Free day at the races for volunteers, family and friends

Saturday, January 22 at Flemington

As a reward and recognition to VFBV and all CFA volunteers, the Victoria Racing Club is holding a free race meeting at Flemington on the 22nd January 2011.

Media release re: Queensland volunteers affected by floods

This is a media release giving details of the Queensland Rural Fire Brigades Association’s fund to assist volunteer firefighters.

VFBV is encouraging Victorians to donate, and has also published the details on our website.

Regards

Peter J Beaton
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria

FDP Declaration 3rd of January 2011

Please find attached formal notification that the Fire Danger Period (fire restrictions) for the municipalities within District 14 have had the formal approval from the CFA Chief Officer, will commence at 0100 hrs on Monday the 3rd of January 2010.

Please distribute as required.

John Deering
Operations Manager
CFA District 14
Northern and Western Metropolitan Region

AFAC/ Bushfire CRC Conference and call for papers

Attached is a pdf to the AFAC/ Bushfire CRC Conference scheduled from 29 August to 1 September 2011 and billed as ‘Australasia’s foremost annual emergency services conference, attracting over 1,000 delegates from all over the world.’

Conference organisers are inviting papers, also known as ‘abstract submissions’ from emergency services staff and volunteers, researchers and academics, industry and government bodies. Papers will need to be linked to the conference theme and/or the panel session themes, and are due by 1 February.

Full details are contained within the attached pdf.

Regards

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

Weekly Media Report

• 13 January 2010

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

Roster Update

The roster has been updated again to correct Owen's phone numbers (sorry, Owen - cut and paste error) and to include pager numbers for those that now have them.

Roster is also available on the "Brigade Documents" page.

Geoff

IBM & KidSmart

The attached video is an internal IBM video that features Craig from Doreen, who many of you know.

For your viewing pleasure...  Note that it is a large file.

Thanks to Roger for providing (sorry for sitting on it for so long).

Millicent Reid

Millicent Reid passed away recently.  Her funeral service is at the Hazel Glen Uniting Church on Tuesday 18 January at 2 pm.  They expect to arrive at Arthurs Creek Cemetery around 3.30 p.m.

Lindsay Mottram

Lindsay Mottram passed away recently and Shirley wanted Brigade people to know. The funeral service was held on 6 January at St. John’s in Diamond Creek.

Briefing Note on Class action relating to Kilmore East fire

Some of you may be aware of the Commercial Action that has been initiated against SPI Electricity for the Kilmore East fire and that CFA (and others) have been joined by SPI in their defence. The attached Briefing Note provides some background information, and some details of CFA Media and Welfare arrangements in relation to this matter. A number of you have already had this information provided at briefing sessions.

Please distribute this information broadly within your locations. Should you have any queries, please contact any one of us that are listed in the contacts section of the Briefing Note.

Regards

Greg Esnouf AFSM
Deputy Chief Officer
Regional Manager
Northern and Western Metropolitan Region

Fire Commissioner's Website

The Fire Commissioner has created a new website: http://www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au/

The link has also been added to the "Useful Links" page.

Juniors '0' Birthday Party

Some photos from the '0' birthday party held by the Juniors as their inaugural event.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthurscreekrfb/sets/72157625524571619/detail/

I hear that the Juniors (untrained, young and new) beat the BMT at one of the drills by a considerable margin. 

Pre-season BBQ and awards presentation

Some photos by Michael from the pre-season BBQ & life membership awards presentation - 5 December 2010.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthurscreekrfb/sets/72157625650127530/detail/

NWMR Newsletter and Churchill Fellowship information

Please find attached the December edition of the Northern and Western Metropolitan News.

An article featured in this newsletter is the 2011 Churchill Fellowship, in particular the 2011 Lord Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal Churchill Fellowship, which is awarded for research into ways to combat and reduce the impact of bushfires. To help promote this worthwhile initiative, I have also attached a Churchill Fellowship flyer and poster in PDF format. It would be appreciated if this could be promoted at brigade level. More information is also available at http://www.churchilltrust.com.au/

And as usual, it would be appreciated if the newsletter could be made available to all members at the brigade.

Regards

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

Structural PPC Update - 10 December 2010

Structural PPC Update - 10 December 2010

Leona Latcham
Program Manager
Personal Protective Clothing

VFBV December 2010 Newsletter

Attached for your information is copy of the December 2010 VFBV Newsletter.

