting the requirements. When the decision finally got overruled some nine months later, when the ACFO called to let the person know they had been accepted – he was advised the person was overseas competing at the Winter Olympics. Apparently this prospective member was fit enough to be an Olympian but not fit enough to pass some tick box exercise. Madness.
In going through the myriad of examples that members have provided us over the past 12 months, it is clear to me that one of the fundamentals that needs to be on the table is the role of external providers.
In the past, CFA employed its own Chief Medical Officer. And while this had its complications, it is clear that the introduction of third-party providers has not created the efficiencies or benefits sought. Certainly not to volunteers anyway. It was sold to volunteers as the solution to a bottleneck that saw volunteers having to travel long distances and experience long delays to visit a Melbourne based doctor.
Arguably, the issue of long delays has not changed. Based on volunteer feedback to VFBV - the end user volunteer experience has certainly been far worse. Perceivably, third party providers have simply replaced CFA’s risk appetite, with their own. Load in the community and volunteer nature of CFA and the differences in risk models and risk appetite of an emergency service provider that is necessarily different to what the typical corporate environment that third party providers are used to servicing and is it any wonder this friction is playing out?
It has also opened up a situation where a member navigating the processes is handballed between CFA and the third-party provider often leaving them stranded and confused as to who is actually the decision maker. In some instances, CFA has also distanced itself from the performance and accountabilities of looking after its own members, hiding behind faceless providers.
Broader impacts are also becoming evident.
We have been hearing horror stories of members losing faith and confidence to engage with rehab units or medical monitoring at incidents – afraid that they will get caught in this nexus. District Councils have provided examples of the fear of retribution from seeking medical assistance. From a safety-first perspective, this is a horrible outcome where members are too afraid to engage with medical services afraid it is simply a punitive service and it will simply be easier for CFA to revoke their operational status than work with them to manage their condition.
This is the consequences of a system that has been modified without volunteer engagement and consultation. When the users of the system do not have faith or confidence that it has their interests at heart and that it is neither fair or reasonable and will only be used to punish or discard – then this is a failure that arguably poses a far greater risk to members health and safety.
Fortunately, the main protagonists have since departed CFA, and VFBV has been working diligently with new management to bring this sorry chapter to a close. I often say the strength of our relationship with CFA is based on our ability to have the hard conversations driven by a desire to reach a solution rather than just focusing on the theatrics of the argument.
I am pleased therefore to report that discussions have resumed and have been far more productive than those previously. I have been impressed with CFA’s new GM of Health, Safety and Wellbeing and am becoming increasingly optimistic that CFA has heard our concerns and rethought the fundamentals about what it is trying to achieve and how it will approach it.
I am hesitant to say to members that all is fixed and is going to be solved and get better very soon. I am however willing to say that things seem to be moving in the right direction, and I do see evidence of a new approach. I also want to acknowledge the support of the CFA Executive, in particular the CFA CEO for bringing these matters to a head.
While it is early days, there is cause for optimism.
I also want to assure members that VFBV is keenly aware of the need to balance the needs of individuals with the need to ensure individual members do not pose an unacceptable risk to those they work beside. This is a delicate balance but is not insurmountable. Career services work through these issues everyday. Too often than not – volunteers are seen as a soft target.
Thank-you to those volunteers and brigades who have been engaging with us to help us understand the issues and friction points. Please keep an eye out for consultation opportunities as we work through the next layers of detail and keep providing the feedback that helps us identify the priorities.
Which brings me to the usual chestnut about time and space. I know there is a lot going on at the moment.
Rather than expecting everyone to engage on everything, I highly encourage brigades and groups to frequently promote the various consultation opportunities available so that members can pursue what interests them most. One of the benefits of VFBV’s advocacy is that it is informed by a very large and diverse network that helps us identify consensus and those issues where support significantly varies.
This is why it is important to recognise that members experience is often significantly affected by the size of their brigade, its classification, its leadership, where it is located and the myriads of differing demographics across the State.
Rather than a curse, it is our main strength and helps us identify solutions that suit the broadest number of people and brigades. Thank-you for your continued assistance and support as we continue to address the issues you tell us are your priorities. And while progress is often slow and non-linear, rest assured we are working hard to seek the improvements you have asked us for.
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.
VESEP Help Pack
Applications are now open for the 2026 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the closing date fast approaching. VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of additional equipment in recognition of the significant contribution emergency service volunteers provide in supporting Victorian communities. This year Brigades and Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 - an increase on the previous maximum grant.
Now in its 26th year, VESEP first started out as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program in 2000 and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the intent being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
Brigades that do not have enough funds to cover the one-third contribution may apply for a hardship grant, that can waive part or all of the contribution.
See our help pack for details, including closing dates for applications.
Brigade Allowance Survey
In this year’s affiliation pack sent to all Brigade/Group Secretaries is a CFA annual allowance survey.
With recent break ins fuelling a desire to invest in increased security, together with the impacts of inflation on increasing everyday costs, an increasing number of brigades and groups are advising VFBV that their CFA annual allowance no longer covers basic expenses or amenity and has not changed for many years.
Recent requests from VFBV to the CFA Board to apply CPI increases to Brigade and Group allowances has not achieved a satisfactory response, and as a result the survey data will inform further VFBV advocacy on this issue.
All responses are confidential with only de-identified information to be shared with CFA.
Help us help you and ensure your secretary or treasurer returns the survey by Monday 31st August 2026.
Volunteer unity
Thank you for members’ strong show of support!
In 2025/26, brigades and groups showed it is more important than ever that volunteers have a strong, united and independent voice and peak body with the overwhelming majority of Brigades choosing unity over division and supporting VFBV’s important work representing and advocating for volunteers. Thank you to all brigades and groups who affiliated last year and helped us stand up for volunteers.
In the coming weeks, brigade and group secretaries will receive the 2026/27 renewal notices.
Those who pay before 31st July will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of four extremely worthwhile prizes valued at approximately $4,000. Prizes have been donated by GAAM and we sincerely thank them for their continued support.
CFA Honours and Awards documents
VFBV is reviewing CFA’s draft Honours, Awards and Remembrance Policy and draft Revocation of Honours and Awards Procedure.
Members are invited to examine the proposed documents and share their views.
Please visit the VFBV website to access the proposed policy and procedure and for information on how to provide feedback. Feedback on the honours and awards policy and procedure will close at the end of June 2026.
VFBV Board Positions
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2026. All are eligible for reappointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to VFBV at the board level.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.
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.
Volunteer Membership Model
CFA has released the Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper and seeks your 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 across roles over time. All while supporting brigades to broaden and maintain their membership and strengthen capability without the unnecessary burdens.
The options 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.
A CFA survey and FAQ is available here.
