Volume 123 September 2010

Print Post Approved - 535347/00018 SA COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE STATE HEADQUARTERS COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION Level 7, 60 Waymouth St, Suite 3, Transport Training Centre, P: GPO Box 2706, Adelaide SA 5001 17 Wirringa St, Regency Park SA 5010 T: 08 8463 4200 F: 08 8463 4234 P: PO Box 2359, Regency Park SA 5942 T: 08 8244 6500 E: [email protected] F: 08 8244 6400 E: [email protected] W: www.cfs.sa.gov.au W: www.cfsva.org.au CFS Bushfire Information Hotline: 1300 362 361 STATE TRAINING CENTRE (BRUKUNGA) VOLUNTEER STRATEGY AND SUPPORT BRANCH 6 Pyrites Rd, Brukunga SA 5252 VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT T: 08 8398 9900 F: 08 8388 6997 T: 1300 364 587 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

REGIONAL OFFICES REGION 4 Flinders Ranges, Mid North and Pastoral Areas REGION 1 3 Main St, Port Augusta SA 5700 Ranges and Kangaroo Island P: PO Box 2080, Port Augusta SA 5700 75 Gawler St, Mount Barker SA 5251 T: 08 8642 2399 F: 08 8641 0176 T: 08 8391 1866 F: 08 8391 1877 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] REGION 5 REGION 2 South East , Yorke Peninsula and Lower North 46 Smith St, Naracoorte SA 5271 8 Redbanks Rd, Willaston SA 5118 P: PO Box 8, Naracoorte SA 5271 P: PO Box 1506 Willaston SA 5118 T: 08 8762 2311 F: 08 8762 1865 T: 08 8522 6088 F: 08 8522 6404 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] REGION 6 REGION 3 Eyre Peninsula and West Coast Murraylands and Riverland Level 1, Jobomi House 10 Second St, Murray Bridge SA 5253 48 Liverpool St, Port Lincoln SA 5606 P: PO Box 1371, Murray Bridge SA 5253 P: PO Box 555, Port Lincoln SA 5606 T: 08 8532 6800 F: 08 8532 6220 T: 08 8682 4266 F: 08 8682 6569 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

All bags made to CFS UTILITY BAGS suit your needs � Crew Bag: Extra Large • 12oz Heavy Duty Canvas • End pocket for name tag � Pager Pouch: • Heavy Duty Zip • All leather mobile • Separate boot compartment phone belt clip • Size: 750 x 360 x 360mm • Press stud on bottom to protect pager face $6700 $1200 $5000 All bags can have the Brigade Vest Holder: � name stencilled. • 12oz Heavy Duty Canvas • Holds 3 vests plus large torch $ 00 21 Note Pad & Radio Holder: � Knapsack • 12oz Heavy Duty Canvas � Bag: $ 00 • 12oz Heavy 50 Duty Canvas � Drink Bottle Holder: $ 00 • 12oz Heavy Proban 15 Duty Canvas $ 00 Dust and • Holds 8 drink Face Mask: � bottles 50 A.G. Williams, Upholsterer Member of the CFS Ph 8383 6031 Mobile 0417 812 319 since 1983 Contents

WELCOME TO VOLUNTEER MAGAZINE

WELCOMES...... 4 CFS Heritage Committee chairman Rex Messages from the Chief Officer Euan Hall (right) with Channel Nine weather Ferguson, CFSVA President Ken Schutz, presenter Brenton Ragless at the CFS Minister for Emergency Services Michael reunion page 14. CFS winter expo in Wright and the SAFECOM Chief Port Lincoln page 6. Road crash rescue Executive, David Place. at Blackwood page 27.

NEWS & UPDATES...... 8 Feature articles on the successful CFS Winter Expo at Port Lincoln, CFS Heroes of the Bush competition, AFSM awardees Trudy Whelan and Tony Wege.

CFSVA...... 13 CFSVA members can now benefit from a free legal service.

CFS FOUNDATION...... 16 Two new directors welcomed to 14 Foundation Board, help needed to achieve Foundation goals. FACES IN THE CROWD...... 36 Some years ago Kail Williams would never have believed she would be leading community education...... 19 an enthusiastic team of CFS volunteers at Basic bushfire skills for women Blackfellows Caves Brigade in the Lower workshops at Eudunda. South East.

CADETS...... 21 PHABULOUS PHOTOS...... 37 Youngest members of the CFS and SES A collection of photos from CFS 6 take part in eleventh ANZAC Eve volunteers highlighting their valuable Youth Vigil. roles.

REGIONAL ROUND UP...... 27 OBITUARIES...... 38 GPS training, motor vehicle rescues, VALE Roger Magarey and Rhonda Butler. prime mover destroyed on , One Tree Hill celebrations, THANK YOUS...... 39 Murraylands Career Expo, Farewell Letters of thanks and praise in Brinkworth 32, ladies’ lunch at Mt recognition of the service of the CFS and Gambier Cup, Fiery Women workshops. our volunteers. 27

Images this page: CFS Heritage Committee reunion page 14. Women learn basic bushfire skills page 19. Port Lincoln community celebrates its new emergency services precinct. Page 22. CFS STC hosts all-girls construction course page 25. Phabulous photos page 37. Front cover image: Taken by Jeff Anderson of a prime mover carrying a B-double semi-trailer that was loaded with wooden pallets and destroyed in a fire on the South Eastern Freeway near the Heysen Tunnels. More details on page 26. Editorial Team – Managing Editor: Chris Metevelis. Editor: Terry Price. 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 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 Euan Ferguson Commission are hot off the press. Many Australia, we must work with our fellow of its recommendations are centred on emergency services, government and the Victoria. But there are many that have a public to continuously learn, improve, national application. All will be analysed change and adapt. thoroughly to see if we can improve It is pleasing to note that the new State through their adoption. After the Black Bushfire Coordination Committee has Saturday bushfires the Government moved been established in line with amendments to form the Bushfire Task Force. Through to the Fire and Emergency Services Act in the Bushfire Task Force we have seen late 2009. Nine new Bushfire Management new policies introduced including the Areas have been approved and work Prepare.Act.Survive program and the is underway to appoint new Bushfire concept of “Bushfire Safer Precincts” and Management Committees in areas before “Refuges of Last Resort”. The Task Force the fire season. has been a useful forum to engage with Finally, it was with great pleasure that other government and non-government Kristin and I attended the CFS Veterans Reunion recently at the Morphettville n July, senior CFS volunteers and staff agencies on bushfire policy reform. Recently the Emergency Services Minister Michael racecourse function centre, organised by Iand the executive from the CFSVA the indefatigable Rex Hall AFSM. Many Wright announced ongoing funding for spent four days in the northern Flinders current and retired volunteers and staff the Prepare.Act.Survive program. on “Operation Compass”. The aim was to attended a dinner and lunch barbeque We welcome this funding. It will allow discuss and plan our directions for the next the following day. It was a wonderful us to continue this important work in our 18 to 24 months. Central to discussions opportunity to catch up with old mates was the analysis of the CFS organisation communities and to reaffirm the excellent and enjoy the camaraderie and the “Health Check” that started in March work done by our community educators spirit of CFS. It was a time to reflect on and involved Regional volunteer and across . the enormity of the contributions that staff members over three months. Clear We all must learn from the Black continue to be made individually and messages were received from the Health Saturday Bushfires. South Australia got off collectively by so many willing and capable Check. Once endorsed by the Chief very lightly on that day. The toll in Victoria volunteers. It was also a time to reflect Officer’s Advisory Council, the proposals was horrifying and brought pain and on the many changes that have resulted will be turned into actions. This is a good tears to us all. We cannot be complacent. in the strength of the CFS we see before example of volunteer leaders influencing Major bushfires are not “once-off” events. us today. Volunteer firefighters represent our direction and our priorities for the Our history is studded with periodic the peak of citizenry. Once again, I stand, future. severe bushfires and the risks continue pause and salute every one of you. You are The final report and recommendations to increase. As a key emergency service all extraordinary people. We owe you so of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal and fire safety policy advocate in South much. Thank you! CFSVA PRESIDENT Ken Schutz see that the time, effort and training of the CFS manual as roles that have to be volunteers is sometimes recognised. I am carried out but they just did it. sure that most CFS brigades who have The perception of the general community had experience in Road Crash would have is that CFS volunteers cut people out of acted in a similar professional manner; cars and fight bushfires or house fires. although the actions by the members of They do not realise all the little things that the Cadell and Morgan brigades must have make CFS a truly professional organisation. been exemplary. Training is not the only thing that makes In the rural areas of South Australia there us good at our job; it is also compassion, are many one man police stations and the care, thoughtfulness, cooperation and cooperation between SAPOL and CFS commitment. These traits are what needs to work. made the work of Cadell and Morgan so Usually at a vehicle accident in rural impressive and perhaps even we as an SA, the single police officer is busy taking organisation forget this sometimes. details and talking to witnesses etc, It’s not the shiny white trucks or the latest therefore traffic control, road detours, the equipment or the yellow turnout gear, it is few weeks ago I was emailed a copy preservation of the scene and organising how we go about doing our job that really Aof a letter sent to CFS Group Officer equipment that is needed, is left up to the stands out and prompts people such as Mike Arnold from Senior Sergeant Peter CFS officer in charge and their crew. As SSIC Sims to write his letter. Sims of Waikerie Police. This letter well as this many brigades also do the clean So next time you finish an incident and (which can be read in full in this issue of up as there is just no one else to do it. have a quick debrief back at the station the Volunteer on page 39), praises the As in the letter from SSIC Sims the don’t only think about how the obvious work and professionalism of Cadell and attending CFS members took on the role of went, think about how the not quite so Morgan Brigades when attending a recent comforting friends of the deceased person obvious parts of the incident went and I vehicle accident at Cadell. and keeping them from entering the scene think you will find that instead of being a While no one joins the CFS for the and they also comforted the driver of the good brigade you could find yourself being rewards or thank yous it is pleasing to other vehicle. None of these things are in part of a great brigade. 4 Volunteer Welcomes BOARD CHAIRMAN, SAFECOM David Place The Plan is structured around our six key within learning and development focus areas of : frameworks that meet national standards • Leadership • Develop a 3-year ICT Plan • Prevention and Community Preparedness • Implement an efficient and effective • Operational Preparedness sector building maintenance system • Response • Develop a sector strategic asset • Recovery management plan for buildings, vehicles, • Business Excellence appliances, vessels and equipment Some of the strategies that are particularly • Develop common response standards relevant to volunteers include: and performance measures (Emergency • Develop and implement a plan to Services Delivery Standards Project) reduce administrative requirements on • Extend joint planning for specialised volunteers, including standard templates responses to specific risks, including for gathering/distributing information those in remote areas • Develop a volunteer workforce plan • Define the sector’s role in recovery he SAFECOM Board has just released including membership requirements, Posters detailing the major strategies Tthe Sector’s Strategic Plan. The recruitment, personnel development, have been delivered to all brigades. I Plan, launched by the Minister in July, support and retention strategies urge you to download a copy of the plan details the strategies we will be pursuing • Increase collaborative training across the at www.safecom.sa.gov.au/site/about_us/ together over the next five years to achieve sector strategic_direction.jsp to read about all of our vision of a safer and more resilient • Ensure that the development and training our strategies or contact Ann De Piaz for a community. needs of staff and volunteers are provided hard copy. Minister for Emergency Services Hon. Michael Wright Our volunteers make an enormous devastating fires that swept through and daily contribution towards saving parts of Victoria, which is why South lives, preparing and protecting local Australians must begin taking pro-active communities. This was brought to the fore steps to Prepare.Act.Survive this recently, when people of Penola were left fire season. devastated by a mini tornado that ripped Now is the time for everyone to begin through the town centre, uprooting trees, thinking about preparing their properties tearing off roofs and destroying homes to ensure they are bushfire ready, so that and businesses. Fortunately, there were they’re not risking their own lives, but no injuries, but we saw more than 60 also their families, neighbours and those emergency services volunteers rush to the of our volunteers this summer. community’s aid, temporarily repairing Last month, the Government announced structures, removing fallen trees and it would give an extra $12.9m to stabilising buildings. We simply could not continue increasing bushfire awareness do without these magnificent individuals and education around the Prepare. who so willingly donate their time and Act.Survive strategy. We want to he next few months leading up to the ensure that every South Australian has energy towards helping others through a 2010/11 Fire Danger season look set the chance to adequately prepare for the T crisis. to be an extremely busy and challenging danger season. We recently celebrated and formally time. We’ve recently received the We’ll be holding the State’s second findings of Victoria’s Royal Commission recognised their contribution during th Bushfire Action Week later this year, into the Black Saturday tragedy, which National Volunteer Week from the 10 to th th which will be held from Sunday 10 of will inevitably impact on policies and the 16 of May. Through various events, October until Sunday the 17th. We’ll be procedures here in South Australia. we extended our genuine thanks and using that week to emphasise the need for We’re still in the process of working appreciation to the millions of people that people to act vigilantly and responsibly through these recommendations to look volunteer. It is the largest celebration of this summer. at ways in which we can boost our own volunteerism in Australia and is celebrated I’d like to take the opportunity to once resilience to bushfires. We already know annually. again commend the sincere dedication our volunteers do a tremendous job In South Australia we’re fortunate to and continual courage shown by all of our with the resources they have, but we’re have such giving individuals who donate volunteers. We simply couldn’t do without always looking for ways we can help their time and effort so generously to our your contribution to this State and you improve operations. Last month, we emergency services. This summer we will certainly do us all proud every time you announced that the Erikson Air Crane will have 15,000 CFS volunteers, as well as respond to an emergency situation. be returning to South Australia this fire over 1000 MFS personnel and more than We all know that should you be called danger season, along with another funding 2000 SES volunteers who’ll be ready to upon, your commitment to protecting boost for aerial fire fighting, which we protect South Australian communities this and defending the communities of South know is an essential component in helping bushfire season. Australia will be resolute. On behalf of all our volunteers on the ground. We do not want to see a repeat of the South Australians, Thank you. Volunteer 5 Firefighter Anthony Pieck leads the way during a Department news & updates of Environment and Natural Resources demonstration.

