Download Issue 51 >> | Issue #51 September 2017

Political leaders from across the state have backed a campaign by the RFSA, for a new road safety rule which protects emergency workers.
 

The RFSA is campaigning for a new law requiring drivers to slow to 40 kilometres an hour when passing an emergency vehicle in attendance at an incident.

The Hon. Paul Green MLC from the Christian Democratic Party gave his support for the safety measure, during a meeting with RFSA President Ken Middleton, and CEO Bernard Cox at Parliament House.

“The 40 kilometre an hour rule is already used across New South Wales to protect vulnerable road users, and reduce pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries. By extending it to our emergency services personnel we can give them the protection they deserve,” Mr Green said.

“Clearly, emergency workers are vulnerable when they are responding to incidents, and doing their job. So, applying this limit to emergency vehicles with flashing lights, would mean a safer environment for emergency personnel and the public.”

The RFSA representatives have also met with Greens MP, Mr David Shoebridge MLC who gave in principle support for the move, for the health and safety of the state’s emergency workers.

“It’s vital that our emergency services workers are safe when they are at work protecting communities across New South Wales. This safety measure can help deliver that outcome,” Mr Shoebridge said.

RFSA President Ken Middleton said the organisation had been overwhelmed by the response it’s received since beginning the campaign for the 40 kilometre an hour rule.

“One of the biggest safety factors faced by our members, and all emergency service workers, is road users who fail to slow down on approach to an emergency incident with due care and attention,” Mr Middleton said.

“The RFSA’s recent discussions with Government have been encouraging. With further meetings scheduled we are hoping to confirm that there are no impediments to implementing this change.

“New South Wales already has a 40km per hour limit for drivers going through school zones, or passing school buses.

“Emergency workers are there to help and protect the community, the same safety limit should be applied for their protection.

“A similar law is already in place in Victoria and South Australia. If different sides of politics in New South Wales can unite to support it, then we hope the State Government can follow suit, and put this new safety measure in place.

“Of course, the implementation of any new rule would need to go hand in hand with a public education campaign, to ensure all drivers are aware of the changes.

“The NSW Rural Fire Service Association is the official body established in 1996 to support and give a voice to the members of the NSW Rural Fire Service on matters which directly affect their ability to fight fires and keep communities safe.

“As the representative Association of the 74,000 members of the NSW RFS, I believe this measure is vital in protecting NSW RFS members, and all emergency services workers,” Mr Middleton said.

The Association has been vigorously campaigning to reduce the speed limit of vehicles to 40 kilometres an hour when passing an emergency vehicle in attendance at an incident. This would be consistent with steps Victoria and South Australia have taken to protect emergency service workers and would be a similar law to that we use in other areas of the community where vulnerable road users are present, like school zones, school buses and roadwork sites. Drivers should only increase their speed again, when reaching a safe distance from the scene. 

It is our firm belief this is a necessary measure to protect the lives of emergency service personnel working on the roadside and the campaign has received a positive response from organisations such as the NRMA and the Police Association of NSW. We have also garnered political support from Greens MP Mr David Shoebridge MLC and The Hon. Paul Green MLC of the Christian Democratic Party. I have also been campaigning on the airwaves with interviews on radio and news grabs.

The safety of our members is paramount, and the RFSA will continue to lobby and work with Government in advocating the adoption of a 40 kilometre per hour speed limit as a means to safeguard the safety of the people, who protect and safeguard the community.

I was recently honoured to be elected Director of the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA) and to the position of Council Chairperson. The Council is a collaboration of eleven volunteer fire brigade associations within Australia. It was established to give volunteer fire fighters a united voice in discussions and negotiations with Government and key stakeholders. CAVFA’s member associations, together, represent more than 250,000 volunteer fire fighters and operational support volunteers across Australia and I will endeavor to continue the progress the Council has made driving change in the interest of all rural fire fighters.

One of the key support programs the RFSA provides is through sponsorship and it has been pleasing to see a marked increase in sponsorship requests. Recently we have sponsored a number of events and gatherings, large and small. This has included sponsorship to NSW RFS Heritage, Wamberal RFB 60th Anniversary, Parkes High School NSW RFS Cadets, NSW RFS Region South Group Officers Forum, Gunning/Fish River 85th Anniversary, Riverina Cadet Field Day and the Jellat RFB 75th Anniversary.
 