Jenni Laing
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES VICTORIA

Firestar Rose Donation

2010 has been a busy year for Firestar Rose, and in just under four months the program has raised $31,191.63. Over 290 brigades directly benefited from this contribution, and your brigade was lucky enough to receive a donation of $159.74 from the sale of 14 roses. This donation should now be in your brigade’s bank account.

The remainder of the money raised was donated into CFA’s Public Fund, where it will go towards the further development of volunteers by way of leadership training, improving their firefighting skills and the provision of additional equipment. If you have any questions regarding your donation, please email cfaprom@cfa.vic.gov.au by replying to this email.

You can keep updated on the Firestar Rose program by visiting CFA Connect or the Firestar Rose website, http://www.firestarrose.com.au/.

Kind regards,

Nancy Thompson
Marketing Relationship Coordinator
Strategic Communications, CFA

BoM Seasonal Outlook - December 2010

The BoM's quarterly seasonal outlook for January to March 2011 was issued Friday 17th Decmber. Headlines for our area:

Rainfall: average rainfall predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain.seaus.shtml

Temperature: above average temperatures predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml

Click on the links for more details.

FEEDBACK: D14 Exercise - Sunday 5th December

I would like to thank everyone that was involved in last weeks exercise. An exercise of that size and scale requires everyone involved to participate in the spirit for which it is intended to be a success. This includes the crews on the trucks, the facilitators and the people that undertook roles at the ICC & “Div Comm”, without the commitment and enthusiasm that everyone displayed we would not have had such a successful outcome.

TFB Boundary Realignment Project

The fourth and final stage of the TFB Boundary Realignment Project (Implementation/Education) is nearing completion. Since the last TFB project update in October, a media campaign has been run that will conclude this week. TFB District signs are also being manufactured.

Roster

The roster has been updated.  Please check your details to make sure they are correct and contact the Secretary with any errors or required updates.

It is recommended that you put the BMT, stations, car and tanker 3 numbers into your mobile for quick reference.

Geoff

Latest CFA Dispatch Channel Map (Further Information)

The channel map is purely an indication of the primary dispatch channels used across the state. It’s not meant to be a map indicating all channels used by all parties. We receive a lot of enquires, particularly from members in the country Districts & VicFire, requesting the information provided on this map as there are numerous “VicFire” channels used in the country Districts in addition to a lot of Brigades that are still Cat 5 and use the A channel as their “dispatch” channel.

The designation REG-14 is what’s displayed on the Motorola radios even though we now call them Districts. The new Tait radios display D14A 62.

My recommendation is to enjoy some Christmas cheer and don’t get too hung up on a map that was produced as general information only.
Regards,

Shane Peacock
Manager, Communications Operations
Technology Services Dept.

Latest CFA Dispatch Channel Map

For your information, please find attached the latest CFA Channel Map indicating the Dispatch Channels in use within the Districts following some recent changes due to new sites, Boundary Alignment, etc.

The designated location of the Channel is based purely on the physical location of the site only as I’m aware that several Brigades may use the channels listed in a neighbouring District if coverage permits.
Regards,

Shane Peacock
Manager, Communications Operations
Technology Services Dept.

Fire Danger Period District 14 Municipalities - Commences 0100 hrs Monday 3rd January 2011

Subject to the CFA Chief Officer signing off on our recommendation, it is planned to commence Fire Danger Period (fire restrictions) at 0100 hrs on Monday the 3rd of January for the following municipalities –

• Wyndham City Council
• Melton Shire Council
• Hume City Council
• City of Whittlesea
• Nillumbik Shire Council
• Banyule City Council

As we move towards this date, can all Brigades be aware of this announcement and if requested by members of the community for further information, please direct them to either the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667 or the CFA’s public website http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/.
Additional local information will also be provided via local newspapers next week.

Regards

John Deering
Operations Manager
CFA District 14
Northern and Western Metropolitan Region

Fire restrictions - 3 January

Fire restrictions will commence on Monday 3 January, 2011.

Changes to mnemonics at end of pager messages

With the CAD upgrade next week (around the 13th December) there will be a change to the Brigade mnemonics that are presented to Brigades when they are paged for calls.

These changes mean that Brigades and GMTs/Region staff with “all-calls” pagers will now be able to see who has been notified of an incident.

The main change for members to be aware of is the introduction of the letter C to the front of the Brigade mnemonics (this stands for CFA), for example Buninyong – BUNI will now CBUNI.