CFS Winter Expo at Port Lincoln a likely pilot for SA By: Terry Price

bushfire Winter Expo attended Following discussions with the Greater were on display with both CFS and MFS Aby over 2000 people at Port City of Port Lincoln Bushfire Prevention personnel on hand to share information Lincoln could become a pilot for South Committee Chairman Neville Starke, an with the interested public. Australia. invitation was made to CFS Chief Officer One of the most popular marquees on The event was organised by the Country Euan Ferguson and representatives of the foreshore was that staffed by the Fire Service in consultation with the Port the Native Vegetation Council to join in CFS Community Education team, and Lincoln community following the loss of discussions on issues arising from the hundreds of surveys were filled in by 15 homes, several sheds and 640 hectares Port Lincoln fire. members of the public. of land to a bushfire on 23 December last Ms Pedler said it became clear that the “The success of the day was I think year. community wanted the opportunity to shown by the fact there were very few CFS Community Education Officer access as much information as possible at suggestions as how the day could have Therese Pedler said the expo held on Port the one event. been improved,” said Ms Pedler. Lincoln’s foreshore was aimed at helping CFS Chief Officer Ferguson in turn “Fire prevention is everyone’s people prepare for the next fire danger committed the CFS to coordinate a fire responsibility, and not just the CFS and season. expo to be held in Port Lincoln. MFS. “The people of Lower Eyre Peninsula The overwhelming success of the Port “Planning your tactics against the have experienced more than their fair share of bushfires in the last decade, and Lincoln Winter Expo has encouraged the threat of a bushfire and understanding we wanted to provide all residents with CFS to look further at staging similar your personal circumstances, which the opportunity to access any business events in bushfire prone areas in SA. includes your family, pets and personal or agency that would assist them in The Port Lincoln event was supported possessions are important, basic steps to becoming bushfire ready,” said Ms Pedler. by local businesses and agencies take. “The expo was asked for by the including the Metropolitan Fire “Preparations for a bushfire should not community and everyone who Service, the native Vegetation Council, have to wait until the fire danger season contributed on the day was from the the Department of Environment and when fire prevention measures can be community. It was truly a community Heritage, SA Ambulance Service, implemented now. event.” SAPOL, RSPCA, the Eyre Peninsula “For this reason it was very pleasing Ms Pedler said the idea for the expo Natural Resources Management Board, to see so many people from Lower Eyre came from the staff involved in the the City of Port Lincoln and the District Peninsula attend the Winter Expo and Recovery Centre established after the 23 Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula. make use of the information available to December Port Lincoln fire. A range of CFS and MFS appliances them.”

6 Volunteer news & updates

Testimonials “This is an excellent idea for Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula. Bushfire prevention is vitally important in the area and it is an ideal way to get the bushfire messages through to the people of the district” Bryan Trigg, Cleve

“We are visiting Port Lincoln today and are finding this bushfire expo to be very enlightening. It should help people’s attitudes towards bushfire prevention.” Peter and Chris Bowden, Quorn

“I’m an ex-CFS volunteer and firefighter, and am very impressed with the advances in equipment which is on display here today. Bushfires are a big issue in this area and it is great to see this expo so well supported. More of the younger generation need to be taking over from the older blokes in the CFS and this is a good way to get to them.” Graham Hurrell, Port Lincoln

“I’m impressed with the response from the community today, and their response to ensure they are safe during bushfires. It’s brilliant to see the range of displays and support they are getting, particularly for private businesses. We do our best, but people need to look after themselves to stay safe.” Joe Tilley, Fire Management Officer for Department of Environment and Heritage

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1. Therese Pedler and Leonard Letton with essentials. 2. The Community Education Expo team, from left, Peta O’Donohue, Emma Wilson, Therese Pedler, Smokey, Felicity Hopkinson, Natasha Huber, Kylee McNamee. 3. An aerial view of the CFS winter expo site. 4. Region 6 Regional Commander Kevin May, left, with Paul Keys. 5. Brad Porter with the MFS triple Zero fire truck.6. Face Painter Jo Fox with one of her many customers on the day. 7. Enjoying the Expo, from left, Tumby Bay Group Officer Quentin Russ, Lower Eyre Peninsula Deputy Group Officer Kym Kenny, Therese Pedler, Ella Kenny and Rhonda Russ. 8. Anthony White from Eyre Peninsula Fire and Safety shows Lucas Anderson how to safely and effectively use a household fire extinguisher. 9. The SA Ambulance Service stand was well fitted out on the day. 10. Lincoln Brigade CFS Captain Greg Napier shows former Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay member Graham Hurrell some of the latest CFS equipment. 11. BOM representative Kylie Egan was on the Bureau of Meteorology stand. 12. CFS Coordinator of Community Programs Natasha Huber passes on Bushfire Ready advice to local residents.

Volunteer 7 news & updates 2010 National Emergency Management Volunteers Photographic Competition Awards AFS medal a fitting National Winner, Secondary Student Category ‘The heroes of the bush’ Tim Eckert, Meningie Area School finale for Trudy By: Terry Price, Media Liaison Officer

AFS medal recipient Trudy Whelan at her farewell recently with, from left, A/Chief Officer MFS Mick Smith, SAFECOM Chief Executive CFS ‘heroes of the bush’ photo David Place, and CFS Chief Executive Officer wins national competition Euan Ferguson. photograph capturing the spirit of the photograph captures the essence he honour of receiving the Australian Aemergency service volunteering, of community and team work during TFire Services Medal was a fitting taken by young South Australian Tim emergencies. achievement for Trudy Whelan just prior Eckert, has been awarded the Secondary South Australian Fire and Emergency to her retirement. Trudy has worked School Category National Winner of the Services Commission Chief Executive, tirelessly and with great dedication for 2010 National Emergency Management David Place, says he took great pride in over 30 years to ensure the psychological Volunteers Photographic Competition presenting fellow South Australian Tim wellbeing of fire fighters. Awards. with his national award at the ceremony, Trudy joined the SA Country Fire Service Tim recently accepted his award at a which also marked the beginning of (CFS) in 1978 as an administration officer special ceremony at the High Court of National Volunteer Week. and worked in a variety of administrative Australia in Canberra for his photograph, “It was fitting that this special positions, including the accounts section, titled ‘The heroes of the bush’. event, recognising emergency service undertaking human resources management It encapsulates Country Fire Service volunteering, marked the commencement tasks and managing the central and regional (CFS) volunteer firefighters recovering of National Volunteer Week. Our administration officers. after having fought a 3,000 acre bushfire emergency service volunteers are a vital During the tragic Ash Wednesday near Meningie which was shot by Tim just resource and competitions such as this Bushfires of 1983, she answered distressed before midnight on News Years Eve last allow the community to capture, share and calls on the bushfire hotline in the year. recognise the good work they do,” he said. communications centre. For the past 22 Tim and his family live near Meningie, “Tim truly is a deserving winner; his years until her recent retirement she has close to Lake Alexandrina in the State’s photograph captured the capacity and been instrumental in managing the delivery Upper South East. commitment of the CFS volunteers of welfare services to the CFS. It is an area facing bushfire risk and involved with the incident. Since 1988 Trudy has managed the Stress Prevention and Management Program to help thousands of CFS and SES volunteers CFS and CFA volunteers and has managed an Employee Assistance Program for career staff, including the role reinforce a strong bond of staff counsellor and has been on almost Brett, also a Mintaro CFS volunteer, drove constant 24 hour call. These programs their family’s 10-bed mobile home to have included the provision of a wide Kinglake to lend it to Kinglake volunteers range of psychological services, including who needed a roof over their head. training and education, group debriefings The mobile home became a home for a after critical incidents and individual and Kinglake volunteer and her three teenage family counselling. Trudy managed and children for over a year while the family coordinated an extensive peer support home was rebuilt. program and has been instrumental in the development of a nationally accredited During May this year five Kinglake Port Pirie MFS Station Officer and Mintaro and recognised Certificate 3 course in CFA volunteers arrived in Adelaide. CFS volunteer, Pat Hill and Mintaro CFS community services. Many emergency volunteer, Brett Hill enjoy a wine tasting with Pat and Brett picked them up from the services volunteers in South Australia Kinglake CFA volunteers on their visit to SA. airport and hosted them in Adelaide, have graduated from this course and Clare and Mintaro for three days, visiting have been involved in the CFS and SES, he strong bond of a Mintaro CFS and thanking locals who had donated working in conjunction with mental health Tfamily and Kinglake CFA volunteers goods or lent a hand with the Kinglake professionals to add to a multilevel service developed in the aftermath of the assistance. provision. catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires Kinglake CFA firefighter Di MacLeod Trudy has received awards from in Victoria, has been reinforced during said the visitors had enjoyed a wonderful WorkCover and the Critical Incident Stress a recent visit to Adelaide by CFA time on their SA visit. Management Foundation and has been volunteers. “The Hill family opened up their home constantly approached for information About a month after the bushfires, and their hearts to us. We have the and assistance by other local and interstate Mintaro CFS volunteer and Port Pirie deepest respect and gratitude for them,” agencies that recognise her program as MFS Station Officer Pat Hill and his son Ms MacLeod said. being best practice. 8 Volunteer Chance call began CFS news & updates

