VFBV

Selfless, Courageous and Vital
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer

It would not be Victoria if we didn’t have the need to deal with wild and unpredictable weather throughout the year. Last month’s flood/ storm event caused significant widespread damage. And while the storms peaked over 9 and 10 June, the flow on flooding and damage to electricity distribution is still being felt today.

In the 24 hours to 10am Thursday 10 June, Mt Baw Baw had recorded 280mm of rain and 119kph wind gusts were recorded at Puckapunyal. As that day developed, more than 215,000 residents were without power, with thousands expected to be without power for weeks.

By the end of June, more than 550 personal hardship assistance payments had been made by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and in excess of 3,890 residential customers were being assessed for continuing prolonged power outage payments. VFBV distributed a Storm/Flood Recovery Resource Fact Sheet to assist members understand what support was available.

The assistance of the Australian Defence Forces was well received, with the CFA State Logistics Centre acting as the main staging area for the distribution of generators, with a local sub staging area established at Olinda volunteer fire brigade.

On the Thursday morning alone, VicSES had received well in excess of 4,500 requests for assistance. Over the following days VicSES would record over 10,000 requests for assistance during the event, which is more than half of the average amount received in an average year.

I join my good friends at the VICSES Volunteer Association (VICSESVA) in congratulating all SES members on an incredible job and thank them for their tireless efforts. Emergency Management volunteers demonstrated yet again how critically important it is to have these emergency management capabilities and capacities within our communities. While these communities were cut off from the world, it was the local units, brigades and community organisations that were on the ground, serving their communities and doing what needed to be done. Often at times, on their own and doing the best they could with what they had.

I want to acknowledge the frustration felt by many and raised with me regarding the view that elements of local knowledge was again absent in the early stages of the State’s control arrangements. And while there are certainly differing views on whether that was indeed a perception or fact, it is a timely reminder that ensuring local knowledge is embedded within our emergency structures is critical.

In my observation, the use of local knowledge is much more than simply designating ‘locals’ within our incident management structures. It is also about linking local brigades, units and community organisations with appropriate information to triage and streamline relevant information and the collecting/ transmitting of valuable operational intel and observations.

Many of our process and systems simply rely on someone occupying a position within an IMT to establish what we think are the local linkages. However, some thought on how these linkages actually operate and how information is disseminated is key. Calls for increased focus on closing the loop and not only tapping into local knowledge but sharing how it is being used and influencing arrangements would provide stronger confidence at the local level that the structures are indeed working and local intel is influencing decisions.

Anything that increases confidence and morale during the early stages of developing incidents is certainly a key focus we will be encouraging to be raised through after action reviews. ‘Fog of war’ is a military term I often use to explain how local brigades and units operate in the early stages of developing incidents. And while great advances have been made to provide those at the top with good intel and information, the view on the ground is they have not been so fortunate. Rather than argue for one or the other, the clear message is we need both.

The Emergency Management Commissioner has certainly indicated his willingness to sit down and discuss how systems can be strengthened with local brigades and units, and these are important conversations we will be encouraging and supporting.

These local community capabilities are not built by accident, and must be cherished, respected and protected so they are there when we need them. For them to operate safely and effectively means they must be well trained, well exercised and well utilised to keep their skills and experience at the forefront and ensure all members return safely home. This is why VFBV is so passionate about empowering communities to build volunteer surge capacity, and it is one of the central obligations of government to build and support effective community capability and resilience for a safer Victoria.

Time and time again, emergency management volunteers demonstrate their intrinsic value and critical role during emergencies, and it should not just be immediately following disasters when our politicians are lining up for their media grabs.

As one would expect CFA brigades played a critical and significant role during this event. While strike teams were tasked to assist SES, I want to draw attention to the efforts and initiatives of local brigades, and the untiring and courageous work of CFA volunteers who did not stop for weeks on end.

During the height of the storms, and for many days and weeks following – entire communities were cut off by fallen trees and debris. Many CFA volunteers were cut off from their stations – as were many stations cut off from reaching all parts of their community. Volunteers were required to operate in little cells coordinating by phone or radio to get to trapped residences. Fortunately, brigade phone trees enabled Captains, Lieutenants and Group Officers to coordinate CFA crews in their private vehicles to do urgent reconnaissance and respond to urgent requests for assistance involving rescues and danger to life.

These were systems and processes created long before computer aided dispatch and pagers, and is yet another reminder of the inherent agility, flexibility and ingenuity of volunteer brigades serving their local communities.

It was also a bit of a challenge to the way things ‘are normally done’ which did create some tension and stress points within the more formalised structures and management. This serves as a really good reminder of the culture shift now underway within CFA as it adapts to a fully volunteer model.

Volunteers join to serve their communities, and when our communities need us – we are there. In the heat of the moment - they are not too bothered by the typical ‘whose job is this’ line of thinking and CFA members constantly demonstrate they can be trusted and counted on to be disciplined, safe and professional. Bureaucracy does not traditionally support or enhance this fast and decentralised command and control, so it is unsurprising that friction points often emerge during these kinds of events.

And while this can be challenging for the organisation at times, especially when we are the support agency, there is always the dual obligation to ensure we have maintained our capacity to respond to fire. I strongly support the local view that these obligations are not mutually exclusive, and history shows we can capably deal with multiple simultaneous incidents as we do all the time and have shown great capacity to stay focussed on our primary goals without rigidly sacrificing our ability to support our peers, whether that be SES, Police, Ambulance or Defence.

