VFBV

Springing into summer 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Early last month, AFAC and the Fire Chief’s released the Seasonal Outlook for spring. For those who have been around for a little while, the telltale signs of indicators trending upward all point towards the potential for a busier than usual fire season. As one of the most fire prone places in the world, unsurprisingly Victoria receives strong emphasis in this year’s outlook.

The outlook makes clear that Victoria has recorded the lowest-on-record 18-month rainfall deficits. These have persisted across the west of the state and extend across west central and south-west Gippsland. The drought conditions that farmers have been reporting on over the last 18 months are evidenced by the underlying soil moisture levels. The outlook also acknowledges that these areas have recorded a significant accumulation of dead plant material that have the potential to heighten bushfire activity further in the season.

And while recent rains may be sending mixed signals to the general public, the real danger is starkly outlined in the report. While acknowledging heavy falls across the south-west, central, eastern and north-east ranges, the evidence shows that while the rainfall has dampened the top layer of soil, the lower-level soil remains historically dry, with uncertainty in how long the top layer of soil will remain damp.

Despite the recent rainfall, and early above average spring rainfall estimates - the outlook cautions that this underlying dryness could rebound very quickly, and areas with arid vegetation types may dry out quicker during warmer and windy weather. It also cautions that while the recent rainfall will generate green growth in paddocks through spring, this will conceal the underlying dryness.

It is this mixed signal environment that highlights the importance of CFA’s shared responsibility model. The beauty and wisdom of CFA’s community placed volunteer brigade model is uniquely designed to cater to these situations and is the key reason VFBV actions and activities will never risk damaging the well-earned volunteer reputation that our community safety relies upon.

Brigades are advised to lean into CFA’s community education and safety campaigns to make it clear that this season will require preparation. Educating the community on positive actions they can take to prepare their homes and properties for the increased risk of fire that is likely to eventuate late spring will be crucial.

The trust and respect the community places in CFA volunteers provides a unique opportunity to lead these community conversations. Our Joint CFA/VFBV Community Safety Committee have also worked hard over the preceding year to encourage and work with CFA to refresh and contemporise the public facing materials.

Brigades can also seek advice from their local Community Safety Managers located in District/Regional offices, for support in engaging with the community at the local level. As well as information on core programs, including material for connecting with new residents or how to host an engaging community display, it may also be an opportunity to connect residents with a community fireguard session, home bushfire planning resources or the property advice visit service. These and other resources can all be accessed from the Community Engagement Content portal on Members Online or through your BASO or local Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC).

And while it may be too late to be actively involved this season, members stepping away from frontline operational roles are exceptionally well suited to becoming volunteer presenters or undertaking the training to become home visit advisors. And there is no better time of year to be learning and being mentored as these programs start to roll out. There are many pathways available for non-operational or those transitioning out of operations to support community safety and education. Bringing one’s operational experience and background make you a very credible presenter, so don’t underestimate this pathway and the ability to influence change. So, if you have taken a step back from a suppression role, consider how you might be able to support the prevention side of our business.

ANNUAL BURNOVER DRILLS

It is that time of year that members are all encouraged to complete their annual skills maintenance in preparation for the fire danger period ahead. The burn over drill is an annual requirement, while refreshing your tree hazard awareness training is required to be redone every three years. While the burn over drill is best done in person, the tree hazard awareness training can be completed online, or via a brigade face to face session should you prefer.

And while some members often talk to me about why they think it is unnecessary to need to redo the burn over drill each and every year, for those of us who are involved in the aftermath of a serious firefighter injury or death and speaking with your loved ones, all I can do is impress on you the importance of undertaking this core refresher each year. Even if you have many many years of experience, if nothing else - your involvement in the drill allows other members to benefit from your experience, and who knows – you just might pick up something during the refresher that you may have missed or forgotten.

At the risk of contradicting myself, there is a potential risk that the annual refreshers encourage complacency. Just because you know how to do the drill, are you equally prepared to ensure you and your crew are never put into a situation that may require it in the first place?

These discussions are best done at the same time as your annual drills as they ensure we don’t just refresh the how but gain a better understanding of the why.

Our Joint Operations Committees have been working with CFA on refreshing case studies gleaned from real after-action reviews to present real stories that can help you step into the mindset of a crew leader and learn from those who have come before us. These are available through CFA’s lessons management section of Members Online, and are often featured in CFA’s pre-season updates, so keep an eye out for them.

In the lessons management section, you can also find some case studies of previous tanker burn overs. To emphasise my point, the title publication “Last Resort Tanker Survival Checklist” is a poignant reminder that performing a burn over on a tanker should be a last resort, and we are putting a lot of trust in the equipment and safety systems on what for many are very old trucks. As the old idiom teaches us - you are safest not to find yourself in that situation in the first place. But should you do so, doing the annual refresher will ensure it becomes muscle memory and not something you will need to struggle to remember in what is a high-risk - high stress environment. It also allows you to evaluate how your peers and fellow members may react during these events.