D14 Exercise - Thanks and congratulations from Euan Ferguson, Chief Officer

I was impressed at what I saw on Sunday morning at the Kangaroo Ground Level 3 Exercise. Although I was distracted by some phone calls about an international deployment, I was able to visit the ICC, be briefed by Brian, visit the Exercise Control and have a quick brief by Troy, then inspect the Staging Area. The exercise was well reported (in a very positive light) by the evening news.

I know that these things do not just happen. I also know the incredible challenges of bringing in so many people and keeping them busy at different levels.

I felt it was an outstanding success – at least the bits I saw. I am sure that others would have expressed similar views.

Gentlemen – THANK YOU! Job very well done! I know you probably slept soundly on Sunday evening, but keep up the great work! I appreciate your effort and we are very much the better for it.

Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to all who were involved in the planning and execution of the exercise last Sunday.

Regards,

Euan Ferguson AFSM
Chief Officer
Country Fire Authority

FDP District 12

Would like to advise you that the FDP will be proclaimed in the Mitchell Shire and Murrindindi Shire on the 20th Dec 2010.

Discussions with all concerned within District 12 indicate they whole heartily agree with this date.

Districts 22 & 23 will be proclaimed on the same date.

Could you please advise the necessary Group Officers and Captains within your Districts.

Cheers
John Smith
Operations Officer
Mitchell Catchment

Community Safety update for Fire Ready Road show

Dear Community Safety Team,

I’m writing to make sure everyone is informed about the FireReady Roadshow, which will be launched to the media tomorrow morning.

The FireReady Roadshow will be visiting 41 locations around the State from 4 December 2010 – 13 February 2011, with the aim of raising awareness of the need for everyone to have a bushfire survival plan - including residents, holiday makers and day visitors.

May day calls on wrong channels

Can you please ensure when conducting drills that involve broadcasting a “May Day” message via the radio, the channel NOT be a Vicfire monitored frequency.

Regards,

Justin Dally
Operations Officer
District 14

Bushfire Safety Policy Framework

The Bushfire Safety Policy Framework has now been released as a public document on the Fire Services Commissioner’s webpage on the Department of Justice website:

http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/justlib/doj+internet/home/community+safety/fire+safety/fire+services+commissioner/justice+-+victorian+bushfire+safety+policy+framework+-+%28pdf%29

Kind regards,

Liz Armitage
Executive Manager Strategic Communications
CFA

Neighborhood Safer Places now shown in the recently released Edition 3 North West map book

Please be advised that Neighbourhood Safer Places are now shown in the recently released Edition 3 North West mapbook, and will be shown in subsequent mapbooks. While they were not included in the Central Edition 3 mapbook the decision was made to include them from the North West onwards, after some consideration. The (relative) stability of the NSP dataset in the North West and South West mapbook areas suggested that, to firefighters, the benefits of including them outweighed the issues around the dataset.

Please bear in mind that it is likely that more NSPs will be added during the two and a half year lifespan of the mapbook, and some may be decommissioned – the CFA website remains the appropriate place to view the current list of NSP locations, and words to this effect are included on the bottom of each mapbook page that has an NSP on it.

Happy to discuss, and to those who have already fielded questions on this issue, my apologies for not sending this out earlier…

Cheers,

Pete Luckock
Policy Research Analyst
Operations Directorate

Bushfire Start Minimisation Review - Trials

As per tonight's (Monday 6 Dec) meeting attached is the EnergySafe letter received last week re the above -  for the Blog.  It is interesting to surmise how the Thomas Road power line (SWER) "will be operated in a different way" but I pretty sure that I can guess.

Pat Corr

Message from Gill Metz (sent 18-Nov)

Good afternoon everyone

As some of you might be aware, CFA CEO Mick Bourke last week announced several changes to CFA’s staffing arrangements. This is covered in his CFA Connect blog post of 12 November:

http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/blog-mainmenu-8/CFA-Makes-Changes-for-its-Future.html

As outlined in his post, I have accepted a role at CFA headquarters in Burwood working as part of a project team reviewing CFA’s funding arrangements. This is a challenging role and something I am very much looking forward to as this is an area of interest and one which I believe I can make a significant contribution (and which I believe will support the region into the future). This project is expected to last 12 months.

Replacing me in the role of District 14 Regional Manager will be DCO Greg Esnouf, who will bring much needed operational support to the district. I will hand over to Greg on Monday 6 December, so I would ask that everyone makes Greg welcome at the time.

Kind regards

Gill Metz, Regional Manager, District 14

Media Reports

I've fallen behind posting media reports.  The following are a batch of various items.