The same holds true for relief and recovery works. This work often cannot just sit and wait until the emergency is over, especially when we are dealing with long protracted incidents. The line between response and recovery is not a wall of steel and often both need to be occurring hand in glove with each other.

I highlight the stories of Brigades in affected communities throwing open their doors to provide central places to coordinate relief and recovery efforts. Local brigades teaming up with the Salvos to offer hot meals for residents who had lost their power or whose homes had become unsafe while community relief centres were being established and outfitted.

Brigades running door knocks to check in and monitor isolated or vulnerable community members and ensuring they were aware of critical services as lead agencies and local councils worked on clearing roads and repairing damaged infrastructure.

This is what sets CFA and SES apart and makes local volunteer brigades and units so special and so essential. It’s what attracts civic minded people to join in the first place. To actually help those in need.

For all those who think leadership is just a top-down exercise, take a long hard look at the collaboration and unity of effort demonstrated by local volunteers and crews who didn’t care what colour their PPC was, or if they were from a response agency, a relief agency or a community support organisation.

These are the stories of an organisation that doesn’t just put the community at the centre of everything it does because someone wrote it on a brochure or stuck it in an annual report. This isn’t the work of spin doctors or PR consultants. The public knows what you do, it recognises the value of what you do. And simply put – this is why volunteers occupy and have earned such a special place in the communities’ hearts and minds. You are selfless, courageous, and vital.

If Nike hadn’t trademarked it, ‘just do it’ would make a very fitting description of what CFA brigades do each and every day.

Well done to all members and bravo on a job very well done.

VFBV Recovery Taskforce
Thank you to all members who responded to the expression of interest process initiated by VFBV District 8 Council to assist with recovery efforts in District 13. While initial works were planned for Saturday 26 June, this has been postponed by request of the local brigades.

These taskforces assist residents on private property or help fellow CFA volunteers directly impacted by emergencies and fills an important gap in arrangements. These activities are supported by the VFBV Volunteer Support and Recovery Trust that provides food and consumables and are endorsed by CFA allowing CFA and brigade owned appliances and equipment to be utilised.

The current model of recovery taskforces was led by VFBV State Councillor Bill Watson AFSM following the 2009 Black Saturday Fires and has assisted local brigades and communities with recovery works that are not eligible or prioritised under state-based recovery activities. Bill was the VFBV District 13 Council President at the time of Black Saturday and saw first hand the important role practical peer-to-peer activities supported members and morale. They supplement but do not replace formal agency-led relief and recovery activities. They have been used following most large-scale disasters, not only including bushfires but also significant flood and storm events.

Further planned deployments will be advertised at the local level first. Enquiries can be sent to Bill Watson via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Bon Voyage
VFBV Support Officer Michelle Ryan will shortly be leaving us in her paid role to pursue some other opportunities. Her last day with VFBV will be Friday 16 July 2021.

While we are all very sorry to see Michelle go, we are also very excited for her and the opportunity to pursue some new things which she is very excited about. Michelle is staying on as a volunteer with her local brigade, and is also excited to be taking on the VFBV delegate role in her new chapter.

On behalf of Board, CEO and the whole extended VFBV family we wish Michelle all the best, and thank her most sincerely for the joy, passion and enthusiasm she has bought to the role since she commenced back in 2017. She has supported her Districts across the North East with distinction, and provided tireless support to her brigades, district councils, joint committee and volunteers throughout her entire catchment area.

We will shortly commence advertising to fill the vacancy.

In the meantime, please join us in thanking Michelle for her exceptional service and wishing her all the best in her future endeavours.

Volunteer Trainer and Assessors
Based on various feedback received from Volunteer Trainer and Assessors, VFBV representatives to the Joint Training Committee have recently made a formal request, encompassing strategy and underlining initiatives for CFA to engage in an authentic and genuine process to greater enhance the capability and recognition of Volunteer Trainer and Assessors who continue to provide an excellent service to the membership.

VFBV’s request is based on your feedback and includes recommendations from reviews into training, informal discussions and statements that have occurred in the past, including feedback from the annual VFBV Welfare and Efficiency Survey.

Suggested initiatives include, but are not limited to, identifiable helmets to be made available to all TAs, (Trainers and Assessors) funded workwear, additional PPC and genuine promotion, encouragement, recruitment, and retention of Trainer and Assessors.

DCO Training has committed to consultation on these requests and has indicated in principle support for most of the recommendations, agreeing that the recognition and enhancement of trainers and assessors is vitally important to the success of training delivery across CFA. VFBV will continue to pursue these initiatives with CFA and hope for a quick and positive outcome that will benefit everyone.

Welfare Fund
With Jenni Laing on long service leave, Kara Bishop is performing the role of Welfare Fund Secretary.

The website and all Welfare Fund forms have been updated, but those of you with old forms should now send Welfare Fund enquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

While Jenni’s address is being monitored, due to the urgent nature of welfare fund requests, it is preferable that all new applications are submitted through the welfare address.

Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List announced on 14 June 2021 included seven CFA members who were awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal (AFSM) in recognition of their contribution to the community of Victoria. You can read more about each recipient on VFBV’s website here. VFBV congratulates these members for the outstanding contribution to the community of Victoria. Don’t forget that you can also submit a nomination for the AFSM to CFA’s Honours and Awards Committee at any time, more information about the nomination process can be found on the VFBV website.

 Fire Wise – July 2021 online edition only
The July 2021 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website. 

