Volume 125 June 2011

Print Post Approved - 535347/00018 Contact Details REGIONAL OFFICES REGION 1 SA COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island STATE HEADQUARTERS 75 Gawler St, Mount Barker SA 5251 Level 7, 60 Waymouth St, Adelaide T: 08 8391 1866 P: GPO Box 2706, Adelaide SA 5001 F: 08 8391 1877 T: 08 8463 4200 E: [email protected] F: 08 8463 4234 E: [email protected] W: www.cfs.sa.gov.au REGION 2 CFS Bushfire Information Hotline: 1300 362 361 Mount Lofty Ranges, Yorke Peninsula and Lower North 8 Redbanks Rd, Willaston SA 5118 STATE TRAINING CENTRE P: PO Box 1506 Willaston SA 5118 T: 08 8522 6088 (BRUKUNGA) F: 08 8522 6404 6 Pyrites Rd, Brukunga SA 5252 E: [email protected] T: 08 8398 9900 F: 08 8388 6997 E: [email protected] REGION 3 Murraylands and Riverland COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE 10 Second St, Murray Bridge SA 5253 P: PO Box 1371, Murray Bridge SA 5253 VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION T: 08 8532 6800 F: 08 8532 6220 Suite 3, Transport Training Centre, E: [email protected] 17 Wirringa St, Regency Park SA 5010 P: PO Box 2359, Regency Park SA 5942 T: 08 8244 6500 F: 08 8244 6400 REGION 4 Flinders Ranges, Mid North and E: [email protected] Pastoral Areas W: www.cfsva.org.au 3 Main St, Port Augusta SA 5700 P: PO Box 2080, Port Augusta SA 5700 T: 08 8642 2399 VOLUNTEER STRATEGY AND F: 08 8641 0176 SUPPORT BRANCH VOLUNTEER E: [email protected] RECRUITMENT REGION 5 T: 1300 364 587 South East E: [email protected] 46 Smith St, Naracoorte SA 5271 P: PO Box 8, Naracoorte SA 5271 T: 08 8762 2311 F: 08 8762 1865 E: [email protected] REGION 6 Eyre Peninsula and West Coast 32 Matthew Place, Port Lincoln SA 5606 P: PO Box 555, Port Lincoln SA 5606 T: 08 8682 4266 F: 08 8682 6569 E: [email protected] Contents WELCOME TO VOLUNTEER MAGAZINE WELCOMES...... 4 CFS FOUNDATION...... 14 COMMUNITY EDUCATION...... 20 Messages from the Chief Officer Greg The Premier launches the Foundation’s Angaston Brigade spreading fire safety Nettleton, CFSVA President Ken Schutz new public awareness campaign. messages at the Good Shepherd Primary and the SAFECOM Board Chairman, Electranet supporting fellowship grants. School. Celebrating Harmony Day in David Place. The Foundation announces a new Board Mount Gambier and Renmark. A CFS member. presence at the Caravan and Camping NEWS & UPDATES...... 6 Show. Australian music sensation Birds of TRAINING...... 16 Tokyo’s “One Night Stand” in Tumby Road Crash Rescue assessors generate AVIATION...... 22 Bay. 90th birthday celebration for EFS/ interest in a professional development Aviation round-up for the 2010/11 Fire CFS stalwart. CFS signs a Common course at Brukunga. The mining industry Danger Season. CFS monitors a fire Incident Management Agreement with launches a new long-term association fighting aircraft trial in Victoria. other emergency services. with STC. VSS...... 24 CFSVA...... 13 SPOTLIGHT ON...... 18 VERSP acknowledging employers in Tea Two cuddly friends adding messages A new column highlighting the valuable Tree Gully. Child protection initiatives of support and safety. Free entry to SA work of CFS volunteers and staff explained under the State Government’s National Parks for CFS volunteers. South throughout South Australia. “Keeping Them Safe” program. East forum a huge success. REGIONAL ROUND UP...... 27 60th anniversary celebrations for Eden Hills Brigade. Border Collie rescue by CFS Brigade. Riverland Citizen of the Year awarded to CFS Brigade member. Running grass fire simulator trials in Region 5.

OBITUARIES...... 34 Tributes and condolences in recognition of volunteer service of CFS members.

6 31 Images this page: Tumby Bay Brigade had a brush with fame when some of its members met the Birds of Tokyo, see page 6. Region 5 test out their prototype running grass fire simulator, see page 31 for more details. Front cover image: Taken by Mike Patterson of Happy Valley CFS during a Flammable Gas training session. More photos on page 33. Editorial Team – Managing Editor: Chris Metevelis. Editorial assistants: Melissa Veal and Mandy Hay. Tel: (08) 8212 9849 (CFS Media Line). If you would like to contribute to Volunteer…send your photos and stories to: The Editor, Volunteer Magazine, GPO Box 2468, Adelaide SA 5001 or email: [email protected] Don’t forget to include your name, address, brigade and a contact phone number. Photographs can be supplied digitally, via email or disc, in the largest file size possible or as original prints. Text can be supplied as hard copy or electronically, via email or disc as a Microsoft Word document. Comments and opinions expressed in Volunteer do not necessarily represent the views of the CFS. Volunteer is a free publication to all CFS volunteers. Volunteer 3 Welcomes CHIEF OFFICER GREG NETTLETON in Australia and a small contingent was We should also celebrate Tom Walsh, on standby to provide assistance to the from the One Tree hill Brigade, on earthquake response in New Zealand. being awarded the Australian Institute One CFS officer, Bluey Devine while on of Emergency Services (AIES) Young secondment to SA SES was deployed Volunteer Award. Anzac Day this year with a SES contingent to Tully in Nth saw 12 CFS Cadets from the Morgan, Queensland. Clearly the CFS is a multi- Meningie, Swan Reach and Tailem Bend skilled organisation and I have been CFS Brigades proudly representing the impressed with the commitment and CFS at the Youth Vigil in Adelaide. ingenuity of our staff and volunteers to Other highlights in the past few months meet these challenges. include the return of the media section With the early end to the fire season to CFS from SAFECOM – welcome I have been a bit surprised that some back – and the completion of new fire people think we will “hibernate” until the stations at Hamley Bridge, Balaklava next fire season. That is far from the true and Wilmington. Two of our brigades am writing this after 15 weeks as picture. Each day I check our operations recently celebrated milestones in their Iyour Chief Officer on a cold, cloudy log to see what incidents CFS brigades respective brigade histories with Eden and wet day in Adelaide – a far cry have responded to and the types of calls Hills celebrating their 60th anniversary from the warm and dry 28 degrees day for assistance are many and varied. We and Angaston their 70th. Well done in forecast for Darwin from where I came. need to ensure CFS and its volunteers serving and protecting your communities However, irrespective of the climate are recognised by the general public, over these many years. extremes and location, what I have the media and politicians as a 24/7/365 During the past 15 weeks I have noticed during this time is the challenges fire and rescue service that assists the been introduced to many people, have for the CFS are no different to those community in many ways other than just attended RVMC meetings in every being experienced by fire services in bushfires. It is my intention to promote region and met most Group Officers the Northern Territory and elsewhere CFS as both an urban and rural fire and the CFS Volunteer Association on in Australia. Across the nation the service to ensure we receive appropriate several occasions. It is my intention to challenges confronting emergency recognition and resources for our visit brigades to meet with volunteers service agencies – including CFS - just important and essential community role. and the communities they serve and keep on coming. One of the pleasant duties of being the protect. Over the coming months I look This year South Australia experienced Chief Officer is to see our volunteers forward to getting out and about and a relatively quiet fire season compared to recognised for their efforts and valuable meeting with you and your communities. previous ones. As a result of early rains contributions. Earlier this month I was Unfortunately the sheer size of South the Fire Danger Season was shortened. fortunate to witness two senior CFS Australia and the vast number of brigades Instead of fighting fires this summer volunteers – Gerry Thomson (Deputy means this wont be done in a matter many of our brigades were assisting their Group Officer Para CFS Group) and of days and may take some time to get communities in other ways including Merv Robinson (Hallett CFS Group) - around – so please accept my apologies if those affected or threatened by storms being awarded an Australian Fire Service I don’t get to your brigade this year. or flood waters. Additionally, CFS had Medal (AFSM) at Government House, Remember – stay safe and ensure that staff and volunteers on standby to assist by His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin everyone returns home to their families with floods in Queensland and elsewhere Scarce, Governor of South Australia. and loved ones. SUPPLEMENTING INFORMATION THROUGH A ‘QR’ CODE

n this edition of Volunteer you will notice this uniquely shaped item in some Isections of the magazine. It’s a QR code which stores information similar to a barcode but can only be activated by an optical device, most commonly through an iPhone or Android-type phone, with a QR reader application. By activating this app, the camera function will automatically open and all you do is simply point it to the QR code for the encoded information to be revealed. This may include a link to a website or other data. The QR code on this page is linked to information about Prescribed Burning on the CFS website. We hope you enjoy the added value that this function will bring to Volunteer.

4 Volunteer Welcomes CFSVA PRESIDENT Ken Schutz only a young man when he was killed complaints that the rescue crew didn’t in active duty in Afghanistan but had get to a vehicle accident quick enough, probably lived more of a life time than or firefighters should have controlled that most. fire. While at the funeral which was Firefighters did not start the fire, attended by hundreds of locals and many firefighters did not have the vehicle Government and Military officials I got accident, and firefighters did not blow to thinking that we all show our deepest the tree across the road; just as the gratitude for the job military personnel soldier did not start the conflict that do when they lose their life but rarely do he now fights. But the soldier and the we show that same gratitude while they firefighter; of which Sapper Larcombe are with us and around us. I’m not sure was both, continuously put their life at what others think when they see a soldier risk for the benefit of others with very walking down the street in uniform, my little thanks until it is too late. thoughts are generally along the lines of In the case of Sapper Larcombe, other ack a couple of months ago I went “That person is in the Army or Navy or fallen soldiers and the firefighters that Bto Sapper Larcombe’s funeral Air force” and that’s about it, there’s no have been killed while on duty, I can now in Kingscote on Kangaroo Island real thought of “I wonder what he/she only really say thank you to their families. representing the CFSVA together with has done for us?” or “I wonder what he/ However we still have time to say “Thank Wendy Shirley CFSVA ED, Chris Martin she has sacrificed for their country?” you” to all the Military personnel that R1 Commander and Greg Nettleton It could also be said the same goes for are fighting our conflicts and to all the CFS CO and to pay our respects to the firefighters, sure there is a quick thank firefighters (volunteer or paid), that family. Sapper Larcombe had joined the you after firefighters put a fire out at respond to a call for help every day, CFS as a cadet at the age of 12 or 13 yrs someone’s home or extricate someone thinking very little about themselves and old and even though he had now joined from a vehicle involved in an accident more about others. the Army, he helped the local brigade but when there is a bushfire there are If I had met Sapper Larcombe 12 whenever he came home and they were also accusations on how the firefighters months ago, I should have said to him “I called out. Sapper Larcombe was still didn’t save this or that property, there are thank you”. BOARD CHAIRMAN, SAFECOM David Place represented by myself and Sandy Pitcher, and by our close neighbours, there is Deputy Chief Executive, the Department obviously a sense of urgency to deliver of Premier and Cabinet. the expected outcomes. The strategy focuses on the shared What has this got to do with CFS responsibility of governments, businesses Volunteers? Bushfire remains one of and communities in preparing for and our greatest local, state and national responding to disasters. It sets out risks and through you, the volunteers, concrete steps that governments at all we respond to these threats directly. levels can take to reduce the risks posed But there is more; volunteering builds by natural disasters and better support community resilience through this communities to recover from them. Other response capacity but also through actions will include steps to improve increasing the local awareness of the risk-based planning decisions, the take threat of bushfire and role modelling hile thankfully the 2010-11 up of insurance and the provision and good community fire safe behaviour. As Wbushfire season was relatively construction of resilient infrastructure. we have seen on many occasions recently, quiet here in South Australia, there are a The strategy recognises that community- strong communities who come together number of important initiatives that have facing organisations such as the CFS are in times of adversity are more resilient been gaining momentum at the national at the forefront of strengthening disaster communities and recover from traumatic level. resilience in Australia. incidents faster. One of these is the National Strategy An implementation plan for how this Volunteers are doing their bit and the for Disaster Resilience. This is a strategy will be rolled out across Australia strategy aims to ensure that you are strategy that was endorsed by COAG has now been approved by NEMC and supported by all levels of government, earlier this year and is being driven by will shortly be put into place. the private sector and by individuals. the Ministerial Council for Police and Here in South Australia, the State I look forward to providing you with Emergency Management – Emergency Emergency Management Committee further information on this initiative in Management (MCPEM-EM) represented will be tasked with developing an future editions of Volmag. by our Minister for Emergency Services, implementation plan for the state On behalf of the SAFECOM – and the Hon Kevin Foley MP, and at officer consistent with the national initiatives. indeed every South Australian – thank level through the National Emergency Given the unprecedented wave of you for your continued commitment as Management Committee (NEMC) disasters recently faced here in Australia CFS volunteers.