Committee updates
Eight pages of updates from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees are included in this month’s VFBV Quarterly Supplement that is included in this edition of Fire Wise.
VFBV provides a free copy of Fire Wise to all brigade Captains and Secretaries, as well as all Group Officers and Group Secretaries.
The 2-Minute Briefings from each committee provides a quick way to stay updated on important updates to the issues raised by volunteers through VFBV District Councils.
Electronic copies of the quarterly supplement can be accessed via the VFBV website.
CFA Board Vacancies
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV. This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
A closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
Recent articles on the VFBV website
Donate Now – Supporting CFA Volunteers in a time of need
Now Open – 2025/26 VFBV Volunteer Survey
Feedback Requested - CFA Honours and Awards documents
2026 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
VFBV is reviewing CFA's draft Honours, Awards and Remembrance Policy and draft Revocation of Honours and Awards Procedure.
Members are invited to examine the proposed documents and share their views.
Feedback can be submitted by individual members, brigades, or groups, and contributors do not need to be delegates to participate in the consultation process. Volunteer feedback plays an important role in shaping formal positions and informing discussions throughout the review process.
Members are encouraged to submit their feedback as early as possible. Early submissions allow additional research to be undertaken where required and can strengthen advocacy on issues identified by members.
Those seeking further information are encouraged to contact their local State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer in the first instance.
Copies of the proposed policy and procedure document are available for download at the bottom of this page.
How to provide feedback:
These two documents will be open for consultation until the end of June 2026.
Feedback can be provided via:
1. Emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Your local District Council or your local VFBV Support Officer
3. By Post: 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
Feedback does not need to be long or detailed, but if you do have the time to make substantive comment that is always welcome.
If you generally support a principle or policy, then a quick note letting us know would also be helpful. Similarly, let us know if you do not support it, or which aspects of it you don't support.
Your feedback will assist us form a VFBV position and response to the proposed changes and help us advocate on behalf of CFA volunteers. Please consider getting involved, and providing us your feedback ASAP.
Please remember to provide feedback in support as well as against. If we only hear from those who are against, it can be harder to determine the general comfort level of members with the proposals.
Courage and integrity
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer
With the Fire Danger Period officially ending on Thursday 30 April, the last fire restrictions have now all been lifted. Capping off a busy season, I want to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers for their incredible contributions over the fire danger period. Between the 1st December to the 1 March, volunteers responded to 13,548 individual incidents, with more than 28,500 total brigade turnouts. Over the same period, it is estimated that more than 206,012 volunteer hours were contributed by volunteers on the fireground.
Demonstrating the criticality of volunteer surge capacity, more than 400 strike teams using more than 2,000 appliance deployments contributed by 650 brigades swung into action just during January alone.
Many thousands of others placed themselves on standby or contributed at their local brigade level to support the members deployed.
And while these are just numbers on a page, every minute contributed by volunteers represent a precious sacrifice made. It may have been time away from family and loved ones, it may have been absence from work, or loss of income from their own business or farm. Whatever the reason, and on behalf of the communities you helped – thank you.
Messages of support and appreciation to CFA crews have flooded into the Parliamentary Inquiry that is currently underway.
As we reminded the Inquiry, like all times prior, CFA volunteers have answered the call for help from the Victorian Community. They did their best with what they had. The frustration of many, is what they have is not always enough.
The brigades who are forced to turnout 37 year-old tankers know their communities deserve better. The brigades that just get tin sheds to store the bare necessities, some without even mains power or water, know that it is going to be difficult to attract the next generation of volunteers when community members take one look at the resources provided to these small volunteer fire stations and decide it is not for them.
For our part, VFBV’s submission to the Inquiry was the culmination of extensive feedback received from volunteers who answered our call for feedback. I want to thank all volunteers, brigades, groups and District Councils that have either contributed to the Inquiry directly, or requested us to raise their concerns as part of our broader submission.
Given the compressed timelines, and the fact that many volunteers were still active during the call for submissions, we have used best endeavour to cover all the issues raised with us and within purview of the inquiry.
Demonstrating our peak body knowledge and experience, it has been very satisfying to see that the overwhelming majority of issues raised by volunteers during the inquiry’s public hearings and by submission were in fact covered in our submission. This provides me with great confidence that our networks remain connected and active. It also ensures these issues have been able to be covered factually and professionally to ensure decision makers on the Parliamentary Committee have the benefit of volunteers’ experiences and perspectives.
The importance of these perspectives has become very clear upon reviewing the whole of Government submission provided to the Committee on behalf of the Government, sector and agencies that attempts to conceal or limit any unpleasant or incriminating facts.
Given the consistent and overwhelming testimony that the inquiry has heard over the past weeks, it is confronting to observe the lack of insight or reflection that is contained within the whole of government submission that should be contributing to learnings and improvements. Instead, it has been left to the community and first responders to honestly explain how things unfolded and the areas for improvement that need to occur in order to ensure the systems and processes that Victorians rely on during these large scale emergencies - are fit for purpose and are doing what is intended.
Included in our submission is detailed analysis of CFA funding and fleet replacement analysis to ensure decision makers develop an in-depth understanding of the magnitude of CFA’s under resourcing and fiscal restraints, that in our view are being hidden from the public and setting CFA up for failure.
For example, our analysis tracks government grants over the last five years and factors in the impact of cumulative CPI inflation that has eroded CFA’s purchasing power by 19.2% over those five years reflecting rising labour costs; fuel and fleet cost escalation; construction and capital cost blowouts; and increases to equipment and personal protective clothing costs.
And while the 2024/25 miniscule increase in CFA grant funding amounted to just $22M, the real value after factoring in inflation means CFA’s grant funding last year was $48.5M below the 2020/21 baseline and 13.8% lower in real terms. In fact, the dropping real value of grants has left CFA the equivalent of an entire year of no grant funding worse off over the past five years.
The age of the CFA fleet tells the story, with 145 (67%) of CFA Pumpers aged beyond their design age of 15 years, with the oldest 33 years old. 690 CFA Tankers (41%) are aged beyond their designed age of 20 years, with the oldest being 37 years old. This leaves a total of 835 old trucks requiring replacement, with government funding announcements promising only to replace approximately 20 trucks at a time. At this rate, sustainable fleet replacement is decades away.
We also point out that over the same time period; CFA operational activity has increased year on year since 2020. For example, volunteers responded to 30,843 incidents in 2020/21, increasing to 41,925 incidents for the 2024/25 period.
In other words, CFA volunteers are being expected to do more, with less. A lot less.
One of the areas that has been extensively raised by volunteers during the inquiry has been the lack of roadside vegetation management, with volunteers explaining the impact this had on fire spread and behaviour, with major roads that once acted as fire breaks now becoming wicks that escalate fire spread. VFBV’s submission covers this issue in depth and points out the systemic issues relating to Victoria’s new Emergency Management Planning frameworks and structures and the retrograde step back in 2018 which altered the CFA Act and dropped the mandatory requirement for municipalities to prepare fire prevention plans.