You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a Fire Wise subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

VFBV Board Vacancies

COVID-19 Resources

	Available from the VFBV website is a COVID-19 financial support resources article. This article has been updated recently to ensure that the resources listed are all up to date.  A reminder also that CFA provides a lot of resources for brigades, groups and volunteers on Brigades Online. CFA's resources include the current response levels and also links to the latest updates from CFA.

Recent articles on the VFBV website

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021

2021 Flood and Storm Recovery Resources

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Issued/Updated: 15 June 2021 

The following Fact Sheet has been prepared to assist members navigate the various sources of assistance that we are currently aware of in relation to the Victorian Flood/Storm event of June 2021. Information concerning relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently being updated. This update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries. 

GENERAL 

The Victorian Government has announced Personal Hardship Assistance Program emergency relief payments are available to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing and personal items.  Information on how to access the relief payments, along with other recovery information can be found on the Vic Emergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

VicEmergency Hotline: free call 1800 226 226 for warnings and recovery information, including emergency relief assistance grants for hardship.

VicEmergency app or www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Road Closures - Visit VicTraffic at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au for main road closures. For urgent road hazards call 13 11 70.

Assistance may be available in the following local Government areas:

GOVERNMENT RELIEF AND RECOVERY ADVICE 

Emergency Relief and Recovery Victoria – Information regarding State level support services and programs to assist families, businesses and farmers affected by emergencies across Victoria. www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Victoria - Financial Crisis Support – provides links to immediate assistance for individuals, including accommodation, food and clothing as well as the Personal Hardship Assistance Program (PHAP) services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/financial-crisis-support

Department of Human Services (DHS)/Centrelink – Commonwealth - Provides information on support and services that may be available if you are experiencing severe financial hardship, recovering from a disaster, or in need of special assistance. humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/crisis-and-special-help

DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS (DRFA)

The joint Australian, state and territory government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide a range of financial assistance to the natural disaster-declared areas in each state or territory.

For the storms and floods which impacted central and eastern Victoria, the available assistance measures include:

- personal hardship and distress
- personal and financial counselling
- counter disaster operations
- removal of debris from residential properties
- restoration of damaged essential public assets.

For information on available recovery assistance, visit the VIC Emergency website.

For further information on recovery arrangements, visit the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 page. (These are the arrangements in place since 2018)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will replace passports that have been lost or damaged in declared natural disasters free of charge, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

DISASTER RECOVERY ALLOWANCE (DRA)

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short-term income support payment to assist individuals who can demonstrate that their income has been affected as a direct result of a disaster.  

The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.

You might be eligible for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA is taxable.

For further information regarding DRA and eligibility requirements visit Services Australia.​

Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) - Fee Relief – in the case of natural disaster, ASIC can review late lodgement and late payment fees incurred as a result of matters outside your control and waive them in some circumstances. asic.gov.au/for-business/payments-fees-and-invoices/fee-waivers/ 

Australian Tax Office (ATO) - Dealing with disasters – an ATO portal linking to information regarding ways that individuals and businesses can manage tax obligations following a disaster. ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters

GIPPSLAND EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (GERF)

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund provides immediate financial assistance to residents who suffer loss or hardship as a direct result of an emergency that occurs within the Gippsland region.

The fund focuses on providing for personal losses such as people’s immediate requirements for food, shelter, clothing, utensils, furniture, bedding, children’s educational needs, etc, as distinct from capital items covered by insurance or government grants.

Help and assistance by GERF is provided to people in need as a result of bushfire, flood or other acts of nature that affect their principal place of residence.

Residents affected by the floods should contact their local Council Municipal Recovery Manager, who will assess the applicant’s situation and make a referral to GERF where applicable  or visit Website: www.relieffund.org.au 

Affected Council contact numbers are listed below.

East Gippsland Shire Council: (03) 5153 9500
Wellington Shire Council: 1300 137 218 (Recovery Office line)
Latrobe City Council: 1300 367 700
Baw Baw Shire Council: 03 5624 2411

YARRA RANGES

Urgent relief needs including food & alternate accommodation: Call Council on 1300 368 333

Local roads: (If you know a request hasn't been made) Call Council 1300 368 333
Main Roads: Call VicRoads on 13 11 70
On power lines: Call AusNet Services on 13 17 99
Livestock issues: Contact DELWP on 136 186
Flood or Storm assistance: Contact SES on 132 500
Hardship assistance & financial support: Contact Department Families, Fairness & Housing on 1300 475 170 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TELSTRA DISASTER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE

Assistance packages are offered based on impacted locations. If you have a mobile service with Telstra, you’ll receive an SMS advising you of your eligibility. Announcements are also made locally in impacted areas. When a disaster assistance package is announced, it can include the following:

For a short-term impact, such as temporary evacuation of your home or business or a temporary fault:

- Free use of Telstra public payphones in the affected areas
- Free use of Telstra Air payphone Wi-Fi hotspots in the affected areas
- Free call diversion from an affected fixed home or business phone service to another fixed or mobile service, regardless of the carrier
- Extra mobile data for eligible post-paid mobile customers & Extra pre-paid data and free calls 

For a long-term impact, such as severe damage to or loss of your home or business:

- Free call diversion from your fixed phone service to another Australian fixed or mobile service, regardless of the carrier. This offer applies for up to 6 months from the date of the disaster event
- A one-off credit up to the value of $500 incl. GST to your Telstra fixed phone account to help cover the costs of the following, if required: connection of a Telstra fixed phone service at a temporary address or Re-connection of a Telstra fixed phone service at your original address

PERSONAL HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Personal Hardship Assistance Program (PHAP) assists people experiencing financial hardship because of a single house fire or a natural disaster related emergency such as bushfire, flood, severe storm, or earthquake.