Volunteer 5 News & Updates TUMBY BAY’S BRUSH WITH FAME n early April, Perth’s music sensation the members of the Birds of Tokyo while Iand one of Australia’s best known attending the One Night Stand concert to bands “Birds of Tokyo” performed in provide emergency stand-by support. Tumby Bay as part of the ABC’s Triple J Tumby Bay Brigade Captain Stephen “One Night Stand” series of concerts for Nankivell said his crew were pleased to regional Australia. briefly meet the members of the band as The band had previously performed they mingled with the crowd. in Karratha (WA), Burnie (Tasmania), “The Birds of Tokyo were great to see Humpty Doo (NT) and Gippsland perform live and they were really nice (Victoria). people too,” he said. The concerts were held in remote Other acts included Art vs Science and locations which would normally have the Jezabels but the Birds of Tokyo were limited access to live music. the clear favourites. Tumby Bay fitted the “remote” profile as Have you had a brush with fame? a coastal town on Eyre Peninsula, 45km If so, we would love to see your photos Tumby Bay Brigade members meet the Birds! From north of Port Lincoln and just under and hear about who you met. Email your left: Mathew Bawden, Paul Southon, Jackie Southon 700km from Adelaide by road. photo and the details to the CFS and Stephen Nankivell. Photo: Emma Pedler, ABC Online This also presented a unique opportunity Corporate Communications team – for the Tumby Bay CFS Brigade to meet [email protected] Peter Malpas celebrates his 90th Birthday By: Rex Hall n Sunday 27 March, twins Peter Two years later, at Fred’s request, he Oand John Malpas celebrated was seconded from the Force to the EFS their 90th birthday at Hillside Lodge, — then based “in the old tin shed” at Heathfield. Kintore Avenue. Ninety five guests enjoyed a great In 1949 Constable Peter Malpas was party atmosphere, afternoon tea and co-opted from his usual police work refreshments while catching up with to help Kerr organize the social. This friends that they had not seen for ages, was a fortunate move for the EFS; some for up to 50 years. Guests at their working relationship was so good the birthday party included many of that in 1951 Kerr asked for Malpas Peter’s family, members from the Police to be formally seconded to the EFS Historical Society, Emergency Fire organisation where he became Kerr’s Service (EFS) and CFS past staff and right-hand man for many years. long term volunteer friends. Peter was one of a small group of Peter has for many years been a much police officers who became the nucleus EFS/CFS guests with Peter Malpas Celebrating his loved member of the CFS (formerly of the EFS administration team and was 90th Birthday L-R Brian Menadue, Michael Arnold, Peter Swann, the EFS). His initial career was in promoted to Senior Constable in 1961. John Fitzgerald, Judith Robbins (nee Messenger) Natt printing, but in 1948 he joined the When the CFS was established in Cook, George Polomka and Rex Hall. South Australian Police Force, and upon 1978, Peter became an Inspector and graduating was posted to the Mounted later Superintendent in charge of Fire Division. Peter chose the Mounted Co-ordination and Control and Service occasion, as it gave us the opportunity Division because of his love of horses. Training. In May 1980 he was appointed to meet and renew acquaintances with Two of his favourite mounts were Deputy Director. a number of the guests attending that “Quintellar” and “Gellibrand” — both Country Fire Service Deputy Director, we had not seen for (in some cases) very tall horses which, Peter quips, Mr. P.A. Malpas, AM, BEM retired over fifty years. It was a day that we will helped him to appear “six feet four tall” on Wednesday 29th June 1983 after always cherish and remember. when he was in the saddle. 32 years of service with the South Thank you Peter for your dedicated In 1949 he began his association with Australian volunteer EFS/CFS. service to the EFS/CFS and the EFS when Fred Kerr asked him to For my wife Dawn and I, Peter’s congratulations on celebrating your 90th assist in organising the first smoke social. 90th birthday was a truly memorable birthday! AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS FOR CFS VOLUNTEERS his year two CFS Volunteers were listed in the Australian Honours list on Australia Day. Gerald (Gerry) Thomson, Deputy TGroup Officer Para CFS Group and Mervyn (Merv) Robinson, Hallett CFS Group are both worthy recipients of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM). Congratulations Gerry and Merv for your outstanding commitment to the community of South Australia and indeed Australia. Your tireless work over many years has been duly recognised.

6 Volunteer News & Updates Chief Officer raises future challenges with AIES FS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton was “The fire industry has probably been the Cthe guest speaker at the AGM of the most investigated sector of all, particularly SA branch of the Australian Institute of in the last 15 years with all sorts of Emergency Services (AIES) that took inquiries including Canberra, Victoria, place in March. Sydney and Wangary,” Greg said. Greg spoke of his experience in incident “Wherever there’s a fire there’s usually a management and the public’s increasing big inquiry afterwards.” demand for advanced warnings of Greg said future challenges will include emergency situations including cyclones, balancing operational needs through its floods and bushfires. responses to emergency incidents with an “Australia has always had a long battle increasing public expectation for more with nature and therefore the country’s effective incident warnings. experience with fire, flood, cyclones, “We’re now in a new paradigm storms and natural disasters is something particularly for incident controllers, that has been here full time,” he said. whether it’s for a fire, cyclone or flood, “Emergency management rests with the when to issue the first warning,” Greg states and territories that operate in a fairly said. complex environment which in the past “Do we actually warn the community AIES SA Branch President Barry Presgrave relied on warning systems such as church before we roll out the truck or do we wait (left) with CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton at bells and town criers, unlike today’s more until we get there but then it might be too the AIES AGM. sophisticated warnings systems.” late?” Greg said the tolerance for failure is low The AIES is an organisation that the emergency services sector and is also and the level of scrutiny for the delivery is dedicated to the progression and a member of the Australian Emergency of preventative measures to mitigate the recognition of emergency services Volunteer Forum. More information about loss of life and property has become an functions in the community. It promotes the AIES is available through its website at expectation especially for fire services. and encourages professional standards in www.aies.net.au Common incident management agreement he emergency services and This framework will enhance the control agency outlined in the State Tpolice agencies have developed existing Australasian Interagency Emergency Management Plan. their own robust incident system Incident Management System (AIIMS) • While the resolution of an and arrangement to improve the which is used extensively by the CFS emergency may require all management of emergency incidents. and support SAPOL Incident Command responsibilities to be addressed The need for an effective and and Control System (ICCS) which is by the control agency, the efficient system recognises that many based on a national counter terrorism management structure built to emergencies require a response from model. resolve the incident will only require more than one agency therefore The agreed common incident staff for function areas considered necessitating them to work together to management framework will feature necessary. deal with the incident. some of the following principles: • Some terminology may differ but the In the spirit of the valuable • Functional management to be person leading the control agency contributions between CFS, SES, applied to incident management in the field will be known as the MFS and SAPOL by working together at all management levels – State Incident Controller. for public safety, these agencies have and Regional – and in the field at • The control agency will create and endorsed the development of a common operational and tactical levels. staff a public information function incident management system by • Functional management to align if during an emergency a public agreeing to adopt a new framework. with the 10 responsibilities of a information release is required. Ten Functions Model Command and Control

Safety Communications

Intelligence Planning Operations Logistics Public Info Investigation Recovery

Volunteer 7 News & Updates

to hand out 20 year service medals to 230 YEARS OF Gary Burgess, Joe Hole, Trevor Wray, Merrilyn Watson and Tracey Burgess. I called Mrs Kaye Hole to help present CFS SERVICE a small gift to the partners of members By: Bill Corcoran and to thank them for their ongoing support and in many cases looking after 30 years of service to the CFS and the family and farm while their husbands 2the people of South Australia was were away at call outs. Myself and Mandy handed out to members of the Hynam Corcoran got the idea after hearing about L-R Commander Phil McDonough present- CFS Brigade on Friday 13 May in it from friends who are with Aldinga ing Merrilyn Watson with her 30 year service Naracoorte. Brigade Captain, Nick Beach Brigade and felt it was a great way award. Hillier, welcomed members and their to say a big thank you. partners along with invited guests. CFS I called Commander McDonough Commander Phil McDonough handed to present a 30 year service medal to out service medals and life memberships Merrilyn Watson and a 40 year service to Apsley CFA Group Officer Gary medal to Frank Watson. Then it was Smith and his wife Sue and also the down to the big one! Life membership Group officers from the Naracoorte was given to four long serving members group. Nick thanked all members for all of whom are still very active in the their support and ongoing service to brigade or at group level. Commander the brigade and the community over McDonough presented life membership the past years. He also acknowledged to a somewhat shocked Merrilyn Watson those members who at long last will get L-R Gary Burgess, Hyman Captain Nick who almost fell off her seat when her Hillier, Merrilyn Watson, Frank Watson and recognised for their long service. name was called out, Frank Watson who Group officer Joe Hole. MC for the night was myself Bill has been a brigade member since he was Corcoran, Hynam brigade member and 15, Gary Burgess who is a ex Brigade but both sent along their best wishes for Naracoorte Deputy Group Officer. My Captain and a most active member of all. The night ended with a 10 minute job was to keep the night flowing and the brigade and last of all Joe Hole who DVD that Mandy and myself had made make sure things were in order. Group has been a member of the brigade for 23 filled with photos of the brigade and Officer and Hynam brigade member years and before this, was a member of some of the call outs that they attended Joe Hole was called to hand out 10 year the EFS at Roseworthy. over the past ten years. Special mention service medals to the following members: Phil spoke about the life members and was given to those members who had Lacky McLean, Malcolm McLean, Rick what they had done for the CFS over attended the 2009 Black Saturday fires in McKenny, Shaun Watson, Helen Wray their time of service. Phil also passed on Victoria, and also to fires closer to home and Steve Biggins. Naracoorte Deputy apologies from Andrew Lawson and Rob and the great working relationship the Group Officer Shane Francis was called Sandford who were both unable to attend brigade has with their CFA neighbours. ROGER APPROACHES HIS SAILING AMBITIONS n July this year, Project Officer for Roger says that he has enjoyed working ICFS Infrastructure and Logistics for the CFS and loves seeing projects Roger Weal will retire from the move from a concept on paper to a workforce after 11 years with the CFS. completed building. Roger’s manager Arthur Tindall says “I would like to thank all those whose that Roger’s departure from the CFS will paths have crossed with mine and a be a huge loss to the organisation as he friendly team at HQ who have always is held in high regard by his peers for the been helpful and have made a great work hard work and dedication he has shown place atmosphere. over the years. “I would also like to express my “Roger has a great eye for detail and has appreciation to the Captains and Group an exceptional ability to work through Officers that I have worked with over issues thoroughly and efficiently,” Arthur the 11 years. I have always appreciated said. the time they make available and their Roger Weal. “Roger’s departure from the CFS will be dedication to their roles. They, and all a significant loss as Roger has built up so the other volunteers, are an amazing boat my wife and I would like to own, much knowledge of the organisation and group of people who deserve enormous and cruise the local gulfs at our leisure on the issues it has faced in the past. recognition for their ethos of serving the good weather days,” he said. “In his time with the CFS, Roger has communities they live in.” “Of course, there will also be more seen many changes in the way that Roger says that he has a few plans for babysitting duties with the grandchildren buildings are delivered and has always his retirement future, but will largely take too.” remained focussed on ensuring the best it as it comes. We wish Roger the best of luck in his outcome for our CFS volunteers.” “My immediate plans are to buy the sail future endeavours.

8 Volunteer News & Updates

SACAD Update

By: Gary Bau

SACAD Overview Attorney Generals’ Department (AGD) also attends meetings together with has a SACAD mapping team and they CFS HQ staff including CFS Manager - he South Australian Computer are continually producing new versions Operations Planning, Malim Watts, and TAided Dispatch (SACAD) project of the base mapping to be used by Gary Bau State Operations Planning is replacing the existing CAD systems all Emergency Service Organisations Officer – CRD. Finally Andrew Hoyle, in each of the SA Emergency Services (ESOs). SAFECOM SACAD Project Manager and Organisations e.g. SAFECOM (CFS, The Attorney General’s Department Bo Gacic, SAFECOM SACAD Business MFS and SES) SAPOL and SAAS. (AGD) is also assisting the SAFECOM Analyst. Whilst the same system will be agencies with developing mapping files Should CFS members want any implemented in each of the agencies it of brigade and station response areas, a information regarding SACAD your is being configured to better meet the new agreed MFS / CFS boundary for the volunteer reps are there to assist. needs of each individual agency as part metropolitan interface area and these of the project. files are then provided to the CFS for the SACAD Implementation Timing drawing of their particular maps. Base SACAD Testing CFS response plans are also being loaded The implementation date has moved in the test SACAD and these will be to late October 2011 and with the The System Integration Testing (SIT) of validated against each brigade response complexity of the SACAD project this is SACAD has commenced. This phase of schedule as per the Group Operations entirely understandable. Recent slippage the testing ensures that the new SACAD Management Plans (GOMPS). has been caused by two main factors: system can interact with the existing • The delivery of the completed SAFECOM systems such as Fire Alarms, SACAD Training SACAD system from Intergraph CRIIMSON and others. This testing was later than planned. is progressing with the major areas of SACAD training will commence when • The testing of the system is taking current focus being the MFS MCTs and testing is satisfactorily completed. The longer than planned due to the the CFS AIRS/CRIIMSON interfaces. training will include the Adelaide Fire issues encountered during the These two areas are proving to be the Comcen Staff as well as Regional CFS testing work. This is a positive most challenging to complete. groups who will be trained on the I/Net aspect in fact as it shows that Viewer version of SACAD. This internet the system is being thoroughly At the completion of SIT the final based version of the SACAD system will put through its paces before it is phase of testing will be User Acceptance be used by CFS regional personnel. implemented into Adelaide Fire. Testing (UAT) This means all agencies Testing is being done on all aspects (including CFS) load data into the test CFS SACAD Team of the system including hardware SACAD and test the new CAD against and software and all the system a number of operational scenarios. As The CFS SACAD management team interfaces with SACAD including this testing is done discussions will take includes the CFS Chief Officer (Greg the Fire Alarms, MCT’s, SAGRN place with the contractor (Intergraph) Nettleton), CFS Deputy Chief Officer paging and CRIIMSON/AIRS. as to what works well and what needs (Andrew Lawson), CFS Manager - changing. Major errors will be recorded Operations Planning (Malim Watts) As the testing uncovers issues and prioritised so that the system and finally CFS State Operations or problems (found both with the is working acceptably prior to the Planning Officer – CRD (Gary Bau). Intergraph software and also with commencement of operator training. These Executives and Managers are agencies equipment and interface involved in various management boards systems) this means sometimes SACAD Data Load Process and committees to oversee the project refining solutions, additional computer and ensure that SACAD is progressing programming work and then more CFS brigade response areas have been acceptably and that the final result will testing. This means time delays. As completed and loaded into the SACAD meet CFS’s operational needs. testing is continuing there is always a mapping and we are sending these maps In addition the project has established risk of further delays if new problems to CFS Groups for their records. a SACAD Business Reference Group are found however every effort is CFS fire stations and their locations chaired by the CFS Deputy Chief being made to minimise any delays (lats. & longs) have been loaded Officer Andrew Lawson which has one encountered. into the test SACAD including all representative from each Region. However despite all of the above the appliances. The SACAD project team is R1 Terry May, R2 Jim Mitchell, R3 team really likes what they have seen now working on version 17 of the test Terry Smith, R4 Tim Cooper, R5 Robert of the SACAD system so far and are SACAD and this simply means that as Davis, R6 Barry Hetherington and the confident that the final result will be a systems are refined and improved a new CFSVA rep Jim Sandford. Each Regional much more sophisticated and robust version of the software is developed. Operations Planning Officer (ROPO) CAD system.