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Weekly media reports

• 19 November
• 3 December
• 10 December

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TV news reports from the District 14 exercise (nb: large files):

• ABC
• GTV9
• HSV7

Creswick Woollen Blankets

Creswick Woollen Mills are offering a fundraising opportunity.  $25 from the sale of each DC5 Blanket (wool aramind blend, $275 each) will be donated to a brigade of the purchaser's choice.

Some order forms will be available at the station if you or any of your family or friends are thinking of purchasing one.

District Exercise Photos

District 14 Exercise - 5 December 2010

Juniors events

Mr Reader and I attended a meeting last night with Mark Gravell and have arranged to have a '0 Birthday Party' for the Arthurs Creek/Strathewen Juniors on 21st December from 7 - 8.00pm. We will be having cake, snacks, balloons etc.

The invitation is for all 11-16 year olds, plus bring a friend with the view to new enrolments. As it is a birthday party, younger members and generally any interested Brigade members can attend, and we will have 'games' appropriate for the age of attendees.

We would also like to invite our Lieutants / Captain to the party and other relevant VIP's

We will then run sessions on the 11 Jan, 8 & 22 Feb, 8 & 22 Mar for all junior members. Future months will be advised at a later date.

On 28th January, our Junior Brigade has been invited to the Red Light Disco at the Yarrmabat CFA from 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Kerstin

Flood Safety Update & Information

Flood Safety Update & Information - 8th December 2010

Overall fuel hazard assessment guide - 4th ed

DSE have updated the fuel hazard assessment guide.  Refer attached for a soft copy of it.  It takes into account an additional layer of fuel, which I believe results in a higher tonnes/hectare measurement for some areas.

Brigade SOPs - v3

The Brigade SOPs have been updated again.  This is on advice from District regarding the two tanker response to areas without reticulated water.  The SOPs have been reverted to their original.

The updated SOPs can be found the "Brigade Documents" page.

Statewide Courses

Some upcoming statewide courses:

• CFA282 Assessor Program - 2-3 March & 9-10 March (4 days), Bangholme, closing 17 January
• CFA281 Plan & Facilitate Group Based Learning - 15 March, 23-24 March & 8 April (4 days), Bangholme, closing 31 January
• CFA280 Provide Training - 16-17 April & 15 May (3 days), Fiskville, closing 28 February

Brochure is on the board at the station.  Contact Andrew if you wish to apply.

Fire restrictions - 20 December (tentative)

The tentative start date for fire restrictions in Nillumbik is Monday 20 December.

Guidelines operating in the vicinity of extra high voltage transmission assets

SP-Ausnet has sought my assistance in reinforcing these Guidelines to CFA members after a number of unplanned and unannounced visits in the vicinity on these assets recently.

More pertinently, as the Summer Period approaches and fire prevention and response activities increase it is opportune to reinforce these simple guidelines with all members, especially the

• 4m total height limit and
• the easy availability of the 24/7 Emergency phone lines

These should be read in conjunction with SOP 11.04 Power Lines and Electrical Conductors – Working Near

Please find attached SP AusNet’s Guidelines For The Safety Of Fire And Emergency Services Operating In The Vicinity Of Extra High Voltage Transmission Assets

National Park Visit 21st November

Ian Maher from Kinglake will guide us around.

We will meet at the Fire station at 09.00hrs, and meet Ian Maher 09.30hrs Marshall Road & Buttermans Track entrance.  From there through the park to Wallaby Creek.

We have to limit our vehicles so only take 4WDs and fill them.

We will take all the portable radios plus the listening sets so each car has at least a listening set.

We can go to the Flowerdale Pub for lunch afterwards.  Contact Michael so he can book a table.
 
Michael

Weekly Media Report

• 10 November

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

From the CEO - Organisational Changes - CFA makes changes for the future

Please see attached announcement from the CEO, Mick Bourke.

Upcoming community events for men and families

Please find attached upcoming health and wellbeing activities within, or around, our region.  For your information and dissemination where appropriate.

Mens getaways and activities:

• Mediterranean Foodies Tour. (no flyer provided)
• Bemm River Fishing Getaways.
• Four wheel drive training course.
• Chainsaw training course.

Family events:

• An evening with Todd Russell (Beaconsfield Miner).
• Healesville Sanctuary Family Fun Day. (no flyer provided)

Regards

Shane Levarsha

2010-11 CFA/DSE Pre Season Update Video

Dear all

The 2010-11 CFA/DSE Pre Season Update video is now available online at: http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/2010-11-pre-season-update.html.

