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NEWSLETTER December 2005
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RFSA HEAD OFFICE UPDATE
Ken Harris, Executive Officer
Having recently attended the RFS Northern Region Managers’ meeting and prior to that, attended a very successful and well supported State Council meeting at Port Macquarie, it has highlighted the opportunity I have had to meet with so many members from across the State and discuss a wide range of issues that impact on the Association.
As I often say, communication is the key and your feedback is not only encouraged but is invaluable and vital in delivering a professional Association.
Evidence that we are all part of a successful and professional Association was the calibre of representation of our members from throughout NSW at the recent AAVFBA and AFAC Conferences. Both of these conferences provided our members with the opportunity to speak with other interstate member Associations to consider their views and approach to various issues and to understand the future direction of those organisations. In addition, various topics were presented that are of most relevance to Australasian fire fighting services as a whole.
As we move closer to year’s end, I would like to thank the team (Kirstin, Terry and Lynette) for the invaluable contribution they have, and continue to make, to our organisation. It hasn’t always been easy, especially during the last 12 months, but as we gradually implement new systems and strategies, an even more effective Head Office will evolve. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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STATE COUNCIL ISSUES
Saturday 26th November 2005, Port Macquarie
Some of the key issues from the State Council meeting held at Port Macquarie included:
• Clarification to be sought from the RFS regarding the policy of wearing PPE.
• Further clarification to be sought regarding the Safe Working on Roads Policy and that the name be changed to the Traffic Management Policy.
• Consultation with the RFS regarding a Group Officers’ Conference.
• Extension of comment period for the Draft Brigade Constitution and Brigade Management SOPs.
• Development of a recruitment package for new volunteers and salaried officers.
• Consultation with the L&D Committee regarding an IMX for the purpose of assisting eligible members for the new GLA and GLC disciplines.
• RFSA Working Party to be formed to consider the process of reimbursement of expenses under Section 44 operations, Angelo Baldo to act as convenor.
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BUSINESS PAPERS
The following business papers were presented:
Castlereagh Volunteer Region CASV-0105
Problem: That the rural brigades do not get sufficient, if any, safety instruction.
Outcome: This business paper is to be held over until the RFS brigade classifications and programs are in place.
Central East Salaried Region CEES-0105
Problem: That there is very little scope for Group Leaders to gain experience outside their normal fire fighting environment.
Outcome: This business paper was not carried.
Hunter Volunteer Region HUNV-0205
Problem: That the approach by the telemarketers selling raffle tickets for the RFSA can be very abrupt and it is then a poor reflection on the RFS and the volunteers.
Outcome: That the RFSA encourage the telemarketers to use a friendlier approach when dealing with the public.
Southern Volunteer Region SOUV-0505
Problem: Fire trail minimum construction standards.
Outcome: That the RFSA support the proposed new Fire Trail Minimum Construction Guidelines and Guidelines for Classifications of Fire Trails that are to be submitted to the Coordinating Committee for adoption.
Southern Volunteer Region SOUV-0605
Problem: Lack of funding for unscheduled storm and tempest damage to fire trails.
Outcome: That a contingency funding system be set up by the Bush Fire Coordinating Committee to be made available for Bush Fire Management Committees for urgent repairs to damage caused by storm and tempest to registered fire trails after abnormal weather conditions.
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RFSA / RFS EXECUTIVE MEETING UPDATE
The second meeting of the joint RFSA / RFS Executive was held on Thursday 24th November at Homebush. The following issues are currently being discussed:
• Brigade classification and training requirements
• Media coverage along the Victorian border
• Roles and responsibilities of Executive Officers and representatives to the BFMC
• Fire trail classification and management
• Workers compensation
• Smoke alarms
The next meeting will be held early in 2006.
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RFS POLICIES & SERVICE STANDARDS UPDATE
The following RFS Service Standards and Policies have been introduced and/or updated:
• SS 1.1.20 Service Audits (v 1.1) – updated
• SS 1.3.2 Powers of Officers (v 2.3) – updated
• SS 1.3.2A Powers of Officers (JBT) (v 1.3) – updated
• SS 6.1.3 Training General (no amendments, 2005 SOPs added only)
• Policy 4.1.1 State Operations Roster and Overtime (v 1.0) – new
The RFS Policy on Weekly Compensation for Self Employed Volunteers has been sent to all RFSA Regions for distribution. All relevant comments are to be returned to Head Office by COB Friday 17th February 2006.
A reminder that all comments regarding the following RFS Service Standards are to be returned to Head Office by COB Wednesday 7th December 2005:
• SS 2.1.2 DRAFT Brigade Constitution
• SS 2.1.10 DRAFT Management of Brigade Accounts
• SS 2.1.11 DRAFT Brigade Meetings
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RFSA CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The State Council have endorsed the following members on the RFSA Constitutional Review Committee:
Volunteer - Peter Manning, Colin Ware, Henry Earle, Wal Gately and Phil O’Mullane
Salaried - Michael Brett, Chris Anderson, Warwick Roche, Alan Gillespie and Heidi Jackal.
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RAFFLE INFORMATION
Raffle Draw No. 12 – Mrs. D.M. Loder, Balmain
Raffle No. 13 - will be drawn on 6th January 2006. The results of each raffle are published in the Sydney Morning Herald in the Public Notices Section, the RFSA Website and in FiresEdge.
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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
ALWAYS ensure you carry a street directory with you when visiting Fire Control Centres (e.g. Lower Hunter FCC).
DO NOT rely on directions from an Association member whose memory may be fading.
ALWAYS ensure that when you take the incorrect turn off to Armidale, which includes 120+kms of single lane, dirt, winding road with sheer drop offs, that your fuel tank actually is more than 1/4 full. This will ensure that you do not have to rely on the generosity of Council road workers’ for a further fuel supply.
ALWAYS carry a water bottle that can be utilised as a funnel and NEVER harass your passenger for leaving such items in the car.
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UPCOMING DATES
3rd December 2005 - Southern Volunteer / Salaried Regional Meeting, Bega Valley FCC
5th December 2005 - L&D Advisory Committee Meeting, Homebush
24th December 2005 – 3rd January 2006 - RFSA Head Office closed
21st January 2006 - State Council Meeting, Orange
4th February 2006 - Hunter Volunteer Regional Meeting, Bulladelah
5th February 2006 - Castlereagh Volunteer / Salaried Regional Meeting, Gunnedah
5th February 2006 - Riverina Volunteer / Salaried Regional Meeting
11th February 2006 - Central East Volunteer Regional Meeting, Warringah
21st February 2006 - Operations Advisory Committee Meeting, Homebush
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The next RFSA Newsletter will be distributed on 1st February 2006.
CONTACT US
Head Office
PO Box 845, Penrith BC NSW 2751
1/15 Production Place, South Penrith NSW 2750
Phone: 02 4722 2122 Fax: 02 4722 2122
Email: headoffice@rfsa.org.au
Web: www.rfsa.org.au
Executive Officer – Ken Harris
Mobile: 0407 905 804
Email: ken.harris@rfsa.org.au
Administration Manager – Kirstin Thomas
Mobile: 0400 451 057
Email: kirstin.thomas@rfsa.org.au
Shop Administrator – Terry Rotterman
Mobile: 0417 892 576
Email: terry.rotterman@rfsa.org.au
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HAVE YOUR SAY
The RFSA monthly newsletter is aimed at communicating short and concise information to all its members. It is not designed to replace FiresEdge or the website.
We welcome your contributions and comments for inclusion. Could you please ensure they are sent to RFSA Head Office (headoffice@rfsa.org.au) no later than one week prior to the first of each month.
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