Volunteer 9 News & Updates BRAVERY AWARD FOR MALIM WATTS

n April His Excellency Rear Admiral black sky and almost zero visibility IKevin Scarce, AC, CSC, RANR, and eventually was able to carry the Governor of South Australia, presented man’s body from the bottom of the CFS Manager Operations Planning, river to the surface and assisted SA Malim Watts with a Certificate of Ambulance Service Paramedics in lifting Merit awarded by the Royal Humane the man’s body from the water. Society of Australasia. Unfortunately the rescued On 8 February 2009 at 6am, whilst man had been under the water for preparing for a pre-planned live too long and could not be revived television interview, Malim dived to the however this does not diminish this rescue of a man who was drowning in meritous act. The CFS extends its the River Torrens. For several minutes congratulations to Malim upon receiving Malim Watts, Manager Operations Planning. he repeatedly duck-dived into the dirty, acknowledgement for what could only be opaque green water despite a pitch described as a brave and selfless act. The CFS Congratulates Tom Walsh he CFS would like to congratulate joined the One Tree Hill CFS Brigade. Tom TOne Tree Hill Brigade member Tom was an enthusiastic member of the Brigade Walsh who on Monday 18 April 2011 and was excited when receiving his first call was awarded the 2010/11 Australian out to an incident, getting dressed into his National Institute of Emergency Services boots in his lounge room before setting off (AIES) Young Volunteer Award. for his first CFS adventure. Unfortunately Despite holding a full time job, Tom Tom’s enthusiasm was curbed slightly when has always maintained one of the highest he turned up to the station to find that all attendance records to incident callouts from the trucks had left – from that point on Tom his Brigade. With his trade as an electrician realised that he wasn’t the only enthusiastic Tom spends countless hours rewiring truck brigade member and that if he wasn’t fast he lighting systems and trailers and adding would miss out! lights and power points within the station, Since joining the CFS, Tom has been and is always willing to get out his toolbox involved in many life changing experiences for whatever requires work. including a deployment to Victoria where Tom’s maturity in his volunteering and he helped provide emotional support to decision making has also allowed him to the victims of the devastating Black take on a leadership role, being voted to Saturday bushfires. Tom proudly displaying the AIES Young Brigade Lieutenant in 2009 – a role that has He was also involved in a Kangaroo Island Volunteer Award. almost exclusively been taken by members deployment where he was caught in a burn- with a significantly higher number of years over. Tom says that this moment changed in both firefighting experience and age. his life forever as he then fully realised the Such extraordinary dedication to the CFS seriousness of being a CFS volunteer. prompted Brigade Captain Dave Cockburn Tom hopes to teach up and coming to nominate him for the Award. volunteers not only about the many benefits “Thomas is an extremely valuable member of volunteering, but about the risks who contributes to all areas of Brigade involved too. life. He is a credit to himself and his family Tom thanked the AIES for their generous with the manner in which he conducts his award saying “I am extremely grateful for volunteer work,” Dave said. this award and I hope that the institute Tom (centre) with CFS Deputy Chief Officer Tom’s love for firefighting began at a can continue it as it gives young people Andrew Lawson (left) and One Tree Hill young age when he saw his first fire truck. something to strive for.” Brigade Captain David Cockburn (right). From that moment on he was hooked “I would also like to thank my family for and throughout his childhood Tom lived putting up with all the late night callouts and As part of the Award prize, Tom will and breathed the thought of firefighting – all my mates at the One Tree Hill brigade - embark on a journey of the high seas on the never failing to tune in to Fireman Sam on they are my best mates. Thank you also to sail training ship Young Endeavour where television! Dave for nominating me for this award as it he will further develop skills in teamwork, Three weeks before his 17th birthday Tom means so much,” he said. leadership and communication. We want YOUR stories ithout contributions from CFS volunteers and staff there would be no Volunteer Magazine. WIf you have a story, a story idea or some photos we want them! Email your contribution to: [email protected] or call the VolMag team on 8212 9849.

10 Volunteer Newsaviation & Updates

BRAVERY AWARD FOR MALIM WATTS GET READY FOR ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW t’s that time of year again and planning for the represent the CFS at the show then you may be IRoyal Adelaide Show is well under way. eligible to help at the stand. More information This year the show will be running from Friday about how to apply and the requirements will be 2 to Saturday 10 September and the CFS will made available soon. If you would like to know be joining other emergency services at the when information is available or when show to demonstrate what the CFS does. If you the applications are open email are available on these dates and would like to [email protected]

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CUSTOM MADE FOR BRIGADES’ NEEDS By: Glynn Williams (Willy) lynn Williams known to all as with Clarendon in 1983 and rising various items for the Fire Safety Industry. G“Willy”, is a master upholsterer though the ranks to become Senior With his experience and skills, Willy is who has been specialising in the Firefighter, Brigade Lieutenant, Brigade also able to take an idea and turn it into upholstering of antique furniture for Captain and now currently Deputy a functional and well-made product at a 40 years. Group Officer 2 for the Mawson Group. cost suitable for Brigades running on a He has designed and built couches Willy originally designed and produced tight budget. and chairs for celebrities such as Kate various bags, pouches and sundry With his extensive CFS background Blanchett, Russell Crowe and Nicole items for the Clarendon Brigade. Soon and trade knowledge, Willy is the ideal Kidman. however, interest from other Brigades led person to see about making that special For the last 15 years Willy has been to Willy concentrating on the design and product for your Brigade. self employed working from a small production of such items as crew bags, Willy can be contacted on: workshop tucked into the old town of stowage bags and pouches, dropdown Ph (08) 8383 6031 Clarendon in the Adelaide Hills. curtains, CBAB drag mats and anything Mob 0417 812 319 Willy has a long and active history with related to stowage. Fax (08) 8383 6902 the CFS, starting his volunteer career He also regularly makes and supplies Email [email protected]

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Volunteer 11 News & Updates CFS BIDS FAREWELL TO JEFF AYRES fter eight years of devoted service Ato the CFS, Community Education Officer Jeff Ayres passed on the Community Education baton for Region 2 on Friday 29 April to begin his retirement. Starting out in October 2003 from humble beginnings facilitating CFS Community Education meetings with a whiteboard, some butchers paper, a set of pens and a clear message, Jeff helped to shape the Community Education Unit to what it is today. Now, meetings are facilitated with computers, projectors, a variety of publications and a website full of information but the message is still the same – Prepare. Act. Survive. It is essentially this message that Jeff has been so passionately delivering for the past eight years, empowering the community to be prepared for the event of bushfire. Jeff says that he has enjoyed his time working for the CFS as well as the challenges that he has faced along the way. “I enjoyed every meeting with the Jeff Ayres at the 2009 Paskeville Field Day. community as there were always new people there with different issues significant Jeff has an exciting year ahead and in wood carving and whittling - currently to them. The continual challenge to achieve already has many plans in place to get making his granddaughter a rocking horse. meaningful and lasting engagement with his retirement off to a flying start. His One thing is for sure – Jeff’s life will never those people and the uncertainty of how immediate plans include a seven week be dull! the meeting will go kept me on my toes and trip to Europe cruising around the Baltic CFS Regional Prevention Officer Sonia made it all worthwhile,” he said. Sea ports, spending a week (or more) in Post says that Jeff’s work over the past During his time with the CFS Jeff met a the Scottish Highlands and visiting an old eight years has been invaluable and that he lot of people, both staff and volunteers, camping mate in Orkney. During the trip will be sorely missed by all CFS staff and who he says assisted him and helped to he will also catch up for a reunion with old volunteers – especially in Region 2. make his role so satisfying. college mates and spend a fair bit of time “Jeff has been instrumental in raising “I want to thank them all but will resist with his brother and family in the UK. community awareness of bushfire and the temptation to name names because the Then, in about October Jeff’s daughter the need to prepare both mentally and list would be too long and I might miss in Melbourne expects to add twins to physically for the possibility of disaster,” someone. However I would include all my her family which will definitely involve she said. colleagues in Community Education and some assistance and attention from the “The CFS is so thankful for all of Jeff’s Prevention Services in Region 2, the Fire grandies! If adding twins to the family hard work and dedication to the cause - Prevention Officers in the various councils and a European getaway aren’t enough to and to top it off, he is a damn nice guy!” I have worked in and all the Brigades and keep him busy, Jeff also has several home On behalf of the CFS we thank Jeff for all Group Officers I have engaged with (the projects on the go including continual his efforts and wish him the best for list is quite long now),” he said. bushfire preparation and a renewed interest the future. Ghostbusters style power pack the future of fire fighting? new body of research carried out fact that electricity can affect the shape The research is obviously in the very Ain America has been looking into of flames making them twist, turn, flicker early stages but if it did get off the the use of electricity instead of water, and even snuff them out. During the ground there is no doubt it would foam or powder to extinguish structure research the team found that applying be a significant change to the way fires. While some of the online forums large electric fields allowed them to firefighters operate. If you discover are comparing the kit to that used in the suppress the flames rapidly. The wand anything new and interesting in the Ghostbusters movies, is this really the like probe used by the team shot beams fire fighting world either in your way forward for the future of fighting of electricity into an open flame, and in brigade, across the state, nationally structure fire? the testing flames were almost instantly or internationally then contact the Harvard University recently presented snuffed out. The technology could also Corporate Communications Team and the research at a meeting of the American be adapted to put out fires remotely and we can help you share your find through Chemical society. They investigated the could potentially save water supplies. Volunteer Magazine!

12 Volunteer CFSVA

Smokey and Ted to the Rescue Driver fatigue he CFSVA now has two cuddly friends Tfor sale to members. In addition to our Trauma Teddies, we now have Smokey legislation Koalas for sale at $20 each. And as a winter special we will also sell the teddies he Association is pleased at the reduced price of $20 until the end Tto announce that CFS of September. Both prices are inclusive Volunteers now have a complete of GST. exemption from the administrative Smokey is of course the CFS Community arrangements for monitoring driver Education mascot, and we will send out fatigue. This means that volunteers will not have to purchase, carry a brochure from the CFS Community or fill in a personal work diary for Education department with each one. any aspect of their CFS driving, So now is the time for brigades to stock up including incidents, training, vehicle on these cute little bears. To order contact maintenance and CFS events. The gorgeous teddies for sale! our State Office on 8244 6500 or email We thank Minister Conlon for [email protected] this common sense decision for the exemption from this legislation Free Entry to National Parks that was aimed at the long distance he Association, in conjunction with We have plenty of passes left, so get trucking industry, but dragged us in Tthe Department of Environment and your application in. We have received very as we occasionally drive appliances Natural Resources (DENR), is once again positive feedback from those members that of greater than 12 tonne GVM at offering free entry to most SA National are using their passes. distances more than 100kms. Thank Parks, through the CFS Volunteer you too to the CFS for their support National Parks Pass. on this issue. You can apply for the pass by logging on Please note – this does not allow to the CFSVA website. On the front page us to drive whilst fatigued, either for on the right hand side you will see a blue CFS or for work purposes the next heading “CFS Volunteer National Parks day. Please refer to the CFS Driver Pass. Simply double click on the heading, Fatigue Policy. and you will go to the information page As of 1 January 2013, the Federal about the Pass. At the top of that page is a Government will take responsibility link to the application form. Fill it in online, of transport legislation including or print off and fax or post to the contact licenses. We now have to lobby at that level to continue the exemption. details provided. Alternatively contact the The CFS Volunteer National Parks Pass. state office and we will send you a form. CFS Volunteer Forum held in South East successful Volunteer Forum was held such event that Greg Nettleton had • Body Mass Index (BMIs) affecting BA Aat the Mundulla Sporting Club on attended, having only been with the wearer numbers; Tuesday 5 April. This was an opportunity CFS for a little over two months at • too much time spent blacking out for CFS Volunteers to raise issues and the time. – we should be handing over to the ask questions directly to a panel which “It was a great opportunity for me to property owner sooner; and included our new Chief Officer, Mr Greg meet with the grassroots membership and • the positive issue of the new BA Nettleton and Mr Ken Schutz, President of to hear first hand the issues of concern reaccredits process. the CFSVA. including training and recruitment,” said The CFSVA would like to thank Tatiara About 30 members from Tatiara and Mr Nettleton. Group Officer Brian Wiese and the surrounding Groups attended the Forum. Issues raised included: members of Mundulla brigade for their Attendees enjoyed a barbeque tea put • the difficulties in attracting new assistance in organising the evening. on by the Mundulla Brigade at the very volunteers in rural areas; The Association hopes to hold two picturesque Mundulla Sporting and • excessive training obligations; similar Volunteer Forums in the coming Recreation Club. • brigade meeting quorums; financial year – one in the Adelaide Hills The Mundulla Forum was the first • new AIRS report forms too difficult; area and another on Kangaroo Island. SPONSORS