Not only have we called for the reintroduction of fire prevention committees with brigade representation, but we have also called for stronger accountability for public land holders (like road and rail) and for CFA and Councils to have the power to enforce prevention works on public landholders who fail to properly maintain roadsides and other land commensurate with the requirements that already exist for private land holders.
VFBV’s submission also covers:
- - The importance of private equipment and appliances, with VFBV calling for greater government support for landholders who invest in private equipment – recommending rebates on registration or rebates on insurance fees to recognise the important role private equipment plays in reducing the risk of fire
- - The insufficient training and professional development opportunities available to volunteers that is resulting in a reduction of qualified and experienced level 3 and level 2 incident management roles, including field roles such as Divisional Commanders, Sector Commanders and Strike Team Leaders
- - Communication issues including network issues, lack of redundancies, incorrect comms planning, interoperability of channel plans between agencies and the lack of engagement between ICCs and local command and control including the failure to tap into local knowledge and local brigade Captains and Group Officers
- - The need to harden critical infrastructure, and ensure telecommunication towers and community water supplies have adequate battery and generator backup to deal with the inevitable power disruptions that occur during major emergencies
- - Community confusion around emergency warnings and the VicEmergency website and app. We have recommended warnings should be more granular and include fire behaviour detail and direction to better assist community members being informed
- - The need to prioritise road access and hazardous tree assessments to ensure the community can quickly and safely return to care for their stock, animals and property once the fire front passes
- - Improvements to Traffic Management Points to support communities with access and security following evacuations and leave early warnings, with current issues acting as a disincentive for people to leave early
- - Volunteers continue to raise the consequences of reduced CFA command personnel due to systemic issues with the secondment arrangements that see volunteers having to deal with significant gaps and non-relief that cascades across entire Districts leaving volunteers without the support they require
- - The poor briefing, tasking, fatigue management and amenity provided to some volunteer crews who were left to arrange transport themselves or forced to travel long distances for basic amenity such as food and accommodation
- - Inaccessible roadside barriers that impacted firefighters accessing points of ignition and fire spread – a situation VFBV predicted a decade ago with the escalated rollout of wire rope barriers and the lack of strategic breaks for emergency vehicle access
- - Dropping volunteer numbers and the need for volunteer retention programs
- - Low morale contributed by unilateral changes to the Fire Services Property Levy and the impact arising from the lack of consultation and engagement of volunteers, including ignoring the concerns and advice that was provided to government during the Bill’s passage through Parliament
We have also taken the opportunity to remind Parliamentarians that CFA was purposefully and deliberately established as an independent statutory authority, arm’s length from government due to the extreme risk of fire and the fact that Victoria is one of the most fire prone places in the world.
We reflect that this fiercely protected independence is hardly recognisable in today’s CFA that in practice has been allowed to be treated as simply an extension of government.
We warn that volunteers will not volunteer for a government department, and CFA’s malaise and the spectre of continued political interference will continue to hamper CFA’s ability to listen and respond to the concerns of its volunteers.
We also share our reflection that volunteers have participated in a plethora of reviews over the years, with the perception of little ultimate improvement to the support of volunteers and the communities they protect.
Our hope is this will not just be yet another inquiry in the footnote of the pages of history. Volunteers have done all they can to raise the issues requiring improvement. Decisions and recommendations that make a difference will require courage and integrity. Hopefully the courage that volunteers have displayed in meeting great adversity over this and years past will inspire similar greatness. It is not only volunteers who are depending on it, but the Victorian public who will increasingly be exposed to the intensifying fire seasons ahead. The work done today will determine how well-prepared Victoria is for the future.
Survey last chance
The annual VFBV Volunteer Survey will close shortly.
Visit the VFBV website www.vfbv.com.au/cfa to take part in the survey today.
Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
Memorial Service
On Sunday 3 May, CFA’s Annual Firefighter Memorial Service was held at Central Highlands Training Ground at Ballan which recognised the sacrifice of 85 fallen firefighters from CFA and predecessor organisations. This year’s service also recognised a further three historical deaths in the line of duty.
Joesph Thomas Smith (Lilydale Brigade) passed away on 21 June 1906 returning to the station following a call at the local quarry. Joseph is now the earliest recognised line of duty death for CFA. Francis Edward Symington (Bacchus Marsh) passed away on 7 April 1937 in hospital following a bicycle accident on his way to responding to a fire call a day earlier. Walter James Anderson (Kangaroo Flat) collapsed at a fire while firefighting and died while being transported to hospital on 14 November 1961.
Each of these deaths will be added to CFA’s Roll of Honour, the memorial wall at Treasury Gardens in Melbourne and they will also be honoured at the upcoming National Emergency Services Memorial Service in Canberra.
At the memorial service, wreaths were laid by Minister for Agriculture Micheala Settle MP representing the Minister for Emergency Services, VFBV State President Samantha Collins, VFBV Chief Executive Officer Adam Barnett, CFA Board Chair Jo Plummer, CFA CEO Greg Leach AFSM and CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan. VFBV and CFA Board members, State Councillors, sector leaders, family, friends and loved ones also paid their respects and honoured the personal sacrifices and commitment given, with a bell tolled for each name of our fallen.
Each year the annual memorial service is held on the closest Sunday to 4th May which is International Firefighters’ Day and St Florian’s Day, with St Florian being the Patron Saint of Firefighters.
National Volunteer Week
This year from 18 to 24 May 2026, National Volunteer Week, will celebrate the contribution of volunteers to Australia. This year’s theme Your Year to Volunteer not only highlights the important role of volunteers in our community but also encourages people across Australia to make 2026 the year they get involved and make a difference.
Already in 2026 we have seen the extraordinary response of CFA volunteers across Victoria responding to the fires which have impacted much of Victoria over the 2025-26 fire season. VFBV passes on our deep gratitude, respect and appreciation to all CFA volunteers for the work you do for your communities, not only during the fire season but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Victorians are safer because of the work you do, and VFBV could not be prouder of you, your brigades and all those that support you in the work you do to protect lives and property.
We also acknowledge fellow volunteers across all of Victoria’s emergency management volunteer workforce including volunteer first responders from VicSES, St John Ambulance, Ambulance Victoria, Life Saving Victoria, Coast Guard, Salvation Army, Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry – just to name a few who all work together to contribute their time, skills and resources to make change in their communities as emergency management volunteers.
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
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
VESEP applications now open
The Minister for Emergency Services has recently announced the opening of the next round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
VESEP provides funding to assist emergency service volunteers in acquiring a wide range of equipment, recognising the significant contribution you make in supporting Victorian communities during times of emergency.