Emergency relief assistance may be available for up to 7 days after the emergency event. A one-off payment is provided to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, medication and accommodation.

A needs assessment is carried out by a Personal Hardship Assistance Officer to determine eligibility.

- Payments are up to $560 per adult and $280 per child (up to a maximum of $1960 per eligible family) and are distributed via a prepaid debit card that could be used to make purchases via EFTPOS or withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
- Personal hardship assistance payments are available to people whose homes are damaged or destroyed and are unhabitable.
- Contact your council or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. In your email please include how you would like to be contacted i.e. include you mobile number or landline phone number.

Relief payments were NOT available for:

- the costs of cleaning up fallen trees or branches in people's yards
- the cost of repairing fences from fallen trees. If a tree has fallen on your house, please call the SES or your local council for more information.
- business losses or compensation for the loss of income
- the replacement of fencing
- motor vehicle repairs or towing
- paying insurance excess

EMERGENCY RE-ESTABLISHMENT PAYMENTS 

Emergency re-establishment assistance is available for people who's principal place of residence (your home) is uninhabitable for more than seven days because the Victorian floods or storm damage.

If you think you may be eligible for a re-establishment payment, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. In your email please include how you would like to be contacted i.e. include you mobile number or landline phone number.

The assistance will be available for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.
Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance. The purpose of these payments is to assist people in the community who do not have the financial means to re-establish their lives after a disaster. The payments are a helping hand and should not be considered a replacement for insurance. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Emergency re-establishment payments and insurance:

- Re-establishment assistance is available to individuals or families who do not have building (home) insurance or contents insurance.
- If an applicant has contents insurance only, re-establishment assistance may be available to assist with structural repairs to the home, rebuilding, clean-up tasks and reconnecting or undertaking safety checks on essential services such as gas, water or electricity. Assistance would not be available to replace or repair any household contents.
- If an applicant has building (home) insurance but no contents insurance, re-establishment assistance may be available to repair or replace essential household items. Assistance would not be available to undertake structural repairs, clean-up or rebuilding tasks that fall within the scope of the applicant’s insurance.
- Applicants with both building (home) insurance and contents insurance are not eligible for re-establishment assistance

VFBV WELFARE FUND 

Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship.  Typical cases involve prolonged illness, bereavement, loss of earnings, or the accommodation and travel costs associated with supporting a relative in hospital.

The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped close to 1,200 volunteers, with more than $1.8 million in grants made over the years.

- Grants up to $5,000
- Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing Brigades 
- Contact to the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or your VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and application process.

CFA MEMBER WELFARE AND SUPPORT 

Support services are available to all members and their immediate families:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - to talk with a trained mental health professional.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list announced on 14 June 2021 included seven CFA members who were awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal (AFSM) in recognition of their contribution to the community of Victoria.

VFBV congratulates these members for their outstanding contribution to CFA and the broader community.

Lesley Read AFSM – Hildene Fire Brigade

Lesley has been a CFA volunteer for 19 years and has been recognised for her work as a member of CFA’s Peer Support Team. Lesley has held many roles within her brigade including Firefighter, Secretary, Treasurer and VFBV Delegate along with being the District 12 Volunteer Peer Support Team Coordinator since 2010. It is estimated that Lesley has contributed over 1,600 hours providing support to CFA members and their families. You can read more about Lesley on CFA’s website here.

Peter Solly AFSM – Werrap Fire Brigade

With over 50 years of service to CFA, Peter has been awarded an AFSM for his service to the Wimmera and in particular the Rainbow Group as Group Officer for 28 years. Peter is known as an outstanding leader and team builder and has led the development of strategies to address declining populations and increasing the average age of brigade members in rural Victoria. You can read more about Peter on CFA’s website here.

Brian Petrie AFSM – Gembrook Fire Brigade

Brian is highly regarded within CFA and through his more than 50 years of as a volunteer has distinguished himself as an outstanding leader, trainer and mentor. Brian used his experiences from Ash Wednesday along with his passion for the development of more effecting training have contributed to raising the standard of training with CFA, particularly in relation to crew safety and bushfire behaviour. You can read more about Brian on CFA’s website here.

Alen Slijepcevic AFSM – Deputy Chief Officer, Bushfire Management

Alen joined CFA in 2012 after previous roles with both the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Forestry Tasmania and the New Zealand Forestry Corporation. Alen has been a catalyst for the development of improved bushfire risk assessment with brigades, other agencies and communities that has led to a greater focus on fire prevention and preparedness. In 2018 Alen as the elected as the President of the International Association of Wildland Fire, the first person outside the United States of America to hold this role. You can read more about Alen on CFA’s website here.

Garry Cook AFSM – Deputy Chief Officer, Specialist Services

Garry first joined CFA as a volunteer in 1981 then joined CFA’s staff in 1986. Since 1986 Garry has held many roles within CFA as an Assistant Regional Officer, Zone Reliever, District Officer, Operations Manager before joining Ambulance Victoria for seven years, then coming back to CFA to take on the role of Assistant Chief Officer and later Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Chief Officer. While at Ambulance Victoria, Garry continued to volunteer with the Tarrawingee Fire Brigade. Garry has been honoured for his exceptional strategic leadership within CFA. You can read more about Garry on CFA’s website here.