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Volunteer 13 CFS Foundation: Official LAUNCH he CFS Foundation launched an development of the CFS Volunteer Fund. Tadvertising and public awareness Mr. Vince Monterola AM, the Chairman campaign in March to boost its profile of the Foundation was delighted to be to develop a closer relationship with the able to thank and recognise the generous broader community. support of ElectraNet and also Solar The Premier Mike Rann officially Depot. The launch gave the Premier the launched the campaign at the Bridgewater opportunity to make a presentation to Brigade and praised the efforts of the both organisations with a commemorative organisation’s Board for their commitment helmet. to support volunteer fire fighters and Senior ElectraNet and Solar Depot their families. “It’s a cause that recognises representatives, including the CEO of and honours the priceless and selfless ElectraNet Mr. Ian Stirling, and founder of contribution made by our state’s more than Solar Depot, Mr. Troy Ryan attended the 15,000 CFS volunteers,” Mr Rann said. official launch of the CFS Foundation. As part of its campaign the CFS In Mr. Stirling’s, speech, he stated, Premier Presentation to Stirling and Foundation aims to enhance CFS “We trust that ElectraNet’s commitment Ryan, Retrofit. volunteers’ fire fighting capacity and of support to the Foundation and its expertise through fellowships, education volunteers will assist in some way to ElectraNet’s support will fund the retrofit initiatives and training programs. Through improve the safety of our state’s highly- of CFS fire-fighting trucks at locations its fundraising efforts the CFS Foundation valued and brave, volunteer fire-fighters. throughout South Australia. The specific will also offer financial assistance to CFS And, through this support, also help in retrofit may vary but generally include a volunteer firefighters and their families a small way to protect South Australia’s heat reflecting blind, cabin spray system, in- who have suffered through death, injury, widespread regional communities and our cab breathing system, and/or remote pump loss or damage to their property or business native vegetation, against the ravages of control. The Retofit on the CFS Nairne while in the line of service through the devastating bushfire.” truck was unveiled at the launch. CFS Foundation ELECTRANET FELLOWSHIPS - OPEN lectraNet’s financial commitment fire fighter. Some examples include: accessible via www.cfsfoundation.org.au. Ewill support the CFS Foundation’s Formal course of education, training Applications must be received by upcoming Fellowship Grants, which or being attached to a study group 31 July 2011. Recipients of a fellowship will provide leadership and training for with other agencies to advance skills, will be announced in October for the CFS volunteer fire-fighters. ElectraNet knowledge or leadership ability within period January – December 2012. Fellowships will be provided in the emergency services sector will be accordance of the merit/content of considered. the proposed project or trial program. Development of individual vocational Fellowships will be provided to CFS skills, knowledge and understanding Volunteers for projects to a maximum of in order to improve the range, quality $10,000. To be eligible for an ElectraNet and efficiency of the emergency services Fellowship, applicants must be serving undertaken by the CFS for the benefit of volunteer members of the CFS with more the community. than 10 years of exemplary service. All applications will need to be The purpose of the ElectraNet endorsed by the applicant’s Brigade Fellowship is to assist CFS volunteers Captain and Regional Commander to undertake studies in Australia and/or prior to submission identifying how the overseas, a formal course of education or community and the CFS will benefit from training or through programs with other the proposed study program. agencies to advance education and/or Guidelines and application forms Electranet Executives. professional standards as a CFS volunteer will be available from 1 July 2011, Board Induction Program or members of the CFS Foundation and HAZMAT equipment, Region 1 FBoard to gain a broader office and the Brukunga Training Centre. understanding of the work being In addition Board members were briefed undertaken by the CFS, members by the Deputy Chief Officer, Managers recently spent a day visiting the of Operation Services, Infrastructure and Emergency Operation area of head Logistics, Aviation Services, Training office, the Aldgate and Oakbank fire and Community Education and Public Rog Snowdon with Helicopter. stations viewing the roadside emergency Warnings.

14 Volunteer Media Campaign Thank You n developing the media campaigns, of the TV and print media campaigns. On behalf of all the team at the CFS Iit was important that the work of Initially, the television radio and print Foundation we would like to extend CFS Volunteers is a strong feature. media campaigns have been rolled out via our thanks to you all for your help to The Foundation sent out a call for help Channel 7, Radio 5AA, Coast FM, and encourage support for the work of the from CFS volunteers and their families Barossa FM. CFS Foundation. throughout SA and we were overwhelmed by the response we received. We provided our campaign developers Clemenger BBDO with all these contacts who undertook a rigorous process to ensure the best result. The commitment of families time and effort to work with the entire crew from Clemenger BBDO was very significant. We were very fortunate to have the support of the Vickery and Ewin families from the Stirling and Aldinga Beach Ewins Family with Vince. The Vickery Family. Brigades respectively for the development New Board Member ecently, Clemenger BBDO developed the time he moved from Graphic Design into Rfundraising awareness media campaign management roles. Bryce joined Clemenger which is currently running. At the conclusion BBDO Adelaide in early 2007 and is now the of this work, Mr. Bryce Coombe, Head of Head of Account Management. He has worked Accounts Management was invited to join the on some of South Australia’s biggest brands CFS Foundation Board. The appointment of and campaigns including SA Lotteries, Motor Mr. Coombe further broadens the depth of Accident Commission, SA Water, Hills, Elders, knowledge and reach of the Foundation into the WorkCover and AdelaideNow. Bryce is an broader community. active member of the Advertising community in Following his graduation with a Bachelor South Australia, and has previously sat on the of Visual Communication (Graphic Design) Adelaide Advertising and Design Club Executive from UniSA, Bryce began his career working Committee, chaired the AADC Education Bryce Coombe. in the marketing departments for local Committee, chaired the Communications Council and national retail businesses. During this Youngbloods Committee. Do You Have the Will to Give? A bequest can make a significant difference to the lives of CFS volunteers who have been injured in the line of service or to those families who lost a CFS volunteer through their service. Leaving a bequest to the CFS Foundation means that you have the use of your funds or property during your lifetime with the opportunity of leaving part of all of your money or property to the CFS Foundation on your passing. Speak with your legal advisor for advice or call the Executive Officer, Elizabeth Davis for further information. Contact: Elizabeth Davis, Executive Officer • P: 0419 583 512 • E: [email protected] • W: www.cfsfoundation.org.au

I would like to make a tax deductible donation to the CFS Foundation Dr/Mr/Miss/Mrs/Ms: ______First Name: ______Surname:______Address: ______Suburb: ______State: ______Postcode:______Phone: ______Mobile: ______Email:______With a gift My cheque is enclosed (payable to the CFS Foundation) Or Please debit my Credit Card $50 $100 $200 Or $______(your choice) Card Type: Visa Mastercard Cardholder’s Name:______Card No. ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Expiry date: ___ / ___ Signature: ______Please send me information on leaving a bequest in my Will to the CFS Foundation Please send me information on how I can donate through the Regular Giving Program. Return to CFS Foundation, GPO Box 2468, Adelaide SA 5001. Your gift is tax deductible and a receipt will be sent to you.

Volunteer 15 CFS and SES volunteers taking Training part in an extrication scenario.

Multi-Agency Road Crash Rescue assessments By: Corey Frazer, CFS State Training Officer n late March, Road Crash Rescue they will conduct their road crash rescue I(RCR) Trainer Assessor’s from the SA training. The remainder of day saw SES, CFS and MFS came together during the SES and CFS display their training a weekend at the State Training Centre to resources and concluded with all three take part in a professional development agencies participating in a short session workshop. demonstrating several unique extrication This course was associated with the draft techniques. release of the Multi-Agency ‘Undertake On the final day, the SES and CFS Road Crash Rescue’ training resource demonstrated the benefits of combining material. their resources during a number of Participants shared their experiences as practical training scenarios. This included trainer assessors and RCR practitioners, two rescue teams undertaking a complex with the aim of sharing their knowledge rescue scenario involving six casualties SES Volunteer RCR Trainer Stuart Lambert, with and experience over the weekend. between three vehicle wrecks which forum participants and the SES State Training Vehicle. The forum was introduced to demonstrated the highest level of skilled components of the newly developed rescuers in SA. Multi-Agency Undertake Road Crash Every participant thoroughly enjoyed Rescue, Training Resource Kit (TRK). the challenge of each scenario where Representatives of the Technical Advisory combined experience, knowledge and an Group and the Assessment Development ability to utilise each other’s resources was Group presented overviews of the put to the test with successful outcomes. Leaner Guide, the Assessment Tool Kit The weekend was a significant success and the associated mapping document. in enhancing the skills of trainer Discussions progressed through reviewing assessors from all three agencies in their the newly developed Safe Work Practices, methodologies, principles and practices. previously known in CFS as Fireground The next stage will see them return in Practices. the very near future to validate each This forum was challenging and exciting Trainer Assessor in the new Multi-Agency MFS Coordinator of Quality Learning Systems, with all three rescue agencies working Undertake Road Crash Rescue, Training Cassandra Curtis talking to the forum about the assessment tool kit. towards refining the standards by which Resource Kit.

16 Volunteer Training Brigade Training Activities – Skills Maintenance Drill sheets By: Greg Stone, A/State Training Officer - Rural rigade Training Coordinators will These can be downloaded from the CFS Brigade Training Coordinators need Boften arrange for practical activities website by logging into the ‘Members’ to be clear and specific about what skills to be undertaken on the Brigade’s usual area and going to the ‘Training Section’. and safe work practices they want to training night. This can present issues Under the ‘Skills Maintenance Drills’ include, and the type of activity that is for the Brigade in ensuring that the tab you can find the Skills Maintenance used. There is often confusion between required trained personnel are present Drills, a document that explains how to what a ‘drill’ is and what an ‘exercise’ at these sessions, there is sufficient time use them and a feedback form. is. The document ‘Notes on Drills & available and that the sessions are varied The Skills Maintenance Drills include Exercises’ can be downloaded to provide to include a wide range of safe work rural drills and some basic incident drills guidance on developing these tools. practices. Too often it can be the same that can be achieved by members who The Skills Maintenance Drill sheets people doing the same thing week after have completed Basic Firefighting 1. are examples of what is known as a week and Brigade Training Coordinators As drills for urban and specialist skills Combination Drill. start to run out of ideas. (CABA, Hazmat and Road Crash) are If Brigades download and use Skills Maintenance Drill sheets have developed, they will be placed on the these drills to complement their been developed to assist Brigade Training CFS website. existing training plans, please also Coordinators to provide practical training Brigade Training Coordinators may download and complete one of the sessions with defined outcomes including choose to develop their own brigade evaluation forms and send it via fax basic skills and safe work practices that training activities based around specific (08 8388 6997) or email are used when responding to common risks within their area of response. ([email protected]) to the CFS types of incidents. When developing these activities, State Training Centre. Training Department hosts the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DETCRC) embers attending the State Training While access to the mine site in Brukunga year program funded by $28m cash from MCentre over the next eight years is being granted the drilling rig which will the Commonwealth Government, $21m will become used to seeing staff and be eventually used on the site is being cash (and $12m in-kind) from Industry trainees involved in the Deep Exploration stored at the Training Centre and is an Participants, and $50m in-kind from Technologies Cooperative Research ideal location for training to take place. its research providers. The inaugural Centre (DETCRC). The DETCRC The State Training Centre will supply the participants in DETCRC are: was established to address the most DETCRC will their training, catering and • Barrick significant challenge to the future of the accommodation needs over the coming • BHP Billiton minerals industry, i.e. the reduction in years as the project continues to grow and • Boart Longyear the mineral resources inventory due to develop. • Gold Fields high production rates and low mineral The DETCRC will deliver research • Newcrest exploration success. programs in more successful, cheaper • South Australian Government DETCRC is currently working to and safer ways to drill, analyse and target (PIRSA) establish a drilling research and training deep mineral deposits. With $AUS112m • Vale facility in a mine at the rear of the of cash and in-kind funding from the And also the research providers: State Training Centre at Brukunga. The Commonwealth Government of Australia • CSIRO Brukunga mine site is located 4km north and its Participants, the DETCRC is • Curtin University of Nairne and 40km east of Adelaide in the the world’s best-supported independent • Geoscience Australia Mt Lofty Ranges. No mining has occurred research initiative in mineral exploration. • University of Adelaide, and at the site since the mine closed in 1972. The DETCRC will manage an eight • University of Western Australia

Rig arriving at Brukunga. Oil Rig training at the State Training Centre.