The program typically offers funding on a $2 for $1 basis, where $2 is provided for every $1 contributed by the Brigade or Group. Special Access grants are also available to support brigades and groups that may find it difficult to raise their one-third contribution.
This year’s application period opened on 16 April and will close on 11 June. This is a relatively short window, so potential applicants are encouraged to begin discussions with their local District Office, Group, and DPC as soon as possible.
Please note: if your brigade is applying for minor works to your station, you must pre-register your project with Land and Building Services before 28 May.
Now in its 26th year, VESEP originally commenced in 2000 as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program. It was developed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the aim of creating a grants program designed by volunteers, with minimal administrative burden.
The program continues to prioritise support for brigades and groups that have not previously applied.
VFBV has again reviewed and updated the Application Help Pack to assist brigades and groups in preparing their submissions. This resource includes practical suggestions and checklists and complements the CFA Guidelines and the 2026–27 application forms.
The Help Pack is available for download via the VFBV website. Brigades that prefer a printed copy can request one by calling the VFBV Office on 9886 1141.
Members can also contact their local VFBV State Councillors and/or VFBV Support Officers for further information or assistance. Enquiries can also be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CFA Board Vacancies
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV. This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of CFA are invited to apply. In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following - knowledge of or experience in; commercial; technical; operational; legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management; land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the CFA Board Charter and further information on the application process is available from the VFBV website or via the office at (03) 9886 1141.
A closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
VFBV Board Vacancies
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on 1 October 2026. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, all are eligible for reappointment.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
The role of a board member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates in addition to a diverse range of skills and experience including applications from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Members should familiarise themselves with the VFBV Board member role statement and key selection criteria available from the VFBV website or via the VFBV office (03) 9886 1141.
Applications close on Monday 31 August 2026 and must be lodged to: VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fire Wise – May 2026 online only edition
The May 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
2026 VESEP Applications Now Open and VFBV Help Pack
Contemporary Volunteer Membership Model Options Paper
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding
SOP Feedback – Various Interim SOP’s (October 2025)
Presumptive Legislation Update
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Applications should be submitted to your District ACFO by Monday, 11th June, 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), with the closing date fast approaching. VFBV has updated its VESEP Help Pack to assist brigades and groups with their VESEP applications.
VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding to assist brigades and groups in acquiring a wide range of additional equipment in recognition of the significant contribution emergency service volunteers provide in supporting Victorian communities. This year Brigades and Groups can apply for a grant of up to $250,000 - an increase on the previous maximum grant.
Now in its 26th year, VESEP first started out as the Community Safety Emergency Support Program in 2000 and was designed in close consultation with VFBV and volunteers, with the intent being a grants program designed by volunteers with minimal administration required from volunteers.
Since 2000, the program has funded over 3,000 projects totalling more than $180 million dollars, as an investment in maintaining and building volunteer capability by supporting volunteers through grants in five categories:
- Primary Response Appliances*
- Specialist and Support Vehicles
- Operational Equipment
- Volunteer Amenities under $5,000
- Minor Works under $250,000^
*as with previous years, CFA have advised that additions to the fleet will be afforded a low priority. An Addition to the Fire Fighting Fleet form will be required to be completed and have strong justification for the need which is approved by the District ACFO and Regional DCO.
^all minor works applications must be registered with the VESEP Land & Buildings Project Manager via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 28th May, 2026. Applications not pre-registered for review will not be considered by the Steering Committee.
VFBV Help Pack
VFBV's VESEP Application Help Pack is again available in 2026 to assist Brigades and Groups in completing their application, with the pack divided into easily downloadable sections at the bottom of this page.
| VFBV VESEP Help Pack | Contains general information about VESEP and some handy hints on how to complete your application. |
|
Attachment 1 |
Application forms for Special Access Grant The Special Access Grant can reduce or in some cases eliminate all together the Brigade/Group contribution. |
|
Attachment 2 |
CFA VESEP Guidelines The guidelines outline criteria, aims and requirements that Brigades/Groups need to consider for their application to be completed. |
| Attachment 3 |
CFA Application Forms Provides Brigades and Groups with application forms for Part A: Vehicles and Operational Equipment, Part B: Volunteer Amenities and Minor Works, and Addition to the Fire Fighting Appliance Fleet Operational Justification. |
| Attachment 4 |
CFA Information Sheets Collates information sheets produced by CFA to assist with Brigade and Group applications and ideas. |
Key Dates
| Program Dates | Process |
| 16th April 2026 | Program Opened |
| 28th May 2026 | Registrations close for Minor Works Applications. Email registration to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| 11th June 2026 | Applications Close. All applications to be forwarded to District ACFO |
| 12th June 2026 to 10th July 2026 |
Applications prioritised by the District Planning Committee (DPC) or designated subcommittee. District Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Regional Deputy Chief Officer to review and provide comment on the recommendations. |
| 13th August 2026 |
CFA Steering Committee meeting to review/endorse projects |
| October 2026 |
Anticipated Ministers announcement of successful projects |
Additional Support
If you need any assistance with you Application please contact your local VFBV State Councillor, VFBV Support Officer of the VFBV Office. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you would like a printed copy of the VFBV 2026 VESEP Application Help Pack please call the VFBV office on 03 9886 1141 and we will post one out.
Information is also available from CFA Members Online https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/programs/vesep
VFBV wishes all CFA Brigades and Groups well with your applications and thank you for your untiring service to Victoria!
Inviting Applications for the CFA Board
The CFA Act recognises that it is important that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and understanding of CFA volunteers. To support this, four of the skills-based CFA Board members are appointed by the Minister for Emergency Services from a panel of names submitted by VFBV.
This year, the terms of two volunteer nominees will expire in December 2026, with both members eligible for re-appointment. One is for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving rural communities, and the other being for a volunteer from brigades predominantly serving urban communities.
VFBV are now seeking further applications from any CFA volunteer interested in applying for these two volunteer-nominated positions on the CFA Board.
CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA are invited to apply.
In addition to volunteer experience and knowledge, selection will have regard to any of the following: knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; expertise in fire or emergency management, land management; or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of CFA.
VFBV is seeking gender and culturally diverse candidates, in additional to a diverse range of skills and experience including applicants from diverse brigade type and classifications.
From applications received and following a selection process including interviews. VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Emergency Services.
The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis, usually on a Monday and also operates a committee system which could require an additional commitment of at least one day per month. Regular attendance at official functions and brigade/group events is also expected.
The appointment to the CFA Board would be for a period of up to three years.
The CFA Board Charter and Position Description are available for download below.
Application process
Applications must include:
1. A cover letter outlining why you are interested in applying, your experience relevant to a Board position, your volunteer background and experience, and any further information to address the key selection criteria contained within the position description.
