The radios were installed in the Brigade Car today (which makes Michael very happy!). It even has registration... (don't ask).
Which means that the Brigade Car is now an official appliance. It may take a while before it gets on to CAD, so expect a some delays if you turn out with it to Vicfire.
Keep Monday 6 July in your diaries to go through the theory side of operational driving.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Laundry Boxes - Photo Op
There is going to be some photos taken of members and the laundry boxes on Monday 29
June 5.00pm.
Could anyone available at that time please be at the Arthurs Creek station.
June 5.00pm.
Could anyone available at that time please be at the Arthurs Creek station.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fence restoration
The attached media release would be of interest to anyone with property along the fire line and/or along the fire break.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Further Training
New Officers Program
- 11, 18, 25 August. R14 HQ. 18:30-22:30
Brigades in Schools
- 22 July, 19 August. 19:00-21:30.
If you are interested in either of these programs, or want further information about them, contact Andrew.
State Memorial Service for Richard Pratt
HALF MASTING OF FLAGS
SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2009
STATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR
RICHARD PRATT
SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2009
STATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR
RICHARD PRATT
A State Memorial Service will be held for Richard Pratt on Sunday 21 June 2009 at Hamer Hall, The Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne commencing at 11.00am. Mr Pratt was a distinguished Victorian and Australian businessman, philanthropist, arts patron and environmentalist.
As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, all flags normally flown should be flown at half-mast all day on Sunday 21 June 2009.
Your assistance is appreciated on this occasion.
Julie McClaren
Advisor, Government Relations
CFA Headquarters
Spectrum Bridge
Hi All,
As mentioned at last night’s Group Meeting, please see below instructions on how to set up a template which can be sent to up to 33 members in one go requesting “Respond to Station” when a call comes in via Spectrum bridge. The idea being that all members of a brigade on the Spectrum bridge have this template set up with the numbers of all members linked. This is the quickest way to respond the brigade rather than using an actual phone-tree.
Of course, this is just a suggestion how to handle incoming calls. Let me know if anybody has any other ideas or suggestions (or questions)
Best regards
Urs Biedermann
Group Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
We select 33 members (sms group can only hold 33) and create the group. I have setup a template sms message called 'Fire Call - Respond to station'. Those members on the list, when they receive the sms they will respond to the station for further instructions.
I have duplicated the group on my own phone, just in case I can't get to the station, to use the brigade car's phone.
This system works well, but we just need to advise those on the list to make sure that their mobiles are left on at night or while the pagers are down. You also need to limit who can send the message to avoid any pranksters. What I mean is that if the message is at 2am sent from myself or the brigade car, then it is a real call.
With the groups, you can have multiples, so you may like to make one for just for brigade officers, or if you need to alert more members greater than 33, you can setup a number of groups that could be like waves, similar to the old FRS. For example Wave 1 is 30 members (1st and 2nd vehicle), Wave 2 is 12 members (3rd Vehicle) and so on.
The only limit is the amount of phone numbers the nominated phone can hold. I am more than happy to visit your brigade or group to assist with the setup, or just email me for more info.
Regards
Justin Rees
Mt Cottrell Group
Comms Officer
As mentioned at last night’s Group Meeting, please see below instructions on how to set up a template which can be sent to up to 33 members in one go requesting “Respond to Station” when a call comes in via Spectrum bridge. The idea being that all members of a brigade on the Spectrum bridge have this template set up with the numbers of all members linked. This is the quickest way to respond the brigade rather than using an actual phone-tree.
Of course, this is just a suggestion how to handle incoming calls. Let me know if anybody has any other ideas or suggestions (or questions)
Best regards
Urs Biedermann
Group Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
We select 33 members (sms group can only hold 33) and create the group. I have setup a template sms message called 'Fire Call - Respond to station'. Those members on the list, when they receive the sms they will respond to the station for further instructions.
I have duplicated the group on my own phone, just in case I can't get to the station, to use the brigade car's phone.