Please watch the video as it contains key community, operational and safety messages for the upcoming fire season including:

• The weather outlook;
• The new Bushfire Safety Policy and community preparedness;
• Changes to command and control arrangements and incident management;
• Warnings;
• Evacuations;
• Situational Awareness; and
• Intelligence Gathering.

A copy of the video will be distributed on DVD to your brigade by mid November. Please contact me at the end of November if your brigade hasn’t received a copy of the pre-season update.

Regards,

Kathrine

Movember

I'm growing a ridiculous mo for Movember and for men's health.  If you would like to sponsor me in this endeavour, please donate via http://au.movember.com/mospace/991714/

Geoff

Minutes - General Meeting - 4th October 2010

Minutes of last general meeting: 4th October 2010.  Also available in the "Brigade Documents" page.

Thanks very much to Sue for producing them.

Geoff

Traffic Management Plans - Whittlesea Show

Traffic management plans for Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th November 2010:

• The 449A plan shows the 8:00am to 3:00pm "to Whittlesea Show" Plenty Road traffic arrangements.
• The 449B plan shows the 3:00pm onwards "from Whittlesea Show" Plenty Road traffic arrangements.

Responding to natural gas explosions

Responding to natural gas explosions (Everyone Goes Home - Learning Media Center presentation)

CFA Dangerous Goods Department have viewed this presentation and recommend it for distribution as you see fit – especially pertinent is the section of the fire-fighter’s recovery

The Natural Gas industry is expanding or even “exploding” in its’ application both domestically and industrially – so please forward this on to front line members especially as you see fit

Regards

Peter J Lucas
Fire Services Liaison Officer
Victoria Police
Counter Terrorism Co-ordination Unit and
Emergency Management Department

Plenty Gorge Fuel Hazard Assessment report – 2010

Plenty Gorge Fuel Hazard Assessment report – 2010
(Note: large file - 6.6MB)

BoM Seasonal Outlook - October 2010

The BoM's latest quarterly seasonal outlook came out last Thursday 26th October for the period November to January. Headlines for our area:

• Rainfall: average rainfall predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain.seaus.shtml
• Temperature: average daytime temperatures but warmer nights predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml

Click on the links for more details.

Medical oxygen cylinders - change in colour

Please find attached a Protective Equipment Technical Advisory Note relating to a change in medical oxygen cylinders colours.

Regards,

Barry Foss
Operations Manager
Protective Equipment Department

Approved Level 3 ICCs for Bushfire for the 2010-11 Fire Season

Attached is the Approved Level 3 ICCs for Bushfire for 2010-11 Fire Season (signed yesterday).

Rachaele May
Bushfire Command & Control Review (MFB, CFA, DSE)
State Government Offices

Volunteer support

EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANTS DOUBLE TO RECORD LEVELS

From the Minister for Police & Emergency Services

Victoria's volunteer emergency services will see double again over the next year - double the Brumby Labor Government funding for emergency equipment through the hugely popular Community Safety Emergency Support Program grants.

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron said the Brumby Labor Government had doubled the program this year to $6.8 million (up from $3.3 million) and due to its popularity will double it again to a massive $13.6 million next year.

Weather readings

Michael, Lachie & Geoff R have weather stations that publish their readings to the Internet (when their computers are on, I'm guessing).  Click the following link:
http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=-37.59438&lon=145.24303&zoom=12&type=hyb&units=metric&rad=1&rad.num=1&rad.spd=25&rad.opa=70&rad.stm=0&rad.type=N0R&rad.type2=&rad.smo=1&rad.mrg=0&wxsn=1&wxsn.mode=tw&svr=0&cams=0&sat=0&riv=0&mm=0&hur=0&fire=0&tor=0&ndfd=0&pix=0&dir=0&ads=0&psu=0&tfk=0

Nice way of getting really local weather!

I'll add the link to the "Useful Links" page.

VFBV - 27 October Meeting

The attached letter was sent to District 14 Manager G Mettz and Op Officer John Dearing today, copy is attached for your Brigades info. Full minutes from meeting will be emailed out in the next few days.

Thanks all for your attendance and input last night, and as arranged another Special Meeting will be held next Thursday night 4th November at 19.30hrs at Sth Morang Fire Station.

Please discuss these issues and outcomes with your members and perhaps prepare your thoughts for the next meeting.

Alan Squires
Secretary District 14

Special State Council Meeting & Newsletter

Attached is VFBV’s October 2010 Newsletter and a letter inviting all Brigades, Groups & District Councils to a Special State Council meeting Saturday 13th November.

