RFSA Blue Drill Shirt Announcement
As the representative Association of all members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) I want to provide assurance of representation regarding the end of production of the RFS branded blue drill shirt.
The RFSA is managed by its Members, as such, the sentiments and concerns of Members about future unavailability of the blue drill shirt and concerns raised about the yellow utility shirt have been expressed with the RFS on numerous occasions over an extended period of time.
I can personally assure you that these issues have been raised at CEG meetings, at Consultative Committee meetings, directly with the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner, Bruce McDonald, with NSW RFS Purchasing and with Stewart and Heaton. The most recent occasion of representing our Members and raising this matter was last Thursday, 21st August with both the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald.
The Association has also promoted the avenues available for Members to further express their views and provide feedback on the blue drill shirt matter. Consequently, the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Branch of the RFSA are integral to a social media campaign to champion the continued availability of the blue shirt and were instrumental in the presentation of a business paper reflecting this campaign at an Association State Council meeting on Saturday, 23rd August.
This business paper, regarding the blue drill shirt, was debated by 42 elected member representatives from around the State however the proposal put forward was not carried by a majority. This is a reflection of the democratic process of the Association’s structure.
If Members wish to contact their State Council division representatives, they are encouraged to do so. A listing is provided on the RFSA website.
The decision to end production of the blue drill shirt came directly from the RFS and not the RFSA. Without authorisation from the RFS, the RFSA is not able to produce or sell items with the RFS crest on them.
Tim Arnott
President