Peter Baker AFSM – Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Peter joined CFA in 1971 as a volunteer with Belmont Fire Brigade before becoming a staff member in 1983. Since, 1983 Peter has held varius roles within CFA at District level and at CFA Headquarters. Peter was key to the establishment of the Integrated Emergency Coordination Centre and its subsequent evolution into Victoria’s State Control Centre. You can read more about Peter on CFA’s website here.

Stephen Walls AFSM – Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Stephen initially joined CFA as a 17-year-old to compete in the State Championships with Korumburra Fire Brigade, five years later, Stephen began his career with CFA. Throughout his career in CFA Stephen, has become a highly qualified and experienced operational officer, who specialises in command and control structures and incident management. You can read more about Stephen on CFA’s website here.

VFBV congratulates these seven CFA members for their outstanding contribution to CFA and the broader community along with all other Australians recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year.

Other Victorian firefighters to receive the Australian Fire Service Medal honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours were:

- Kelly Rush – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

- Simon Scharf – Fire Rescue Victoria

- Steven Watts – Fire Rescue Victoria.

VFBV congratulations these follow fire service members for their outstanding contribution to the state of Victoria.

 
Nominations for AFSM's

Nominations for AFSM's are accepted at any time through CFA's Honours and Awards Committee.

The AFSM honours the distinguished service of members of fire services who make an exceptionable contribution to their communities. The AFSM recognises those whose service is above and beyond the normal zealous and faithful discharge of normal or ordinary service, either in the short or long term.

CFA volunteers are often modest and reluctant to seek out recognition for the service they have provided to their community and may not have a realistic appreciation of the impact they have had on CFA, their community, within VFBV or your Brigade or Group. They’re not in it for the honour or glory, but it’s up to each of us to ensure we take the time to say ‘thank-you’ to those people who have stepped up and help inspire us all to do better.

If you know a quiet achiever who has contributed to CFA, who goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected of someone in a similar position, please consider nominating them for an AFSM. 

The Australian Honours system has been designed to break down artificial barriers and open the Australian Honours to all parts of our society. Any member of the community can nominate any other Australian citizen for an award.

It is also critically important we encourage nominations for groups who are typically under-represented in Australian Honours like the AFSM. In particular we are encouraging a greater gender mix.

Women in particular are under-represented in AFSM’s awarded when we consider the thousands of women within the fire services across the country. And while things are improving, much more can be done.

There are so many exceptional CFA women and men deserving to be recognised, so please consider nominating someone you feel is deserving.

A common misconception is that only those members who have decades worth of service are recognised by the Honours system. The AFSM is not a long-service award, its sole criterion is distinguished service. And while prolonged service forms part of the key criteria, ‘prolonged’ is considered by the honour and awards committee’s to be taken in context as to what is considered ‘longer than usual’ and in context of what is ‘above and beyond’ the normal or ordinary service expected. Exceptional service that is sustained over a period of time can be considered as satisfying the criteria. For example, has the members contribution been in excess of expectations for a ‘normal’ member and over what duration? The Committee will consider the nature of the service or achievement within the context of a member’s service history when weighing up the various criteria.

This is especially important for women within CFA who may have their service overlooked simply because they haven’t been a Captain or Group Officer for 30+ years. While these are important leadership roles – our service is a team environment, and everyone’s contribution is valued.

Nothing should take away from the incredible achievement decade long service is, but the Honours system is designed to recognise those that make a significant contribution, and to represent the things that our communities believe to be deserving of recognition, including from those who are perhaps trailblazers for others to follow. Think of those people who have pushed the boundaries or have been first to reach and hold leadership positions that has been inspirational to those around them. For example, think of members who have overcome additional barriers, like English not being their first language and who have toiled away to learn the language and become masterful communicators designing new innovative community safety engagements to CALD communities and serving as a role model for other community members. Who are the people you look up to? Who are the people who have really made a difference in your Brigade or Group?

Distinguished service includes service that is above and beyond and can be short-term or prolonged. It is service that can be exemplified by; responsibility for an outstanding event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service or community; development of a new system, procedure or technique that is unique and made a significant contribution to the fire service; or outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth within the fire services.

While it can seem daunting to nominate a potential recipient, some guiding principles that could assist in completing a nomination for an AFSM are:

· In what role(s) has the nominee excelled?

· How has the nominee demonstrated service worthy of recognition?

· How has the nominee’s contribution affected a particular field, locality, brigade, group or community at large?

· Over what period has the nominee made a major commitment?

· Has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?

· What makes this person stand out from others?

· What specific examples can be provided to show how the nominee’s contribution(s) have been outstanding?

Nominations for awards are strictly confidential. The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of the confidential nomination at any stage of the process.

Additional Resources to Assist

Honours and Awards Toolkit 

Guide to Preparing Nominations for the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) 

AFSM Nomination Form

Want to discuss a potential nomination or need some more information? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About the Australian Fire Service Medal

Introduced in 1988, the Australian Fire Service Medal recognised distinguished service by members of Australian fire services and is awarded to both volunteer and paid members. The award recognised the distinguished service by members of a State or Territory Fire Service, a Fire Service of an agency of the Commonwealth, and the Fire Services of the External Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Island) and Norfolk Island.

The medal is awarded twice a year as part of the Australia Day award and Queen’s Birthday award announcements.