By: Terry Price, Media Liaison Officer association for Tony By: Terry Price, Media Liaison Officer ony Wege’s chance calling to a Tfire ground back in 1980 began an association with the Country Fire Service which has culminated in being awarded a Queen’s Birthday Australian Fire Service Medal. During cricket practice in the Mid North back in 1980, club members were asked to help fight a fire west of Georgetown, and Tony found himself on the fire ground. Having started that night as a Gladstone Cricket Club member, he found himself on the Gladstone CFS truck, and finished as a member of the Gladstone CFS. Impressed with the community aspect of it, Tony found he knew plenty of people at the scene which gave him a new appreciation of the community in a disaster. A member of Nuriootpa CFS and a retired high school teacher, he has been a central figure in local and State CFS operations. As a contract training consultant he Tony Wege CFS AFSM. Photo: Courtesy The Leader newspaper. set up the basis of modern-day training, leading the team which wrote many CFS training courses. These days he can visit in 2002 he led the planning team trailer crashes they can be extremely any station in SA and see the end result which focused on determining the difficult,” he said. of the work he started. methodologies for fire attack at five A training officer and mentor for Tony became Deputy Group Officer simultaneously burning fires. incident managers, Tony represents with Angaston & District Group in 1999, Tony says the hardest part of his CFS the CFS Volunteers Association on the remaining in the role for eight years, life has been attending road crashes. SAFECOM Training and Development and assisting in setting up the Angaston “Major extractions at road crashes Committee. Group Incident Coordination Centre. definitely take their toll on everyone He was also on the Region 2 Bushfire At Glen Innes in New South Wales concerned, and particularly with semi- Prevention Committee. True CFS love new CFS Show display

he South Australian Country Fire season CFS staff and volunteers will be TService will be showcasing its new on hand to offer advice on what actions BushfireReady Prepare.Act. they need to take depending on the Survive stand at the 2010 Royal predicted fire danger. Adelaide Show. It is important that all family members Located inside the Jubilee Pavilion, the understand the new arrangements so new mobile stand will focus on all South they can make appropriate safety choices Australians who live, work, travel or during days of high fire risk and during holiday throughout the State’s bushfire the bushfire. locations. For the children there will be daily There will be interactive tools on visits by the CFS Fire Safety Ambassador display to allow visitors to the stand to Smokey the Koala, along with plenty of asses their individual bushfire risk and games and activities for children visiting Photo: Head in the Clouds Photography. identify which Fire Ban district they the CFS stand. FS love was truly in the belong to. Leaflets and brochures will be available Cair when volunteers Aileen Craig and Visitors can type in their address and be on the Prepare.Act.Survive Marty Biro tied the knot in April. shown the location on the State map via message, as will a wide range of The newly commissioned Stirling a pin (small red mark). To find out the Prepare.Act.Survive promotional pumper greeted them as they exited Our fire ban district they belong to all they giveaways for both adults and children. Lady of the Rosary Church in Stirling. will have to do is click next to the pin. Visitors to the CFS stand will also Aileen and Marty’s relationship developed With a new bushfire advice and be able to order copies of brochures as they met on calls and socially as warnings system introduced in South and pick up the Prepare.Act. members of the Stirling CFS. Australia during the last fire danger Survive DVD. Volunteer 9 News & Updates CFS crews mop up after the One Tree Hill fire.

Fire on edge of Freeling

Roads blocked at One Tree Hill everal roads in the One Tree Hill Thirteen appliances, two bulk water Sarea were blocked to ensure the carriers, local farm fire units and safety of commuters during a fire on aircraft attended. 1 March. The blocking of nearby roads also The fire started about 3.30pm on the Gawler to One Tree Hill road, near kept firefighters safe as they worked on Medlow Road, with 14 hectares of and near the roads during the height of private land being burnt. the fire. Regional newspaper gives CFS volunteer numbers a boost By: Terry Price, Media Liaison Officer

ocal CFS Brigades across Yorke Close two hectares of scrub burnt near Freeling. LPeninsula will have their volunteer numbers boosted if the Yorke Peninsula lmost two hectares of scrub were Country Times (YPCT) has its way. Aburnt in a fire on the outskirts of the The widely read weekly dedicated its front township of Freeling on 1 March. page recently to launch its CFS Jump On The fire started about 2.30pm at the south Board campaign under the heading of We eastern end of Stockport Road. Need You. Brigades in attendance were Freeling, The paper said that whether attending Kapunda, Roseworthy and Sheaoak Log. a car accident or battling a bushfire, the Country Fire Service was crucial to the wellbeing of every Yorke Peninsula community. It went on to say: “Local volunteers give up their time to ensure the safety of others but the bottom Kapunda fire line is there just aren’t enough people putting up their hands to join their local suspicious CFS brigades. Many Yorke Peninsula stations are FS crews were in attendance at a currently lacking members and facing Cfire on the Freeling to Kapunda closure if the issue can’t be resolved soon. Road, near Schwartz Road, for four So the Yorke Peninsula Country Times is hours on 28 February. encouraging you to “Jump On Board” and The fire began about 10.45am and fire join the ranks of your local brigade before cause investigators placed the matter in the the summer bushfire season comes around hands of SAPOL. Phil Wapper, Fred Munzer and Andrew Cadd It burnt 20 hectares of stubble on private - with Andrew Stewart operating the hose — again. want you to join your local Country Fire Service YPCT will be featuring articles each week property. brigade. Photo: Nick Perry. on local CFS stations, its volunteers and Brigades from Kapunda, Freeling, how you can get involved.” Greenock and Sheaoak Log attended. 10 Volunteer aviation an eye in the sky By: Gary MacRae, Air Attack Supervisor, Aldgate CFS here’s the head fire? Where’s the the CFS can effectively gain bushfire Wbest place to commit strike teams? intelligence and pass it on to the people What’s the fire doing? What assets are who need to know in a user-friendly under threat?” These questions can be the format. The system was evaluated against biggest challenge for Incident Controllers, a range of likely fire situations for its Regional and State Controllers. strategic and tactical applications. As incident managers obtaining relevant, After having the opportunity to study a timely and accurate intelligence on a fire is controlled burn on Yorke Peninsula with essential for the decisions required both on the infrared sensor, Gary was enthusiastic The infra-red sensor provides air observers the fire ground and at coordination centres. with the results when reporting to the an image that cuts through smoke to assess This is also supported by investigations of Manager Aviation Services, David Cant. fire behaviour. the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Gary said that using the infra-red was like which identified the importance of the smoke wasn’t there. “I could clearly fireground intelligence, into fire control gathering accurate fire intelligence and see the fire edge, plot it and transmit centres, providing fire control managers disseminating it to strategic and tactical the information immediately to CFS with a level of strategic situational incident managers, and for the formation Headquarters,” he said. awareness that has not been possible of reliable community warnings. The infra-red sensor allows Air Observers previously. During March and April this year, to look through smoke and to closely On one mission, the Regional Duty CFS“ Aviation Services conducted a study fire behaviour and make accurate Officer, who was receiving a live video trial sponsored by the National Aerial assessments of such things as rate of stream of the operation, requested that Firefighting Centre, of an airborne spread, spotting distances and flame we show the fire and a local town on the surveillance platform. The trial involved a heights. The sensor has a powerful zoom screen to improve his perspective of where twin turbine engine aircraft fitted with a capacity and as a result the platform can the fire was. The aircraft was quickly and high performance electro-optical and infra- operate high above a fire, well clear of easily repositioned to accommodate this, red sensor (EOIR) and associated mapping bombing aircraft. The zoom also gives an upon which he made positive remarks systems. Air Observer the ability to detect fires at about the value of the image he was There were a number of key functions far greater distances than what can be seen viewing and how it significantly improved for the successful conduct of the trial with the naked eye. During the trial, fires his situational awareness. and two CFS volunteers undertook over 100 km away were detected. Another valuable point Gary made was critically important roles. Gary MacRae Combined with the mapping software, how the system enabled him to watch out of Aldgate CFS and an accredited Air the EOIR can quickly and accurately create for the safety of fire fighters on the ground. Attack Supervisor and Air Observer, flew maps of the fire edge and other points of In terms of the overall response to any in the aircraft to consider the systems interest, and almost instantly relay these to threatening fire, this platform system will from an airborne operational application a control centre. bring positive outcomes during for incident perspective. David Bradshaw of This system also allows operations to be predictions and community warnings than Kersbrook CFS and an RAAF aircrewman safely and effectively performed at night. current systems in operation. with experience in airborne tests and Previously only Line-scan equipment had Gary said this type of fire gathering evaluation, assisted with the trial planning this capability and from a CFS perspective intelligence could revolutionise the way and evaluation. this is a significant improvement in the strategic planners and incident controllers “This type of technology has been used intelligence available to the Incident go about their work. “It could provide by the military for many years and is well Management Team in their action planning information that is not possible with our proven, but it’s the first time it has been cycle. current systems,” he said. available to organisations like the CFS,” EOIR integrated with a data link system CFS presented its findings on the system David said. makes it possible to beam live, full-motion to the AFAC Wildfire Aviation Technical The trial’s mission was to evaluate how video and still pictures, as well as other Group.

This twin-turbo aircraft was fitted with an infra red sensor during an aerial fire detecting surveillance trial. Volunteer 11 CFSVA Photo courtesy of the SATC.