2. A completed ‘Quick Self Summary’ (available for download below)
3. A current resume
4. Names and contact details of two referee’s
Applications should be marked Private & Confidential, and addressed to VFBV CEO via:
Post: VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Applicants will be contacted regarding any further steps involved in the selection process.
For other relevant information, interested volunteers can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The closing date for applications will be advised shortly.
Invitation open to all CFA volunteers to apply
Closing date for written applications is Monday 31st August 2026.
VFBV advances the interests for all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in the management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.
VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.
Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on 1 October 2026. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, all are eligible for re-appointment.
The term of appointment will be to 1st October 2028 (two years) and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.
The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.
This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.
VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates, in additional to a diverse range of skills and experience including from applicants from diverse brigade types and classifications.
Prior to applying you should familiarise yourself with the following documents, each available for download at the bottom of this page:
1. VFBV Board Member Role Statement including key selection criteria
2. VFBV Board Code of Conduct Policy and Declaration
3. VFBV Conflict of Interest Policy and Declaration
How to apply
If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the following:
1. The key selection criteria in the role statement
2. An outline of your VFBV involvement and experience or in the case of there being none – outline how you have supported or advocated for VFBV positions/campaigns or support CFA volunteer improvements
3. An outline of your CFA activity
4. A resume, including the names of two referees
Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Monday 31st August 2026.
Applications should be marked Private and Confidential and addressed to:
Mail: VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.
More...
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
Enjoy the VFBV monthly newsletter?
If you enjoy reading the VFBV newsletter each month, why not share it with your fellow volunteers?
Either share this page with others who may enjoy the articles or encourage other volunteers to sign up to receive their own copy via email each month here.
Want to read the VFBV 2-minute briefings from the CFA/VFBV Joint Committees?
The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.
Final results for the 2026 State Urban Senior Championship held in Stawell on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March 2026 are now available.
The full results are available for download at the bottom of this page. Team times will be available for download from this page later.
Photo's of presentations of each event are available from VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook page.
Grand Aggregate, A Section Aggregate, A Section Wet Aggregate winner - Osborne Park Orange
B Section Aggregate, B Section Wet Aggregate, B Section Appliance Aggregate winner - Cohuna
Female Aggregate winner - Echuca
Dry Aggregate winner - Tatura
A Section Appliance Aggregate winner - Dandenong
Champion Competitor - Jeremy Withall (Tatura) and Bailey Rhodes (Melton Maroon)
SATURDAY 28TH MARCH
Event 1 – Ladder Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE (1) (Aiden Couzens) |
6.50 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HOPPERS CROSSING A (1) (Brenton Lawrence) |
6.81 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MELTON WHITE (1) (Bailey Arandt) |
6.98 |
seconds |
|
4th |
TATURA (1) (Jeremy Withall) |
7.13 |
seconds |
|
5th |
DRYSDALE (1) (Anthony Connally) |
7.15 |
seconds |
Event 2 – B Section Hose & Ladder, Five Competitors
|
1st |
COHUNA |
23.45 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
DRYSDALE |
25.09 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WARRNAMBOOL |
25.78 |
seconds |
|
4th |
CRESWICK |
26.35 |
seconds |
|
5th |
BENDIGO |
26.61 |
seconds |
Event 3 – A Section Y Coupling, Four Competitors
|
1st |
TATURA |
7.94 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
PATTERSON RIVER |
8.23 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MORWELL |
8.70 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
8.82 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MELTON |
8.89 |
seconds |
Event 4 – A Section Hose & Ladder, Five Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE RECORD |
22.11 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WARRACKNABEAL |
22.19 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY |
22.64 |
seconds |
|
4th |
PATTERSON RIVER |
22.87 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING A |
23.22 |
seconds |
Event 5 – B Section Y Coupling, Four Competitors
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT |
8.34 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
8.36 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
KNOX GROUP |
9.02 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SALE Run off conducted for fourth place |
9.10 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN |
9.10 |
seconds |
Event 6 – B Section Pumper & Ladder, Five Competitors
|
1st |
COHUNA |
16.15 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
16.89 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
EUROA |
17.13 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WARRNAMBOOL |
17.15 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KANGAROO FLAT |
18.00 |
seconds |
Event 7 – Female Section Y Coupling, Four Competitors
|
1st |
WARRACKNABEAL RECORD |
9.18 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
KNOX GROUP |
9.55 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HARVEY |
10.44 |
seconds |
|
4th |
MELTON |
10.73 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KANGAROO FLAT |
10.95 |
seconds |
Event 8 – A Section Pumper & Ladder, Five Competitors
|
1st |
DANDENONG |
16.28 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
16.84 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WARRACKNABEAL |
17.33 |
seconds |
|
4th |
ECHUCA A |
17.39 |
seconds |
|
5th |
PATTERSON RIVER |
17.54 |
seconds |
Event 9 – Female Y Coupling, Two Competitors
|
1st |
ECHUCA |
13.17 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
PAKENHAM |
13.95 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
KNOX GROUP |
14.05 |
seconds |
|
4th |
NARRE WARREN |
14.36 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY |
14.65 |
seconds |
Event 10 – B Section Y Coupling, Six Competitors
|
1st |
KANGAROO FLAT RECORD |
33.54 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
36.07 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
COHUNA |
39.73 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SALE |
40.80 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KYNETON |
41.95 |
seconds |
Event 11 – A Section Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
MARYVALE (1) (Matt Royal) |
24.18 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA (1) (Jeremy Withall) |
24.54 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MELTON MAROON (2) (Bailey Rhodes) |
25.27 |
seconds |
|
4th |
DANDENONG (1) (Millar Anderson) |
26.17 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING A (2) (Brenton Lawrence) |
26.32 |
seconds |
Event 12 – A Section Y Coupling, Six Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE RECORD |
32.59 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
PATTERSON RIVER |
33.24 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
33.95 |
seconds |
|
4th |
NARRE WARREN A |
35.45 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY |
36.59 |
seconds |
Event 13 – Female Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
TATURA (Hayley Rennie) |
29.28 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
ECHUCA (Kaylea Blake) |
30.60 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
PAKENHAM (Shymma Harris) |
31.33 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KNOX GROUP (Rebecca Keats) |
31.66 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HARVEY (Kaitlin Naude) |
31.92 |
seconds |
Event 14 – Female Section Wet Hose, Two Competitors
|
1st |
ECHUCA (Shae Burns, Kaylea Blake) RECORD |