Jenni Laing
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES VICTORIA

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If you wish to attend, please contact Michael or Geoff.

Busting bushfire myths

The video for "Busting Bushfire Myths" session at RiAus is up on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/16112713

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Bushfires are a dangerous and all too common part of the Australian summer. Yet recent research by the South Australian Country Fire Service has uncovered the myths, misconceptions, half-truths and downright lies about bushfires. Many who live, work or travel through bushfire-prone areas are not even aware that they could be at risk. Are you one of them?

In this interactive and entertaining session, ABC TV Catalyst presenter Graham Phillips and an expert panel of fire scientists present some common and dangerous bushfire scenarios. Would you know what to do in a real-life situation? Can you distinguish the myths from the truth? By understanding the basic scientific principles of bushfire behaviour you'll be better prepared to plan for and survive bushfires.

Join us for a fascinating night of fun that could one day save your life.

In association with the SA Country Fire Service, SA Dept of Environment & Natural Resources and ABC TV.

Fiona Dunstan
Manager Community Education and Public Warnings
SA Country Fire Service

New radios - Radio Replacement Project

Dear all.

Please see the below information regarding the radio replacement project. For you information, District 14 is going to be involved in the first round of the replacement program.

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Fire Danger Rating - Memo

Team; please find attached a copy of a memo regarding the changes to Fire Danger Ratings and information regarding the updated signage.

Regards

John Deering
Operations Manager
CFA District 14
Northern and Western Metropolitan Region

Dangerous Goods - Initial Emergency Response Guide HAZARD ALERT

SAA/SNZ HB 76:2010 Dangerous Goods - Initial Emergency Response Guide has an error that may have an operational impact. ARFF has quickly issued a Hazard Alert to its operational crews and advised the authors.

If you use this publication this information may be of assistance to you.

Regards

Peter Smith
Chief Fire Officer ARFF Australia
Manager National Operations

Strike Team Rosters - 2010/11 Fire Season

• Short Haul - 1406 (Arthurs Creek highlighted)
• Long Haul - 1422 (Arthurs Creek is not supplying appliances to this strike team)

The rosters are also available on the "Operations" tab.

Weekly Media Report

• 21 October

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

NEWS: $9.6 million for new Eltham Fire Station

Hi all,

I thought I would update everyone with a fantastic bit of news today when Minister Bob Cameron visited Eltham to announce the brigade would be receiving $9.6 million for the construction of a new fire station in the local area. Below is a brief news article detailing today’s announcement (this has also been posted to CFA Connect).

--Regards Gill

Group Exercise cancelled

The Group Exercise originally scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled. Thank you to those that volunteered to participate.

Unfortunately, despite their promises, CFA operations management did not do the exercise planning that they had committed to and insisted on doing themselves.

Geoff

Response to Acting Chief Officer's letter

You can comment directly against the letter on CFA Connect.  The link to the post is: http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/index.php?option=com_k2&id=2668:&view=item&Itemid=42  You can check the comment I have already made - feel free to add your own.

To comment, you will need to register with your CFA Online account.  All members have one.  If you have not activated it, please contact me and I will get you sorted.

Once registered, you will also get access to the CFA Connect Forum.  If you are having any difficulties in accessing either of these sites, or need some pointers on how to get going, feel free to contact me.

Geoff

Acting Chief Officer's letter

Dear Captain and Secretary

Can you please foward this email to your brigade members? A hard copy is also being posted for use on brigade notice boards/in brigade meetings.

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As we enter another fire season, CFA is better equipped and resourced than ever before and a huge amount of work is going on to prepare for the season and implement recommendations of the Royal Commission.

CFA is a team and family, made up of over 58,000 volunteers and around 1,600 staff who share an enormous duty and privilege in protecting the community.

Our organisation has been through some very difficult times and seen much change in the past 18 months and now is the time to stand together as a strong, united team. With our focus very much on preparing for the upcoming fire season, I’d like to address a number of topics that have been the subject of recent discussions. I hope that by addressing these issues, I can provide some reassurance as we continue our focus on the fire season.

Updated Brigade Operating Procedures

Brigade SOPs v2 has been released.

They can also be referenced on the "Brigade Documents" tab above.

Geoff

Weekly Media Report

• 30 September
• 8 October

Kris Perkovic

Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

New Guide to Help Prepare Homes in Case of Bushfire

Passed on by Lachie:

Planning Minister Justin Madden today launched a new practical guide to help more than 470,000 homeowners in high risk areas retrofit existing homes to better withstand a bushfire.