ANNUAL VOL SURVEY

As teased last month, our annual VFBV vol survey is launching this month and you once again have the opportunity to provide feedback on what’s working and what’s not. A huge shout out and thank-you to each of the 2,115 volunteers that completed the 2024/25 survey.

Your continued involvement in our annual survey adds significant credibility to the results and allows us to keep advocating for improvements on your behalf. It also keeps a spotlight on the critical areas you tell us are your priorities. And because its arm’s length from CFA, we don’t have CFA marking their own homework, which provides confidence to volunteers that the issues they are raising are being prosecuted without fear or favour and are being objectively pursued through our networks.

Even if you are raising the same things you have observed for many years in a row, annual involvement ensures these issues are always contemporised, and no one can hide behind the excuse that it’s an old issue and doesn’t exist anymore. The year-on-year trends are also a critical performance measure that assists CFA determine if the things that have been done to improve an area have hit the ground yet or not.

As a result of the continued consistent dissatisfaction expressed through the survey each year in the training category, we will be working closely with VFBV District Councils to provide strengthened relationships between the Regional and District training teams and brigades. As discussed last month, a deep dive into the qualitative comments provided through the survey last year made it clear that training delivery issues remain a significant flash point. Issues such as when courses are scheduled, where they are scheduled, how much notice is provided, and administrative issues such as how cancellations and waiting lists are handled, as well as if there are enough scheduled courses to meet demand are consistently raised as priorities.

And given the majority of training delivery is scheduled and managed at the local District level, there is an increased opportunity for District Council’s to play an active role in working with brigades and district officers to strongly influence improvement that will directly benefit the local patch.

Simultaneous to this local work, VFBV State Committees are also committed to pursuing substantive changes and improvements to CFA’s LMS and the other related training systems that we all rely on to register, track and report on training needs and outcomes. VFBV will continue to encourage CFA to bid for critical funding that will allow these systems to be fit for purpose and suit an organisation the size of CFA.

These are just two examples of how the survey results directly lead to work and initiatives to address the key issues you raise as priorities.

Please visit vfbv.com.au/cfa to access the 2025/26 survey, or phone the office via (03) 9886 1141 to request a paper copy be mailed out to you. QR codes are also available from VFBV State Councillors or Support Officers, or via Fire Wise or the website.

2025/26 Survey Now Open

This year’s VFBV Vol Survey is now open.

The survey is the largest of its kind, and provides an annual snapshot of volunteer opinion, using questions on issues chosen by volunteers.

All responses are confidential, with only de-identified results going straight to decision makers. The results are studied by the CFA Executive, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Fire Services Implementation Monitor, and the Victorian Government. Issues highlighted by volunteer feedback and responses drive further initiatives and investment to try and improve the things that volunteers raise as priority issues.

Now in its 14th year, the survey is the oldest, most credible and robust analysis of emergency service volunteer opinion in Victoria.

The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them, and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing. By repeating the survey each year, important trend analysis allows decision makers to evaluate efforts to address key issues, and whether or not the selected improvements are being effective. VFBV uses the results to drive important volunteer advocacy, and push for improvements on the issues that volunteers tell us they value the most.

Scan the QR code below or visit the VFBV website to do the survey today. Paper copies are also available by calling the VFBV Office on (03) 9886 1141.

The survey allows you to rate what’s going well, what needs improvement and an opportunity to suggest key issues requiring further attention. Help us help you and have your say today.

Joint Committee EOI

VFBV is now accepting expressions of interest from volunteers to nominate to the CFA/VFBV Joint Consultative Committees for the 2026 calendar year.

If you have an interest in one of the eight streams, feel you can contribute and have the time, are passionate about volunteers and want to be an integral part of our Joint Committee process – then please visit the VFBV website or talk to your local VFBV District Council, State Councillor or VFBV Support Officer for a nomination form. Nominations are due 24 November 2025 but need to be endorsed by the District Council first.

We are seeking volunteers from broad and diverse backgrounds to participate in our consultative structures. Young members, women and members of culturally diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to nominate. We also want to attract volunteers from as broad a range of brigade types and risk profiles as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the role of a Joint Committee delegate and how to get involved, please contact your VFBV Support Officer, State Councillor or VFBV Executive Officer Mark Dryden.

Drought relief resources

As drought continues to set in across large parts of Victoria, VFBV recognises that it is having a significant impact on many CFA Volunteers, their families and communities.

There are numerous supports available to farmers, businesses, individuals and communities, but navigating these can be a time consuming and sometimes frustrating exercise with information hard to find and spread across multiple sources.

Similar to previous Fact Sheets VFBV has prepared for fire and storms – VFBV has developed a Fact Sheet to assist members navigate the various Drought Relief packages that are currently available.

The Fact Sheet can be downloaded from the VFBV website or printed copies may be requested from the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9886 1141.

2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups that have reaffiliated and helped us stand up for volunteers.

Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community of which we all protect. It also provides access to the VFBV Welfare Fund, which since its inception, has distributed more than $2.85 million in grants to volunteers who have fallen on hard times.

Over the past 12 months, VFBV has had to strongly advocate on presumptive cancer legislation, the Fiskville redress scheme, volunteers injured performing CFA duties and requiring fair compensation, the government’s new emergency services tax and volunteer rebate, improvements to the GFF program and other training initiatives, improvements to the CFA Regulations, CFA/FRV secondment arrangements, the ageing CFA truck fleet and the inadequacy of the CFA budget and base funding to just name a few.

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.

CFA volunteers intending on claiming the volunteer rebate will be required to first log-in to 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 https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/ to start the process.

Emergency responder PTSD trial
Monash University is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate a new online intervention for couples called Couple HOPES.

Couple HOPES is designed to give you and your partner tools to improve PTSD symptoms and enhance your relationship.

They are seeking any current or veteran police officers, firefighters and paramedics with symptoms of PTSD and their intimate partner, who would like to improve their PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationship satisfaction. Couples who participate will receive FREE access to Couple HOPES.

What's involved?
Participation in all aspects of the study will involve:

• Meeting with one of the research team via Zoom to discuss your eligibility
• Random allocation to receive either immediate or delayed access to Couple HOPES
• Completion of 7 x 30min Couple HOPES modules, including practice assignments between sessions and attending coaching sessions with your coach
• Completing 7 online surveys, each approximately 15-20 minutes in duration
• Participation in an online interview via Zoom (optional) 

If you would like to find out more about the study or submit an expression of interest to get involved, you can visit the trial website.

This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID 40515).

Volunteer Leadership Development Programs
Applications are now open for a number of leadership development programs across the state which are made available to volunteers through CFA’s Volunteer Leadership Development project.

Members are able to express an interest in upcoming intakes of the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course run by CFA. Further details on how to apply can be found on members online.

Expressions of interest are also open across the state for the Regional Leadership Program – Community Leadership Programs.  The programs now accepting applications are: Future Shapers (Ballarat and Western regions), Fairley Leadership Program (Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program), Leaders for Geelong, Gippsland Community Leadership program, Lead Loddon Murray, and Alpine Valley Community Leadership program.  

Applications for the Leadership Great South Coast and Change Makers (Leadership Wimmera) program will open later in the year.

If CFA members would like more information about the program please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Fire Wise – October 2025 online only edition

The October 2025 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. 

Recent articles on the VFBV website
Now Open – 2025/26 VFBV Volunteer Survey

2026 VFBV/CFA Joint Committee District Nominees Expression of Interest

Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding

2025 Drought Relief Resources

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI

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 are seeking expressions of interest from members to be Joint Committee District Nominees for the 2026 VFBV/CFA Joint Committees. 

Volunteers who are interested in being part of the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees are encouraged to submit your expression of interest to your local District Council for endorsement by Monday 17th November 2025.

VFBV/CFA Joint Committees are a critical part of the consultative framework, offering a direct line of communication and consultation between volunteers and the state-level decision makers within the CFA.

If you feel you have a passion for one of the eight joint committees and have the time to contribute please contact your local District Council or local VFBV Support Officer to submit your nomination (nomination form available for download at the bottom of the page).  In particular, VFBV is seeking greater diversity across our structures and highly encourages nominations across the entire broad and diverse membership.

The eight Joint Committees are:

As committees need to be of a reasonable size district nominees are appointed to the committees via an expression of interest process and are approved annually by State Council.

The Joint Committee structure allows for selected district nominees to join State Councillors to be a part of planning for the future, developing strategies and raising issues that have been raised by the wider VFBV membership across all Districts. 

District Councils are asked to seek expressions of interest from members who wish to participate in the Joint Committees and discuss with them a few key considerations:

- A requirement to attend a minimum of four (4) meetings per year at CFA HQ in Burwood (or virtually as required), usually held on a Saturday or Sunday. Note that some meetings may be held at specialised locations if required.

- Relevant subject matter expertise and the ability to actively contribute to the Committees work with a State-wide view of issues.

- A network outside of their own brigade which allow them to communicate views that are not just their own. 

- Willingness to report back to District Council and engage with members. 
 

District Council Endorsement Process

District Council Executives have been requested to review all district nominations and provide a recommendation and priority order prior to submission to the VFBV Executive Officer.

District Councils have been encouraged to have nominations returned to them by Monday 17th November 2025, to allow time for the District Council prioritisation process prior to submission to the VFBV Executive Officer by Monday 24th November 2025.

With District Councils encouraged to wait until all nominations are received before ranking nominations in priority order and submitting all nominations in one batch to the VFBV Executive Officer.

All nominees must be endorsed by their local VFBV District Council.

Questions?

Contact your local VFBV Support Officer or State Councillors to find out more about the VFBV/CFA Joint Committees.