National Parks passes for CFS volunteers he CFSVA still has many free passes • Active membership of their respective Please note, some Parks are considered Tto National Parks available for CFS brigades. to be “commercial operations”, and free Volunteers. The pass allows free entry to a range of entry will not be available. However The intent of the CFS Volunteer Parks National Parks for one car plus passengers discount concessions to these Parks Pass is to recognise the direct relationship where vehicle entry fees are applied. The have been made available under this between the CFS and our National Parks. cardholder must be present in the car. scheme. These are annual passes and they are still The pass is numbered and will require The CFSVA hopes that volunteers will current until March 31 next year. that the vehicle registration number is make use of these passes and that they The passes are administered by the CFS clearly written on one side. The pass are seen as a small reward for the work Volunteers Association. The following needs to be clearly visible on the vehicle done on National Parks. The Association eligibility criteria apply: dashboard. will write to each Parks Pass holder • Members will need to apply on the So if you would like to take advantage towards the end of the 12 months to correct form (mail, fax or email. of this offer, go to the CFSVA website ascertain a satisfaction rating, and to also No telephone applications will be and download the application form. To measure how many times the pass was accepted) do this, simply click on the heading “CFS used. • Six months minimum service as Volunteer National Parks Pass” on the The Association thanks the Department registered on TAS. right hand side of the page. This will take of Environment and Natural Resources • Not available to cadet members of you to more information about the pass for making these passes available to CFS the brigades and to a link to the application form. Volunteers. CFS WATCHES 25kph limit he Association has new stocks of TCFS watches available for purchase past flashing lights by volunteers. These watches are in both he Association has been informed with other speed limits such as that male and female styles and sell for $140 Tthat legislation to amend the speed past school crossings, school buses each inc GST. They can be engraved on limit past emergencies to 25 kph is and road works. This will allow for the back. now being drafted. consistency and increased safety for If you would like to purchase a watch This is in line with a promise made by our people working at incidents on the contact Wendy at the state office on the State Government before the March roads. 8244 6500. election. It is worth noting that emergency We hope that this new speed limit will services in other Australian states are be in place by the end of the year. pushing to have the speed limits past The push to have the speed limit emergencies reduced from the posted reduced from 40 kph to 25 kph was limit, but are not meeting with much supported by all the unions and success. associations who represent members Our Government is to be from emergency services organisations. congratulated in supporting the This safety initiative will bring the concerns of all emergency workers on speed limit past emergencies in line our roads. CFS watches now available from the CFSV.A

12 Volunteer CFSVA

New legal service for CFS volunteer

is designed to deliver only preliminary is no obligation to come to our firm with advice. their problem.” CFSVA Executive Director, Wendy “But, obviously, if they want to be our Shirley said she was delighted that TGB client, we would like to act for them, given had met a challenge to “value-add” to the existing relationship that we at TGB CFSVA membership. have with the CFSVA.” Ms Shirley said that she expected FSVA members can now benefit “We get calls from members all the members to make strong use of the new from a free legal service. Leading time to find out what they should do in C service. She said that as many as 10 Adelaide law firm Tindall Gask Bentley one regard or another,” she said. “But consultations could take place per day, and (TGB) has launched a scheme to sometimes these issues were outside the that the value of the legal service might, provide several of its lawyers for up to scope of legal coverage the Association over a year, be as high as $250,000. 20-minute consultations on any legal is- provided. And now, these members The Association will co-ordinate the sue including business and property, wills will be able to come in and get some scheme. Members will need to call Wendy free preliminary advice from a range of and estates and family law matters. Shirley to make appointments to see one lawyers.” The service will come as an addition to of the TGB lawyers. National Parks passes the first hour of legal advice on any issue TGB Managing Partner, Morry Bailes Among the lawyers available for relating to a member’s CFS volunteering said he was thrilled that TGB, with nearly consultation will be Rod Foster Jones already provided by the CFSVA. 50 lawyers, was now able to offer the (business and property), Dina Paspaliaris This is a telephone service, so volunteers service. He added that it would come (family law), Donna Benge (wills and for CFS volunteers from all over the State will be able to with no strings attached. estates), Wendy Barry (family law), Julie easily access the legal advice. “Advice might, in many cases, be the Height (business and property), Mark TGB began the new service on July 21. only thing they need, and they can go Gowans (commercial dispute resolution), Appointments are scheduled every half away and resolve whatever it is they need Giles Kahl (business and property), Rob hour on Wednesdays. However urgent to resolve,” he explained. “If the advice is Warhurst (wills and estates) and Angela advice can be arranged. The scheme that they need to engage someone, there Burford (wills and estates).

NOTICE OF CFSVA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held at CFS CREW BAG Transport Training Centre 17 Wirriga St, Regency Park Tuesday October 12 2010, 10am Elections will be held for the following positions: President, Vice Presidents (2) Executive Positions (3) CFSVA representative on State OHS Committee 9.1.1 Nominations shall be received four weeks prior to the Association AGM, in writing and shall include the nominator, the seconder, acceptance by the nominee and a short resume of the nominee 9.1.2 All nominations, including resumes, shall be circulated to Sick of looking for your CFS overalls? branch delegates at least two weeks prior to the AGM Carry them with you in an approved 14.1 The Executive shall consist of the President, the Senior Vice CFS bag. Made from durable 11oz President and the Junior Vice-President, the Executive Officer canvas with yellow handles and and three other members of the Committee. The Executive is pockets each end and one side. to conduct the business of the Association between meetings of the Committee, at which meetings they are to appraise the Large Crew Bag: $50 Committee of decisions taken and to make recommendations Extra Large Crew Bag: $55 for consideration of the Committee We also manufacture ute seat The AGM will be followed by a General meeting. Please forward covers, swags and camper any agenda items to state office by Monday September 27 2010 units for tray top utes. All members welcome Lunch provided Please RSVP on [email protected] or fax 8244 6400 CANDY’S OF TINTINARA Wendy Shirley CFSVA Executive Director Ph (08) 8757 2285 Fax (08) 8757 2286 August 24 2010 www.candycanvas.com.au

Volunteer 13 From left, Gordon Jenkie from Mannum, Ian Jenkins from Lucindale, Dennis Page AFSM formerly from news & updates Forestry SA Mount Gambier, Bob David from Mount Gambier, Rex Hall AFSM from Naracoorte, Malcolm Unger from Mount Shank, Trevor Mitchell from Port MacDonnell and Terry Halford from Dublin.

Old friends reunited at heritage event

Some of the guests at the CFS Heritage reunion Founding member of the Happy Valley Brigade Dud Nicolle with Channel Nine personality from left, Murray Sherwill, Kristin and Euan Brenton Ragless. Ferguson, Anne Macarthur and Rita Sherwill.

he CFS Heritage Committee which many years which made it a very special The evening reunion at the Trecently held an inaugural reunion weekend,” Mr Hall said. Morphettville racecourse function of past and present members of South “This was made possible through the centre, featured CFS Chief Officer Euan Australia’s former Emergency Fire Serv- efforts of our reunion committee and the Ferguson, Deputy Chief Andrew Lawson, ice (EFS) and the Country Fire Service generous support of many sponsors who Channel Nine weather presenter Brenton (CFS) has vowed to make it a regular recognised the significance of this reunion Ragless and Parliamentary Secretary event. and were prepared to back it up.” Bernard Finnigan, as speakers The reunion dinner and barbeque lunch Mr Hall said he hoped that it would The success of the reunion has now the next day brought together close to benefit both former fire fighters and prompted the Heritage Committee 300 people. others who are current members of the to make it a regular event every five Committee president Rex Hall AFSM CFS. years. said many months of planning for this “It’s important to look back and “There was a lot of support by many event had paid off as an outstanding acknowledge the commitment of our past who attended over the weekend success. volunteer fire fighters and in doing so, to conduct another one and as a “Everyone had a great time, with quite a we hope to inspire future generations of consequence, we have pledged to do so in few who had not seen their old mates for young volunteers.” another five years,” Mr Hall said.

14 Volunteer VSS Volunteer Recognition and Support

Program (VERSP) By: Toni Richardson, Volunteer Management Consultant, VSS

Some of the employers who received certificates of appreciation for supporting their staff who volunteer in emergency services.

he Volunteer Recognition and Volunteer Strategy and Support branch to the emergency services. Without their TSupport Program (VERSP) is a is trialling the concept of mini VERSPs. support, it would be very difficult, and SAFECOM Board initiative designed These mini VERSPs are a similar format sometimes impossible, to provide rapid to acknowledge the valuable role that to the VERSPs but on a smaller scale. A emergency response coverage for our emergency service volunteers play in our BBQ is held at a brigade or unit and is community. This is particularly so during community, and to also acknowledge the sometimes single service, or may involve the daytime and during extended or protracted incidents or the deployment of support of their employers (including self all three emergency service organisations. intra and interstate Strike Teams. employed volunteers). Certificates of appreciation are presented So far this year we have held four mini VERSP events are held about four times to those employers, nominated by their VERSPs in Meningie (CFS), Port Augusta each year to coincide with the SAFECOM employees (volunteers) as providing (CFS, SES and MFS), Monash (CFS) and Board site visits. This year we have held genuine support for their role in the Jamestown (CFS). If you would like to VERSPs at Aldinga Beach, Wallaroo and emergency services. host a mini VERSP at your brigade, please Ceduna with a future VERSP planned for Employers (including self employed contact your local Volunteer Support Kangaroo Island. volunteers) are often forgotten when Officer or contact the VolunteerStrategy To complement these VERSP events, the recognising people for their contribution and Support branch.

Mentoring for succession By: Toni Richardson, Volunteer Management Consultant, VSS he Volunteer Strategy and Support on the ways the future leaders of the the mentoring process was going, any Tbranch was successful in receiving emergency services could engage with barriers people may have had, any a grant from the Federal Government’s the more experienced leaders in non- successes people may have had, and National Emergency Volunteer Support operational areas such as leadership and ways to improve the program so we are Fund to trial a mentoring program for management. Participants were provided able to make it available to all volunteers volunteers. The aim of this program was with information about what mentoring around the state. The participants were to address the need for succession plan- is, as well as strategies on how to set goals enthusiastic and provided some great ning within the emergency services. and to communicate effectively. Mentors ideas which we intend to use when we It was decided to trial a pilot program (people who were willing to share come back and visit the Riverland in a few in the Riverland where we invited both their knowledge and experiences) were months time. CFS and SES volunteers in the region to matched up with Mentees (the volunteers If individuals, brigades, groups or regions participate. An initial training session was that wanted some assistance with are interested in starting up a mentoring held in Berri, with a follow up session in achieving their goals) and the mentoring program, please feel free to get in touch Renmark. process began. with your local VSO or Toni Richardson The initial training session focussed The follow up session looked at how from the VSS Branch on 8463 4101.