Volunteer 17 Spotlight On who’s who in the zoo

Name: Blackwood Brigade - Xenia Ottens Title: Short history Regional Administrative 1934 November- Blackwood Volunteer in readiness for new larger size fire Officer Fire Brigade and Fire Control Committee appliance. was formed. 1983 A replacement Mercedes Benz Role in the CFS: 1950 February- A Beresford-Stork trailer 911B four wheel drive appliance was Currently Acting pump was presented to volunteers by received and fitted with heavy hydraulic Business Service the Director of the Emergency Fire Rescue Equipment. Officer. Service, Mr Fred Kerr. Work had begun 1992 An Isuzu Dual-cab Rescue on the first appliance, a second hand Appliance was received and fitted to Location: Ford chassis with a Masonite body. perform both normal firefighting duties Region 6 – Port Lincoln Emergency The appliance saw nine years of service and Hydraulic Heavy Rescue Equipment Services Centre 32 Matthew Place Port including the 1955 Black Sunday fires. for extrication at motor vehicle accidents. Lincoln and the rest of Eyre Peninsula to 1960 May- An International AA130 2007 New specialist 24CAFS appliance the WA border. replaced the Ford appliance and saw delivered to brigade to replace the 12 years of service including the two Mercedes 911B A typical working day involves: Blackwood High School Fires. 2011 The Blackwood Fire Station has Basware mediator, fire appliance trapeze 1972 December- A replacement four been renovated to accommodate modern artist, vermin exterminator, chauffer for wheel drive International D1610 was larger appliances. The brigade currently Regional Commander, freight controller received and fought both of the Ash has 35 firefighters and averages 270 and distributor, IT trouble shooter, Wednesday bushfires. incidents a year and provides immediate PPC inside leg measurer, mouse dirt 1982 December- Blackwood Fire support to other brigades in the Sturt eliminator, highway bitumen and white station was extended and refitted group and surrounding areas. line inspector and kangaroo dodger. CFS Volunteer Profile - Name: Jamie Emswiler Joel Schirmer Real name + nickname: Title: Jamie Emswiler (Jimmy) Business Manager (SAFECOM What brigade do you belong to? position Blackwood embedded within CFS) How long have you been a CFS volunteer? Role in the CFS: Provision of financial 6 years. management advice to CFS. This includes coordinating the allocation Why did you join the CFS? of the budget, monitoring financial To give something back to my local performance, maintaining compliance community. with financial policies and supporting the development of business cases and What’s your favourite memory with the new funding proposals. CFS? Any Annual General Meeting. Location: CFS Headquarters, Level 7.

What do you do when not firefighting A typical working day involves: with the CFS? While my working day often includes I’m a teacher. spreadsheets and lots of numbers, there is actually a fair bit of variety After a long stint of firefighting, what from day to day. My working day could food and beverages do you crave? include analysing the CFS budget Pizza and a beer. position, providing financial advice to What would be your ideal holiday other managers on spending proposals, What do like to listen to on the drive destination? (Not during fire season of briefing the CFS Executive or preparing home from a job? course!) briefings for the Minister for Emergency The sound of my crew bragging about the Fishing for Black Marlin off the coast of Services on financial matters and big one I missed last week! Darwin. particularly during the Fire Danger Season, monitoring the cost impact of major incidents. 18 Volunteer who’s who in the zoo Spotlight On

Name: Chrisanthi Genoff Spotlight on… SONIA POST, Title: Executive Assistant to Chief Officer REGION 2 Location: Head Office – Level 7 – Real name + nickname: Real Name 60 Waymouth St. – Sonia Post, Nicknames – Postie, Aunty Son Son, Potsy, and many others A typical working depending on who is around. day involves: Organising the Chief Officer’s diary What is your role in the CFS? including all meeting requests and other My current role is the Regional meetings that the Chief is required to Prevention Officer in Region Two. attend. Organising the Chief Officer and Executive staff with travel and accommodation. Answering all incoming How long have you been with the CFS? calls to the Chief Officer and assisting I have been a volunteer for over 18 years with any enquiries pertaining to the and a staff member for just over 10 CFS. Answering regional staff enquiries. years. Liaising with the Ministers’ Office regarding Briefings. What’s your favourite memory with the CFS? All the funny times that make great stories that can be shared and Name: remembered. Had some great times Jen Marsh in the CFS with some great people. I have also met and worked with some Title: Sonia as a cartoon! wonderful people from all over the State Regional because of CFS. Prevention Officer

Role in the CFS: What are your favourite and least Besides working for the CFS, what Provide advice favourite aspects of your job? My interests you? My family is very regarding permits, favourite part is the people I work with important and I spend a lot of time with general fire (staff and volunteers). I don’t really them, especially my nephews and nieces, prevention and have a least favourite part of the job, we have a lot of fun together and enjoy executive support to the Limestone but at times I do get tired and then a bit each others company. When I have time, Coast Bushfire Management Committee grumpy, I don’t like being grumpy. I do bits and pieces here and there for (LCBMC). Deal with plans, policies friends and family and every now and and guidelines relating to bushfire After a long stint of on call duties, what management, applications for veg then a bit of community work in Two food and beverages do you crave? Wells. removal to reduce fire risk and fire Nothing much except a good night’s prevention etc. Also an operational staff sleep and a home cooked meal. member and support the Building Fire What would be your ideal holiday Safety Unit (BFSU). destination? (Not during fire season of What do like to listen to on the drive course!) I usually spend my holidays on Location: Region 5, Naracoorte. home from the office? “projects”, last holidays I painted the Generally in the mornings I tune into A typical working day involves: During exterior of my Mums house and helped the fire danger season regularly give 102 FM because I am a massive Jason “Snowy” Carter fan, he always finds the friends with planting trees on their farm. out advice regarding permits and what I haven’t planned the next lot of holidays fires can and cannot be lit without funny side of everything and the stories he tells about his family crack me up. I but I think one of my sisters has some a permit. Liaise with local council’s, odd jobs that need doing. Fire Prevention Officers and the would love to get his autograph one day. public regarding permits, native veg applications, general fire prevention etc. Apart from the Bushfire Ready DVD Where will you be found when you’re Liaise with the BFSU regarding general what movies/television keeps you not working or volunteering for the enquiries and act as an Executive Officer entertained? Anything that has pictures CFS? to the LCBMC. Attend and pass on and sound. When I get the chance I I think I will always be involved one way information regarding fire prevention like to watch Neighbours and Home or another with CFS it has been a very and bushfire management to the R5 and Away – my grandfather loved these big part of my life. If I wasn’t involved Regional Volunteer Management programs and for many years we used to with the CFS I would have to find some Committee, Group Meetings and I am sit together each night with a cup of tea thing else that is as worthwhile doing as regularly on-call as a regional duty and watch them, I can’t break the habit. CFS, paid or unpaid. officer. Attend incidents and provide advice to Groups where required. Volunteer 19 Community Education

By: Natasha Huber Left to Right, K Haebich, S Wait, N Huber, G Jungfer & T Angaston School Visit Holmes with the students. he CFS Community Education fire safety. To get the children involved we in your area, please contact the Community TUnit and the local Angaston CFS played lots of games to learn about fire Education Officer in your region. Brigade were recently invited to the Good safety like “stop, cover, drop & roll, get, Below is some of the feedback we received Shepherd School in Angaston. We took down, low, and go, go, go”. We also talked from the school children: this opportunity to show the children the about where we live and what number difference between the CFS and MFS. to call in an emergency. The children also ‘Thank you; it was a really cool lesson. My The children were lucky enough to have learnt about the importance of knowing favourite part was going in the fire trucks,’ a brigade and truck from each agency and where your meeting point is if you need to Lauraa Davis. were absolutely delighted to see two big wait for the emergency services. ‘I didn’t know about the MFS,’ trucks in attendance at their school. “Going into local schools is a great way Jack Arnold. “Dragon”, our fire-breathing dragon and to engage with the local community and “Cuffs” our collie puppy paid a visit to the let them know what the CFS does and also ‘It was a really cool lesson because we children. Dragon and Cuffs are puppets that get across some important safety messages” learnt how to use a fire hose,’Alistair Linke. are used to connect with young children Natasha Huber, Coordinator Community ‘I learnt that the CFS had six seats inside while entertaining. Using puppets helps to Programs said. “I would like to say a big the fire truck’ Ryan Noack teach children how to stay safe from fires by thank you to the Angaston Brigade and drawing their attention to the subject. the MFS crew for helping us. The children ‘It was a great lesson. I learnt that The R-3 children learnt about fire safety had a great time and really appreciated us Angaston 34 on the CFS truck meant that and created a log book about what they taking the time to come and visit them.” If it can hold 3000 litres of water and the four need to know and do when it comes to you are interested in visiting a local school means 4-wheel-drive,’ Cassie Fechner. Celebrating Harmony his year was the first time the A total of 70 people attended the event and TCFS took part in Harmony Day a local Afghan secondary student acted as celebrations and it proved a hit with a translator during a short talk about the the local community. As part of the role of the MFS and CFS. People were then international celebrations the CFS and given the chance to explore the station Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) hosted and even operate some of the appliances. Organisers of the Mount Gambier Harmony Day event, BBQ’s in Mount Gambier and Renmark. The BBQ was manned by the MFS team George Rodis, SE Regional Manager, MFS, Heather This allowed the community to learn at Renmark and CFS volunteers. It was from the Migrant Resource Centre and Vikki Hann, CFS about the service it provides and was a specifically catered for through a Halal Community Education. good opportunity to promote fire safety butcher serving typical Afghan bread and messages. Harmony Day is traditionally sweets. held in March to coincide with the United Region 3 Community Education Officer, Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial David Rowe, said that the aim of the Discrimination but cultural diversity evening was to involve and welcome an celebrations are held all week long. important part of the community that The event in Mount Gambier involved might not normally feel comfortable or a sausage sizzle lunch and an English language class provided by the Migrant welcome in a uniformed community service Resource Centre. Over 20 people attended organisation. “The evening proved to be a worthwhile experience for both the Afghan and CFS Compton Brigade and Community A Harmony Day participant tries out a firefighting outfit. Education Officer Vikki Hann were on community, the MFS and CFS. As a result hand to talk to members of the public. of the relationship and trust built through In the Riverland, 27 families from the local this initiative, it paves the way for more Afghan community were invited to attend similar activities to occur and for greater an open night at the Renmark MFS station. cooperation between both fire services to The MFS crew from Renmark, volunteers work together and promote fire safety and from Paringa Brigade, Chaffey Group community spirit” Mr Rowe said. Officer, Rob Ziersch and of course Smokey To find out more about Harmony Day visit were in attendance. www.harmony.gov.au 20 A Compton CFS fire truck draws attention on Harmony Volunteer Day in Mount Gambier. Community Education CFS at the Caravan and Camping Show embers of the CFS Community MEducation Unit will be at the upcoming Caravan and Camping Show to be held at Wayville Showgrounds 28-31 July. Every year, thousands of families and grey nomads journey across the state travelling through and staying in bushfire risk areas. Tourists and travellers can be particularly vulnerable to bushfire because they don’t know the local conditions and roads and they may not have thought about the need to be aware and prepared. The CFS Community Education Team will have a stand at the Show to speak to the thousands of outdoor living enthusiasts expected to attend. We’ll be highlighting the importance of having a Bushfire Safety and Survival Plan while on holidays, as well as at home. The Show is run by the Caravan and Camping Industries Association of An image of what travellers may be faced with on a day of high fire danger. South Australia (CCIASA), who represent South Australian traders in members. The CFS will be working with CFS Community Education team the outdoor leisure industry. CCIASA the CCIASA to assist its members and look forward to working with the promotes the broad industry within partners to develop bushfire plans for association and its members to ensure the state and also works to improve their businesses by offering Bushfire both traders and their customers are the welfare and business success of its Preparedness Business Workshops. The Bushfire Ready.

Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July 10am-5pm Daily Adelaide Showground www.SACaravanAndCampingShow.com.au

Volunteer 21 Fixed wing bombing aircraft conducting a Aviation drop of foam for crews to observe.

By: Matt Davis - Operations Services Aviation Round Up Support Officer Aviation / Hazmat lthough the 2010/11 Fire Danger across the state. To date we have installed Brigade and have supplied an additional ASeason was quieter than previous tanks in the following locations; vehicle for air support duties. This vehicle years, Aviation Services were still kept Aldinga Airfield – 45,000ltrs is being housed on Yorke Peninsula. busy ensuring the many strategic airbases Robe Airfield – 45,000ltrs The vehicle will tow a trailer that carries and our ground crews across the state were Yorketown Airfield – 45,000ltrs standard air operations stowage equipment adequately resourced and trained. More Stirling North Airfield – 45,000ltrs that supports fixed bomber response. than 350 volunteers and staff undertook Kirra Station next to Ngarkat Having this capability within the region will training in one of our two training courses, Conservation Park in the Mallee – enable a quicker response for air support Working with Fire Bombing Aircraft or 110,000ltrs during bushfires. Work Safety Around Aircraft. To ensure this ran smoothly work had to Seaford CFS will now support CFS air Working with Fire Bombing Aircraft be done with local landowners, Regions, operations and have a dedicated air support is a course offered to all volunteers and Local Government, Department for vehicle. Seaford CFS will assist with gives a good knowledge of how to safely Environment and Natural Resources, the response to Aldinga Air Field where and effectively work with and manage aircraft contractors, product supply Aviation Services has identified this airfield the aircraft at a fire. This course alone companies, local air support brigades as strategically important for bomber saw around 200 volunteers being trained and other local volunteers. Without their response in the southern Mount Lofty and Aviation Services is delighted by the assistance and support these projects would Ranges. interest and involvement of CFS volunteers not have been complete. Aviation Services would like to thank in these training sessions. Region 2 have also put in a lot of work everyone for their support during the fire Training is also offered to our crews that with their newly formed Air Support season. operate our airbases across the state and this is by way of a specialist course, “Work Safely Around Aircraft”. This course can only be conducted when we have aircraft available so is generally run during the fire danger season. During the course ground crew practice aircraft familiarisation, safety, consistency of firefighting medium (such as foam and retardant), gain a better understanding of drop patterns, working with pilots and filling aircraft. We are very thankful to all who assist with this course as it can mean relocating aircraft, working in hot, dirty and dusty conditions, changing rosters with aircrew and asking whole air support brigades to attend training during what would normally be a busy time of year. Not only have we been busy with training, we have also been working on establishing a number of static water supplies at airfields Crews undertaking a briefing before practical training starts.

