ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT 
At the Association's Annual General Meeting held Sunday 10th September 2006, Ex Captain Rob Waterson (Cohuna) and Captain Peter White (Casterton) were elected President and Vice President respectively, for the year 2006/2007.

Outgoing President Hans van Hamond was thanked for his considerable contribution and leadership of the Association over the past two years in his role as President.

NEW APPOINTMENT
The Association's Annual General Meeting was the first meeting for new delegate Ex Captain Fred Grove (Lara) who replaces Captain Bob Smith (Ocean Grove) as one of Region 7’s two delegates on the Association's Executive Committee.  The meeting noted and has forwarded on its thanks to Bob for his contribution over his five years of service to the Association. 

RE-APPOINTMENT TO VFBV BOARD
Brigades were advised of an impending vacancy on the Board of VFBV due to Mick Taylor’s term expiring in September 2006.  The only application received was from Mick Taylor, and the Association at its Annual General Meeting, resolved to re-appoint Mick for a term of three years.

MEDIUM TYPE 3 PUMPER
The Association has recommended to the CFA that a single stage ladder be fitted to the Medium Type 3 Pumpers as part of standard stowage.

FIRS
At its meeting in September, the Association received a presentation from Chris Cowley on the operation of the Fire and Incident Reporting System (FIRS).  Chris is prepared to visit any Regional Council wishing to receive such a presentation.

STRUCTURAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AT TRAINING GROUNDS
Some time ago, the Association raised with the CFA the need for sets of structural protective clothing to be available at all training grounds for those volunteers who had not been issued with structural PPC.  Region 13 brigades had also been active in advocating this requirement.  

At its meeting in September, the Association supported the position adopted by CFA which would provide a consistent approach across the State, would provide for appropriate stocks of structural jackets to be held at training grounds and would ensure that appropriate PPC was worn for the task being undertaken.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
The Association received an update on the impact on CFA of the Government’s Working With Children Check legislation. To comply with the legislation, brigades with Junior Members must have at least 2 members nominated as Junior Leaders.  These Junior Leaders must have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and be issued with a WWCC Card.  

CFA is holding briefing sessions for all Junior Leaders at various locations. Information kits are being sent to all brigades within the next month.  If brigades need additional information, they should contact Sherri McKerley 9262 8670.

Items Raised with the CFA on Behalf of Regional Councils etc.:
• additional funding for modifications to Heavy Duty Mid-Mount pumper;  
• provision of single stage ladders on Type 3 Pumpers as part of standard stowage;
• clarification  of the criteria for the implementation and allocation of the new PPC;
• administrative messaging function of the new paging system;
• clarification of the auditing requirements of brigades;
• volunteers working in non ventilated stations being exposed to toxins from diesel exhausts; 
• recruitment statistics of integrated brigades and fully volunteer brigades;
• amendments to the exemptions under the Working With Children Check;
• CFA's on-going alliance with the Bendigo Bank and the benefits to brigades;
• volunteers applying for positions with the CFA and a lack of any response to their application;
• issuing of and application for National Medals; 
• provision of operational training and manuals upon delivery of new vehicles; 
 • maintenance of Fiskville’s  memorial wall and pond; 
• meeting of the Child Protection Steering Committee;
• a light beam type finishing system as part of the upgrade of the Championship timing equipment.
 
CFA has Responded to the Association in Respect of the Following Matters:
• CFA utilising the one database;
• identification of Crew Leaders on the fireground;
• provision of single stage ladders on Type 3 Pumpers;
• criteria for the implementation and allocation of the new PPC;
• information contained in Brigades On Line;
• legal protection for CFA volunteers;
• FIRS information;
• brigade visits to kindergartens;
• discounted petrol for volunteers for inclusion in the Memberlink scheme;
• a standard size and format of notification for days of Total Fire Ban by all media;
• brigades recommending on whether or not to charge for false alarms;
• the appointment of a BASO to assist brigades in and round the Sunraysia district;
• removal of coats and provision of water during the State Championships Opening Ceremony in extreme weather conditions.

ASSOCIATION MEETING DATES 2007
The Association has agreed to the following meeting dates for 2007.  Regional Councils are encouraged to schedule their meetings to accord with the Association's General Meetings.

 General Meeting Sun  3rd December 2006
 Open Forum Sat  14th April 2007 
 General Meeting Sun  15th April 2007
 General Meeting Sun  17th June 2007 
 Integrated Brigades  Sun  1st July 2007 
 A.G.M.  Sun  9th September 2007
 General Meeting Sun  2nd December 2007  

CHAMPIONSHIP ITEMS:

 NEW PUMPER AND LADDER EVENT
The Association has approved amendments to the Rules for the Pumper and Ladder event.  The amended rules have been forwarded to all urban brigades.  Alternative options were discussed for including the new event in the Championship program, and the Association resolved that one Section of the new event will be conducted each day immediately after the Ladder 8 or Ladder 5 events.

W.A. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Western Australian Volunteer Association advises all Victorian brigades that the W.A. Junior Championships will be held in Bunbury as part of its 100 year celebrations on the 25th & 26th November 2006.

WATER FOR COMPETITIONS
Having regard to the situation with water resources throughout the State, the Association recommends that all competition associations and Brigades conducting competitions, use appropriate signage to ensure the public is aware of the use of re-cycled water etc., or look at conducting their competitions in other appropriate areas. 

P E DAVIS
Secretary
Web Site:   www.vicnet.net.au/~vufba/ 
E-mail:   vufba@vfbv.com.au