Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Changing the guard at Nillumbik CFA brigades

Diamond Valley News article describing some of the leadership changes in local brigades, including ours:

ANIMALS AND NATURE Art & Photographic Exhibition

Local exhibition featuring work by Anita Norris

Click for larger version

VFBV Newsletter

Attached for info, is the 2011 May Newsletter.

Also attached is flyer advertising the Open Forum for your info.

Jenni Laing
VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES VICTORIA

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Working bee - Joe's Garden - Saturday 21 May

It is just over two weeks before the official opening of Joe's Garden on Sunday 5 June.

We believe the seat is well under way (thanks Warren), the tiles are almost complete (thanks Andrea) and we have had an on site meeting to determine where they will be placed.

There is weeding to be done and mulch to be laid.

The concrete wall where the tiles are to be displayed has to be painted. Andrew Alford has advised that we need Dulux masonry render which I will purchase tomorrow.

As the weather forecast for Sunday morning is RAIN I was hoping that we could call a working bee for this Saturday, 21 May at 10 a.m.

If you can come it would be really appreciated. Please bring your barrow and spade.

Many thanks and regards

Gayle

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Joe's Garden Opening

All members of the Arthurs Creek & Strathewen Rural Fire Brigade, the Auxiliary, the Juniors and their families, are invited to the official opening of Joe’s Garden. The garden has been built by members of the brigade in memory of firefighter Joe Shepherd and all other Strathewen residents who died in the Black Saturday bushfires.
  • Date: Sunday 5 June, 2011
  • Time: 2:30pm
  • Location: Arthurs Creek Fire Station, 834 Arthurs Creek Rd, Arthurs Creek
You are invited to stay for a light afternoon tea after the ceremony.

Minutes - recent meetings

Many thanks to Sue Apted for writing the minutes.

CFA welcomes Charter legislation

It has been another historic week for CFA with The Country Fire Authority Amendment (Volunteer Charter) Act 2011 passed in Parliament yesterday.

We welcome the introduction of this legislation and reaffirm the importance of CFA volunteers to our organisation and the Victorian community. The legislation recognises that CFA exists because of its volunteers, backed by the support of our career staff; both operational and administrative.

This is another significant step forward in defining CFA’s future direction. Volunteers are critical in fulfilling our mission of protecting lives and property and our vision of working together with communities to keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.

We also reaffirm our commitment to open consultation with our volunteers and also through Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria. This commitment is enshrined in the legislation and we will be providing further detail about this consultation in the near future.

It is a nice coincidence that the legislation has been passed on the eve of Volunteer Week, the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia. National Volunteer Week’s slogan is “Inspiring the volunteer in you”, and I know that many have, and will continue to be, inspired by the example of CFA volunteers.

Let me take this opportunity to again thank you for your outstanding service to your communities across the State.

Mick Bourke
Chief Executive Officer

Structural PPC Update - 5 May 2011

Jack Powell

A long time resident of Strathewen, Jack Powell, passed away last Monday.

His funeral service is to be held next Tuesday, 17 May, at 1.00 p.m. in the Arthurs Creek Hall and then go on to the Arthurs Creek Cemetery.

Half-Masting of Flags- Monday 16 May 2011

STATE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MR LIONEL EDMUND ROSE MBE

A State Memorial Service will be held for Mr Lionel Edmund Rose MBE (1968); Boxer (retired); World Bantamweight Champion 1968; Australian Bantamweight Title 1966; Australian Amateur Flyweight Title 1963; inducted in the World Boxing Hall of Fame 1994; Lifetime Achievement Award 11th Annual Deadlys 2005; Centenary Medal 2003; Australian Sports Medal 2001, and Australian of the Year 1968, on Monday 16 May 2011.

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 Monday 16 May 2011.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Vital path to Arthurs Creek safety

The Council have finally seen reason and have agreed to build a path from the Arthurs Creek Primary School to Ryders Flat.  Newws article:

http://diamond-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/vital-path-to-safety/

Well done to all those involved in getting this decision made, especially Lisal!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

New additions to the brigade

I am very pleased to share the news to a couple of new additions to the brigade:
  • Lennan Reid Stecher was born to Wes and Georgina on 27th April. 
  • Sarah Christine Raftery was born to Kylee and Geoff on 29th April.
Many congratulations to both families.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Volunteers' voices important

Victorian volunteer fire fighters will have the chance to help inform an independent inquiry into the effect of arrangements on CFA volunteers with the call for submissions going out today.