Proposed 2025 Joint Committee Meeting Dates

(These have not yet been endorsed, and are subject to change)

What have you told us? 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

In this month’s edition of Fire Wise, you will find the VFBV Quarterly Supplement. In addition to the popular 2- Minute-Briefings that update you on the issues being pursued through our CFA/VFBV Joint Committee structures, you will also find the most recent results from the annual VFBV Vol Survey.

Spread over four pages, we have outlined the summary results of what is now our 13th annual survey that was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025. The survey elicited 2,115 responses cementing its place as the largest volunteer emergency service survey of its kind across Australia.

Unsurprising, and reflecting the low morale that has been obvious for some time now, the results confirm that there has been a drop in volunteer satisfaction across six of the seven survey themes and categories. This is particularly concerning given the survey closed before the backlash and rolling community anger over the government’s, the Greens, Cannabis and Animal Justice parties antics in Parliament passing their controversial new emergency services tax that occurred in May.

And while the overall VolWEL for the year increased to 2.2 this year, the overall results mask the significant drop in volunteer satisfaction experienced across individual themes and questions.

Sadly, training continues to be the theme that records the highest levels of volunteer dissatisfaction, increasing to a dissatisfaction score of 3.4– with any score over 3.0 placing it in the highest category of dissatisfaction and requiring urgent priority action.

Breaking down the training theme, the question recording the highest levels of dissatisfaction was “CFA provides enough training opportunities in formats, at times and at locations that make it easy for me to participate.” This question has recorded a dissatisfaction score of 3.8 which is the single worst result for this question in the whole 13 years of the survey.

The next worse result in this theme was for the question “Most training is available and provided within a reasonable distance from my brigade” which recorded a dissatisfaction score of 3.4.

In order to help us drill into the finer details of what was driving dissatisfaction across the training theme, this year we asked respondents to tell us what factors most influenced their scoring. While analysis of the qualitative feedback is still underway, it is clear that issues relating to the local delivery and scheduling of training are the most frequent friction points for volunteers. Feedback indicted strong dissatisfaction with when courses were scheduled, where they were scheduled, the length of notice provided, lack of notice of cancellation and the moving of courses, with a strong view that there is simply an insufficient quantity of courses at times people wanted to meet demand.

Strong feedback also indicated the impacts of the lack of First Aid training that was caused by the poor transition to a new first aid provider, with CFA procurement arrangements unable to be completed prior to the prior contract expiring – leaving many in limbo. Unsurprising, issues using the CFA LMS (Learning Management System) continue to frustrate members.

On a somewhat positive note, one of the few improvements in volunteer satisfaction was on the question “CFA’s training expectations of me are fair and reasonable for the roles that I perform” which recorded a satisfaction score of 1.7 which was a significant improvement on the 2.0 dissatisfaction it scored the year before. This provides confirmation that volunteers are not just being negative and demonstrates that they want to undertake the training and feel it is reasonable – they simply cannot access it where and where they need it.

This positive result also likely reflects the positive reaction volunteers have had on CFA’s acknowledgment to VFBV feedback on the unachievable requirements originally proposed in draft doctrine that was released last year in relation to driver training and the finance policies – both of which were significantly improved after CFA’s consideration of the feedback received during consultation.

I highlight this point for two reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates to CFA that when it listens and constructively responds to feedback during consultation, and where volunteers can see significant changes based on the feedback given – the membership reacts very positively. Secondly, to those of you who often feel your feedback is pointless and makes no difference – this is a good example that you can make an incredible difference if you participate and contribute to the feedback opportunities provided – so thank-you and well done.

The next theme recording the highest levels of dissatisfaction was the “Cooperation across CFA” theme which recorded an overall dissatisfaction score of 3.0.

The worst result in this theme, and in fact the worst result across all standard theme questions, was “Volunteers are effectively consulted and involved in decision making at CFA Corporate (headquarters) level”. This question recorded a dissatisfaction score of 3.7 which is the highest since 2020 where it was a 4.1.

Again, a study of the qualitative comments is illuminating.

While it appears many may appreciate the increased opportunities to provide feedback, we continue to observe high levels of change fatigue, with members expressing strong reactions to what many perceive as constant fiddling and tweaking of policies and procedures that people are finding exhausting. We also observe a sharp criticism that while draft documents are often provided for feedback – there is little evidence of actual changes being made following consultation. While there have been positive reactions to the changes made to the finance and driving policies for example, many observe these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Further volunteer engagement also continues to highlight a perception that rather than sharing a problem with volunteers and working with them to find options and solutions – it is often the case that a single solution worked up by a work unit gets floated as the only option and volunteers are left with a take it or leave it ultimatum.

This is a missed opportunity, where genuine and robust consultation done in partnership with volunteers can lead to a shared understanding that ultimately leads to successful change.

Which leads us to the 2024/25 special questions. These are questions that change each year and are selected based on topical issues that have arisen during the year. Unlike the other set questions which are repeated each year so we can track trends and baselines, these questions are one offs and provide an opportunity for you to provide instant feedback on topical subjects.