One of our largest sponsorships of the year is the NSW RFS Cadet Championships which will be held Tuesday 3 October to Friday 6 October. We have been proud to sponsor this event for a number of years and it is a fantastic platform for the formation of a network between cadets that can continue to strengthen as they rise through the Service. Cadets are the future of not only our organisation, but fire services around the country and it’s vital we nurture their enthusiasm and training now, so they can continue to maintain fire services into the future.
 

The NSW RFSA Grant scheme has also been gaining momentum since it was revised just over a year ago. Not only are we seeing a large number of Brigades, Support Brigades and Districts applying for the first time, we are also witnessing greater diversity in the types of grants requested. Such requests include concreting slabs and paths for Gundaroo RFB and a roller door electric motor for Guyra RFB.
 

RFSA Conference 2018 is fast approaching so please ensure you save the dates Friday 6 July to Sunday 8 July, 2018 if you are interested in attending this event. The theme is Protect and Connect and we have been busy sourcing speakers and exhibitors that will provide our members with research, knowledge and methods to improve their ability in their role as a rural fire fighter. I encourage you to visit the dedicated conference website www.rfsaconference.org.au. Further information on how to register to attend will be made available as we approach the event. I look forward to making this our most successful conference to date.
 

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire - William Butler Yeats.

One of the key support programs offered by the RFSA is its annual Professional Development Scholarships.

•  Enhance the professional and personal development of members;

•  Improve career development; and

•  Promote a high level of professional service to the community.

Registered Members are invited to apply for the annual scholarships with funding granted to assist with the costs of undertaking tertiary studies.

Applications are open to both NSW RFS volunteers and staff and successful applicants must enrol in the selected course within 18 months of notification of the scholarship.

         President’s Scholarship – awarded to either (or both) volunteer and staff members.

         Chris Lord Memorial Scholarship – awarded to the most suitable volunteer applicant.

The President’s Scholarship Committee will review all applications before making recommendations to the State Board. The committee is comprised of four members selected by State Council.

Applications will close at 1700 hours on Sunday, 15 October 2017.  Applicants are encouraged to read the Professional Development Scholarship Policy before submitting an application. 

Download a Scholarship Application form from the RFSA website or call the RFSA office on Ph: 4723 3400 or email: enquiries@rfsa.org.au to request one. 

On Saturday 5 August, Emergency Service personnel around the Coonabarabran District participated in the annual Emergency Service Golf Challenge.

The RFSA was pleased to provide prizes for the fundraiser, in which monies raised went towards the Warrumbungle Shire Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal.

1st Overall Shire and Local Services Team - “Paddy’s Team”.
(L-R) Paddy Cain, Brent Moresy & Andrew Milford pictured with Mark Harrison (RFSA Division 10 Delegate).      

1st NSW RFS Team - Napier Lane RFB 
(L-R) Frank Clifton, Steve Ford, Sarah Richards, Meegan Young,Mark Harrison (non-player), Corey Philips (Castlereagh FCO1). 

When booking accommodation for your next trip, don’t forget to book your rental car as well! As a member of the RFSA, you have access to the Member Advantage Benefits program, with great negotiated deals* across a range of rental vehicles.

Choose between two exclusive deals with HERTZ:

·         Excess reduced to $700 within Australian and a set corporate rate.

·         10% off the daily base rate for your vehicle.

So, whether you are travelling for work, professional development or a holiday, discover how you could save!

To find out more about this RFSA Member Benefit, log in with your member number to www.memberadvantage.com.au/rfsa or call RFSA Member Advantage on 1300 853 352.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

 
Volunteering is often a family affair as was the case recently at Kurrajong Heights Rural Fire Brigade. Whilst husband Steve Baranowski and his Dad were flying the family flag in the field during the most recent Hazard Reduction Burn in late August, wife Lucy was at home nurturing the newest tiny addition to the family, five week old Maxwell ‘Max’ Baranowski.

“As the Community Engagement Officer for our Brigade, I saw the interest from the public in response to the agency media releases relating to Hazard Reduction, so I used the opportunity to really push our Brigade’s Facebook page into the wider community. 