22 Volunteer Aviation Multi Engine Air Tanker Trial in Victoria he State Aircraft Unit (SAU) which bombing aircraft. For the trial the aircraft Tcoordinates and manages aircraft were based at Avalon Airport near Geelong. operations for the State of Victoria for the The trial tested the effectiveness of the CFA and the Department of Sustainability aircraft in dropping retardant in forest and Environment, conducted a trial areas, suitability for use in rural/urban this year of Multi Engine Air Tankers interface areas, as well as open grassland (MEATS) over the last fire danger season. situations using foam and water enhancers The National Aerial Firefighting Centre such as gels. Tests to measure coverage (NAFC) invited David Cant, CFS Manager levels of the bomber were conducted near Aviation Services to participate as the Ballarat. NAFC representative on the Evaluation Whilst David Cant was in Victoria Convair at Avalon Airport. Reference Group overseeing the trial. The for part of the trial, the aircraft were Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre was responded to two fires in the Gippsland collating the scientific data collected during area, one in grassland and another east the SAU trial. of Lakes Entrance in eucalypt forest. In The aircraft on trial were turbo prop both instances the aircraft were found to Convair aircraft operated by the Canadian be easily integrated with other aircraft and company Conair. These aircraft were drop patterns were effective for the fuel commuter aircraft developed in the 1950s types. The drops in the eucalypt forest and have been totally rebuilt by Conair. impeded the progress of the fire in high The internals of the aircraft have been hazard middle fuel layers in the forest gutted and an external tank of almost 8000 understorey. Retardant coated fuel that stopped fire litre capacity fitted. These aircraft have The outcomes of the trial will point progress. been contracted to the Canadian Province to whether this class of aircraft will be British Columbia for a number of years suitable for use in Australia and if further predominantly using liquid concentrate contracts will be awarded. Through NAFC retardant as the fire fighting media in their Resource Management Agreement for mountainous and rugged terrain. the sharing of aircraft nationally, South Contracted through NAFC with some Australia may have potential access to support from NAFC for costs, the trial these aircraft if Victoria were able to was to test the suitability of this class of release the aircraft for our use if we were aircraft for Australian conditions. Although under heightened fire threat. This will limited to asphalt or concrete runways of mean CFS has to undertake contingency at least 1900 metres length, the aircraft planning for the logistical support of these Forest fuels adjacent to Convair drop East can be quickly loaded and transit to fires at aircraft and identify which airports these Gippsland. speeds much higher than conventional fire aircraft could operate from.

All spruced up and ready to go By: Janet Inman he aircraft had arrived, pilots and CFS Despite the lack of activity, aerial sitting at airbases just waiting. Whatever Tcrews were trained and eager, and firefighting pilots and crews must be the fire season this next summer brings, improvements to infrastructure were in applauded for their continued enthusiasm CFS Air Ops will again be well prepared place. CFS Air Operations were prepared and positive approach despite hours of and ready for action. for whatever the 2010/11 fire season might bring. Thankfully for the community and environment this past season didn’t bring a lot of bushfire activity. During this past season, the CFS’s fleet of 14 aircraft flew a combined total of 254 hours. This compared with 734 hours in the previous 2009/10 fire season. The number of drops performed by aircraft further highlighted the quiet season with 197 drops carried out compared to 951 in the previous year. Incidents that necessitated major aerial firefighting involvement included bushfires at Nairne, Cootra, Willunga, Gosse, Caltowie and Wisanger. In addition, aerial firefighting helicopters During the fire danger season aerial firefighting aircraft can be dispatched within minutes of a fire. were called in to assist with a major Pictured here, from the left, are Birddog 501 and Helitaks 534 and 535 (Photo courtesy of N Daw structure fire at Wingfield. of 5DME). Volunteer 23 VSS VERSP WELL RECEIVED IN TTG he first Volunteer and Employer presentation and demonstration by the Tree Gully. Mayor Smith spoke of her TRecognition and Support Program Tea Tree Gully CFS. experiences as a mother of an emergency (VERSP) event for 2011 was held in During the presentation, SAFECOM services volunteer (waking up to pager March at Tea Tree Gully SES. The Chief Executive, David Place outlined messages at 4am) and also the City of Tea VERSP events provide an opportunity to the structure of the Emergency Services Tree Gully’s support of the emergency recognise the role of emergency service Sector as well as the local achievements services. volunteers, their families and employers. of the emergency services agencies in A special thanks must go to the Tea They also give SAFECOM Board the north eastern suburbs. This was Tree Gully SES (particularly Andrew members and staff from SAFECOM, followed by CFS Deputy Group Officer, Woolman and Craig Brassington) for the CFS, the SES and the MFS an Mr Gerry Thompson who spoke of the use of their Unit, to the SES Dog opportunity to meet volunteers and how he combines volunteering with Unit for bringing their dogs along to employers in a relaxed atmosphere. managing a business and how he meet volunteers and employers 140 people attended the VERSP event supports his employees who volunteer and the Tea Tree Gully CFS for and were treated to a fantastic barbecue with the emergency services. Our providing the Compressed Air Foam dinner courtesy of the Rotary Club of final guest speaker of the evening was demonstration at the conclusion of Tea Tree Gully, followed by a certificate Mayor Miriam Smith of the City of Tea the evening.

Austral Tree Services (employers Craig VEHTEC Pty Lty (employers Darren Harris and Deb Hosking, volunteer Brad Cook - and Lisa Brinkley, volunteer Brian Lewis - All award winners. Hermitage Brigade). Paracombe Brigade).

VOLUNTEERING - A TIME TO REFLECT s part of this year’s National “In the emergency services sector, the of the community. “Our volunteers AVolunteer Week held in May, Chief 17,000 or so Country Fire Service epitomise what being a socially Executive of the South Australian Fire (CFS) and State Emergency Service responsible citizen is all about – helping and Emergency Services Commission (SES) volunteers are a unique band of others in their time of greatest need,” Mr (SAFECOM) David Place called on community-minded people who put the Nettleton said. “Can I wholeheartedly say all South Australians to pause and safety and interests of other people first, to all volunteers that what you do matters reflect on the important roles played by very often in conditions that are difficult and it makes a difference. I commend you volunteers in the local community. and extremely dangerous,” Mr Place said. on your quick response, the dedication, Mr Place said volunteers contributed CFS Chief Officer Greg Nettleton said the professionalism and empathy you many billions of dollars to local volunteers were important role models display in some challenging situations on communities by their selfless efforts. for others, particularly younger members a daily basis.” Child Protection he Volunteer Strategy and Support The ‘Keeping young people safe in obligations in relation to working T(VSS) Branch has been working on the emergency services’ brochure with young people, VSS has a a number of initiatives regarding Child had been updated. This brochure training package available in Protection. One of these initiatives is provides information and guidance Child Safe Environments (previously the implementation of the Information about child protection as well as known as Mandatory Reporting Sharing Guidelines (ISG). The where you can find further information. Training). If you would like to have ISG is part of the South Australian It is important to take this opportunity Child Safe Environments training Government’s ‘Keeping Them Safe’ to remind people that child protection delivered at your Unit, please contact program and is an early intervention is not just an issue that cadet your local VSO or VSS headquarters strategy to protect children. The purpose leaders need to worry about. CFS on 8463 4102. Keep a look out for of the ISG is to provide clear methods staff and volunteers have a moral combined training opportunities (Child for Government and non-government obligation to report suspicions of Safe Environments and Workplace organisations to share information when child abuse. Dignity) happening in your regions they believe a young person is ‘at risk’. To ensure people are aware of their this year.

24 Volunteer Corporate Communications Corporate Communications Team Return to CFS ome significant changes have recently Soccurred to the Public Affairs arrangements for the sector. Previously, each Emergency Service Organisation (ESO) had a dedicated Senior Public Affairs Officer that sat under the SAFECOM Public Affairs Unit, along with three media liaison officers who were a shared resource between the three ESOs (CFS, MFS and SES) and SAFECOM. From 3 February 2011, with the support and approval of all three Chief Officers and SAFECOM’s Chief Executive David Place, the “Public Affairs” function was divided and transferred back to each of the ESOs. What this new arrangement means for the CFS is that it now has its own dedicated staff with an improved emphasis and focus on CFS specific corporate and public affairs needs. The team now operates under the new banner of the “Corporate Communications Unit”. Chris Metevelis heads up the Corporate Communications Unit as its Senior Corporate Affairs Manager with Melissa Veal and Mandy Hay as its Media and Corporate Communications team. From left: Neil Charter, Mandy Hay, Communications Officers. CFS Principal Chris Metevelis and Melissa Veal. Communications OfficerNeil Charter is also part of the team, working mainly have a VolMag story to share, information their contributions of incident, training on the Prepare.Act.Survive. campaign regarding an incident or any feedback that and light-hearted news and events, to VOLUNTEERING - A TIME TO REFLECT which has a strong cross over with the you would like to give the team. be shared by all volunteers and readers Community Education Unit. A new CFS incident notification who look forward to each edition of this The Corporate Communications Unit telephone line has also been established magazine. Without your contributions will continue to maintain the services for CFS volunteers and staff members we could not create a magazine, so keep previously provided by SAFECOM to record information relating to sending them through to help shape the including a 7-day a week provision of on- incidents. This will assist the CFS Media magazine that YOU want to read. call media liaison for CFS related incidents Liaison Officer to generate interest in Contributions to VolMag can be between 6am – 9pm and producing the CFS operational activities through the made by email to: Volunteer Magazine (VolMag) on behalf mainstream media. The new incident [email protected] or by mail of the CFSVA. information line number is (08) 8523 to CFS Corporate Communications L7 60 The CFS media line telephone number 6030. This phone number can be used Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000. 8212 9849 will remain unchanged and is by CFS crew members or staff anytime Stories can also be submitted verbally answered by the on call officer between to notify the CFS Media Liaison Officer through the CFS Media Line on 8212 6am and 9pm. Between the hours of 9pm of an incident by leaving details on a 2849. and 6am this phone number is diverted recorded line. Providing the Corporate Remember – you don’t have to write back to Adelaide Fire. This is the number Communications Unit with information the whole story yourself - we are also that the media is encouraged to call if they about operational incidents will help happy with ideas, dot points and a contact would like information regarding CFS us promote the fantastic work that person– and don’t forget the photos. incidents. It is also a good way for you volunteers do through the media and VolMag relies on high quality images to as volunteers to get in contact with the wider community. In the meantime we form the magazine – a general rule of Corporate Communications Unit if you encourage our VolMag readers to continue thumb is 1MB or greater. Volunteer Magazine Subscription o you know someone who would like to receive Volunteer Magazine but doesn’t? D The Volunteer Magazine is a free publication that is available to all volunteers upon request. Additions to the subscription mailing list can be emailed to: [email protected] or by calling 8212 9849. Please provide your full name, mailing address and brigade name. If you would like to unsubscribe from the list please follow the same procedure.

Volunteer 25 Front (L-R) - Sarah Jackson-McAlinden, Cadets Ashleigh Johnston, Haylee Campbell Back (L-R) - Brandon Joseph, Zak Matthews, Braden Selby, Nicholas Seton.

ANZAC Youth Vigil n Sunday 24 April the youngest the Dawn Service. They then handed enthusiasm, and for making it possible Omembers of the Country Fire Service over to the Defence Force Catafalque for the cadets to be involved in this (CFS) took part in the 12th ANZAC Eve Party at 6am on Sunday morning who important event. Youth Vigil held at the South Australian in turn ‘held ground’ during the Dawn If you know someone who would like State War Memorial on North Terrace. Service and the ANZAC Day March. to become a CFS cadet then contact the Twelve young people from the Morgan, This event encourages CFS cadets and Volunteer Recruitment Hotline on Meningie, Swan Reach and Tailem Bend other young people to keep the ANZAC 1300 364 587. CFS brigades joined members of various Day spirit alive. The young people were other youth volunteer organisations to exceptional representatives for the formal recognise the legacy of ANZAC. ANZAC Eve ceremonies including The ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil stems laying tributes to the fallen, meeting His from the military tradition of ‘Holding Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, . Ground’ whereby a reconnaissance patrol Governor of South Australia, educating would find and hold strategic position in touring dignitaries on the symbolism of preparation for the arrival of their army. the monuments, standing guard, and This would often involve an all-night delivering eloquent speeches to the vigil, keeping awake on watch, alert assembled guests. that the area of battle is secured against CFS cadets were also involved in vigils threat. held across the state in Onkaparinga, This year young people from 13 Morphett Vale, Blackwood and Norton different youth groups including CFS Summit. Congratulations to all the cadets took part in performing various cadets who represented the CFS at the CFS Cadets Nicholas Seaton and Ashleigh Johnston duties in the ceremony and throughout ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil and thank you who took part in the Anzac Day Vigil. the night for the 12 hours leading up to to the cadet leaders for their support and Mount Barker Youth Expo 2011 n March a Youth Expo was held We were very fortunate to have a Iat the Adelaide Hills Recreation large enough area to put our Centre in Mount Barker for young CFS/SES collaborative display people to attend and see what services together and volunteers from both are available within their community. agencies worked extremely well Over 640 students attended from together and a fun-filled day was Mount Barker High School, Murraylands had by all! A delightful lunch was Christian College, Oakbank Area School, provided by students from the Birdwood High School, St Francis de Piltarilla Kitchen at Heathfield High Sale College, Heathfield High School Photo taken courtesy of Graeme McVitty and students were assessed for their From back left: Paddy Platypus (aka Peter Mundy), and Eastern Fleurieu High. The students efforts. Special thanks go to the Lyn Little, Andrea Haig, Brenton Scott, Greg Pfeiffer, were prepared to answer 1 of 5 questions Strathalbyn CFS Brigade and SES Unit Lorraine McVitty & Smokey Bear (aka Daniel asked by each organisation present to for their support and attendance on Wasyluk). In front row: Judy & Colin Schriever. earn a stamp and enter a competition. the day.