Our first question tested volunteers comfort levels with how they currently perceive CFA’s volunteer compensation arrangements. We asked you whether you had confidence that if you get sick or injured performing CFA duties, whether you thought that CFA’s volunteer compensation arrangements will look after you.

Justifying VFBV’s strong advocacy in this area, the VolWEL for this question was 2.7 indicating a significant high level of concern among volunteers indicating many are not confident that these arrangements are sufficient.

You will find an update in this month’s 2-Minute briefing from the People, Culture & Safety Joint Committee where we report on positive progress made on our call for an independent review of volunteer compensation arrangements. We will keep pursuing these changes, and keep you updated on progress.

The next topical question was “The changes that CFA is making to its policies and procedures are making it easier for me to volunteer”. This scored a dissatisfaction score of 3.5 reaffirming our view that volunteers are feeling overwhelmed by the additional red tape and bureaucracy that is often sold as “improving arrangements” but more often than not require volunteers to do more and more for no discernible improvement.

Which leads me to the question that broke the survey. This year, we asked “The Victorian State Government provides sufficient funding to support the adequate replacement of CFA trucks and stations.”

I say this broke the survey, because this question recorded an unprecedented level of dissatisfaction that we have never experienced before in any question over the entire 13 years of the survey. Volunteer dissatisfaction was recorded at an astounding 5.2

We have never witnessed a score higher than 4.1, which was first recorded in 2012 in relation to volunteer consultation (or lack thereof) at HQ level. So, to see a score break the 5 level is unprecedented. We do not even have a category on our severity spectrum to articulate the seriousness of this level of volunteer concern.

This result validates VFBV’s pursuit of increased fleet funding, and highlighting the issues of CFA’s decreasing base budgets, and the inadequate funding to support CFA’s ageing truck fleet.

We will have a lot more to say about this over the coming months and will update you on plans in place to continue highlighting this issue as we move into this year’s fire danger period and next year’s budget cycle.

So, what were the standout positives from this year’s results? You told us that new volunteers are being better supported to turn out to incidents within a reasonable time of joining. You also told us that you feel effectively consulted by your local brigade leaders on changes made at the brigade level.

Each year I also like to highlight the gender difference in satisfaction on the question “There are no barriers to the roles women can occupy in my brigade”. And while this continues to record a relatively strong level of satisfaction – there is a difference between how men and women score this question and the differing perceptions. Looking at the results for men, this question scores a 0.46 dissatisfaction that indicates this question is meeting expectations. However, when we look at responses from women, the dissatisfaction rises to 1.57 which puts it in the mid-range gap and meaning it requires improvement. Pleasingly, there is little variation in how men and women score the importance of ensuring there are no barriers to the roles women can occupy. Both sexes score this exceedingly high in importance with men scoring it 9.22 in importance, and women scoring it 9.48 demonstrating while both rate this question as one of the most important factors across the entire survey – it is clear each gender sees how we are tracking in this area very differently.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every single one of the 2,115 volunteers who participated in the 2024/25 survey and invite you to all study the results closely. They are extremely powerful, and allow us to highlight to CFA and government the areas you tell us require the most support.

If you are reading these results and thinking they don’t reflect your experiences – you will very shortly have the opportunity to let us know. This year’s 2025/26 survey will launch later this month.

Please help us help you, and if you haven’t participated before – consider doing so. Your answers are confidential, and all information is deidentified to protect your privacy. We will never give up advocating strongly on the issues you tell us are most important to you, and the annual survey is the single most effective way of improving how CFA operates, so please consider getting involved.

CFA Donations Trust
Thank you to all volunteers who applied to be a VFBV trustee to the CFA and Brigades Donations Trust.

The Fund was established in 2004 to ensure brigades continued to have deductible gift recipient status following the introduction of the GST and changes made to the charities law that required the associations to advocate for the retention of individual brigade charity status.

Following nominations, the VFBV Board has appointed the following five Trustees to the fund for a term of two years: Jan Cleary; Andrew Howlett AFSM; Graeme Jilbert; Eric Smith and Howard Smith.

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.

New record
Thank you to all brigades and groups that affiliated for the 2024/25 year. This year we recorded our highest levels of affiliation in our history, setting a new Association record.

This strong show of support helps us strongly advocate to CFA and government and ensure that volunteer views are front and centre.

Our Welfare Fund has also recorded it strongest year on record, with 1,106 brigades choosing to support and protect their members from unexpected financial hardship or disaster.

2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups that have reaffiliated and helped us stand up for volunteers.

Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community in which we all protect. It also provides access to the VFBV Welfare Fund, which, since its inception, has distributed more than $2.85 million in grants to volunteers who have fallen on hard times.