12.59 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA (Hayley Rennie, Sam Rennie) |
12.75 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
KNOX GROUP (Rebecca Keats, Isabella Gluskie) |
13.22 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WARRACKNABEAL (Isabella Orszulak) |
13.58 |
seconds |
|
5th |
NARRE WARREN (Samantha McKean, Gabby Keats) |
13.68 |
seconds |
Event 15 – B Section Marshall, One Competitor
|
1st |
MAFFRA (1) (Brent McKenzie) |
25.55 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN (1) (Tom Evans) |
26.79 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
HORSHAM (2) (Jonothan Hornsby) |
27.33 |
seconds |
|
4th |
WERRIBEE (1) (Michael Trifflo) |
27.57 |
seconds |
|
5th |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN (2) (Dean Jordan) |
27.69 |
seconds |
Event 16 – A Section Hydrant & Tanker, Four Competitors
|
1st |
MELTON MAROON |
11.75 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
SWAN HILL |
12.00 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
DANDENONG |
12.44 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
14.73 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WENDOUREE |
14.33 |
seconds |
Event 17 – B Section Hydrant & Tanker, Four Competitors
|
1st |
COHUNA |
13.61 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
13.64 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WARRNAMBOOL |
13.91 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KANGAROO FLAT Run off conducted for fourth place |
14.37 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HALLAM |
14.37 |
seconds |
Event 18 – Female Section Hydrant and Tanker, Four Competitors
|
1st |
SWAN HILL RECORD |
17.38 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON |
19.22 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE |
20.37 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KYNETON |
21.18 |
seconds |
|
5th |
NARRE WARREN |
21.70 |
seconds |
SUNDAY 29TH MARCH
Event 19 – Female Hydrant Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
WARRACKNABEAL (Isabella Orszulak) |
15.25 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
BENDIGO (Natalie Watson) |
15.49 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
SWAN HILL (Amity Scott) |
15.73 |
seconds |
|
4th |
KERANG (Kendall Ash) |
15.92 |
seconds |
|
5th |
NARRE WARREN (Gabby Keats) |
16.42 |
seconds |
Event 20 – A Section Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
MELTON WHITE (1) (Jesse Arandt, Bayllie Arandt) |
15.09 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
HARVEY (2) (Ethan Harding, Brodie Hewer) |
15.12 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
MELTON MAROON (2) (Bailey Rhodes, Devante Johns) |
15.22 |
seconds |
|
4th |
TATURA (1) (Jeremy Withall, Nathan Rennie) |
15.31 |
seconds |
|
5th |
TATURA (2) (Matt Rennie, Luke Rennie) |
15.86 |
seconds |
Event 21 – Hydrant Race, One Competitor
|
1st |
MARYVALE (1) (Matt Royal) |
12.19 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
NARRE WARREN A (1) (Adrian Jones) |
12.35 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA (2) (Nathan Rennie) |
12.40 |
seconds |
|
4th |
MELTON MAROON (2) (Jack Geysing) |
12.44 |
seconds |
|
5th |
DANDENONG (1) (Millar Anderson) |
12.47 |
seconds |
Event 22 – Female Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
ECHUCA (Kaylea Blake, Shae Burns) |
18.60 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
TATURA (Sam Rennie, Hayley Rennie) |
19.00 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK (Nikki Jackson, Alyssa Bolger) |
19.19 |
seconds |
|
4th |
BENDIGO (Keeley Rooke, Natalie Watson) |
19.72 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WARRACKNABEAL (Isabella Orszulak, Zoe Morris) |
19.86 |
seconds |
Event 23 – A Section Hose & Reel Sixes
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
28.87 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON MAROON |
29.30 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
WENDOUREE |
30.84 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HOPPERS CROSSING A |
31.21 |
seconds |
|
5th |
ECHUCA A |
31.69 |
seconds |
Event 24 – B Section Marshall, Two Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN (1) (Dean Jordan, Tom Evans) |
16.46 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE (2) (Michael Trifilo, Aiden Trifilo) |
16.81 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
COHUNA (1) (Lachie Mathers, Shannon Treacy) |
17.69 |
seconds |
|
4th |
EUROA (1) (Max Fuelanetto, Brodie Asquith) |
17.78 |
seconds |
|
5th |
KANGAROO FLAT (1) (Blake Harris, Michael Evans) |
18.20 |
seconds |
Event 25 – Female Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice, Four Competitors
|
1st |
HARVEY - RECORD |
17.13 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
ECHUCA |
17.45 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT |
17.96 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SWAN HILL |
18.45 |
seconds |
|
5th |
PAKENHAM |
19.01 |
seconds |
Event 26 – A Section Hose, Hydrant & Pumper, Four Competitors
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
13.71 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
NARRE WARREN A |
13.80 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
PATTERSON RIVER |
14.75 |
seconds |
|
4th |
ECHUCA A |
15.55 |
seconds |
|
5th |
MELTON WHITE |
15.63 |
seconds |
Event 27 – B Section Hose & Reel Sixes
|
1st |
CRESWICK |
32.99 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN |
33.20 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
SALE |
34.15 |
seconds |
|
4th |
EUROA |
34.34 |
seconds |
|
5th |
BENDIGO |
34.38 |
seconds |
Event 28 – B Section Hose, Hydrant & Pumper, Four Competitors
|
1st |
WARRNAMBOOL |
14.58 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE |
15.80 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
CRESWICK |
15.81 |
seconds |
|
4th |
COHUNA |
16.27 |
seconds |
|
5th |
SALE |
16.53 |
seconds |
Event 29 – A Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice, Four Competitors
|
1st |
TATURA- RECORD |
14.17 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MELTON MAROON |
14.54 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
ECHUCA A |
14.69 |
seconds |
|
4th |
HARVEY |
14.93 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING A |
15.30 |
seconds |
Event 30 – Female Section Hose, Hydrant & Pumper, Four Competitors
|
1st |
WARRACKNABEAL - RECORD |
18.25 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WERRIBEE |
18.79 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
NARRE WARREN |
20.45 |
seconds |
|
4th |
MORWELL |
21.03 |
seconds |
|
5th |
HOPPERS CROSSING |
21.89 |
seconds |
Event 31 – B Section Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice, Four Competitors
|
1st |
KYNETON |
15.49 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
MAFFRA |
16.62 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
COHUNA |
16.02 |
seconds |
|
4th |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN |
16.07 |
seconds |
|
5th |
WERRIBEE |
16.23 |
seconds |
Event 32 – Champion Fours
|
1st |
MELTON MAROON |
17.31 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
ECHUCA A |
18.30 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
TATURA |
19.02 |
seconds |
|
4th |
SWAN HILL |
19.55 |
seconds |
|
5th |
DRYSDALE |
19.55 |
seconds |
CHALLENGE EVENTS
Vic/WA Challenge, Hose & Reel Eights
|
1st |
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Tod Bergerson, Mitch Golding, Peter Goodbourn, Ethan Harding, Zoe Hazelwood, Brodie Hewer, Greg Hunter, Kyden Toop, Kaitlin Naude) |
30.93 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
VICTORIA (Jason Black – Echuca A, Matt Bolger – Osborne Park Orange, Aiden Couzens – Osborne Park Orange, Ben Geysing – Melton Maroon, Brenton Lawrence – Hoppers Crossing A, Isabella Orszulak – Warracknabeal, Adam Saunders – Swan Hill, David Swain – Creswick, Stephen Ash – Kerang) |
miss |
|
East v West, Female Wet Hose Striking One Disc Twice, Four Competitors
|
1st |
WEST (Kendall Ash – Kerang, Claire Longstaff – Bendigo, Zoe Morris – Warracknabeal, Amity Scott – Swan Hill) |
18.45 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
EAST (Teagan Holland – Morwell, Becca Keats – Knox Group, Hannah Norman – Echuca, Hayley Rennie – Tatura) |
18.85 |
seconds |
East v West, Hose & Reel Eights
|
1st |
EAST (Millar Anderson – Dandenong, Devante Johns – Melton Maroon, Adrian Jones – Narre Warren A, Steve Myles – Dandenong, Matt Rennie – Tatura, Bailey Rhodes – Melton Maroon, Joel Shanahan – Patterson River, Jordan Simpson – Echuca A, Evan Bramley – Dandenong) |