Criteria for the Australian Fire Service Medal

To be considered for this award it would be expected that the nominee has given service beyond the norm exemplified by:

1.       Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional performance in a particular area that has proved significant benefit to the fire service; and one or more of the following:

2.       Responsibility for and management of an outstanding/exceptional event that has proven to be of significant benefit to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.

3.       Development of a new system, or procedure, or technique that is unique and has made a significant contribution to the fire service, a community or community safety generally.

4.       Outstanding leadership in the encouragement and development of others, particularly youth, within the fire service and the fostering and furthering of the aims of the fire service to the long-term benefit of the fire service and the community.

5.       Demonstrated creativity in the development and implementation of innovative changes that have made a significant contribution to the fire service, fire/emergency operations, or the interests of community safety.

Rationality and Excellence 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer

As at time of writing we have just entered week two of Victorian lockdown number four. I want to acknowledge the impact these lockdowns have on not just our personal and professional lives, but the significant impact on our CFA and emergency response duties.

While it may not feel like it now, the resilience and redundancy on display across our network of 1,217 volunteer fire brigades across the State is one of the few good news stories to come from this pandemic.

The fact our systems and processes have been able to adapt and respond to these significant periods of upheaval is a real testament to your unwavering commitment to your communities.

Small outbreaks within our networks have been quickly minimised and stamped out, with brigades showing the utmost discipline in doing what is required to contain and isolate but ensuring redundancies are in place to ensure our service to the community remains unaffected. All without any fuss or fanfare. Thank-you and well done.

For those of you impacted by closures, unemployment, underemployment, small business pressures or supply line shortages etc that are causing financial pressures – please don’t feel alone. Councillors, peers and chaplains are all available through the CFA Member Assistance Program and services are available to not only all members but your immediate families as well. It’s free and confidential and can be accessed via 1800 959 232.

The program offerings have evolved over the years but are based on a foundation principle that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Acknowledging the holistic nature of mental health and the myriad of influences and contributing factors across our busy lives, these services are not just focussed on CFA or brigade related matters.

For example, solution focussed counselling can assist you with strategies and solutions to manage work or personal issues which may be impacting upon your mental health, in addition to your brigade/group roles.

Even if all you need is a sounding board or fresh perspective please reach out and make use of these services. A problem shared is a problem halved.

THE STOTICS

At the risk of diving a little too deep this month, the current COVID related pressures seem as good a time as any to briefly discuss some coping mechanisms. As you can imagine, in my role I speak frequently to a broad range of members on a daily basis. Over recent months I have noticed a real significant increase of people presenting with high levels of anxiety, frustration and the tell-tale signs of resentment from feeling out of control. And while COVID has certainly contributed – many of these feelings appear to have been stirred up very much by reform, restructure and the larger role that governments now play in our everyday lives.

You have heard me speak before about using history to contextualise our present and inform our future.

Over 2,500 years ago the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates taught moral philosophy. Socrates is often considered one of the founders of western philosophy. To give you some frame of reference - Socrates taught Plato, who taught Aristotle. Without going into too much depth - ‘the Stoics’ were one of five major philosophical schools during ancient Greece and Rome. Much of their works forms the basis of many new age self-help type writings and modern-day discussions around mindfulness.

Now before you think I’ve gone completely mad, one of the principles of the stoic teachings were about focussing on the things you can control and ignoring the rest. You’ve probably read the bumper stickers or t-shirts as some of these teachings have crossed into popular culture.

One of the major stoics of the time was Epictetus, who was born a slave of a former slave. Interestingly, both men were freed at different times - by Emperor Nero. (Yes I know I’m playing a little fast and loose with the term ‘interesting’.)

It was Epictetus who contributed significantly to discussion and teachings on rationality, virtue, excellence and the dichotomy of control.

And it is this last point that I want to settle on. There is much currently outside of our direct control, and it is this loss of control or perceived ‘helplessness’ that is swirling around us and feeding emotions and anxiety.

Modern psychologists refer to this as internal locus of control vs external locus of control. When we are concentrating on the external locus – we are now simply experiencing what is happening to us. Whereas, if we focus on the ‘internal locus’ i.e. the things that we have control over – then rather than simply ‘experience’ or falling victim to what is happening around us, we are now focussed and responsible for how we react, how we feel and what we do. In other words, we are making things happen vs not simply experiencing what is happening around us. It gives focus and purpose.

“Small-minded people blame others. Average people blame themselves. The wise see all blame as foolishness.” - Epictetus

For example, there was an American naval vice-admiral and aviator called James Stockdale who was the most senior naval officer held captive in Hanoi, and brutally tortured for seven and a half years during the Vietnam War. He credited the teachings of stoicism, and Epictetus himself in not only getting him through it, but later admitted it was the defining event of his life for which he would not trade.

Admiral Stockdale described his approach during his confinement as balancing realism and optimism during what was a dire and prolonged situation. He taught that during times of seemingly never-ending hardship, set-backs, suffering and distress we still need to maintain optimism that we will survive and pull through, while balancing the importance and discipline of realism and facing the practicality of the harsh present to focus and deal with the things we can and must.

I use Admiral Stockdale’s example as if you read any of his lectures or interviews - he was a very harsh critic of what I call blind faith or empty optimism. While he had strong faith, and drew strength from his belief that he would get through it – he attributes his survival to not simply waiting for things to happen, but rather taking an active role and making things happen and taking responsibility for the things within his influence and control, no matter how small.