Over the past 12 months, VFBV has had to strongly advocate on presumptive cancer legislation, the Fiskville redress scheme, volunteers injured performing CFA duties and requiring fair compensation, the government’s new emergency services tax and volunteer rebate, improvements to the GFF program and other training initiatives, improvements to the CFA Regulations, CFA/ FRV secondment arrangements, ageing CFA truck fleet and the inadequacy of the CFA budget and base funding to just name a few.

All brigades and groups who paid their 2025/26 VFBV affiliation invoice prior to 31 July were entered into prize draw. The winners and their selected prizes are:

1st drawn: Lyons Fire Brigade – G Force Nozzle with Quick connect coupling; Gated Wye with Storz Inlet and quick connect outlet nozzle.

2nd drawn: Beulah Fire Brigade – TFT Break Apart Nozzle

3rd drawn: Lismore Group – 5 Pelican 3415 right angle torches

4th drawn: Kerang Fire Brigade – root soaker and bag.

VFBV thanks GAAM Emergency Products for providing the prizes for the prize draw again in 2025.

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.

CFA volunteers intending on claiming the volunteer rebate will be required to first log-in to their CFA online account, to complete the CFA eligibility test.

To check the rules and eligibility requirements, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/evrs 

If you are eligible and own an eligible property, head to https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/ to start the process.

Drought relief

As drought continues to set in across large parts of Victoria, VFBV recognises that it is having a significant impact on many CFA Volunteers, their families and communities.

There are numerous supports available to farmers, businesses, individuals and communities, but navigating these can be a time consuming and sometimes frustrating exercise with information hard to find and spread across multiple sources.

Similar to previous Fact Sheets VFBV has prepared for fire and storms, VFBV has developed a Fact Sheet to assist members navigate the various Drought Relief packages currently available.

The Fact Sheet is available for download from the VFBV website or printed copies may also be requested from the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9886 1141.

ESF Mental Health Showcase 2025

The Emergency Services Foundation’s (ESF) annual Mental Health Showcase will be held on Thursday 16 October 2025 at Life Saving Victoria in Port Melbourne.

The 2025 showcase program will feature powerful topics on post-traumatic growth, empathetic distress fatigue, family wellbeing, the far-reaching impact of suicide and psychedelics as a new frontier in treatment.

For more information and to secure your ticket visit the ESF website.

Lead Loddon Murray Program Opportunities

Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2026 Lead Loddon Murray Program (also known as the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program LMCLP). The program delivers a year of community leadership development between March and November with face-to-face program days, residential retreats and online program sessions featuring a diverse range of subject matter experts, guest speakers, previous program graduates and government representatives. 

The 2026 LMCLP is open to residents who live in the following municipalities: Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians and Swan Hill. CFA sponsors a number of places on the LMCLP each year for CFA members interested in participating through the Volunteer Leadership Development Program. 

Expression of interest in the 2026 program can be completed online here. If CFA members would like more information about the program please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Recent articles on the VFBV website
Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding

2025 Drought Relief Resources

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI

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.

Details matter 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Many would be familiar with the idiom “the devil is in the details”. Less may be familiar with the original on which it was based which was “God is in the detail”. In this instance – both aptly demonstrate my point.

Details are important.

The original reference to God being in the details was to illustrate that whatever we do, it should be done thoroughly and paying close attention to even the smallest aspects of a task or plan to achieve excellence.

The reference to the Devil being in the details is to illustrate that even seemingly minor or insignificant aspects of a task or plan can cause significant problems and unintended consequences can derail a task or plan from achieving its purpose.

In other words – while things may look simple on the surface, it is the detail and the complexity of how something works that ultimately determines if the desired outcome is achieved.

It is this point entirely, that underscores the importance of robust and genuine consultation. It’s why we do what we do. If the plan or idea does not survive the relentless probing of genuine consultation, then it is far better (and cheaper) to know that before you embark on it - than after. However, if you hide something from genuine consultation and then it starts falling apart and creating issues that keep undermining the very thing you were trying to achieve – then those consequences are on you and you alone.

This sums up my conflicting thoughts on the governments “Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme.”

At a principal level – VFBV has always maintained that volunteers should not be expected to pay for the very service they are providing their community for free.

Therefore, in achieving that outcome, we would be looking for arrangements that are fair, equitable, easy to administer, easy to understand and promotes the value of volunteering while respecting the volunteer ethos.

Surely not too much to hope for.

I don’t think anyone can reconcile the current scheme with those objectives, even if that was what was intended to be achieved. Too many people are excluded making it divisive, there are rules and rules that make trying to assess eligibility difficult, and the budget predicts it will cost millions of dollars to administer.

Even if we accept the notion that this was intended to help and recognise volunteers on face value, this is instantly washed away by the lack of engagement and consultation in its design and premise. As we have previously reported, the scheme was announced by media release late last year, without any consultation and then tinkered with in secret though the parliamentary and budgetary processes that have created such a web of intricacy and competing interests, that the chance of unintended consequences is almost guaranteed.