30.95 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
WEST (Anthony Connally – Drysdale, Logan Hand – Creswick, Marshall Hand – Creswick, Blake Harris – Kangaroo Flat, Nelson Ibbs – Swan Hill, James Mullins – Osborne Park Orange, Cody Polack – Warracknabeal, Ben Watterson – Wendouree, Clinton Jonasson – Warracknabeal) |
34.91 |
seconds |
TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
|
=1st |
MELTON A & KNOX GROUP |
92.00% |
|
|
2nd |
EUROA |
90.00% |
|
|
=3rd |
MORWELL & DANDENONG |
88.00% |
|
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
Dry Aggregate
|
1st |
TATURA |
21 |
points |
|
2nd |
MARYVALE |
16 |
points |
|
3rd |
MELTON WHITE |
11 |
points |
Wet Aggregate
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
56 |
points |
|
2nd |
COHUNA |
46 |
points |
|
3rd |
MELTON MAROON |
44 |
points |
Female Aggregate
|
1st |
ECHUCA |
47 |
points |
|
2nd |
WARRACKNABEAL |
29 |
points |
|
3rd |
TATURA |
23 |
points |
SECTION AGGREGATES
‘A’ SECTION
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
64 |
points |
|
2nd |
MELTON MAROON |
52 |
points |
|
3rd |
TATURA |
43 |
points |
‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
|
1st |
OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
56 |
points |
|
2nd |
MELTON MAROON |
44 |
points |
|
=3rd |
ECHUCA A & TATURA |
22 |
points |
‘A’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
|
1st |
DANDENONG |
11 |
points |
|
=2nd |
MELTON MAROON & OSBORNE PARK ORANGE |
8 |
points |
‘B’ SECTION
|
1st |
COHUNA |
49 |
points |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
48 |
points |
|
3rd |
OSBORNE PARK GREEN |
29 |
points |
‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE
|
1st |
COHUNA |
46 |
points |
|
2nd |
CRESWICK |
43 |
points |
|
=3rd |
KANGAROO FLAT & WARRNAMBOOL |
19 |
points |
‘B’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE
|
1st |
COHUNA |
18 |
points |
|
=2nd |
CRESWICK & WARRNAMBOOL |
13 |
points |
2026 CHAMPION COMPETITOR
|
=1st |
Jeremy Withall (Tatura) and Bailey Rhodes (Melton Maroon) |
24 |
points |
|
3rd |
Devante Jones (Melton Maroon) |
21 |
points |
2026 CHAMPION BRIGADE
The team members of Osborne Park Orange are:
- Leigh Barclay
- Matt Bolger
- Nathan Bolger
- Aiden Couzens
- James Mullins
- Jaxon Winsall
And coach – Col Jordan
FINAL AGGREGATE BOARD
FEMALE AGGREGATE
Final results for the 2026 State Rural Junior Championship held in Stawell on Sunday 39 March 2026 are now available.
The results are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Presentation photos and times for all events will be posted on VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook Page.
Results for all events are available to view here.
Champion Brigade - Beazley's Bridge
11-13 years Aggregate
11-15 years Aggregate
Event 1A: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11 – 13 years
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
18.79 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Pearcedale A |
20.31 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Miners Rest A |
20.64 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Strathmerton A |
21.13 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Leopold A |
21.50 |
seconds |
Event 1B: Low Down Pump & Ladder – 11 – 15 years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
16.37 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
17.79 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
17.96 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Maiden Gully B |
19.02 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Doreen A |
19.16 |
seconds |
Chief Officer’s Challenge Event, Low Down Pump & Ladder
|
1st |
Maiden Gully B: Arlen Shay, Tianna Shay, Louis Jenkins & Chris Mason |
17.15 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Strathmerton A: Claudia Ciccone, Emma Bourchier, Eliza Bourchier & Ruby Fuller |
21.97 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Chief Chargers: ACO Alen Slijepcevic AFSM, DCO Adrian Gutsche, DCO Trevor Weston & Acting DCO Steve Alcock |
21.10 |
seconds |
Event 2A: Wet Hose & Ladder – 11 – 13 years
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
22.49 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Leopold A |
22.56 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Elaine A |
25.44 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Pearcedale A |
25.68 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Elaine B |
26.22 |
seconds |
Event 2B: Wet Hose & Ladder – 11 – 15 years
|
1st |
Ascot & District A |
20.70 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
20.77 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
20.78 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Truganina B |
20.92 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Research A |
21.77 |
seconds |
Event 4A: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11 -13 years
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
25.52 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Mandurang A |
31.65 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Springhurst A |
33.12 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Pearcedale A |
35.40 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Gapsted A |
38.13 |
seconds |
Event 4B: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder – 11 – 15 years
|
1st |
RECORD: Napoleons-Enfield A |
21.58 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
24.99 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Truganina A |
25.11 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Ascot & District A |
25.92 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Glenlyon A |
26.44 |
seconds |
Event 5A: Hydrant & Tanker – 11 – 13 years
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
30.47 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Mandurang A |
32.45 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Leopold A |
32.99 |
seconds |
|
=4th |
Elaine A & Elaine B |
35.15 |
seconds |
Event 5B: Hydrant & Tanker – 11 – 15 years
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
24.04 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
25.05 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
26.36 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Truganina B |
29.95 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Doreen B |
30.75 |
seconds |
Event 6A: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11 – 13 years
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
23.24 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Springhurst A |
24.61 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Gapsted A |
26.75 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Leopold A |
27.92 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Elaine A |
28.86 |
seconds |
Event 6B: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank – 11 – 15 years
|
1st |
Maiden Gully B |
18.39 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
19.78 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
20.30 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
20.89 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Ascot & District A |
20.90 |
seconds |
Junior Firefighter Sprint Winners
11 – 13 years – Female
|
1st |
STRATHMERTON: Emma Bourchier |
|
2nd |
MANDURANG: Zoe Stewart |
|
3rd |
NAPOLEONS-ENFIELD: Violet Roberts |
11 – 13 years – Male
|
1st |
PEARCEDALE: Lenny Kakantonis |
|
2nd |
LEOPOLD: Benji Berryman |
|
3rd |
NAPOLEONS-ENFIELD: Hamish Kuchel |
11 – 15 years – Female
|
1st |
NAPEOLEONS-ENFIELD: Josie Roberts |
|
2nd |
MAIDEN GULLY: Tianna Shay |
|
3rd |
BEAZLEY’S BRIDGE: Sami Weir |
11 – 15 years – Male
|
1st |
MINERS REST: Nick Quirk |
|
2nd |
BEAZLEY’S BRIDGE: Henry Small |
|
3rd |
GAPSTED: Thomas Griffith |
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
11 – 13 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
80 |
points |
|
2nd |
Leopold A |
22 |
points |
|
3rd |
Mandurang A |
20 |
points |
11 – 15 YEARS AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
64 |
points |
|
2nd |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
46 |
points |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
28 |
points |
CHAMPION TEAM
|
1st |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
126 |
points |
|
2nd |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
64 |
points |
|
3rd |
Ascot & District A |
28 |
points |
VFBV State President Encouragement Award winner: Mannerim 11-13 Years
Stan Ross Conduct Trophy winner: Gapsted
FINAL AGGREGATES
Final results for the 2026 State Rural Senior Championship held in Stawell on Saturday 28 March 2026 are now available.