I share these stories to remind us not to get needlessly angry, frustrated and upset by the things we cannot influence. I have spoken previously about the needless energy of stewing over past grievances. Rather, we are better to focus on what we can influence, including our own behaviour.

The same can be said for how we approach the rebuilding and strengthening of CFA into a strong, world class volunteer emergency service. As I remind people - it’s not broke – but it does require some TLC. Like that old saying about forging steel: the finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.

My advice to all of us in these uncertain times is to focus on the things we can influence, and the things that matter. Don’t be distracted by the noise of other people’s agendas or the things that we have no control over.

What will make your brigade a great place to be? What support do you need in place to best meet your community’s needs? How can volunteer leaders be supported and encouraged? How must things be structured and done that allows you to contribute your all to our shared mission of saving life and property? What will make CFA a great place to volunteer?

Life isn’t a movie so please don’t sit back and just watch it unfold. The same can be said about reform and CFA’s current change journey. Get involved. Contribute to discussions. Think, discuss and provide feedback. Don’t just criticise or blame or leave it for others. Respect one another and be kind to your fellow volunteers and staff, but most importantly – just get involved. Together, we can and do make a difference.

VFBV SURVEY RESULTS

In this quarters VFBV Supplement, we have published the most recent VFBV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency survey results. With almost 2,700 volunteers taking part and contributing, the results are a highly credible source of volunteer views and opinions.

This year’s results show a decline in volunteer satisfaction across all key results areas. I am hoping we have hit rock bottom as the dust settles on the governments reforms. I have been very pleased with the commitments made from both the new CFA CEO and Chief Officer to address the results, use them to inform their planning and the promise to work in collaboration with VFBV to address the areas of most concern to volunteers as we move forward in the new operating environment.

For the first time in many years, I am growing more confident that the message is being heard within CFA, the data is being used and actions are following that will genuinely shape and lead the change journey ahead of us.

While it is early days, there have already been some very good signs and actions commenced to address issues. I provide this assessment not as blind optimism but rather as a reminder that having your say and providing feedback does make a difference. The priorities and critical gaps that are evident from the survey results are already having a significant impact on future priorities, internal budgets and lines of effort. We will keep pursuing and advocating for improvements and strengthened consultative arrangements.

I would like to thank all delegates for their continued passion, enthusiasm and dedication in representing and advocating on behalf of all our volunteers. We still have much to do, but early results are very promising.

Storm/Flood Assistance
Over the last 48 hours Victoria has recorded significant storm and flood activity. In the 24 hours to 10am Thursday 10 June, Mt Baw Baw had recorded 280mm of rain and 119kph wind gusts were recorded at Puckapunyal. As at writing, there are Riverine flood warnings in place around Central Ranges and Thomason, Macalister catchments, with projected flood events predicted in the Latrobe and Traralgon catchments, with an evacuate now warning issued for Traralgon.

SES Victoria have responded to well in excess of 4,500 requests for assistance over the last couple of days and are continuing to make their way through the backlog. The vast majority of those requests were for fallen or damaged trees. As at last night, more than 215,000 residents were without power.

Like during all emergencies our amazing volunteers band together to support and assist Victorians in need. CFA and SES are working closely together along with our other emergency management partners and agencies to triage and coordinate efforts. VFBV wishes to acknowledge the incredible work being undertaken by SES Volunteers as they continue to respond to the current emergency. The grit, determination and professionalism on display by these critical emergency service volunteers inspires all Victorians. And just like during fire when our brothers and sisters at the SES help us out, the CFA volunteer surge capacity is again swinging into force and thank-you to all members who are assisting with SES support, including those of you on Strike Team, sandbagging, IMT roles and other related duties.

Quarterly Supplement – June 2021 edition
Included with the June 2021 edition of Fire Wise was the seventh edition of the VFBV Quarterly Supplement.

The Quarterly Supplement contains 16 pages of relevant news, updates and information on current issues being pursed by VFBV on behalf of members. It also includes links to additional resources or updates that are available via our website.

An electronic copy of the Quarterly Supplement can be downloaded here.

Brigade Captains and Secretaries, Group Officers and Group Secretaries as well as VFBV delegates are requested to please take the time to read this and future editions, and to table at your upcoming meetings for the benefit and knowledge of your members.

 
VFBV Affiliation
Thank you for members’ strong show of support. VFBV affiliation rates averaging 95% over the past 5 years, shows the value of our unified voice is clearly recognised and demonstrates strong support for the important work that VFBV does on behalf of all CFA volunteers.

The 2021/22 renewal notices for your Brigade/Group’s VFBV Affiliation and Welfare Fund have now been forwarded to all Brigades and Groups with a due date of 30 June 2021.

In recognition of the significant donations received to the Welfare Fund from the public following last year’s devastating bushfires, a one off 50% discount is being offered for the 2021/22 Welfare Fund Subscription, reducing the cost to all Brigades this year to $45.00. Both the VFBV Board and the Welfare Fund Committee see this as a way of supporting the many Brigades who have subscribed to the Welfare Fund since 1913. It is hoped that this reduced cost will encourage new Brigades to join the Welfare Fund this year for the benefit of their members. This is a very low cost to ensure that your members are covered should they find themselves in financial hardship for whatever reason.