“I took the opportunity to dress future volunteer Max in his RFSA teddy bear’s clothes and I took some photos. I used these photos, along with shots and statistics which crews on the fire ground were sending me, to create appropriate posts for our social media page.”

Lucy said the posts generated a terrific response from the local community.

“People are interested in what is happening in their area, and with technology available we can educate the community and hopefully allow them to see and trust that we are doing what we can to ensure a safer fire season.

“Keeping an open line of communication can help people not normally comfortable in approaching us in person be able to still see and learn from us.”

Kurrajong Heights’ honorary team member was born at just thirty-six weeks gestation and this means there are still often trips back to hospital.

“Max is a tiny little fighter, he’s tough and a tiny 5pound 8oz (2.5kilo),” said Lucy.

Luckily the Baranowskis have had the support of the extended fire fighter family. Lucy and Steve have volunteered for the past five years, whilst Max’s Grandpa has been heavily involved in the Service for over 40 years. Max’s Uncle Chris is also a NSW RFS volunteer.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, this little guy has a village AND an RFS family!” laughed Lucy.

“From the Brigade alone, we’ve had meals offered, huge emotional support, even hand-made beanies made to keep his tiny head warm. Max’s mini ‘PPE’ came delivered in an esky from another amazing Brigade member and was full of food stuffs, plus a fire fighter teddy from the RFSA shop, which is what Max was dressed in. 

“It’s been the ultimate gift from brave people to remind us to stay brave as well.”
 

Approximately 50 personnel across 16 Brigades took part in the Hazard Reduction Burn on the South East side of Kurrajong Heights on Sunday, 20 August. This is one of many burns that take place across the state in the lead up to the summer Fire Danger Period. Follow Kurrajong Heights Rural Fire Brigade on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KurrajongHeightsRFS.

The Bega Valley RFSA Branch recently held a successful meeting that focused on educating members on the Centralised Dispatch Process.

Branch Chairperson Jason Lewington said the Branch had a goal of inviting more guest speakers to its meetings and recognised that there was a lot of interest and confusion surrounding how the Centralised Dispatch system worked.

“We had 40 people in attendance and all that attended were very impressed with the presentation. Many members noted that they went in sceptical about Centralised Dispatch, however left the forum a lot more comfortable about it and even excited,” said Jason.

“Thanks must go to Inspector Sean Greenwood who presented on the day and Chief Superintendent Peter McKechnie from State Operations who was highly supportive of this initiative.”

Inspector Sean Greenwood speaks to Bega Valley Branch members.

The RFSA was proud to sponsor the Tamworth City Navigation Exercise. Held in late July, the exercise was designed to allow members to undertake practical navigation skills in an environment that closely resembles real-life incident scenarios.

Newer members were introduced to navigation, and given the opportunity to practice some basic GPS navigation skills. More experienced members fine-tuned their knowledge using more advanced techniques such as reading maps and compasses. 

Crew leaders and AF Instructors were also given the chance to practice their skills through mentoring fellow members throughout the day.

The RFSA provided funding for a catered lunch for the hungry navigators, as well as, the event prizes and enough beanies to keep explorers’ heads toasty warm.

Crews were asked to take ‘creative selfies’ at each checkpoint throughout the day.

Ballimore Rural Brigade Member Colin ‘Col’ Buckler was awarded the Max Walters Memorial Shield award at the Orana RFSA Branch Annual General Meeting. The award recognises a member who has displayed dedication, commitment and/or achievement that goes above and beyond the call of duty; and has given to the Service beyond average commitment in both Brigade and other NSW RFS related activities.

Col has been a member of the NSW RFS for over 25 years and currently holds the positions of Senior Deputy Captain, Vice-President and Equipment Officer. Previously he has held the positions of Deputy Captain and President. 

He has been a long-time member of the Orana Training Committee and delivered the RFD and ORD course for many years. For some courses, including the chainsaw course, Col provides members with use of his personal property for training. He is well known amongst his colleagues for going above and beyond to assist individuals who need a little extra help or confidence.

Congratulations Col on your award.

The following Brigades have successfully applied for a NSW RFSA Grant:

The NSW Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Centre, located in Bland Temora, was successful in their request for items to help with the maintenance of the new facility. NSW Rural Fire Service Zone Manger Steve Holden said volunteers were already using the equipment provided for regular maintenance of the eight trucks they have on display.