Volunteer 15 Portfolio of projects Help needed ver the past months the CFS The Board would like to acknowledge he Foundation needs help from a few Foundation Board has considered and thank Ian and his family for O volunteers so that we can achieve our the many projects that require funding allowing us to tell just a little of his T goals. This might suit volunteers who in line with our objectives. Initially story. Ian has returned to his workplace have recently retired or are easing off funds will be raised to meet their and continues to improve day by day. from active fire fighting but wish to con- projects however we know that you Permanent Incapacity tinue making a contribution to the CFS. will understand that the work of the To assist in life needs by providing Two sub-committees of the Foundation Board is just beginning. specialised equipment to support, Board are being established to focus CFS Volunteer Support communication, home and transport on essential tasks. One will address Relief and assistance for injured modification and vocational retraining. fundraising matters and the other will volunteers and their families to continue CFS Volunteer Fund manage major events. through their greatest times of need. Financial assistance to families of Fundraising committee Immediate Need volunteers who are severely injured or The role of the Fundraising Committee Working with CFS management killed whilst performing their duties, will be to work with the Executive to support CFS volunteers and their will be developed through a corpus to Officer on a wide range of fundraising families in ways similar to the help be held in trust. activities. The Executive Officer has which was offered last year to Burra fire Upgrading of Technology experience in setting up and managing fighter Ian Kleinig. Working with the CFS in improving fundraising programs but needs help with and enhancing technology so CFS various administrative tasks from sealing volunteers can continue to operate, envelopes to computer data entry. The continually improving safety. workload would vary through the year. Fellowship and Leadership Grants On average it is expected that 1 or 2 The establishment of both fellowships days each month would be needed. And and leadership grants for CFS during a campaign this could treble for a volunteers. These may be used to couple of months. undertake a specialised training course, Event management committee education programs or to attend This committee would be responsible national and international conferences for planning and managing a major event Burra CFS volunteer fire fighter Ian for continual improvement of CFS designed to introduce the Foundation Kleinig who is grateful of the CFS volunteers. to potential supporters and to build Foundation’s support Permanent Memorial awareness of the Foundation among CFS A permanent memorial will be volunteers and the general public. The “I was fighting bushfires in Victoria workload of this committee will depend and after a near fatal accident woke developed to provide a place of on the nature and size of each event. No up in the Royal Melbourne Hospital solitude and reflection and a place to more than four major events are planned with my family at my bedside. The CFS permanently recognise CFS volunteers for each year so the workload should be Foundation responded quickly, arranged who we have lost in the line of duty. fairly evenly spread over the year. and paid for my family to be with me. These projects require policies to be Because most Foundation activities will The Foundation also supported my developed and sufficient funds to be be within Adelaide it would be easier family with emergency funds so that day raised to support this work. Initially a for Committee members to be within to day bills could be paid and for my Workplace Giving Campaign is being reasonable travelling distance. wife to visit and support me through my developed. There are many individuals To discuss how to get involved in one initial rehabilitation. who we know watch CFS volunteers of these Committees, contact Foundation The ‘Chief’ Euan Ferguson even sat down tools, head to their brigades and Chairman Vince Monterola on 8339 1311 by my bedside many times while I was attend car accidents and fires for the or 0447 331 300, or Executive Officer at the Royal Adelaide and Hampstead. benefit of their community. To many, Elizabeth Davis on 8332 3137 or Knowing that your boss has such a CFS volunteers are the community’s 0419 583 512. personal concern for you as well as local heroes. We are seeking the supporting your family through a very support of the community to difficult time certainly goes a long way demonstrate their admiration for your in the healing process. work and donate to the objectives of the I will remain forever grateful”. CFS Foundation. Marketing and promotion t this time, promotional materials During September we look forward Aare being developed. These include to the launch of the CFS Foundation a poster which will be provided to each website. With the help and support of Living and operating in regional SA, we’re highly brigade. We hope that you enjoy the CDAA , this electronic communication aware of the incredible personal sacrifi ce our CFS many faces of the CFS volunteer. At this tool will greatly assist the Foundation volunteers make for our community. time the Executive Officer, Elizabeth to communicate with CFS volunteers, Helping to ensure they and their families are supported, should they come to harm, is the Davis is undertaking a communication our stakeholders, sponsors and very least we can do. campaign through all regions to gain donors in a timely and cost effective Proudly supporting the CFS Foundation an insight into the individual regions manner. and also to discuss the work of the CFS We acknowledge and thank CDAA Solar Hot Water | Grid-Connect Photovoltaic | Solar Cube Stand-Alone Power Foundation. for their sponsorship and support. 16 Volunteer New Board member Christine Locher

From the chair By: Vince Monterola, AM, Chair, CFS Foundation

Board chairman New Board member New Board member Vince Monterola AM, chairman. Christine Locher. Rob Snowdon.

e are very pleased to welcome two servicing many leading private and public electrical infrastructure, construction Wnew Directors to the Foundation sector organisations. With national and and maintenance services for external Board. Christine Locher and Rob Snow- international associations through its customers in the competitive market. don are both highly successful leaders in parent company, the Rubicor Group, Christine lives in a CFS area while South Australia’s business community. Locher provides leading edge temporary Rob’s statewide responsibilities includes The exceptional talent they each bring and permanent recruitment and hundreds of staff located in towns in to the Board will complement the skills organisational development solutions. every CFS region. Both have seen CFS and volunteers at close quarters. and experience of the current Directors. Rob Snowdon is the General Manager In discussion with Christine and Rob Following 20 years in human resource of Construction & Maintenance Services before their appointments, I was most consulting Christine Locher, an industry for ETSA, who was elected to the impressed by the genuine admiration leader in her field, founded Australian Foundation Board in July 2010. Rob has they each expressed about the dedication owned Locher & Associates Pty Ltd more than 30 years’ senior management and work ethic of CFS volunteers. There in 2001. Since this time the company experience in the construction, is no doubt that this is a prime reason has attained Quality accreditation to executive development, finance and why they readily accepted the invitation AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 standard sporting industries. He is currently to join the Board by supporting the work and enjoys the enviable reputation of responsible for managing and growing of the CFS Foundation. COMMUNITY HELP NEEDED There are many different ways members of the community can help us. Would you like to support the work of the CFS Foundation? Initially we are looking for active volunteers to help with a major fundraising event at Balaklava in mid 2011. Please give Elizabeth Davis a call for a chat. Contact: Elizabeth Davis, Executive Officer • Phone: 0419 583 512 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/about_us/cfs_foundation.jsp #...... YOUR HELP REQUIRED TODAY 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 17 Mallala Council Fire Prevention Officer Peter Buttery and Rod Community Education Cunningham (CFS Community Ed Officer) during a Community Fire Safe Group meeting at Thompsons Beach.

CommunityPAC FIREFire australia Safe Groups By: Mary Morris hat would you do if there was Community Education Officer they “This program is brilliant and as a Wa bushfire heading toward learn about fire behaviour and bushfire bonus, I have met some of my new your home? Residents in Gumer- preparedness. neighbours! I think the Community acha are learning how to be Bushfire The Gumeracha group began when Fire Safe Program was delivered so well Ready, with the development of a series of Paula Tose, from Checker Hill Road, - Penny is a wonderful presenter who Community Fire Safe Groups in the area, saw Penny Kazla, Community Education made the information understandable and through the Country Fire Service (CFS). Officer, present a Bushfire Awareness relevant to our local situation.” Community Fire Safe Groups are aimed Session at the local Neighbourhood The last meeting for the group was held at assisting residents living in high bushfire Watch meeting. With support from at the Kersbrook CFS Station, where risk areas, by forming community action the CFS, it prompted her to organise local Captain, Graham Rehn showed the groups that develop plans and community and host a number of meetings group around the station. strategies to reduce the bushfire threat and with her neighbours to discuss and For more information about how to increase the community’s preparedness. gain information about their personal start up a Community Fire Safe Group in The groups may consist of just a few Bushfire Survival Plans. your area, or to find out how to become families living in the same street or within “I feel really empowered now to know Bushfire Ready, visit the CFS website an area that faces a common bushfire what to do in the event of a fire in our at www.cfs.sa.gov.au and click on to threat, and with the assistance of a CFS area,” Paula said. Education and Community Programs. Women learn essential bushfire survival skills undreds of women in bushfire Workshops across South Australia, and been funded by the CFS and the Attorney Hrisk areas of South Australia are feedback from those who have attended General’s Department and is delivered in becoming equipped with vital bushfire has been excellent,” she said. partnership with Rural Solutions SA. safety skills, as part of a series of two- “The workshops are an important The two-day workshop was spread over day ‘Firey Women’ workshops being run adjunct to other community education four Monday evening sessions, in April across the State. initiatives delivered by the Country Fire and May at CFS Region 1 Headquarters Demand for the workshops has Service.” in Mount Barker. surpassed the expectations of Country Topics include: Fire Service (CFS), and in response, an • Preparing yourself emotionally additional series of evening workshop • Understanding the new bushfire sessions will be held in Mount Barker warnings and danger ratings this month. • Deciding when to ‘leave early’ or ‘stay The workshops provide women with the and defend’ opportunity to learn new skills to protect • Preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan their families and livelihoods, in a safe, • Identifying hazards around the home non-threatening setting. • Operating pumps and fire fighting Fiona Dunstan, Manager Community equipment Education and Public Warnings, says the • Bushfire behaviour workshops provide information as well • Preventing injury as the opportunity for some ‘practical’ The workshops assist women to sessions. become Bushfire Ready, and follow a Some of the 17 participants of the Fiery “We have had many hundreds of successful pilot program offered on Eyre Women course at Trinity Haven, north of women attend the Firey Women Peninsula in 2008. The program has Port Lincoln. 18 Volunteer Community Education Basic bushfire skills for women ecently the CFS Community REducation Unit conducted one of its two-day Basic Bushfire Skills for Women Workshops at Eudunda. The workshops are based on lessons learned from the Wangary Fire near Port Lincoln, a fire that happened in relatively open cropping country and covers a wide range of topics designed to help people be better informed and prepared in the event of a bushfire. Some of the topics covered included: understanding bushfire behavior; deciding when to ‘leave early’ or ‘actively stay and defend’; preparing a bushfire survival plan; identifying hazards around the home; and operating pumps and fire fighting equipment. The eight Eudunda workshop participants were unanimous that it was an extremely worthwhile Jeff Ayres and Rod Cunningham, CFS Community Education Officers with course participants exercise and time well spent and were Jackie Meldrum of Lewiston and Linda Pfitzner, Mary Morris, Marilyn Pfeiffer, Toni Brown and disappointed that more people hadn’t Aileen Johnston, all of the Eudunda/Robertstown area. attended. The women believe that anyone who lives or travels in rural areas in the summer should learn about bushfire more danger. For example, driving off in challenge comments they have heard that survival skills such as how to protect the car when the fire was approaching “it wouldn’t happen here” or “I haven’t yourself from radiant heat and what to resulted in most of the deaths in the got time” or “it takes too long”. keep in your bushfire survival kit. Wangary fire. They encourage other rural and urban Having a well thought out and practiced Running the workshops well before fringe women to take the time to learn plan of what you will do in the event of the fire season has also given participants how best to survive in the event of a a fire will make you less likely to panic plenty of time to fine tune their plans bushfire and if there is a course offered and make unsafe decisions. Knowing and do hazard reduction around their near you, take part. You can also contact what sort of places are safer is important properties. the CFS to get a course happening in too so that you don’t put yourself in even The Eudunda workshop women your area. Quotes from Fiery Women training course

“I feel now is the time to act. I mustn’t wait!”

“The source highlighted the need to prepare your house should you be unable to leave. These are life saving strategies”

“Start preparing the night before rather than that morning”

“Education is the only way we can save lives. This course is excellent and a must for all”

“I did this course because even though I live in Adelaide I am in Port Lincoln a lot alone with my grandchildren and wanted to be more fire safety aware if there was a bushfire”

“I feel more empowered, more aware about fire safety and the importance of a fire plan and what steps to take if necessary. Learnt heaps more about bushfire safety - around the home and in the home. I feel I will be better prepared from now on”

“This program should be made available to all women in risk areas.”

