New vehicle livery trial

Further to correspondence in the Chief’s weekly communication a little while ago, from today we are asking members to have a look at 4 vehicle decal designs that have been created and to vote for their favourite.

See story here: http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/new-car-decals-vote-now.html

Seasonal outlook - Jan to Mar

Rainfall:

• No strong odds for Tasmania and most of Victoria. See http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain.seaus.shtml

Temperature:

• Warmer days are more likely over most of southeastern Australia. See http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml

Summer Heroes Raceday

Free entry at Flemington, Saturday 21 January, Summer Heroes Raceday in honour of emergency volunteers.

The Victoria Racing Club and VFBV invite all CFA volunteers and their families to Flemington on Saturday 21 January for Summer Heroes Raceday, in recognition of the great work of Victoria’s emergency services.

With FREE ADMISSION for all patrons, room to picnic on the famous Flemington lawn and a range of free activities for kids, including pony rides, all volunteers are encouraged to attend and make it a day to remember. Racing starts at 12.30.

There will be a race named in recognition of VFBV and plenty of exciting raceday atmosphere, so mark the date in your diary now and spread to word to family and friends. For more information, visit www.flemington.com.au

Wearing of the 2009 Campaign Fires Pin

CFA have issued a document on how to wear the 2009 Campaign Fires Pin:

• How to wear the 2009 Campaign Fires Pin

Geoff

Some do it tough...

Some brigades used to do it tough... Loch CFA shed

Loch is in South Gippsland on the South Gippsland Highway, between Koo Wee Rup and Bena.  This is their old fire shed (they have a better one these days...!)


Geoff

Nillumbik Draft Environmental Education and Biodiversity Strategy

Nillumbik has issued their Draft Environmental Education and Biodiversity Strategy for public consultation.  I have (a very large) hard-copy if any wishes to read it and provide feedback to the council.

The documents are also available on the council website: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Comments on the Environmental Education Policy are due by 23 December 2011 (I've only just received it, so I suspect they are managing the dates to not receive any feedback!)

Comments on the Biodiversity Strategy are due by 10 February 2012.

I have contact details if you require them.

Geoff

Member ID card

I recommend all members apply for a member ID card. You will need a photo of yourself (head-shot only – none of those fancy boudoir photos…).

There are three options available:

1. Log onto CFA Online (https://cfaonline.cfa.vic.gov.au) and click on Apply Now in the Apply for your CFA ID card banner in the middle of the page, then follow the instructions. 
2. E-mail me a photo and I will make the application for you. 
3. Catch me at the station, and I’ll take your photo and make the application for you. 

I’m already processing those people that I took photos of after the general meeting, so you will be receiving yours in the mail.

Geoff

CEO's Blog: Herald Sun Articles/Fiskville

As many CFA members would be aware, the Herald Sun ran a series of articles this morning making a number of very serious allegations linking CFA’s Training College at Fiskville to cancers in CFA members and their families. These allegations date back to the 1970s and 80s.

Since becoming aware of the allegations for the first time when contacted by the newspaper yesterday, we have set up a team who will provide support to CFA members – staff and volunteers – who spent time at Fiskville and investigate the allegations. There are members who will understandably be concerned by the reports.

New Operations Bulletin

• Operations Bulletin 007/2011 - Q Fever

Geoff

Wild man of Arthurs Creek?

Click for larger picture

From the Chief Officer

The Chief Officer's latest blog entries:

• From the Chief Officer #36 posted 5 Dec 2011
• From the Chief Officer #35 posted 28 Nov 2011

D14 Operations Report - Dec 2011

Link to transcript: http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/district-14-operations-report-2.html 

Fiskville Q & A

A new Fiskville Q & A section has been created on the CFA website (see link below) to support the other information we have posted.

http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/fiskville-investigation-q-a.html

This will remain in a prominent position and will grow as more questions/answers are added. Hopefully this will develop into a good resource for people.

Cheers.

Craig Rowston
CFA Media and Marketing Manager

Fiskville Update #2

In this latest update I can advise you that former deputy chairman of the EPA Rob Joy has accepted a role to chair the Fiskville investigation.

With 25 years’ experience in environment protection and resource management, his credentials are exemplary.

These issues are complex and we expect the investigation will take some time.

Today's Herald Sun Article

TO ALL CFA MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This morning’s Herald Sun contains an article by Ruth Lamperd that makes a number of very serious allegations linking CFA’s Training College at Fiskville to cancers in CFA members and their families.

These are very serious claims. The first time that we became aware of this report was yesterday when we were asked for comment by the Herald Sun.

The Flood - November 2011

Many thanks to those that attended the station from Michael's plea for help with the flooding.

Some photos of the damage are here: http://www.mediafire.com/?6nx8hd1kqx5dc

Skycrane pilot presentation

Barrie Tully has organised for Skycrane pilot Luca Marziale, who flew the first 'Elvis' into Australia, to visit us for a talk. Should be a very interesting evening!

He will be visiting Monday 19 December 19:30.

Geoff