Brigades and Groups who pay their VFBV affiliations before 30th June 2021 will automatically go into the draw to win their choice of one of the worthwhile prizes kindly donated by GAAM - G-Force Nozzle with Quick connect coupling; Gated Wye with Stortz Inlet and quick connect outlets; Root Soaker; TFT Break Apart Nozzle; or from Powdersafe - five Helmet Torches and carry case; or donated by CFA six Uniden Digital Scanners. VFBV sincerely thanks GAAM Emergency Products, Powdersafe Pty. Ltd. and CFA for their continued generous support in providing these prizes.

For further details of the prizes on offer, see the flyer which was included with the VFBV invoices sent to your Secretary in April.

Nominations for Trust Fund
The VFBV Board is calling for nominations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Trust Fund. The purpose of the Trust Fund is to raise and receive money and donations of goods and services from the public for distribution to Brigades, to assist with costs of purchasing and maintaining firefighting equipment, facilities, training and resources and administrative expenses of Brigades which are associated with their firefighting functions.

Following nominations, five new or reappointed members will be appointed by the VFBV Board to serve as VFBV Trustees on the Trust Fund for a term of two years. One member has advised they will not be re-applying; all other members are eligible for re-appointment.

The Trust Fund committee meets quarterly, either via teleconference or at CFA HQ, with appointments to come into effect as from the Trust’s AGM which is normally held July/August.

Nominations close at close of business on Monday 21 June 2021 can be mailed to VFBV office, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East 3151 or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Proposed CFA Realignment
CFA released some proposed realignments of CFA functions, mostly impacting upon how HQ is structured and aligned. Members would have received an email dated 8th June from the CEO and CO outlining the changes.

You can access further detail from Brigades Online via: CFA Proposed Realignment, www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au

A Volunteer Briefing Presentation is available from that page.

Consultation is now underway, and feedback can be provided by any individuals via a Consultation Feedback form accessible via the above link. Feedback closes on 23 June.

VFBV has been notified that the VFBV Volunteer Welfare & Efficiency survey results of previous years has been at the forefront of their minds as they have thought about the proposed realignments. It is hoped the benefits of streamlining and removing duplication and moving service delivery back out to the Region/District layer will benefit and improve support services to brigades, groups and members and start addressing the critical feedback from our surveys and current advocacy.

While the proposed CFA realignment changes mostly impact upon staff (titles, reporting lines and directorate realignments), volunteers have been invited to provide feedback should they wish to provide input or have any specific concerns. Members are also free to raise any issues through their District Councils, or given the timelines, through your VFBV Support Officers so I can assess any emerging themes that you feel VFBV should be pursuing.

Should there be any significant matters of concern to volunteers, VFBV is happy to pursue with the Executive.

 
Zero BAC
Members are reminded that Victoria’s road rules have been recently changed that now make it a requirement for all drivers of vehicles weighing 4.5 tonne or more to have a zero-blood alcohol concentration. This applies to the vast majority of trucks in CFA’s fleet.

In essence, any truck that you cannot drive with a standard car license is now defined as a “heavy” vehicle. There are harsh penalties for any driver who exceeds the zero limit – with the same penalties that apply to other legal limits. All offences incur a large fine, loss of license, mandatory behaviour change program attendance and an alcohol interlock requirement.

Both State Council and the VFBV Board have recently discussed this issue and are calling on the Government to remove caps, limits and budgetary pressures currently in place that restrict CFA volunteers’ ability to upgrade their licenses and access driver training. Significant investment is now required to increase our driver capability and number of available drivers to account for the significant vigilance required to monitor zero BAC.

VFBV is in the process of contacting brigades to determine what other support or assistance you may need, and members are encouraged to respond and assist with our advocacy. 

Virtual Reality
VFBV delegates are currently working alongside CFA to develop virtual reality and XRV Incident Command Technicians and Facilitators. CFA has confirmed that they have recently purchased an additional five Flaim VR (Virtual Reality) units bringing the total to 10, these have been funded partly by the public donations and form part of CFA Training Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024.

These units are expected to be located at each CFA Region for bookings and use by Groups and Brigades. VR and XVR can be used for skills maintenance and adds an additional resource for volunteers to access.

VESEP Applications – Closing Soon
A reminder that VESEP applications close very soon, with applications to be submitted to your district office by Friday 18 June.  

To assist brigades and groups with applications, VFBV’s 2021 Application Help Pack is available for download from the VFBV website. The Help Pack contains the Special Access grant application form along with other application forms and all CFA information sheets.

National Volunteer Week 2021
National Volunteer Week was held from Monday 17 May to Sunday 23 May. VFBV recognised the 54,000 CFA volunteers who contribute their time, skills and resources to ongoing volunteer work in communities, before, during and after emergencies.

As part of National Volunteer Week, VFBV published a number of website articles recognising the contribution of CFA volunteers.

	National Volunteer Week 2021
	Sale family continues firefighting legacy
	Dumbalk volunteer still breaking down barriers
	CFA volunteer recognised after more than 60 years

VFBV Board Vacancies

COVID-19 Resources
Available from the VFBV website is a COVID-19 financial support resources article. This article has been updated recently to ensure that the resources listed are all up to date.

A reminder also that CFA provide a lot of resources for brigades, groups and volunteers on Brigades Online. CFA’s resources include the current response levels and also links to the latest updates from CFA.

Recent articles on the VFBV website
National Volunteer Week 2021

Sale family continues firefighting legacy

Dumbalk volunteer still breaking down barriers

CFA volunteer recognised after more than 60 years

VFBV Board Vacancies: Invitation to Apply  

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