“As I had already attended the pilot program I was able to observe the other participant’s knowledge and confidence grow. As they learned each section of the program they became aware of the need for a Fire Plan. Before the course it seemd daunting, probably still does, but now they have the tools & knowlege to achieve a good plan and to make well-informed decisions.”

“I now realise that there is much to do so that we are better prepared. I now have the tools and information so I can make our survival kit and plan and know how to implement them in the event of a fire.”

Volunteer 19 Tatiara Dry Fire Fighting Equipment Committee members Jason Kleinig and Incident Management Simon Rosenzweig with the equipment stationed on a local Keith property. Dry fire fighting equipment at work.

Dry fire fighting equipment proving its worth By: Toni Richardson, Volunteer Management Consultant, VSS

ry fighting equipment developed in float ready to go at a moment’s notice on that more HP and Traction would be an Dthe State’s South East continues to days of Total Fire Bans. advantage. prove its worth in combating fires Tatiara Dry Fire Fighting Scrub “With support from CFS Chief Officer in native vegetation, and saving Committee member Jason Kleinig said Euan Ferguson, we were able to buy a increased deployment of tankers and the dry fire fighting project began in 1999 second hand Log Skidder from Tasmania,” personnel. when local CFS crews couldn’t get access said Jason. The equipment was initially developed to a suitable tractor to use in a large scrub “This machine is 175hp and plated up to help contain fires in the Ngarkat fire near Naracoorte. to use in scrub, is 4x4 with 30.5 x 32 Conservation Park, allowing firefighters “Local people involved with land forestry tyres, has a scrub rake/dozer to very quickly construct a mineral earth clearance in the 1950s used a similar idea blade on the front, and a large Jib crane break approximately five metres wide for fire breaks, and with the Naracoorte on the rear to load the A-frame onto with one pass around a fire. fire a landowner had approval to place a a Tandem Wheel trailer and move the Once deployed, the Skidder coupled fire break around a 1400 hectare block of A-frame from job to job.” with the A Frame can construct a line up scrub or carry out a controlled burn in a This plant has now been used on to 12 kilometres hourly. section of it,” said Jason. approximately 700 kilometres of fire edge, With much of the conservation park “Another landowner lent a tractor which and while crews are still learning more difficult to access traditional methods of was suitably prepared to use in scrub and about its capabilities, it is proving to be a constructing fire lines are too slow, and not damage it. The Tatiara CFS Group very useful way to handle scrub fire. there is the added problem of water not constructed an A Frame to use behind the The Log Skidder has been used on being readily available. tractor and the whole project worked very Stringy Bark type scrub approximately 10 Originally developed to be in Ngarkat, well.” metres high and in cleaning up fallen logs the equipment was used at the Bookmark Over the next two years an A-frame at grass fires. fire in Region 3 in December 2006, and was made to cut six metres wide, and a The Dry Fire Fighting Committee is now has been deployed to fires in both the Chamberlain 4280 100hp Tractor was working on a project to provide a vehicle Naracoorte and Lacepede Groups. purchased and fitted with forestry tyres that can carry fuel, water and supplies, It can be used in conjunction with both and suitable plating to prevent damage and also act as a service vehicle for this tankers and quick response vehicles, or from the scrub. plant. with aircraft. This machine was used at a few fires These tractors have GPS/GRN Radio/ Based at Keith, the equipment is on a in the Group area, and it was evident VHF radio/UHF CB Radio fitted.

20 Volunteer Incident Management New Bushfire Management Arrangements

in South Australia By: Leigh Miller, CFS Prevention Services Manager will be writing to all member agencies will adopt the relevant Regional Bushfire seeking nominations to commence the Prevention Plans until a new Plan is establishment of BMCs before the next written. Fire Danger Season. The role of Local Government Local knowledge input Questions have been raised regarding Under the new bushfire management the role of local council District Bushfire arrangements, local input will Prevention Committees as they are no be gathered through a series of longer referred to in the Act. The CFS programmed community meetings using position is that the need for a District the bushfire risk assessment process Bushfire Prevention Committees is to be trialled on Kangaroo Island. This considered on a council by council basis. he Fire and Emergency Services Act process is much more comprehensive Such committees could be established T2005 was amended in November than any used in the past and uses a under the Local Government Act if 2009 introducing a 2-tiered bushfire mix of local knowledge and GIS data necessary. management planning structure to for the definition of bushfire risk and The lack of reference to District replace the pre-existing 3-tiered bushfire development of work plans to manage Bushfire Prevention Committees in prevention planning structure. that risk. the Act however does not relieve local The State Bushfire Co-ordination Bushfire Management Plans government of responsibility for bushfire Committee (SBCC) is now responsible A State Bushfire Management Plan management. Bushfire management is for bushfire management planning in is currently being drafted for adoption a shared responsibility for all levels of South Australia. Its membership was by the SBCC. This plan will set the Government and the community. Local gazetted on the 20th of May and the principles, policies and standards for councils retain the responsibility for Committee had its first meeting on the bushfire management in the State. managing bushfire risk on their land, 11th of June. The BMCs will prepare Bushfire the responsibility for issuing hazard The SBCC has divided the State Management Area Plans setting out reduction notices, and permits to burn into 9 Bushfire Management Areas a scheme for bushfire management during a fire danger season where they which was recently proclaimed by the consistent with the State Plan. The have authorised permit officers. Governor. The SBCC has also agreed on preparation of the subordinate plans is If you have any questions regarding membership of the associated Bushfire subject to transition provisions under this new process contact your CFS Management Committees (BMCs), and the Act and in the first instance BMCs Regional Prevention Officer.

Cadets

Anzac Youth Vigil By: Lisa Greig, Youth Development Officer, VSS n Saturday 24 April 2010 the This year young people from 13 different Oyoungest members of the Country youth groups including CFS and SES Fire Service (CFS) and the State Emer- cadets took part in performing various gency Service (SES) took part in the duties in the ceremony and throughout eleventh ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil at the the night for the 12 hours leading up to South Australian State War Memorial the Dawn Service before they handed over on North Terrace. to the Defence Force Catafalque Party at Thirteen young people from the 6.00 am on Sunday morning who in turn Williamstown, Weetulta/Nalyappa, Two ‘held ground’ during the Dawn Service Wells, Gumeracha, Eudunda, Kapunda and the ANZAC Day March. and Brentwood CFS brigades and The icy wind and rain couldn’t dampen Edinburgh, Maitland and Port Lincoln the spirits of the cadets who attended the Units joined members of various youth State Vigil, many of whom stood wearing local volunteer organisations to brave the family medals, and few of whom got any CFS cadets who took part in this year’s cold and wet conditions and recognise the sleep. Anzac Youth Vigil at the State War Memorial. legacy of ANZAC. The young people were exceptional The ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil stems representatives for the formal ANZAC Congratulations to all the cadets who from the military tradition of ‘Holding Eve ceremonies including laying tributes represented the Country Fire Service Ground’ whereby a reconnaissance patrol to the fallen, meeting the State Governor’s and the State Emergency Services at the would find and hold strategic position in His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil and thank you preparation for the arrival of their army. Scarce, educating touring dignitaries to the cadet leaders for their support and This would often involve an all-night vigil, on the symbolism of the monuments, enthusiasm, and for making it possible for keeping awake on watch, alert that the standing guard, and delivering eloquent CFS and SES cadets to be involved in this area of battle is secured against threat. speeches to the assembled guests. important event.

Volunteer 21 From left, MFS Chief Officer Grant Lupton, SES Acting Chief Officer Matt Maywald and CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson.

NEW PORT LINCOLN EMERGENCY SERVICES PRECINCT he Country Fire Service (CFS) in SES Acting Chief Officer Matt Maywald and CFS Chief TPort Lincoln has now moved to a Officer Euan Ferguson unveil a plaque at the opening new permanent base which was officially of the new emergency services precinct in Port Lincoln opened by the Minister for Emergency Services, Michael Wright in August. The new facility is part of a $9.2 million combined emergency services precinct. The precinct, which is bounded by St Andrews Terrace, Stevenson Street and Matthew Place, also accommodates facilities for the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and the State Emergency Service (SES). More than 200 people attended the official opening on August 15. “Nowhere else in South Australia will you find these three emergency service organisations co-located in quite the same way,” Mr Wright said. “This has significant benefits for everybody living on Eyre Peninsula, for people who holiday here each summer and for those who travel through the region, allowing us to provide a service unequalled in rural South Australia,” Mr Wright said. Working together from the one precinct enables the CFS, MFS and SES to better manage their response to a major incident. “Whether it is a bushfire, a large industrial fire, a bad road crash, major storm damage or a boating accident, we will be able to deliver a more coordinated The new emergency services precinct at Port Lincoln. response through improved information management and better physical and resource management,” Mr Wright said. training in the road crash rescue area, The precinct can be used as a Level 3 larger and improved operational command Incident Management Centre and can areas and vertical rescue training facilities. also be used by other State Government Following the opening by the Minister, agencies – such as Primary Industries and CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson and the Resources SA (PIRSA) – to coordinate its SES Acting Chief Officer Matt Maywald response to such things as a locust plague. formally commissioned the joint CFS/SES CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson at the The state-of-the-art facility also has facility. opening of the new emergency services a 30-metre tower for improved radio MFS Chief Officer Grant Lupton also precinct in Port Lincoln. communications, lighting for night-time formally commissioned the MFS facility. 22 Volunteer cadets Sturt CFS cadets take part in SES training By: Sara Pulford Over 40 CFS cadets from several brigades including Morgan, Swan Reach, Naracoorte and Allandale East attended a two day workshop at Keith recently. hen Sturt CFS Group Cadets Wjoined the Sturt SES Unit for a little cross service training early this year, little did they know what they Cold but rewarding were letting themselves in for. Having demonstrated the use of a Stokes litter, the appropriate knots combined cadet camp and correct lifting techniques, the SES n extremely cold, but very teamwork and good behaviour, via trainers offered the cadets an unusual Arewarding Regional CFS Cadet activities such as map reading, GPS use, way to prove that they had been camp was held at Keith from 21-23 May. rope and knot tying, a maze activity, listening attentively. Over 40 cadets from Regions 3 and 5 archery and an appliance fire hose drill. Once securely knotted into the attended the two days of training to gain Region 3 represenation was from as Stokes litter the “victim” was handed hands on fire fighting skills as well as far as Morgan, Swan Reach, Cambrai, a tumbler of water and told not to team work and leadership skills. Palmer, Pinnaroo, Tailem Bend, Mannum spill it.The rest of their team turned The 20 cadet leaders and coordinators and Glossop. the litter upside down and then on its also found it a valuable opportunity to Region 5 representation came from head! network with others and plan extra joint Naracoorte, Tilley Swamp, Laffer, Port Needless to say, despite getting a bit training sessions. MacDonnell and Allandale East. wet, great fun was had by all and a Cadet units were broken into six mixed Two cadets from Enfield SES also lesson in team work was well learnt. teams earning points towards a reward. attended, along with their leader Lyn Sturt Group Cadet Coordinator Points could be obtained through Little, who was the Instructor for the Sara Pulford (Coromandel Valley exercising acquired skills, leadership, “Ropes, Knots and Lines” training. Brigade) SES volunteers Alan Mundy, Matt Burnett, Peter Miller & Shane Barnes. Eudunda CFS cadets recognised Cadet supervisors Jim Pulford, Bec Wilson & Rick Philp (all Coromandel Valley Brigade) The CFS Sturt Cadets meet on Wednesday evenings for two hours from 6.30pm.