“This Community Engagement Centre is dedicated in preserving the history of the NSW RFS and is the first one of its kind constructed in NSW,” said Mr Holden.

“The preservation of our bush fire fighting history and the dissemination of community engagement material is important and it is hoped that visitors to the museum will be inspired to further support their local brigades and perhaps, even become NSW RFS volunteers themselves.”

Mr Holden said the exhibits are managed by active and non-active members from Brigades within the Bland Temora Zone.

“The Bland Temora Zone has a Communications Support Group and volunteers of the Support Group are also active members of Thanowring, West Wyalong HQ and Ungarie Brigades.

“The intent is for the Support Group members, who are also museum volunteers, to use the Community Engagement Centre as their Station.”

Scott Campbell is Captain of Lawrence Rural Fire Brigade in the Clarence Valley and has been a volunteer for over 10 years.

He holds the role of Senior Trainer for the Clarence Valley District and is a trustee of the NSW Rural Fire Service Brigade and Donations Fund. Scott operates a successful small beef property in the Clarence Valley and has a strong interest in the Kokoda track and its history. He is a Director of Australia and Papua New Guinea Tours and Kokoda Campaign Tours.

Scott has a Cert. IV in Frontline Management and is passionate about the promotion of fire fighter safety through training. He has a strong diplomatic skill set and focuses on building relationships and facilitating and building working groups.

Brian Millar has been a volunteer member of Jindera Rural Fire Brigade, in the South West Slopes area of the Riverina, since 1982.

Brian is a Deputy Group Captain of the Southern Border Team, a position he has held for ten years. He was Deputy Captain of the Jindera Brigade for 20 years.

Brian is qualified to the Group Leader level and is active in the Southern Border Team Community Engagement team. He has completed the Community Facilitator course and is a qualified Media Liaison Officer. He is employed with TAFE NSW as Director, Business Arts and Service Industry Studies. Brian’s involvement in the RFSA has included serving as Southern Border Branch Secretary in RFSA Division 13, and as an alternate Delegate to the RFSA State Council.

David Turner has been a volunteer member of Goombargana Rural Fire Brigade for almost 30 years and is currently the Brigade Training Officer. Previously David was President of Morebringer Rural Fire Brigade, which was amalgamated with Goombargana Brigade in the 1990s.

He has been a duty radio operator for the past 20 years with the Southern Border Team and is a member of the local Incident Management Team.

He is a Senior Instructor with the Training Assistance Group and is currently responsible for Crew Leader training and the implementation of secondary cadet courses. Currently employed as a farm manager, David has previously worked as a Careers Adviser, PE Teacher, Head of Department at the Australian Defence Force Academy and as a member of the Royal Australian Navy.

In 2016, the RFSA encouraged members of the NSW RFS to take part in a nationwide survey of Emergency Management volunteers to gather opinions in order to provide advice direct to Government and Emergency Management sector decision makers on a range of issues, chosen by emergency management volunteers, on matters identified as important to them.  

More than 1,900 NSW RFS members did! Thank you!

It was a great start to NSW participating in this annual survey. Nation-wide more than 6,000 fire service volunteers participated.

The results of both the NSW specific volunteer firefighter responses and the nation-wide results are available on the RFSA website.

NOW we would like to invite volunteers to participate in 2017. Please give us your opinions once more.

It is important to continue with the opinion and feedback gathering process in order to track where improvements are needed and being made, and where effort is still needed.

Once again the survey will only take 10 - 15 minutes to complete online. All responses are confidential. For each statement you provide a rating on how important the issue is to you AND then provide a rating on performance.

The overall results will assist the RFSA in better representing you and advising key stakeholders on the key issues that matter to you.

How to participate in 2017 Survey: 

* If you participated and left your contact details on last year’s survey, you will automatically be sent the survey this year. 

* To participate in the 2017 survey go to: www.vfbv.com.au/rfsasurvey2017.php.

 * Request a paper copy of the survey be sent to you by emailing and provide your name and postal address or call the RFSA office on (02) 4723 3400 and provide postal details.

* And if you want to encourage your fellow Brigade members to participate you can download a Brigade Registration Sheet return it to us and survey copies will be posted to each member.

Any questions about the survey contact the RFSA office on (02) 4723 3400. 

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) is hosting the survey site.