From a stakeholder perspective, we have been forced to strongly advocate for changes to a flawed model, uncomfortably wriggling through compromises and detail we are principally opposed, but at the same time - trying to achieve the best outcome for volunteers and the communities in which they serve.

We successfully prosecuted the argument that only recognising “active” volunteers without any processes or systems in place that allow everyone to know exactly what an active volunteer was - would require brigade Captains to determine who got a rebate and who did not, causing significant division and conflict within brigades and communities. We also argued that this would create division and demarcation between operational roles and non-operational roles. We also argued that excluding someone because they took a short leave of absence would be discriminatory for members (especially members taking maternity leave) and flew in the face of the fact that employees routinely take long service leave, annual leave and sick leave without any consequences on their entitlements – so why should volunteers be treated any different?

I am pleased to say that we have successfully resolved these issues.

And while we have been effective at influencing real change, nothing can paper over the fundamental issues at the core which simply make the scheme inequitable and will result in a lawyer’s picnic of complications and contradictions within the rules. Too many people are still excluded.

Normally I would prosecute the arguments both for or against something, however the lack of genuine consultation leaves me, you and all other volunteers completely in the dark on some of the reasoning for the convoluted detail and structure of the scheme. Their loss.

Putting all that aside – as at July 25, 2025 the scheme is now open, and eligible volunteers who have received their rates notice on an eligible property can apply for a rebate.

Members will need to log into their CFA Members Online account on the CFA website as the first step. We have worked hard with CFA to try and make this first part of the process as easy as possible.

If you haven’t logged in to your CFA account since the introduction of two factor authentication (2FA), then this will need to be setup. For every member that has not yet registered for 2FA, if your mobile number or email address is on your CFA record, then you have been pre-enrolled in 2FA automatically, using your phone or email to receive the verification code. You can change this later should you desire.

Brigade Captains have been sent a letter detailing any members within your brigade that did not have either a phone number or email and therefore could not be pre-enrolled, so that personal assistance could be offered.

Once you have successfully logged in, click on the “ESVF Rebate Portal” tile on the front page of the members area. CFA honorary life members who are no longer members, may access a separate process via a link on the public page of the CFA website.

The CFA portal will do a preliminary verification of your CFA records and tell you if you are eligible based on your current records. To be eligible you must: have served for at least 12 months; completed your initial probation; you were not suspended on disciplinary grounds; and you have not taken a leave of absence for the whole preceding 12 months. All these criteria are assessed as at the 31 May.

Once you pass this step a digital record will be instantly added to CFA’s database, that will now allow you to proceed to the Department of Government Services portal, letting them know you have passed your CFA eligibility test.

Now some will ask why there are two portals, and in the spirit of transparency, VFBV strongly advocated that no private or personal CFA membership data be shared with the government, which would have been required had members not accessed a CFA portal first. We advocated for this based on the feedback we received from volunteers during the recent introduction of drivers having to enter their license details onto CFA systems. Feedback was very clear on the importance members place on privacy and security of the information that CFA stores on them and the need to protect from identify theft.

We were also cognisant of how poor CFA records can be at times. We have seen this first hand when assisting sick volunteers through the presumptive cancer legislation process. We didn’t want a volunteer to be at the mercy of a bureaucrat who had no understanding of how CFA works trying to sort out an incorrect membership record.

So, under this system – if you fail the initial eligibility on the CFA end, you can request a manual intervention where a member of CFA staff will manually go through your membership records and help you fix any legitimate errors that are impacting on your eligibility before you apply for the rebate.

So yes – there are two steps – but we feel this is justified in the circumstances. VFBV is also willing to defend this step because CFA genuinely consulted with us during the development of their portal which gives us confidence this is the best method available and we were able to consider the alternatives. The same cannot be said for the next steps which have all been done by government without any engagement with volunteers.

Once you pass the CFA eligibility test, which is all done in real time and can be done in seconds - you will then be provided a link to the Government Services Portal and you are handed over to a government process of which CFA has no control.

On this portal you will need your CFA volunteer number; your rates notice; and proof of identification such as a driver’s license. Members receiving paper copies of their rates notice will also need to know how to scan and upload their notice. Our calls for a paper application, or in person application to cater for members who do not have reliable internet access or who are not computer literate have so far been ignored. But they have provided a hotline 1300 778 931 available during business hours to assist.

The Government portal will then compare your details with all the other data sets that government holds, including a title search on the property, to inform your eligibility.

Once your application is lodged – you will then need to wait for your application to be reviewed. Once approved you will then have the value of your rebate deposited to your nominated bank account. You can then proceed to pay your rates bill in whatever method you usually choose.

The government FAQ’s state most applicants will receive an outcome within 30 days.

One of the biggest issues we see arising is the case of the property not being in a member’s name on the title. This is likely to be a regular occurrence, especially in the case of rural land holdings, or properties that are held in a spouse’s name. And while you have an avenue to go to demonstrate your ownership in the case of land held in trust or via a company structure, a simple family home that is not registered in the same name as the eligible volunteer is likely to be determined ineligible for rebate under the current rules.