Ferntree Gully New Fire Headquarters

Ferntree Gully is home to a new state-of-the-art fire incident headquarters that will service the Mount Dandenong Ranges and Knox regions to provide even greater protection to those communities in times of bushfire.

More...

Lachie

Group Exercise - 24 October

Refer to the linked list on who has volunteered to do what at the Group Exercise.  If you want to be a crew leader or driver, or be involved with the ICCs on the day, please contact Geoff, Andrew, David or Michael.

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PS: I am trialling Google Docs in the above link to provide more dynamic documents.  You will see the latest version when you click on it, rather than a static saved version frmo whenever I post it.  Please provide feedback as to whether this works OK or not.

Blessing of Tanker 2

Brigade SOPs - proposed update

The BMT are proposing an update to the Brigade SOPs.  Please review the update prior to the general meeting on Monday 4 October.

Geoff

CFA Connect articles of interest

The following are some articles from CFA Connect that may be of interest. 

• VFBV’s new President
• PPC Update September 2010
• Exciting new Info Officer positions
• CEO update: Chief Officer, new dept

Remember that CFA Connect is the CFA's official source of online news.

Geoff

Training Visit to VicFire & FIRS

Hi all

We are arranging a visit to VICFIRE & FIRS located at CFA Head Quarters Tally Ho on Monday 8th November 2010.  This is to familiarise ourselves with how VICFIRE take 000 calls and turn us out. 

Also we will visit the FIRS Reporting section.  All fires have to be reported on by contacting FIRS so you can see how and why we do this!!! If you want to find out more about FIRS go to CFA Connect as there was an article about them a few weeks ago.

The plan is to take 20 people per visit.  When we get to CFA Head Quarters 10 will go to VICFIRE & 10 will go to FIRS then we will swap around.

If we get more that 20 people wanting to attend we can can arrange another visit for the remaining members on the Monday 16th November.

So please email or call Geoff or myself to put your name down. For new members this is must, you will be able to put a face to a voice that you hear over the radio and get a proper understanding on how the despatching system works...

Kind Regards

Michael Chapman

BoM Seasonal Outlook

BoM publish a quarterly seasonal outlook each month.  The latest one came out last Thursday 23 September for the period October to December.  Headlines for our area:

• Rainfall: average rainfall predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/rain.seaus.shtml
• Temperature: higher than average temperatures predicted: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/temp.seaus.shtml

Click on the links for more details.

District 14 Newsletter, September edition

Please find attached the September edition of the District 14 newsletter.

Regards

Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

Blessing of the Fleet - City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is conducting a Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday 2 October 10:00 at Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre, South Morang.

If you wish to participate, please contact David.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Program

CFA is running a Hepatitis B vaccination program.  CFA funds the provision of the vaccination.  The program involves:

• 1st injection
• 2nd injection - 4 weeks after 1st injection
• 3rd injection - 24 weeks after 2nd injection
• Blood test (to confirm vacciniation) 8 weeks after 3rd injection

You need to organise the visits to the doctor.  The CFA delivers the inoculations directly to your nominated doctor.

If you are interesting in particpating, please contact Geoff to get an application form.

New Executive Manager Roles and Update on Chief Officer Recruitment

Hi, All

As you may recall, the Board has endorsed a new department in CFA for: Operational Training and Volunteerism

The Operational Training and Volunteerism department will be headed up by an Executive Manager who will report directly to the CEO. The Executive Manager will provide leadership, advocacy and consultation and planning in implementing a range of strategies and programs to support volunteer engagement and sustainability, along with the strategy and vision for CFA’s operational training, development program and facilities.

Also, the new role of Executive Manager Performance and Assurance has been created.

20 Sep Skills Maintenance

Apologies - we will not be doing Class A Foam training on 20 Sep.  There is something even more exciting planned!

Geoff

Plenty Road & Masons Rd Intersection Construction inc Traffic Signals

Universal Concrete Constructions has been contracted on behalf of Whittlesea City Council to reconstruct the Plenty Rd & Masons Rd intersection including Traffic Signal installation.

Works are scheduled to commence on 9/9/2010. We will be closing one lane of Plenty Rd and implementing temporary traffic signals running 24hrs a day throughout the duration of the project. We apologize for any inconvenience during this time.

Weekly Media Reports

Sorry, all - I fell behind a bit with these...