The results are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Presentation photos and times for all events will be posted on VFBV's dedicated Championships Facebook Page.
Results for all events are available to view here.
Division 1 Aggregate Winner - Leopold A
Division 2 Aggregate Winner - Mandurang A
Division 3 Aggregate Winner - Hurstbridge D
Female Aggregate - Eldorado E
Alan King AFSM Memorial Conduct Trophy - Eldorado brigade
Event 1: Low Down Pump & Ladder
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
RECORD: Beazley’s Bridge A |
14.95 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Eldorado A |
14.97 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Moorooduc A |
15.62 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Hurstbridge A |
15.81 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
16.13 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Leopold B |
16.88 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Pearcedale B |
17.14 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Mandurang A |
17.15 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Hurstbridge B |
17.37 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Gapsted A |
17.91 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Ascot & District A |
17.24 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Miners Rest B |
18.66 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge D |
18.68 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Truganina D |
19.37 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Glenlyon A |
19.46 |
seconds |
Event 2: Wet Hose & Ladder
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Leopold A |
14.97 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Eldorado A |
15.03 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Truganina A |
15.97 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
16.12 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Miners Rest A |
16.69 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Mandurang A |
16.07 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Elaine A |
16.78 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela B |
17.46 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Leopold B |
17.69 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Eltham A |
17.77 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Glenlyon A |
17.34 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Maiden Gully A |
18.27 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Truganina C |
19.10 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Hurstbridge D |
19.18 |
seconds |
|
5th |
South East Region Staff Team A |
19.24 |
seconds |
Event 3: Tanker Hose Reel & Ladder
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
RECORD: Leopold A |
39.85 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Hurstbridge A |
40.42 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Eldorado A |
41.24 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Moorooduc A |
41.73 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Beazley’s Bridge A |
43.26 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Leopold B |
50.22 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Hurstbridge B |
51.26 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Truganina B |
51.48 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
54.46 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela B |
54.85 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Hurstbridge D |
47.80 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Mandurang B |
52.62 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Maiden Gully A |
54.79 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Ascot & District A |
54.81 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Eldorado E |
55.47 |
seconds |
Event 4: Tanker – Priming, Pumping & Ladder
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Eldorado A |
20.73 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Leopold A |
21.24 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Moorooduc A |
22.06 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Truganina A |
22.67 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Hurstbridge A |
22.69 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Hurstbridge B |
23.96 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Pearcedale B |
24.45 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Eltham A |
24.62 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Mandurang A |
24.83 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Eldorado B |
24.98 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Glenlyon A |
23.53 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Maiden Gully A |
26.36 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Mandurang B |
27.45 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Glenlyon B |
29.22 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Truganina D |
29.66 |
seconds |
Event 5: Hydrant & Tanker
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Moorooduc A |
20.04 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
20.30 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Napoleons-Enfield A |
23.34 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Leopold A |
23.39 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Moorooduc B |
25.83 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Mandurang A |
19.82 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
20.26 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Elaine A |
20.80 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Eldorado B |
22.34 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Strathmerton A |
23.12 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Hurstbridge D |
22.90 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Mandurang B |
23.05 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Doreen A |
23.83 |
seconds |
|
4th |
South East Region Staff Team A |
24.83 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Truganina D |
25.16 |
seconds |
Event 6: Tanker – Drawing Water from Tank
|
Division 1 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Hurstbridge A |
15.91 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Leopold A |
17.30 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Moorooduc A |
18.31 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Truganina A |
18.88 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Dunrobin/Nangeela A |
19.00 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Napoleons-Enfield B |
16.90 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Truganina B |
18.61 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Mandurang A |
19.09 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Eldorado C |
19.52 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Hurstbridge B |
20.18 |
seconds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
|
|
1st |
Truganina C |
19.53 |
seconds |
|
2nd |
Eldorado E |
21.19 |
seconds |
|
3rd |
Mandurang B |
21.20 |
seconds |
|
4th |
Maiden Gully A |
21.69 |
seconds |
|
5th |
Mandurang C |
22.57 |
seconds |
FINAL AGGREGATE RESULTS
DIVISION 1
|
1st |
Leopold A |
56 |
points |
|
2nd |
Eldorado A |
42 |
points |
|
3rd |
Moorooduc A |
38 |
points |
DIVISION 2
|
1st |
Mandurang A |
48 |
points |
|
2nd |
Leopold B |
36 |
points |
|
3rd |
Hurstbridge B |
32 |
points |
DIVISION 3
|
1st |
Hurstbridge D |
42 |
points |
|
2nd |
Glenlyon A |
34 |
points |
|
3rd |
Mandurang B |
32 |
points |
FEMALE AGGREGATE
|
1st |
Eldorado E |
45 |
points |
|
2nd |
Mandurang C |
18 |
points |
|
3rd |
Napoleons/Enfield C |
16 |
points |
Alan King AFSM Memorial Conduct Trophy: Eldorado Brigade
Aggregate Boards
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Female Aggregate