Back: Angus Murray, James Riley, Corey Voight, Matthew Iles, Kyle Murray, Alex Severin, Liam Wegener and Ryan Harvalik. Front: Dylan Higgins, Danielle Jones, Brendan Riley.

he Anzac Day vigil at the Adelaide At the Tuesday night training in TWar Memorial did not go unrewarded Eudunda, youth trainer Lee Iles said it for three Eudunda CFS cadets who re- was hoped these young people will step cently received commendations from CFS up into seniors ranks. Chief Officer Euan Ferguson. The cadets do basic fire training, go out Danielle Jones, Angus Murray and in the trucks for practice, and they all Matthew Iles were among 30 South said it was great fun. Lee said Australian CFS cadets who kept vigil that anyone over 11 years of age can over the Anzac Memorial prior to the become a cadet and that the training Catafalque Party on the eve of the services. is free. They were awarded with certificates and They can go into the senior ranks when Sturt CFS cadets observe a rescue training T-shirts from the CFS. they are 16. exercise. Volunteer 23 24 Volunteer Training

Rose Squire, Natahnia Ambados and Miriam Buxton at work on a doorways2construction project.

All girls construction course a win-win for all By: Terry Price

week-long construction industry involvement from councils, Housing SA handywoman tips. Atraining course for women held at and Rotary clubs. Rose has also built many homes but the CFS State Training Centre at The CFS was approached to when it came to building her own home Brukunga has turned into a win-win be the venue for the course after she involved an exclusive workforce of situation for all involved. doorways2construction™ has completed women. doorways2construction™ is a VET in projects for the CFS since 2006. “The CFS volunteered the possibility of Schools initiative of the Construction Program Manager, of ConstructionSkills the construction of two porch/verandas Industry Training Board (CITB) and doorways2construction Stevie Birnie, needed to protect weather-side doorways Department of Education and Children’s said it was a win-win situation for both, which were notoriously slippery and Services (DECS). the CFS needing the expertise and labour dangerous. Now in its 11th year, it started with and the program requiring live-site “The CITB brokered the program, five schools as a pilot program with 50 experience. Pasadena High School released a teacher/ enrolments, and today has almost 700 “Given the girls’ program was trainer and Rose volunteered her time enrolments and 43 schools, delivering a somewhat unique we asked carpenter/ while the CFS provided materials.” national Cert I in General Construction builder Rose Squire to be their mentor The result was a five-day residential (CPC08) at Year 11 with the option to and throw a high level of professional program that was hugely successful and continue at Cert III level in Year 12. building experience over the project,” will lead to a second week later in the Earlier this year, program Steve said. year to complete a third veranda covering administrators decided that girls had long Rose is regarded as a veteran champion a disabled access ramp and some paving. been under-represented in the industry of women in the construction industry, “The girls very quickly worked as a and asked Pasadena High School to host having worked 32 years as a carpenter. team, they were highly cooperative. the first all-girls course. Each program She also runs home maintenance courses Interestingly this is not always observed gains on-job experience by being involved at the WEA and appears regularly in our all-male programs where they in a community project, with previous on ABC radio with handyman and become highly competitive,” Steve said. Success for Schools and Beyond he Schools and Beyond program joined the Birdwood Brigade and has Thas proved its merits in the case of now completed his Undertake Road 18-year-old Birdwood CFS volunteer Accident Rescue (URAR) course. James Ferguson. He is preparing to complete other While still a student less than 12 courses in the near future. months ago, James acquired his BFF1 James’ rapid progress can be attributed certificate through his participation in to the exposure he received from the Schools and Beyond program. the Schools and Beyond program and James Ferguson during his Undertake Road Since completing that week at the his experience at the State Training Accident Rescue (URAR) course at the STC at Brukunga. Brukunga State Training Centre he Centre.

Volunteer 25 The smoke alarm alerted a family Region 1 of six who were sleeping as a fire began to burn under an oven in this Morphett Vale home.

Smoke alarm saves six lives By: Matt Bonser, Lieutenant Morphett Vale CFS Morphett Vale family is lucky to be Investigations revealed the fire had Incident Controller Matt Bonser said Aalive after a smoke alarm alerted been smouldering for several hours the importance of having a correctly them to a fire in their kitchen in August. under the oven on a timber cupboard. fitted and working smoke alarm cannot Four adults and two children were asleep Sections of the burning cupboard had be overstated in this incident which as their house filled with smoke just begun breaking away and falling into the saved six lives. before 1am. The family quickly moved cupboard below, igniting a pile of plastic “Smoke alarms should be tested every outside and called emergency services. bags. month, with batteries replaced at least CFS and MFS crews responded to the Had it not been for the activation of a every twelve months,” he said. incident and found a house full of smoke smoke alarm, this incident could have “A 240 volt smoke alarm is the best with no obvious source of the fire. ended in tragedy. option for all homes”. Prime mover destroyed near Crafers

prime mover carrying a B-double Asemi-trailer laden with empty wooden pallets was destroyed in a fire on the South Eastern Freeway, 200 metres south of the Heysen Tunnels near Leawood Gardens, on Thursday, 25 March. About $250,000 damage was caused in the blaze which saw traffic temporarily stopped on the freeway. The incident was attended by Burnside, Stirling, Piccadilly and Aldgate brigades The prime mover well alight on the South Eastern Freeway. Photo by Jeff Anderson. along with the MFS. 26 Volunteer Region 1 GPS training at Charleston Conservation Park By: Paul Thurkle, Lieutenant, Goolwa Brigade

oolwa brigade members and GMundoo Group officers recently had a fun Sunday out when they attended GPS training at Charleston Conservation Park. The course, “Navigate in Urban and Rural Environments”, encapsulated not only essential navigation and orienteering techniques, but also the main functions of the standard CFS GPS unit, the Garmin GPS 76. The day was preceded by two Monday night training sessions about the GPS units and plotting tracks using grid references and basic orienteering tools. These tracks were then followed on the ground a few weeks later in the conservation park. All members were impressed at how they had managed to follow a course through scrub with not many visual clues to go by, just Goolwa Brigade members and Mundoo Group officers during GPS training at Charleston compasses and maps which were getting Conservation Park. Photo by Paul Thurkle. wetter and wetter as the day went on! Despite being a cold and wet day, the group cars and followed another, longer with the time spent and agreed the new bush was a beautiful place to spend course, practising some newly learned skills would be very useful in practice. a Sunday, although the local wildlife skills along the way. Skills learned Many thanks to Robin Geytenbeek, may not have been so happy to have included estimating distance to a point, Bob Kearney, Geoff Capper, Daniel their space invaded by lots of noisy working out the current location from Austin and Matt Davis for delivering bushwalkers wearing hi-vis jackets! fixed landmarks on the map and how to this training in their own time with Several kangaroos were spotted, though put all this information into practice on only the lure of sandwiches, cake and not for long. the fireground. appreciation of their efforts to make it all Later the members jumped in their All attendees had fun and were pleased worthwhile! Rescue involved plumber’s van By: Jeff Anderson Double two-vehicle collision on Main Road cutting gear was used to extricate the fatality on Aat Blackwood on 25 March was person. attended by CFS crews from Blackwood The plumber’s van was fully loaded, and Eden Hills. including oxygen and acetylene cyclinders freeway A male was trapped in the van, and which fire crews had to safely unload.

The scene of a two person fatal car accident. Photo by Jeff Anderson.

he South Eastern Freeway near the TNairne overpass was closed on 24 April following a double fatality motor vehicle accident. The freeway was closed to city-bound traffic for almost five hours while SAPOL Major Crash investigations were carried out. Crews working inside the upturned van. Photo by Jeff Anderson. Mt Barker CFS attended the scene.

Volunteer 27 Region 2 One Tree Hill Book released to coincide celebrates with 50th ifty years ago in 1960 a public – 50 years of emergency service – a Fmeeting of One Tree Hill residents history of the One Tree Hill Country half a century decided to form the One Tree Hill Fire Service 1960-2010”. By: Bevis Dixon, Life member One Emergency Fire Service. Bevis started writing the history initially Tree Hill CFS Brigade The history of the One Tree Hill CFS for his own interest, and then realised has now been told in a book released that others may be interested in learning by the brigade at their 50th anniversary about the brigade’s history. The 80- celebrations in May. page book has many clearly annotated The book was written by One Tree Hill photographs in black and white and CFS Life Member Bevis Dixon who used colour showing the brigade’s vehicles brigade records along with his personal and members over 50 years. collection of photos, newspaper Copies of the book are available for a cuttings and his personal experiences small charge (proceeds to OTHCFS) by One Tree Hill CFS Brigade Captains with the accumulated during 37 years of service. contacting Bevis Dixon on 82840210 or Honour Board, from left, Peter Watson, Trevor The book title is “From Khaki to Yellow [email protected] Norris, Vince Cozzitorto, Andrew Mount, David Cockburn (current Captain), Roger Brown, Lance Walter. Curramulka station opens By: Stewart Germaine 40 Years 10 Years ne Tree Hill CFS Brigade has n Sunday April 18, CFS Chief Malcolm Grundy Jamie Baker celebrated the 50th year of the Officer Euan Ferguson officially O O Graham Murdock Andy Bennett Brigade with a very successful event held opened the new Curramulka fire station. in the fire station. Rob Tonkin Lewis Bennett Approximately 100 CFS volunteers, as James Bullock After months of planning, about 150 well as the general public, attended the 30 Years Rodney Button David Buttfield guests attended the event on 15 May. function which has come about after Bronte Detmar Leah Bywaters Attendees included many past brigade more than 10 years of planning. Also Keith Nankivell Rosemary Bywaters members who rekindled old memories as in attendance were Southern Yorke Vanessa Bywaters they viewed a comprehensive display of Howard Ramsay Group Officer Peter Germaine, Region 2 Robert Rigoni Wendy Dalling photographs showing the development of Commander John Hutchins and District Neville Watters Mark Filmer the brigade over 50 years. Council of Yorke Peninsula Mayor Ray 20 Years William Franke The brigade was formed in 1960 following Agnew. Greg Bray Brendan Grundy a public meeting to discuss fire protection A brief history of events prior to the CFS Peter Bywaters Steve Kolla in the district. brigade was given by previous captains Allan Cross Lee Phillips The first appliance was a 1944 Ford V8 Rex Watters and Rob Tonkin. Stephen Fooks Shannon Phillips truck housed in a ramshackle wooden Euan Ferguson marked the occasion by Peter Germaine Rudy Pieck shed that passed for a fire station. Two opening the new station’s roller door and Michael Haylock Craig Piller special guests were Rex Hall and Lance handing a plaque to Brigade Captain, Scott Helmore Jo Piller Walter who were present at the public Neville Watters. Daryl Jones Adam Polkinghorne Kenn Rogers meeting in 1960 and became founding Thanks must also go to previous Captain Theo Kolla Elsie Sauerwald members of the brigade. Ray Phillips and the previous Group Neil Lehmann Bill Sauerwald Brigade Captain David Cockburn opened Officer Greg Butler for their unwavering Fraser McEvoy the formalities by welcoming everybody, efforts which began many years to get a David Short Janice McEvoy Seth Thompson before introducing the guest speakers, new station. Ivan McMahon John Warren CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson, Mayor Euan also presented service medals at the Ray Phillips function to long-serving members from Lin Warren of Playford and former One Tree Hill CFS Jutta Rigoni Gavin Watters member Martin Linsell, and Region 2 the Southern Yorke Group. Les Starr Commander John Hutchins. The ceremonies included the presentation of a 50 year commemorative plaque, presentation of brigade life membership awards to Roger Brown, Linda Cozzitorto and Dawn Leonard, unveiling of the brigade honour board and the release of a brigade history book entitled ‘From Khaki to Yellow – a history of the One Tree Hill Country Fire Service 1960 to 2010’ written by life member Bevis Dixon. No birthday is complete without a cake and following the formalities a huge birthday cake was cut up for all to enjoy along with a tempting spread for Members of the CFS Curramulka Brigade at the opening of their new station. afternoon tea. 28 Volunteer Tim Reynolds from Jervois CFS explains Region 3 the workings of the new type 34 appliance to Reservists Soldiers from the 9th Brigades’ Ready Response Force.