The Independent Inquiry into Effect of Arrangements on Country Fire Authority Volunteers launched its website today, which will help keep Victorians informed about the inquiry.

Retired County Court Judge, the Honourable David Jones, is conducting the inquiry and encouraged the state’s volunteer fire fighters to consider making a submission.

“It’s important that this inquiry provides an opportunity to hear from volunteers across the state who risk their lives and sacrifice their time to protect Victorians every year,” Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones said the inquiry’s website, www.cfavolunteersinquiry.vic.gov.au would allow volunteer fire fighters from all parts of Victoria to access information about the Inquiry including the Terms of Reference and make a submission.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Half Masting of Flag - ANZAC Day

Day of National Commemoration

ANZAC Day, Monday 25 April 2011

ANZAC Day is a day of special significance to all Australians, particularly to the returned veterans of Australia.

In accordance with Australian flag protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast on Monday 25 April 2011 from dawn until noon,, at which time the flag should be raised to the peak of the flag mast for the remainder of the day.

In accordance with flag protocol, all flags and ensigns at each flag station should be flown at half-mast.

Julie McClaren
Adviser, Government Relations
CFA Headquarters

Friday, April 8, 2011

Mr Bob Stubley

Mr Bob Stubley passed away on Wednesday evening, 6 April, after being unwell for some time. Our thoughts are with Mrs Stubley, Gordon and Lois, Kay and Geoff, Brian and Carole and their families at this sad time.

The Service celebrating his life will be held at Bridges, Hurstbridge, at 11 a.m. Tuesday 12 April.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Effective Representation - D14 Brigades and Groups

Please find attached joint statement from Russell Baird – President, D14 VFBV and Greg Esnouf – Regional Manager, Northern & Western Metropolitan Region (NWMR) to all NWMR brigades and groups.

Regards

(on behalf of Greg Esnouf)

Carleen Abela
Administration Support Officer

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

District 14 Operations Report now on CFA Connect and Facebook

The April edition of the District 14 Operations report is now available at the following places:

http://www.facebook.com/CFANorthWestMetro
http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/d14-operations-report-april-2011.html

Attached also is an edited text version of the Report.

Regards

Kris Perkovic
CFA Northern & Western Metropolitan Region

Strathewen Shed Extension

(From David)

The Melbourne Water problem relating to the Shed Extension has been overcome.

Excavation for the septic tank will be starting this Friday.

From the CEO - Inquiry into arrangements for CFA volunteers

Good morning all,

As many of you know, the State Government announced last week an inquiry, to be led by retired County Court judge David Jones, into arrangements for CFA volunteers (see Minister Peter Ryan’s statement attached). http://premier.vic.gov.au/2011/03/former-judge-to-lead-independent-cfa-inquiry/

The inquiry will look into, among other things, recruitment, training and support for volunteers. Mr Jones will hand any recommendations, for the Government to consider, by June 30 this year.

The inquiry, the first of its kind for CFA, is a unique opportunity for a fresh look at arrangements for CFA volunteers from an outside, independent perspective. Recommendations will provide invaluable feedback and help CFA and volunteers better protect Victorian communities.

The findings will be especially relevant to the work of the new Operational Training and Volunteerism department, headed by Lex de Man, senior Executives and the Board.

Trained and professional volunteers perform all operational roles within CFA including at the highest levels of incident management, supported by career fire fighters in a fully integrated manner. The inquiry will cover any impediments to the ability of volunteers to undertake any role within CFA, as well as the capacity for volunteers to be appointed as CFA employees.

It will also look at arrangements to ensure the voices of volunteers are heard in accordance with the Volunteer Charter, recently signed by the State Government, CFA and VFBV and soon to be enshrined in law.

CFA welcomes the inquiry and I encourage all CFA members to assist in any way they can.

Mick Bourke
Chief Executive Officer