December 2006
To each member brigade, I forward information on items of general interest from the General Meeting of the Association held on Sunday 3rd December 2006. Also included is other general information.
CFA BOARD VACANCY
The term of office of Michael Tudball, one of the representatives of
urban volunteers on the CFA Board expires on 30th June 2007. Michael
is eligible for re-appointment and has indicated he will re-apply.
The Association must submit a panel of four names to the Minister for selection
of the successful applicant. Any urban volunteer is eligible to apply
and information has been forwarded to all urban brigades. Applications
must be lodged with the Association by Wednesday 28th February 2007.
BENDIGO BANK ALLIANCE
The Association raised with the CFA the lack of current publicity in
regard to the alliance between Bendigo Bank and CFA. Bendigo Bank
has recently confirmed the benefits available to brigades and volunteers
as a result of this arrangements with CFA. These benefits include
no account service fees; a 3.75% interest rate on Firepower Brigade Cheque
Accounts; donations to the brigade when volunteers open Saver, Home Loan
or Personal Loan Accounts with Bendigo Bank; plus other discounts to volunteers.
Details are to be provided to The Fireman for publication.
FEM – CENTRALISED PAYMENT SYSTEM
Brigades are reminded of the need to forward all FEM invoices to CFA
for payment. Information Packs have been forwarded to all brigades
outlining the procedure to be followed. It appears that some brigades
may be unsure of the procedure to be followed.
There are still 20 brigades which have not forwarded their Brigade Signatory Form for Verification of Accounts to the CFA. Any enquiries contact Deb Amos at CFA on 9262 8391.
MAP BOOKS
Both Associations are keen to ensure that new map books contain accurate
data. It is essential that brigades complete the Error Report Form
included in the map book to report any data inaccuracies. There is
also an article on Map Books in the VRFBA Section.
The Association Discussed and/or Provided Input into:
- draft Roadside and Rail Corridor Fire Management Policies.
- Water Policy changes and Cabinet’s decision on the replenishment of water for essential use.
- Memorandum of Understanding in regard to the purchase of new PPC/Structural Ensemble.
- CFA Protocols - ‘Wearing of Medals and Ribbons’ and ‘Presentation of National Medals’.
- CFA Health and Wellbeing Implementation plan.
- Volunteer Recruitment Brochure.
- National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund.
- Strahan Research program.
• funding for the installation of recirculation systems for fire brigade training tracks;
• vehicle exhaust extraction systems in future fire stations;
• approval of single stage ladders for allocation to all Medium Pumpers;
• competency requirements for Level 3 ICC Personnel;
• testing of electrical gloves;
• increase of the Brigade Owned Vehicle allowance;
• Identification of Crew Leaders;
• Rosebud brigade returning to its new station as a fully volunteer brigade;
• guidelines in regard to the weight requirements on Brigade Owned Vehicles;
• distribution of the Brigade Membership and Classification Discussion Paper;
• distribution of Learning Manuals for Wildfire;
• evaluation of hydration back packs;
• update of the Brigade Management Manual;
• 3.4C Tanker issues including rack to stow hose and altered position of pump panel on deck;
• key cabinet alarms;
• reversing camera on new vehicles and automatic roll over alarms;
• volunteer input into interviews for Operations Officers and Operations Manager positions;
• forwarding of messages to the CAD Centre via computer etc.;
• design criteria for integrated fire stations and fully volunteer stations;
• availability of pager messages online by a private provider;
• ability to remotely activate automatic doors at stations;
• review of uniform hats.
CFA has Responded to the Association in Respect of the Following
Matters:
• advice of CFA's auditing requirements for brigades;
• Relationship & Diversity Workshop;
• CFA’s alliance with the Bendigo Bank and benefits to brigades of
banking with Bendigo Bank;
• Child Protection Working Party and the parental exemption clause
in the new Working with Children legislation;
• diesel exhaust emissions;
• BASO’s having access to CFA's RMS system;
• Administration Messaging Function of the New Paging System;
• a regular maintenance program for the Memorial Wall and pond at Fiskville;
• single stage ladders being fitted to Medium Pumpers as part of standard
stowage;
• additional funding for the modifications to Heavy (Mid Mounted) Pumper;
• training and operational manuals on delivery of new 3.4C Tankers;
• lack of a response from the CFA following applications by volunteers
for positions within CFA.
CHAMPIONSHIP ITEMS:
Seventy Five teams are entered to compete at the 2007 Senior Championships
at Bendigo including four interstate teams from Western Australia and Tasmania.
Seventy Seven teams have entered the Junior Championships at Tatura, including
Tasmanian brigades Hobart and Somerset.
WATER RESTRICTIONS
In October, the Association wrote to all competing brigades and competition
associations enclosing a letter from the CFA in regard to the use of water
for training and competitions. As the water situation has since deteriorated
in most parts of the State, the Association has recommended to brigades
and competition associations that stricter conditions now be observed.
COMPETITION EQUIPMENT
Non competing brigades are urged to make available to competing brigades
or brigades planning to compete, competition equipment no longer being
used, either for loan or sale. Advice of such competition equipment
could be forwarded either to the Association or The Fireman.
WASHERS FOR HYDRANTS & COUPLINGS
The Association has purchased a supply of washers for hydrants and
couplings. Samples will be available at the State Championships for
sizing and testing on brigade equipment, and the Association will take
brigade orders.
P E DAVIS
Secretary
Web Site: www.vicnet.net.au/~vufba/
E-mail: vufba@vfbv.com.au