Again, we would encourage volunteers who find they are ineligible for the rebate to make contact with their local MP, especially given the lengths the Premier has gone to deflect any criticism of their new emergency services tax on the basis that all volunteers would be exempt.

Sadly, the devil was in the detail. We encourage members who intend on claiming the rebate to do so as soon as they get their rates notice, to factor in the time it takes for your application to be reviewed. We also encourage members to familiarise themselves with the FAQs found at https://www.vic.gov.au/evrs 

VFBV Board

Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2025. 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 1st September 2025.

CFA External Review of Culture and Issues Management

CFA has commissioned Dr Helen Szoke AO and Allen & Clarke to undertake an evaluation of progress made against the recommendations made in the original External Review of Culture and Issues Management that was undertaken in 2022.

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the work that’s been undertaken by CFA and propose future actions to improve culture improvements.

As part of the evaluation, a desktop review has been undertaken which has helped inform the development of five discussion papers which will act as conversation starters on topics including:

• Volunteers as a core strength
• Leadership and Management
• Gender Equality
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Complaints Management and Resolutions Support

You can view conversation staters on the above topics in the CFA Members Online.

The review team are seeking interested volunteers and staff to register their interest in being part of the evaluation by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or completing the EOI form that can be found by following the above link in the CFA members area.

CFA Board

VFBV welcomes the appointment of volunteer nominee Bryce Morden to the CFA Board, replacing retiring member Beth Davidson OAM, and welcomes the re-appointment of volunteer nominee Ross Coyle AFSM.

Bryce joined CFA in 2005 at Maffra, before transferring to Timboon in 2010 where he has served as Captain, Group Training and currently serves as a DGO for the Apostles Group in District 6. Bryce is an experience Board director, and brings extensive leadership experience in emergency services, regional development and community engagement. Ross and Bryce’s terms will expire on the 16 June, 2028.

We take this opportunity to thank Beth for her significant contribution as a volunteer nominee to the CFA Board over the past six years. Beth had previously served on the CFA Board as a local government representative, underlining the outstanding contribution she has made to CFA over the years. Beth was a passionate advocate for community safety and engagement and highlighting the importance of partnering with communities. She was also a staunch advocate for volunteer empowerment and safety. We wish her all the best.

VFBV also congratulates the government nominee’s Rachel Thomson and Anthony Peake OAM who were re-appointed to the CFA Board for another three-year term.

Lead Loddon Murray Program Opportunities

Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2026 Lead Loddon Murray Program (also known as the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program LMCLP). The program delivers a year of community leadership development between March and November with face-to-face program days, residential retreats and online program sessions featuring a diverse range of subject matter experts, guest speakers, previous program graduates and government representatives. 

The 2026 LMCLP is open to residents who live in the following municipalities: Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians and Swan Hill. CFA sponsors a number of places on the LMCLP each year for CFA members interested in participating through the Volunteer Leadership Development Program.  

Expression of interest in the 2026 program can be completed online here. If CFA members would like more information about the program please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 
VESEP closed

Applications for this year’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), closed on 28 July, 2025.

District Planning Committee’s will now be meeting to endorse and rank applications from each District, before sending their endorsements to the CFA State Steering Committee by the 18th August, 2025.

We wish all brigades the best of luck in their applications. This was the 25th year of the successful program which was a VFBV initiative and designed in close collaboration with volunteers for volunteers.

VESEP provides grants of $2 for every $1 of Brigade or Group funding and is designed for brigades to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements. The program offers five categories plus Statewide & DPC Local Initiatives: - Primary Response Appliances; Specialist & Support Vehicles; Operational Equipment; Volunteer Amenities $<5K; Minor Works $<250K

VFBV wishes everyone the best in their applications and will continue to assist and support you in protecting Victorian communities.

2025/26 Affiliations
Thank you to all affiliated brigades and groups who have reaffiliated and helped us stand up for volunteers.

Affiliation sends a strong message that volunteers are united and will work together to achieve positive outcomes that benefit not only brigades, but the broader community in which we all protect.

It also provides access to the VFBV Welfare Fund, which since its inception has distributed more than $2.85 million in grants to volunteers who have fallen on hard times.

Over the past 12 months, VFBV has had to strongly advocate on presumptive cancer legislation, the Fiskville redress scheme, volunteers injured performing CFA duties and requiring fair compensation, the governments new emergency services tax and volunteer rebate, improvements to the GFF program and other training initiatives, improvements to the CFA Regulations, CFA/FRV secondment arrangements, the ageing CFA truck fleet and the inadequacy of the CFA budget and base funding to just name a few.

Fire Wise – August 2025 online only edition

The August 2025 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. 

Recent articles on the VFBV website
VFBV Board Vacancies 2025 – Invitation to apply

Emergency Services Tax Forecast Funding

2025 Drought Relief Resources

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management EOI

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.