This system works well, but we just need to advise those on the list to make sure that their mobiles are left on at night or while the pagers are down. You also need to limit who can send the message to avoid any pranksters. What I mean is that if the message is at 2am sent from myself or the brigade car, then it is a real call.
With the groups, you can have multiples, so you may like to make one for just for brigade officers, or if you need to alert more members greater than 33, you can setup a number of groups that could be like waves, similar to the old FRS. For example Wave 1 is 30 members (1st and 2nd vehicle), Wave 2 is 12 members (3rd Vehicle) and so on.
The only limit is the amount of phone numbers the nominated phone can hold. I am more than happy to visit your brigade or group to assist with the setup, or just email me for more info.
Regards
Justin Rees
Mt Cottrell Group
Comms Officer
Fire Fighter Skills Maintenance at Fiskville
Hi All
Greg has asked me to email you with the dates for Fire Fighter Skills Maintenance at Fiskville.
There are 20 places available for each session.
Night session is Wednesday 19 August.
Prerequisites are Wildfire/Low Structure.
Brigades are able to nominate 2 members to attend.
Day session is Saturday 5 September.
Prerequisites are Wildfire/Low Structure although preference is for Structure/Wildfire.
Brigades are able to nominate 2 members to attend.
Please reply via email to Greg Friend gregory.friend@bigpond.com by 1st July 2009.
If there are additional places available Greg will be in touch at a later date to seek nomination to fill the gaps.
Regards,
Jenny Broadhurst
Brigade Support Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment
Contact Andrew if you want to put your name down for one of these sessions. I did the day session some time ago and it was very very good (especially if Lindsay McHugh is running it!)
Greg has asked me to email you with the dates for Fire Fighter Skills Maintenance at Fiskville.
There are 20 places available for each session.
Night session is Wednesday 19 August.
Prerequisites are Wildfire/Low Structure.
Brigades are able to nominate 2 members to attend.
Day session is Saturday 5 September.
Prerequisites are Wildfire/Low Structure although preference is for Structure/Wildfire.
Brigades are able to nominate 2 members to attend.
Please reply via email to Greg Friend gregory.friend@bigpond.com by 1st July 2009.
If there are additional places available Greg will be in touch at a later date to seek nomination to fill the gaps.
Regards,
Jenny Broadhurst
Brigade Support Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment
Contact Andrew if you want to put your name down for one of these sessions. I did the day session some time ago and it was very very good (especially if Lindsay McHugh is running it!)
Royal Commission Daily Updates
Good afternoon all,
Please find attached the latest Royal Commission Update.
Just a reminder, members that have registered and logged on to CFA Connect http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/ can read the updates online. Full transcripts from the previous day’s evidence are available at http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/ and members are encouraged to download these transcripts, if they so wish.
It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Please find attached the latest Royal Commission Update.
Just a reminder, members that have registered and logged on to CFA Connect http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/ can read the updates online. Full transcripts from the previous day’s evidence are available at http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/ and members are encouraged to download these transcripts, if they so wish.
It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Doreen & Mernda Grants Presentation Night
Hello all,
Please find the attached invitation to our Grants Presentation Night. We would love to see and meet as many of you as we can on the night.
Regards
Peter Mills
Doreen and Mernda Community Bank Sectary
Please find the attached invitation to our Grants Presentation Night. We would love to see and meet as many of you as we can on the night.
Regards
Peter Mills
Doreen and Mernda Community Bank Sectary
Monday, June 15, 2009
Splash Suit Training
On Monday night, some of our BA (breathing apparatus) accredited members received training in donning (not easy) and taking off (even harder) splash suits. You need your own "dresser" for this activity.
Photos
Photos
Making Laundry Boxes
Working bee held last Sunday, organised by Warren in conjunction with a group called Global, to construct laundry boxes for Strathewen residents. They are a temporary room that can hold a alundry facilities while people are re-buidling.