26 Volunteer Region 1 Eden Hills CFS Celebrates 60 Years he Eden Hills Brigade of the SA TCountry Fire Service (CFS) celebrated 60 years service to Mitcham Hills and the wider South Australian community with a reunion of past and present members. The Eden Hills Unit was formed on 11 May 1951 to defend the growing suburb against the threat of fire in what was then mostly bushland. Today, Eden Hills is a modern fire and rescue brigade that has progressed well beyond the boundaries of bushfire Group shot of Anniversary attendees. Photo: CFS Promotions Unit. control to become a highly sophisticated, multi-emergency response unit. Over the last 60 years, almost 300 members have brought about an increase in the threat of attended well over 6,000 incidents and man-made emergencies. amassed more than 25,000 operational “We still have members that have hours of community service. seen every decade of that change which A member for 33 years and current represents an incredible and invaluable Brigade Captain, Neil Gloyn, said that amount of local knowledge and the milestone represented a defining era experience.” of emergency response to the community. The Brigade also marked the occasion “While the threat of natural disasters with the commissioning of their new ‘14’ Fire Appliance – a lighter unit than their such as bushfires, floods and storm Eden Hills Brigade Captain Neil Gloyn related incidents continues to grow, two existing trucks designed for rapid receiving the keys to the new’14’ fire appliance urban development, busier road traffic response and easier manoeuvrability in from Chief Officer Greg Nettleton and the use of hazardous materials has off-road firefighting. Photo: CFS Promotions Unit. Woodside CFS Celebrate 70 Years oodside CFS recently celebrated water tanks supplied water for the fire until 1981. In fact Woodside still holds W70 years of providing firefighting fighting activities. Brigade members also records from competitions at the Royal support to the local community. had leather beaters to beat out the flames. Adelaide Show. However, perhaps one This milestone was marked with the The local Farmers Union milk truck was of the brigade’s greatest accolades was in presentation of a commemorative plaque. also made available for fires, after the milk 1970 when Lou Beckwith was presented At the unveiling of the plaque rounds were finished for the day. Council with Life Membership of EFS. At the Woodside CFS president Milton Prosser and farmers trucks had water tanks to time only 10 Life Memberships had been acknowledged those who had served with carry water for fires and milk cans filled presented to EFS members’ statewide, the brigade over the years. “To all past and with water were kept in readiness. This is which made the brigade extremely proud. current members of the Woodside Brigade a stark contrast to the ISUZU 24P and 34 Congratulations Woodside on achieving both living and deceased this district owes appliances used by the brigade today. so much in those 70 years and here’s to the you immense appreciation for the last 70 In 1944 the Farmers Union factory at many safe and successful years to come! years of dedication, bravery and volunteer Woodside caught fire and the alarm was service and insight for establishment and infamously raised by the factory manager’s maintenance of the Woodside Country Fire dog Zac. The Local Fire Controller from Service, formally known as Woodside Fire Lobethal brought his own truck to the job Mount Barker Youth Expo 2011 Fighting Committee, then Onkaparinga with someone in the front ringing a bell to Fire Service and also Woodside Emergency warn the residents of the fire and to wake Fire Service,” Mr. Posser said. them to come and help. The dog was later According to scant records, organised fire awarded an R.S.P.C.A. medal for raising fighting started in the area around 1933 the alarm. and has gone from strength to strength. In the same year local authorities had to Before the Woodside Brigade was formally guarantee to recruit sufficient volunteers initiated in 1940 the Onkaparinga District for training who would be sworn in as Council appointed 30 Fire Control Officers members of the Civil Defence Emergency to coordinate firefighting in the district. Fire Service (EFS). The EFS grew from 87 70th Anniversary Commemorative Plaque Fires were fought by every available man brigades and 600 volunteers in 1949 to a Presentation by Region One Commander Chris equipped with wet bags, tree boughs, force of 460 brigades and 11,000 members Martin that took place at the event - Firefighter shovels and hand tools. The first equipment over the next 30 years. Woodside was Madaline McPeake took the photo of long-term used by the Woodside Brigade was a also a strong competitor in fire fighting members Jim Drummond (L) and Kevin Van Beresford trailer pump pulled by a tractor. competition fire drills, one man hose and Heythuysen (R, with plaque) receiving the plaque from Chris Martin (Centre). Other local trucks with milk cans and portable pumps and alarm race events up Volunteer 27 Region 2 40th anniversary celebrations at Tarlee CFS By: John Taylor, Courtesy of the Northern Argus he 40th Anniversary of the formation Tof the Tarlee Country Fire Service was celebrated with a barbecue at the Tarlee Hall. Present and former members and their families joined to celebrate the occasion at which service medals and awards were presented. Captain Andy Peters asked Group Leader, Tom Horgan and present members to Servers over past 40 years. present the awards to the recipients. Former members recalled how fires were fought in the times before the CFS, with wet wheat bags, and then with 44 gallon drums of water loaded onto the nearest available tray top truck. The water was pumped by a portable pump unit which operated with a petrol motor! Although many fires were brought under control by these primitive methods, these early firefighters are envious of the modern equipment now available and in use. Locals present said that they appreciated the value of the CFS members, not only in times of fire but also in situations of flood and accidents in the area. Volunteers have had plenty of opportunities this season with floods as well as fires and accidents at which Tarlee CFS current members @ 40 year celebration. members of the public needed assistance.

Management and nationally accredited Angaston training. Many Brigade members have also been involved in large deployment incident management teams, at incidents Celebrates such as the Kangaroo Island bushfires of 2007. A MILESTONE CFS Region Two Commander John Hutchins says that Angaston is an he Angaston Brigade celebrated 70 excellent Brigade that often goes above years of service on Sunday, 22 May T and beyond the call of duty. with a display of vintage items and a sit “The Angaston Brigade provides a down roast lunch for past and present fantastic support network to a lot of Angaston Captain Travis Zeanert and Chief Brigade members. smaller Brigades in their area. Officer Greg Nettelton cutting the CFS cake. Angaston CFS began from humble “The Brigade is also very progressive beginnings in 1941 as a typical rural fire and the Group have done a lot of work off American oak and filled with 70 year old brigade, working to protect the local their own back to specialise in managing Seppeltsfield port generously donated by community from the risk of bushfire. Over incidents at a high level,” Mr Hutchins the Seppeltsfield winery. Ex Angaston the years the Brigade has grown to cope said. Brigade member Glyn Milton won the with the demand due to the spread of the Angaston Brigade member for 34 years barrel and was over the moon. Barossa region and the introduction of and Master Cooper Andrew Young “We also unveiled an honour board significant industry throughout the area, says that the Brigade had a few special made from an almost 70 year old wine vat. dealing with a wide range of incidents surprises for guests at the anniversary “Overall the event could not have gone including bushfire, structure fire, road lunch to mark the milestone. better. It was a huge success and we are crash rescue and HAZMAT. “Keeping in line with the 70 year theme already planning the 80th anniversary! Today the Angaston Brigade is heavily we gave away a 20 litre port barrel The CFS congratulates Angaston Brigade involved with high level Incident hand carved out of 70 year old seasoned on this significant milestone.

28 Volunteer RegionRegion 3 3

Cadell CFS rescues Border Collie from water tank n Sunday 23 January Maggie - a CFS member Tom bravely went into the Ogorgeous 10 year old Border Collie tank to rescue Maggie, wading through dog - went missing from her Cadell home. green slimy water to reach her. Maggie Her owner, Julie spent hours putting reached her paws around Tom’s neck, posters up around the town and clinging on to her saviour, so glad to be free surrounding areas and contacting the at last. newspapers and radio – and even putting The Cadell crew wrapped Maggie in a news of Maggie’s disappearance on thermal blanket and took her back to the Facebook in an attempt to get her beloved station where they fed her clean water and dog back home safe and sound. biscuits. Natarsha Wilksch of Cadell CFS After 12 days Julie had still not given up called Julie to let her know that Maggie was hope of finding her dear Maggie, driving safe with the Cadell boys to which Julie Maggie relaxes at home after being lost for 30kms to Waikerie to put up more posters broke down in tears, so happy that Maggie 12 days. in case someone had seen Maggie on their was alive and well. travels. This was perhaps one of the most for a visit and Natarsha said that she On Thursday 3 February Cadell CFS rewarding jobs for Cadell and although looked like a different dog. were responded to an incident of a “dog Maggie had some cuts to her paws and “It was so good to see Maggie and Julie down a hole”. Upon arrival to the callout, worn away nails from scratching, she was again. Maggie looked so different as she the Brigade found Maggie trapped inside in good health and happy to be reunited was in good spirits and seemed to have a water tank. The dog was distressed, with Julie. recovered from her stressful ordeal. I was treading water and had cut her paws trying A couple of weeks later, Julie brought so glad that Cadell Brigade could help Julie to scratch at the side of the tank to get out. Maggie back to the Brigade training night find Maggie.” CFS Volunteer named CFS CREW BAG Riverland and Mallee Citizen of the year ormer Blanchetown CFS FCaptain Anthony Noll recently accepted the Riverland and Mallee citizen of the year award. Anthony was nominated for the award by Blanchetown residents Dorothy Zadow and Sheri Schubert. The award ceremony was held at the Berri Resort Hotel with over 150 Sick of looking for your CFS overalls? people attending. When speaking Carry them with you in an approved about receiving the award Anthony CFS bag. Made from durable 11oz said “It has been an enjoyable canvas with yellow handles and journey allowing me the privilege of Anthony receives pockets each end and one side. working with many wonderful people his award. Photo and I intend to continue.” kindly supplied by the Large Crew Bag: $50 Riverland Weekly. Anthony has been involved in his local Extra Large Crew Bag: $55 community since 1968 and has been a member of the CFS since 1969 joining at the tender age of 19. We also manufacture ute seat He was the Blanchetown CFS Captain between 1990 and 2000 covers, swags and camper and was then in the position of Deputy Group officer for the units for tray top utes. Mid Murray Group between 2000 and 2010. In 1999 Anthony was awarded the national medal for his contribution to the community and he was also awarded the CFS 40 year’s service CANDY’S OF TINTINARA medal in 2009 for his dedication and commitment to the CFS. Ph (08) 8757 2285 Fax (08) 8757 2286 Congratulations Anthony! www.candycanvas.com.au

Volunteer 29 Region 4 Some of the cadets pictured in their new wet weather jackets which were also provided through the grant. Geoff Smith retires

Stirling North Cadets - Emergency

Services Fun Day Geoff Smith.

n Sunday 10 April an Emergency n 16 July, Region 4 Business OServices Fun Day was hosted by OServices Officer Geoff Smith will the Stirling North cadets with all of retire from his paid role at the CFS. the emergency services in and around Geoff started as a CFS staff member in Port Augusta invited to show off their February 2004, but his ties go way back equipment and provide a fun interaction with the organisation, beginning as an with the public. The CFS, SES, SAAS, EFS volunteer in February 1964. SAPOL, Coast Guard, St John and Geoff’s EFS/CFS CV is impressive 4Life - all attended and provided having being the only person to date to activities aimed at the younger age work as a Business Services Officer and group but there was also lots to do for a Regional Officer. He was also Captain the whole family including parents. The of the Crystal Brook Brigade for 18 years Stirling North CFS Cadets obtained – starting as a ‘Brigade Station Officer’ a grant that enabled a free BBQ to be in 1968 at the age of 21. He was also a provided on the day (run by the senior Group Officer for the Spencer Group brigade members) and coordination Anna Rogers with another potential recruit … for 10 years, is the current Chairman of the event was provided by Nicoli well into the future. of the Crystal Brook Management Ackland. The cadets were fantastic Committee (and has been for 24 years) ambassadors for the CFS and helped in cadets are pictured here in their new wet and is a life member of the Crystal Brook a range of activities throughout the day weather jackets which were also provided Brigade. To top it all off Geoff is also the which was a great success. Some of the through the grant. recipient of an Australian Fire Services Medal (AFSM) for recognition of his distinguished service to the organisation. Terowie cadet Geoff admits that it will be a bit of culture change to not wake up and do the becomes 1 hour and 1 minute drive to work every morning. Brigade member “I will not know what to do with myself at first - I am really going to miss working By: Jan Haustorfer for the CFS and the day-to-day challenges he Terowie CFS Brigade recently that it brings. welcomed its most recent addition to From left, Jan Haustorfer, Pauline T Huddleston, Leanne Adams and Susie Adams. “Of course I will not be retiring from the fire fighting crew with Susie Adams the CFS completely – I will still be stepping up to the role. continuing my role as a volunteer,” he Susie first joined the Brigade 4 years “Susie has been in the Terowie Brigade said. ago as a cadet when she was 13 years. for a number of years and a cadet since Apart from continuing as a CFS Having recently turned 17 years old, she was 13,” Jan said. volunteer, Geoff’s immediate plans for she reached the age of qualifying to take “She is working well and fitting into the retirement future include caravanning on other duties in an operational role the team which includes three other around Australia with his wife Chris including fire fighting tasks. female members including her sister whenever they feel like picking up and CFS Cadet Coordinator Jan Haustorfer Leanne and proud mum Vicki who is going somewhere! said she was pleased to see Susie move the Brigade’s Communication and Cadet Thank you Geoff – you will be missed at through to the next level. Cooordinator.” Region 4 HQ.