• 13 August
• 26 August
• 2 September
• 17 September

Additional material:

• State government response to the bushfires royal commission:
  http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/response-to-bushfire-royal-commission
• Media release for the state government response

CFA Connect articles of district 14 events:

• Brave Melton CFA firefighters yesterday rescued a 34-year-old man from a burning home in Comic Court, Melton West.
• Wyndham CFA crews yesterday attended separate hazmat incidents only kilometres from each other in a busy day for local brigades.

Minutes - General Meeting - 2 August 2010

Minutes of last general meeting: 2 August 2010.

Thanks very much to Sue for producing them.

Geoff

Upcoming events

Please note the range of upcoming events over the next few months:

• Mon 20 Sep - commencing Class A Foam training.  All required to attend to either gain you original certification, or for those already trained, to be familiar with the new foam being used by the CFA.
• Sun 3 Oct - Hurstbridge Farmer's Market.  Help required to man the gate - please contact Ros if you are available.
• Mon 18 Oct - Fire Investigation Information session.  Geoff Ranzenhofer from Greenvale CFA will be presenting.
• Sun 21 Nov - the tour of the National Park has moved to this new date due to the clash with the Melbourn Cup weekend.
• Sun 5 Dec - pre-season BBQ.

Geoff

"Renewin' Strathewen" T-Shirts

Reminder that Sue Apted is taking orders for "Renewin' Strathewen" T-Shirts.  If you want one, contact Sue.

Wattle Festival Roster

The following is the roster (so far) for the Wattle Festival  on Sunday 29 August

More people still required.  Please contact Peter Reader if you are available.

Strathewen power outage

We have notice of a power disruption for School Ridge Rd, Strathewen (affecting the shed) on Monday 30 August from 09:00 to 15:30.

Heavy Concept Tanker

The boffins have created a "Heavy Concept Tanker" to trial new ideas.  More information about the tanker is on CFA Connect: http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2276:&Itemid=42

Local visits have been arranged if you are interested in checking it out:

Thursday 19/8/2010

1200 – 1400 hrs: Whittlesea Fire station
1500 – 1700 hrs: Eltham Fire station
1830 – 2030 hrs: Diamond Creek Fire Station

Matthew Temby Trust - Request for Auction Items

The Matthew Temby Trust - run by members of Doreen Fire Brigade - are looking for items for auction at an upcoming Gala Night.

Please refer to the attached letter for more information about the Trust and the request.

Weekly Media Report

• 29 July
• 5 August - Part 1
• 5 August - Part 2
• 5 August - Part 3

(Note: large files)

Wattle Festival

We are selling tickets again for the Wattle Festival steam train on Sunday 29 August.  Please contact Peter Reader petrepeat@optusnet.com.au to volunteer your services for a shift.

Geoff

LAST PAGER FIRMWARE UPGRADE TO VERSION 3.6 - THIS SATURDAY 7 AUGUST

To those Brigade Members with Pagers.

The last Firmware Upgrade to the new Firmware Version 3.6 is this Saturday commencing at 1.00 p.m.

Pagers not already upgraded should be switched on during the morning (if not already on, which they should be) with a battery with plenty of life left in it in the pager. Each OTA (Over the Air) transmission may take up to 3 hours depending on how busy Viper [which sends the transmission] may be at the time.

To check whether your pager has Version 3.6, do the following:-

• have pager on (press red and green buttons at the same time until pager boots up)
• press red button - if it shows Messages, press the red button a second time
• "Delete" will be on the screen
• press arrow key "Up" twice
• screen will show Advanced
• press green button
• General Status will be the top option on the screen
• press green button
• third one down is Version. If it shows 3.6 then your pager is upgraded.

If it does not show Version 3.6 then could you please make sure that your pager is turned on during Saturday morning ready for the upgrade.

Pagers not upgraded - after that members will not gain the full benefit from the pager until it is updated after a lengthy process of collecting, sending and then getting back.

It would be appreciated if all members could check their pagers for Version 3.6 and let me know by email patcorr@alphalink.com.au or phone 9714 8270 that their pagers are upgraded. Could you please do this by or during tomorrow night. I may have to make a few phone calls to people who do not respond but I hope not too many.

(If Advanced, General Status does not show you as the Owner, please let me know.)

All the Best

Pat Corr
Arthurs Creek RFB Comms officer

District 14 Championships Committee Meeting

There is a committee meeting for the District 14 championships scheduled for Saturday 4 September 09:00 at Plenty fire station.  If anyone is interested in representing the brigade at this meeting, you are more than welcome to attend on our behalf.

Strathewen power outage

Note that there is a scheduled power outage affecting Strathewen Shed on Tuesday 10 August from 09:00 to 15:30.