Photos
Photos
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Black Saturday - Photos
Some photos from Black Saturday and afterwards. Taken by Rob Watson from Mine Rd.
Pager Outage (Updated)
The EAS outage planned for last Tuesday has been rescheduled to Wednesday 17th June starting at 2130Hrs for one hour. I apologise for the inconvenience, however I am assured that it will proceed as planned and will not be delayed again.
Thank you for your patience on this matter.
Steven Warrington
Deputy Chief Officer
Thank you for your patience on this matter.
Steven Warrington
Deputy Chief Officer
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Bushfire Class Action
Please find the following summary regarding the Kilmore East - Kinglake Class Action. As you'll be aware, a decent conversation is required to work through most people's questions regarding this case, so it is best they come along to the meeting or speak to us.
The meeting is on Wednesday 10 June 2009 at 7.30pm at St Andrews Hall in Proctor Street.
Here's some additional background information for your records:
Maurice Blackburn and Slidders Lawyers are jointly conducting a class action on behalf of all persons who suffered loss as a result of the Kilmore East - Kinglake Fire Complex.
The claim is against SP AusNet by reason of negligence or breach of duty of care to properly design and maintain a particular powerline, located in Kilmore East. The powerline broke early on 7 February 2009, before the wind or temperature was particularly high. We have interviewed many witnesses and conducted a detailed investigation. We are confident that the breaking of this line was the ignition source of the Kilmore East - Kinglake Fire Complex. The power line was old, poorly maintained and was also poorly designed.
If anyone you know has suffered loss of property, business losses or alternatively personal injury or the loss of a loved one as a result of this fire, we suggest they contact us for a privileged and confidential discussion. Our contact details are:
Bushfire Class Action Centre
Level 10, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
or
Whittlesea-Kinglake Road
Kinglake (hopefully from 9 June 2009)
FREECALL 1800 99 55 70
blocked::mailto:bushfireca@mauriceblackburn.com.au
This case is being conducted on a No Win - No Charge basis in relation to fees and out of pocket expenses, and on the Supreme Court scale. Nothing is required to be paid unless their individual case is successful.
Please contact me with any further queries.
Yours faithfully,
Simon Weeks
Client Relations Manager
Maurice Blackburn Pty Limited
The meeting is on Wednesday 10 June 2009 at 7.30pm at St Andrews Hall in Proctor Street.
Here's some additional background information for your records:
Maurice Blackburn and Slidders Lawyers are jointly conducting a class action on behalf of all persons who suffered loss as a result of the Kilmore East - Kinglake Fire Complex.
The claim is against SP AusNet by reason of negligence or breach of duty of care to properly design and maintain a particular powerline, located in Kilmore East. The powerline broke early on 7 February 2009, before the wind or temperature was particularly high. We have interviewed many witnesses and conducted a detailed investigation. We are confident that the breaking of this line was the ignition source of the Kilmore East - Kinglake Fire Complex. The power line was old, poorly maintained and was also poorly designed.
If anyone you know has suffered loss of property, business losses or alternatively personal injury or the loss of a loved one as a result of this fire, we suggest they contact us for a privileged and confidential discussion. Our contact details are:
Bushfire Class Action Centre
Level 10, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
or
Whittlesea-Kinglake Road
Kinglake (hopefully from 9 June 2009)
FREECALL 1800 99 55 70
blocked::mailto:bushfireca@mauriceblackburn.com.au
This case is being conducted on a No Win - No Charge basis in relation to fees and out of pocket expenses, and on the Supreme Court scale. Nothing is required to be paid unless their individual case is successful.
Please contact me with any further queries.
Yours faithfully,
Simon Weeks
Client Relations Manager
Maurice Blackburn Pty Limited
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Royal Commission Daily Update
SENT ON BEHALF OF GILL METZ, GENERAL MANGER
Good afternoon all,
Starting today, Region 14 will be issuing daily email updates of proceedings from the Royal Commission. These updates will provide a succinct overview of the previous day’s proceedings, giving members an idea as to who is appearing before the commission and what is being said.