30 Volunteer The Regional Grass Fire Simulator being easily loaded onto a trailer. Region 5

Running Grass Fire Simulator

ver the years a number of methods Ohave been used to practice fighting running grass fires, some safer than others, and some it might be best not to mention ever existed to OH&S! Recognising the need for a safer and more dynamic option to give volunteers the chance to have a more realistic experience of how to control a running grass fire, Region 5 have come up with a prototype which could be the answer. This is the second version of the prototype which has been almost 20 years in the making and is thought to be the only one of its kind across the state. It was recently put through its paces at the State Training Centre up Running Grass Fire Simulator in Action up at Brukunga. at Brukunga where the Rural Training Team are looking at developing a drills and operations manual and how it could with Brian Wiese’s AFSM (Tatiara Group for both the hose operator and the driver potentially fit in with future training Officer) original concept, Ian Teakle of the appliance.” programs. (Wattle Range Deputy Group Officer and “It has been a long time in the making, OH&S have been part of the build and Region 5 Rep on SAC - Training) and and a whole team of people have been the final risk assessment was carried Grant Fensom (Edan Engineering and working on this project, but for our out last year. The first field trial took Port MacDonnell Capt), worked on the region it has been worth the time and place last November at the Wattle Range prototype. effort. Hopefully some of the other Group field day and got a very positive Scott Murray Regional Training Officer, regions may also find benefits in using response. The device is hydraulically Region 5 said that without the time and this training tool, and our hope is that in loaded and unloaded making storage easy efforts of these three individuals, we the future it may even be used as part of as it all fits on one trailer. The system would not have the finished product we the Suppress Wildfire training but at this uses a mix of LPG and fire lighter fuel to have today. “These guys recognised that stage it makes a great training tool for create the burn, with an operator sitting there was a need in the region for some both group and regional field days and on the trailer to control the fuel amount way of providing training which is as we are very happy with the progress we and steer the trailer and burn unit. The realistic as possible, but which can also have made” added Scott. device is manoeuvrable and pulled by a be in a controlled environment. Balls and It is hoped that the prototype will be vehicle, allowing an appliance to follow cones are all very well for some training fully ready to use at the Region 3 field and attempt to extinguish the fire on the needs, but they are not very realistic day in August later this year. If you would move. and can be difficult to control. The way like more information about the Running A mixture of CFS volunteers and that you approach a standing fire and a Grass Fire Simulator then please contact contractors worked on the prototype, moving fire involve very different skills your Regional Training Officer.

Volunteer 31 Region 6

Region 6 out and about in the local community his Fire Danger Season Region 6 In another partnership event Tdealt with almost 300 call outs, but Bramfield residents met for the first they were also working hard behind the time with Community Education Officer scenes with the local community before Therese Pedler in late October to talk the season began. Some of the highlights about CFS response to bushfire. The include the first outing of the new Smokey, meeting was heavily supported by many the first Community Fire Safe Program of the local brigades and volunteers and and working with the West Coast Home other agencies including the District Care staff. Council of Elliston and SAAS were also Region 6’s new Smokey made his very available to provide information from first appearance to the very excited children their perspective. from the Poonindie Early Learning Centre. The first Community Fire Safe First Community Safe Fire Program held in Smokey was lucky to have his very good Program was held Tumby Bay and Tumby Bay. friends from the North Shields Brigade surrounding districts which many help him. Not only did these marvellous residents attended at the local Skills volunteers help Smokey with his “disguise” Centre with the support of the Tumby but they also entertained the children Bay Area School. Local SAPOL staff and more importantly they educated Todd Reed also attended the session. their parents and care givers about the Todd explained his role in a bushfire, importance of being “Bushfire Ready”. congratulated the attendees for taking Over in Coffin Bay Bushfire Action this very important step to becoming Week provided the perfect opportunity for “Bushfire Aware” and encouraged them residents to access any information they to “spread the word” to other Tumby needed to become Bushfire Ready and Bay residents. to see “first hand” the great partnership In another first, West Coast Home Care between the CFS, DENR and the District staff who work in and around Tumby Bay Bramfield residents learn about CFS responses Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula. Look were given the opportunity to attend a to bushfires. out for this year’s Bushfire Action Week training session provided by the Region in October and don’t forget to let the 6 Community Education Officer Therese Corporate Communications team know Pedler. The training entitled “Assisting your if you have any events during the week Clients to be Bushfire Ready” was initially that you would like to promote. A pre fire requested by the Department of Families danger season meeting was held at the and Communities and compiled by Peta Coffin Bay Yacht Club, giving residents O’Donohue prior to the 2010/11 Fire another opportunity to become Bushfire Danger Season. The training session was a Ready. Community Education Officer success and something which we hope to Therese Pedler answered resident’s continue and improve upon ahead of the questions, along with members of next season. Look out for what’s to come West Coast Home Care staff take part in a fire other agencies including DENR, SAAS ahead of the next fire danger season across safety training session. and SAPOL. the region.

32 Volunteer Photos of the Month

These photos were shot by Happy Valley CFS Brigade member Mike Patterson during a Flammable Gas training session with his firefighting colleagues at Happy Valley CFS station.

Volunteer 33 Obituaries

Farewell to HEROIC Sapper and Cherished Mate ustralian combat engineer, Sapper them. He shared the danger and AJamie Larcombe was killed in austerity, but mostly, I am sure, he action on Saturday 19 February 2011 was driven by his desire to protect and when his patrol was attacked by a group support his mates. of insurgents in the Mirabad Valley Fellow combat engineer and mate, region of Uruzgan province. As well as Sapper Trent Wicker, said ‘Larko’ was being a dedicated soldier Jamie was also a genuine mate who held his family and a CFS volunteer for Parndana Brigade friends close. “He was the kind of guy on Kangaroo Island. who was always keen to go down to the During a moving memorial service at pub, have a beer with his mates, pick you Multi-National Base Tarin Kot mentoring up when you were feeling down,” Sapper Task Force – Two Commanding Officer, Wicker said. “He loved Kangaroo Island Lieutenant Colonel Darren Huxley, said and would always talk about the places Sapper Larcombe was a young soldier he would go with his family and friends.” who epitomised the core values of an At the conclusion of the memorial Australian soldier. “Mateship is what service more than 2,000 soldiers from defines the best in an Aussie Digger and a coalition of six nations stood side-by- Jamie was amongst our best,” Lieutenant side to pay their final respects to Sapper Colonel Huxley said. Larcombe. His casket was loaded on “Jamie was a volunteer for his country, a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 as we all here are. He knew the risks of Hercules for the first part of his final Sapper Jamie Larcombe his chosen profession and he accepted journey home. Charles Washington Rosewarne (AM) 23.6.1918 – 31.3.2011 By: Eddie Mclean, Bridgewater CFS

were his official management roles, but On the 26th January 1978 Charlie was we know that he had a love of training inducted as a ‘Member of the Order and training others and so began the of Australia’. The citation read “for evolution in Emergency Fire Service and community service particularly in the then Country Fire Service training. organisation & training of emergency Charlie went on to establish and run the fire services”. Mt Lofty CFS Training Centre initially On the 14th June 1978 he was awarded on land which is now beneath the South the ‘Nation Medal’ and later a subsequent Eastern Freeway and then in the old 3 further clasps to the medal. Stirling East Primary School. As Captain In 2001 he received the International of the Training Centre it was Charlie’s Year of Volunteer Medal and in 2010 dream to build on the skills required for the Country Fire Service - Service not only fighting bushfires, but the many Medal for his 59 years of service to the other skills now required for firefighters. organisation. he Bridgewater Country Fire Service Charlie’s entrepreneurial skills saw the Charlie was the first member to Tmourns the passing of one of our growth of the Training Centre through be awarded Life Membership at founding members, Charles Washington donations that in the end were used to Bridgewater. Rosewarne. purchase the site of the current State The communities of the Adelaide Hills The Bridgewater Brigade was formed as Training Centre at Brukunga. probably do not realise that Charlie part of the Emergency Fire Services after Charlie never said as much, but I think Rosewarne is the man who made their a series of fires in the district prompted he was very proud that members of communities as safe as they are today residents to be concerned. A meeting was Bridgewater continued to play a major because of his pro-active approach in held and the grounds for establishing the role in the training centre. Even when getting training organised and delivered basis of an emergency service in the town he got too old (his words not mine) to to many, many firefighters for well over were started. Charlie Rosewarne was conduct training, he organised a group 25 years. elected as the first Captain of the Brigade of blokes to work behind the scenes. The Bridgewater CFS members proudly in 1951. This group were naturally dubbed remember Charlie and we pass on our Charlie’s initial stint as Captain was “Charlies Angels” and together condolences to his family. Charlie passed between 1951 and 1956 and then he with Charlie they ensured that the away peacefully on Thursday 31st March again took on the role between 1957 and training centre at Stirling East (old as 2011, now re-united with his beloved 1963. He also took on the role of Brigade it was) was always clean and well wife, Ruth. President between 1953 and 1954. These maintained. Rest in peace mate! 34 Volunteer Obituaries BRUCE SCHULZ 1946 – 2011 One Tree Hill CFS ruce passed away following a terminal with the fire appliances ensuring that Billness on April 6, 2011 aged 65 years. they were always ready to roll. As a Known to all as ‘Schulzy’, Bruce was professional heavy vehicle driver Bruce a stalwart brigade member for 20 years was keen on improving the off road skills until he moved out of the district. For a of brigade drivers and on weekends he large part of his service Bruce was the would put drivers through their paces in brigade 1st Lieutenant, a role that he the challenging terrain of the Little Para wholeheartedly embraced. Training was River Dam site. Bruce could be relied important to Bruce and he was always upon to attend callouts day and night and willing to pass on his experience to he was always willing to put his hand up brigade members. Bruce was a part owner for strike teams. During the 1994 Sydney of a trucking company and consequently bushfires Bruce volunteered to drive an vehicle maintenance was a priority for appliance to NSW where he took part in him. Bruce spent many happy hours in the Blue Mountains fire fighting. the fire station checking and tinkering Farewell Schulzy, Rest in Peace. Fredric George Rainey, Bradbury CFS red joined the Longwood, Bradbury, refurbishing equipment, or training other FScott Creek EFS on the 6th November members - he never left until the job was 1974 at 20 years old. He was the third finished. generation of the Rainey family living As a fire fighter Fred was always very and working on the family farm at Scott quick to size up an incident and commit Creek with his sisters Lois and Carole to action which often took the crew and and brother Graham. The farm was a available machinery to the limit. market garden/dairy, and operated until But always, the crew felt safe in Fred’s restrictions were placed on dairy along care and benefited from his hard learnt the creek. Fred continued to work the experience, often achieving results way land raising beef and also worked as an beyond what many felt possible upon agricultural and local council contractor. arrival at an incident. For the locals, Fred was the go to man for Fred was in many ways one of a kind, a agricultural advice and the stock agent for fire fighter, a friend and a colleague who the local communities’ hobby farmers. will be greatly missed. He represents the He was a man of the land, a farmer, a self passing of a way of life in our district, that taught engineer and most importantly for of a man who not only lived and worked the hills district a volunteer who devoted on the land but defended that land and large contingent of CFS Volunteers from every spare minute and a lot of his work its community with great passion and units near and far was testament to Fred’s time to the CFS. dedication. He was always the man you commitment and comradeship over 36 Fred fought two Ash Wednesdays, he was wanted on your truck. years as a CFS volunteer. Fred is survived awarded the National Medal and served for Fred passed away 2nd August 2010. The by his wife Robyn and family. many years as Lieutenant of the Bradbury service was held at Scott Creek Hall which Farewell Fred, we are better by far for Brigade. Fred was always in there, whether filled and overflowed with friends and having you as a part of our brigade and on the fire ground, extending the station, family, come to pay their last respects. A community.

onald Gordon Norton, a former came to mechanical repairs. His passion Donald Norton Dmember of Norton Summit-Ashton lay with the appliance and he was always CFS for 46 years sadly passed away willing to carry out any repairs or work on Friday 4th March 2011, aged that needed doing. 78 years old. During his time as a CFS volunteer Don Don, as he was known to his friends, was awarded the National Medal in 1989 was a loving husband and devoted and later received his second clasp in father. He was one of the founding crew 1998. When the brigade ran fundraising members when the brigade was formed cabarets’ Don was often the MC and in 1956, and served as Lieutenant during had the audience in stitches. He was most of his years at the brigade. He was also renowned for his quick wit over the brigade president for eight years between brigade radio. 1973 and 1983 with two years off. The respect and admiration of his fellow Don assisted in the construction of brigade members and CFS colleagues the fire appliances when brigades were was apparent when eleven of them held a responsible for building and procuring guard of honour at his funeral. them. He had a keen interest in Thank you Donald for your dedication motorsports and was invaluable when it and service, may you rest in peace. Volunteer 35