Members that have registered and logged on to CFA Connect http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/ have been able to read the updates online since Day One. These email updates are an addition to that, particularly for members that may not have registered to CFA Connect or those that, for whatever reason, cannot access CFA Connect.
To become a registered CFA Connect member you'll need a CFA Online (Brigades Online and the Intranet) login, though, so if you don't have one, organise a login now by following these simple steps. (Note that you need to create a separate CFA Connect account. You cannot log in to CFA Connect with your CFA Online details).
Full transcripts from the previous day’s testimony continue to be available at http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/ and members are encouraged to download these transcripts, if they so wish.
It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
Providing evidence to the Royal Commission
Members who receive a phone call to provide evidence to the commission are encouraged to call General Manager Gill Metz on 8746 1400 or mobile 0417 523 165 for information on all available welfare and legal support options, including transportation to and from the Royal Commission building. Receiving a call to provide evidence can be unsettling and Region 14 would like to help ease any qualms by making available this support.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Good afternoon all,
Starting today, Region 14 will be issuing daily email updates of proceedings from the Royal Commission. These updates will provide a succinct overview of the previous day’s proceedings, giving members an idea as to who is appearing before the commission and what is being said.
Members that have registered and logged on to CFA Connect http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/ have been able to read the updates online since Day One. These email updates are an addition to that, particularly for members that may not have registered to CFA Connect or those that, for whatever reason, cannot access CFA Connect.
To become a registered CFA Connect member you'll need a CFA Online (Brigades Online and the Intranet) login, though, so if you don't have one, organise a login now by following these simple steps. (Note that you need to create a separate CFA Connect account. You cannot log in to CFA Connect with your CFA Online details).
Full transcripts from the previous day’s testimony continue to be available at http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/ and members are encouraged to download these transcripts, if they so wish.
It’s requested that these email updates be printed/distributed to members, either at the brigade or passed on via email (or some other mechanism)
Providing evidence to the Royal Commission
Members who receive a phone call to provide evidence to the commission are encouraged to call General Manager Gill Metz on 8746 1400 or mobile 0417 523 165 for information on all available welfare and legal support options, including transportation to and from the Royal Commission building. Receiving a call to provide evidence can be unsettling and Region 14 would like to help ease any qualms by making available this support.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Pager Outage
Hi All,
Please be aware that next Tuesday the 9th of June 2009, starting at 2130Hrs the EAS pager system will NOT operate for the entire State. For the one hour period from 2130Hrs to 2230Hrs ESTA/Vicfire will activate the Spectrum Pre Conferencing (SPC) phone tree as a means of activating brigades.
This is a bit earlier in the night than outages in the past so it is more likely that we can get calls this way.
I am still trying to find out whether paging via Brigade on Line will still work but at this stage I do not have confirmation of this. Would be worth to try anyway.
Best regards
Urs Biedermann
Group Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
Please be aware that next Tuesday the 9th of June 2009, starting at 2130Hrs the EAS pager system will NOT operate for the entire State. For the one hour period from 2130Hrs to 2230Hrs ESTA/Vicfire will activate the Spectrum Pre Conferencing (SPC) phone tree as a means of activating brigades.
This is a bit earlier in the night than outages in the past so it is more likely that we can get calls this way.
I am still trying to find out whether paging via Brigade on Line will still work but at this stage I do not have confirmation of this. Would be worth to try anyway.
Best regards
Urs Biedermann
Group Communications Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group
Grants Night
Hi All,
Unfortunately due to some groups being unavailable on the 10th June we are going to once again postpone our Grants night.
We want this night to be a real showcase event to as many people as possible. The more we have at the night the more we can get out the message of the terrific benefits that a community bank will bring.
We are working with all the groups receiving grants to find a date that is suitable for all. As soon as we have confirmed a date, I will be contacting you all personally to get confirmation of attendance.
We will be supplying drinks and nibblies on the night and would love to see you and as many of your members possible that are able to attend.
As a committee and as a community bank we look forward to meeting you all.
Kindest Regards
Carole Bury
President
Doreen & Mernda Community Bank Steering Committee
0419 310 929
Unfortunately due to some groups being unavailable on the 10th June we are going to once again postpone our Grants night.
We want this night to be a real showcase event to as many people as possible. The more we have at the night the more we can get out the message of the terrific benefits that a community bank will bring.
We are working with all the groups receiving grants to find a date that is suitable for all. As soon as we have confirmed a date, I will be contacting you all personally to get confirmation of attendance.
We will be supplying drinks and nibblies on the night and would love to see you and as many of your members possible that are able to attend.
As a committee and as a community bank we look forward to meeting you all.
Kindest Regards
Carole Bury
President
Doreen & Mernda Community Bank Steering Committee
0419 310 929
Hurstbridge Farmer's Market - Results
Thanks to everyone - including the Auxiliary - that helped out at the Farmer's Market on Sunday 7 June.
By my counting, we made $2599.90 for the morning. There was alsoa South African 10 cent piece in the mix. If you include that, we made a round $2600.
Not bad for a bit of setting up & packing up, and standing at the gates for the morning.
Thanks to Pat for staying the full morning to help with shifting the signs and chairs back to storage. I'll bring the ute next time...
Our next one is Sunday 6 September. Please put it into your diary.
By my counting, we made $2599.90 for the morning. There was alsoa South African 10 cent piece in the mix. If you include that, we made a round $2600.
Not bad for a bit of setting up & packing up, and standing at the gates for the morning.
Thanks to Pat for staying the full morning to help with shifting the signs and chairs back to storage. I'll bring the ute next time...
Our next one is Sunday 6 September. Please put it into your diary.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Queen's Birthday - 8 June 2009
In accordance with Australian flag protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown on Monday 8 June 2009.
As a mark of respect and in accordance with protocol, we have been asked to fly our flags all day on Monday 08 June 2009.
Your assistance is appreciated on this important occasion.
As a mark of respect and in accordance with protocol, we have been asked to fly our flags all day on Monday 08 June 2009.
Your assistance is appreciated on this important occasion.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hurstbridge Farmer's Market - 7 June
Roster for the market:
First shift: 7.30-10.30am
First shift: 7.30-10.30am
- Tim
- Peter R
- Helen
- Pat
- Geoff R
- Andrew
Second shift: 10.30am-1.30pm
- Auxiliary - thanks!
Meet at Brockie's BBQ, behind Allendale cottage & tennis courts.
Media Report - 1 June
Hi all,
Please find attached this week’s Media Report.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Please find attached this week’s Media Report.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Swine Flu Memo
SENT ON BEHALF OF THE AREA MANAGEMENT TEAM, REGION 14
Hi all,
Please see attached memo pertaining to the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Hi all,
Please see attached memo pertaining to the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus.
Regards
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
Relieving Catchment Officer - Phil Peacock
Hi All
Just letting you know that Phil Peacock is the relieving Catchment Officer for the Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment until Sunday the 28 June.
Should you need to contact Phil his mobile number is 0419 489 894.
Regards
Justin Meli
Brigade Administration Support Officer
Just letting you know that Phil Peacock is the relieving Catchment Officer for the Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment until Sunday the 28 June.
Should you need to contact Phil his mobile number is 0419 489 894.
Regards
Justin Meli
Brigade Administration Support Officer
David Packham Report
The David Packham report mentioned at last general meeting by Peter Reader can be found at: http://www.nillumbikratepayers.asn.au/
Click on Reports on the left, then click on Bushfire Threat to Nillumbik Shire.
Peter requires any feedback prior to the next MFPC on 11 June.
Click on Reports on the left, then click on Bushfire Threat to Nillumbik Shire.
Peter requires any feedback prior to the next MFPC on 11 June.
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