Exercise Rhino Surge TRACY MOVES ON fter seven years as Regional first of its kind in SA AAdministration Officer with the CFS at Murray Bridge Tracy By: Marty Taylor, Regional Operations Planning Officer, CFS Region 3 Mitchell is moving on. he first multi-agency exercise of its The “show and tell” was conducted She has moved to a similar role, Tkind to be held in South Australia at the Murray Bridge Showgrounds. only full-time, with the SES East was conducted at Murray Bridge in May. Each agency had a static display of their Region, also based at Murray Bridge. Exercise Rhino Surge was a multi agency specialised equipment and manpower, Tracy is pictured with Region 3 exercise involving 150 Reservist Soldiers the RRF in a round robin visited each Volunteer Support Officer David from the 9th Brigades’ Ready Response display learning about how the emergency Baker. Force (RRF), volunteers from a wide services go about their business. range of State Emergency Service Units Neil Nason of the Region 3 Operations (SES) and Country Fire Service (CFS) Support Brigade walked and talked the Recognition Jervois and Region 3 Operations Brigade. soldiers through the role of the IMT Pod. The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Tim Reynolds from Jervois CFS for Meningie were represented by crews from Station explained with great pride the varied and 20 and Police (SAPOL) by Sergeant Eddie important role his Brigade plays within volunteer McLean, Training Officer from Murray Region 3 as custodians of the Hook Truck Bridge. and the ever growing number of pods they The primary motivation for this exercise transport. employers was to showcase each agency in order to Tim held his audience spellbound as he learn more about each others’ capabilities gave a detailed explanation of the new and how they could work together in a type 34 appliance. The soldiers were very time of emergency or disaster. impressed not only with the specialised equipment available to the CFS but more so in the amount of training that a volunteer is required to undertake and the commitment needed. Well done to both Neil and Tim. The following day, the RRF and SES were set the task of search and rescue Region 3 Commander Richard Coombe, from a flood event in the Saunders Creek second from left, with CFS volunteer employers and Marne Gorge area. Casualties in need at Meningie. of help had to be carried out on foot and Attendees at the first multi-agency exercise in the case of finding a body the search eningie CFS volunteers of its kind to be held in South Australia were teams had been taught by SAPOL how to recognised their employers at a pictured during the event at Murray Bridge. M preserve evidence at the scene. presentation evening on 13 May. Brigade Captain Adam Hurle Secondary School students learn said it was appropriate that they recognised their employers during about volunteering National Volunteers Week. he Murraylands Career Expo was After a hearty BBQ meal of locally Theld at the Murray Bridge Race killed meat, Regional Commander Course on 20 May. Richard Coombe spoke on the Murray Bridge Volunteers Kym Allen important role that the employers and Ryan Hansen discussed the benefits of of volunteers and self employed volunteering, and the “value it can add to volunteers play in the provision of your CV” with interested secondary school emergency services within the local students. community. Approximately 1200 students from as Commander Coombe presented far afield as Birdwood, East Murray and those employers and self employed Coomandook attended. volunteers present with a framed Kym Allen and Ryan Hansen with some Kym described the day as a wonderful certificate, and thanked them for their of the students attending the Murraylands opportunity for the CFS to engage with support. Career Expo. youth from across the region. Volunteer 29 Region 3

Meet our road crash rescue “angels” By: Richard Mitchell he Murraylands has a new weapon 2001, and both Heidi and Karen since managing the crash scene, systematic Tin the fight to cut the road toll - 1996. extraction including what to do if the three fully trained “angels”. Also taking the course, held in March, vehicle was on its roof, side and unstable, Rebecca Pudney, Heidi Scarlett and were CFS members from the Pinnaroo, use of jaws of life, spreaders, rams and Karen Zerk from the Lameroo Country Coonalpyn, Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge reciprocating saw. Fire Service (CFS), have just completed and Dalkeith brigades.Mr Spratt said the their road accident rescue (RAR) Lameroo Brigade currently had the highest Article courtesy Murray Valley Standard training course prompting brigade number of females, six, trained in RAR captain Donald Spratt to dub them the in region three, which covers the Mallee, “Lameroo Rescue Angels.” Riverland and Murraylands area. Lameroo CFS lieutenant and group “We were so impressed with the three training officer Rebecca Pudney said she Lameroo participants that they and our found the course interesting and physically other female RAR members will be hard after the trio had to cut up 12 cars receiving their own special T-shirts with over the three days. their names on the front and “Lameroo “A crash scene is very hard to manage Rescue Angels” on the back,” he said. physically and mentally, especially if there He said the three Lameroo women is more than one car involved, so I want had received their accreditation and the to make sure that I support my fellow respect from their peers that goes with the CFS members and ensure we have enough achievement. Ready to roll: Lameroo Country Fire Service crew to respond,” she said. The RAR training course involved road crash ‘angels’ Heidi Scarlett, Karen Zerk and Rebecca Pudney. Rebecca has been a CFS member since learning to respond to a vehicle accident, Morgan Brigade Driver Training By: David Lindner ecently people may have noticed emergency situation when approaching second? So if it takes two seconds to Ra couple of different CFS trucks stop signs, traffic lights or a ferry queue. react, you are 56 metres closer to what driving around town during the day. The Every situation that we encountered you are about to hit without reducing two trucks were being used to deliver had to have a decision process that put any speed. the CFS Defensive Driver Training everyone’s safety first. This is where During the afternoon, we had some course. This is a one-day course which the defensive driving part was highly fun getting to know our vehicle’s incorporated a number of disciplines and emphasised. Issues included: when do capabilities. South of Morgan we were has nationally accredited components. you use sirens, when to turn them off, taught some 4-wheel driving techniques. The course started off with an overview recognising fatigue and dealing with It was amazing where these trucks fully of some important road rules, most of it, keeping a four-second clearance loaded can go and where they should which were a very good refresher for from the vehicle in front of you, not go. some of us as it is quite some time since understanding braking distances and We also learnt how to stop on steep we first got our driver’s licence. We reaction times. slopes and smooth rolling starts on looked at scenarios of what we as an Did you know that when travelling the same slope, going forwards or emergency service are allowed to do in an 100 kph you are covering 28 metres per backwards, up or down the hill. Ray has become this year’s face of courage ne Meningie resident and Country “Australians are known for their fighters across the country, I feel I have a OFire Service (CFS) volunteer is set compassion and willingness to put their commitment to my community to lend a to visit every home in the Murraylands, hand up to help when it’s needed most,” hand in times of need,” he said. Riverland, South Coast, Barossa Valley she said. and Kangaroo Island during the next six Mr Squires has given 47 years of service Article courtesy Murray Valley Standard weeks. with the CFS and has earned Australia’s Coorong CFS deputy group officer highest fire service honour, the Australian Ray Squires is the face of the 2010 Fire Service Medal in 2006. White Pages, which will be delivered to Beginning his CFS service with the doorsteps around the region. Goolwa Brigade at the age of 15, Mr Each year a local from the region is Squires has volunteered for strike teams chosen as the face for the White Pages when available and has attended many for their contribution to the community. fires, including the devastating Sydney White Pages group manager Jane fires and Kangaroo Island fires. Blackley said Mr Squires was chosen for Mr Squires said he saw the White Pages this year’s edition as he exemplified what recognition as a thank you to all CFS Face of courage: Meningie resident and CFS it meant to be a courageous Australian, volunteers. “As a member of the Coorong volunteer Ray Squires as he appears on the the theme for 2010. CFS Group, and like many other fire region’s White pages cover. 30 Volunteer Region 4

Hallett Group Farewell service medal Brinkworth presentation 32, Welcome By: Ross Haustorfer, Terowie Brigade Captain. Brinkworth 34

he Hallett CFS Group held their TCFS Service Medal Presentation in July at the Terowie Institute Hall. From left, Regional 4 Regional Planning Three of the four Brigades in the Group Officer Bluey Devine, Terowie Brigade were involved with Spalding Brigade Captain Ross Haustorfer, Hallett Group having held its presentation earlier on Officer Merv Robinson, 50 year medallist With Brinkworth 34 are, from left, Phil Pese, Bob Fisher, and Acting Chief Officer Andrew Australia Day. Steve Welke,Gregg Elliss, Jake Verran, Bob Lawson during the Hallett Group medal Hallett, Whyte Yarcowie and Terowie Green, Phil Verran and Fred Groom. presentation. were the remaining Brigades and there were 44 medals presented, equating to t was “Farewell Brinkworth 32” and “Welcome Brinkworth 34” on 1128 years of service. There are 29 senior female members, I 23 February, when CFS Infrastructure In the absence of Chief Officer Euan both operational and operations support, and Logistics Officer Phil Luxford Ferguson who was overseas at the time, in the Group. delivered a spanking brand new truck Acting Chief Officer Andrew Lawson Approximately 120 members and to this appreciative group of Brinkworth attended to present a 50-year service family attended the presentation which volunteers. medal to Bob Fisher of the Terowie was followed by a superb country style Also in the welcome party was Region 4 Brigade. supper supplied by the members’ wives Training Officer, Phil Tapscott, who drove At the time Bob had given 53 years to and partners, female members and cadets from Port Augusta for the occasion. the CFS and the community. from the three Brigades. CFS trucks are replaced, on average, Of the 44 medal recipients, nine of A great afternoon was had by all and every 20 years but Brinkworth 32 had them were to female members with the could not have been achieved without the served the community for an extra two longest serving being 33 years. support of all involved. years. Phil Luxford gave the local boys a ‘conducted tour’ of the truck’s features, A memorable evening for which include a lead-filled pipe at the front to assist with balance and traction when carrying a load of water. They were Gulnare members and families cautioned not to remove it, as putting it By: Phil Tapscott, Region 4 Training officer back would be a heavy job!

he handing over of the keys to TGulnare Brigade’s 34 refurbished appliance combined with Service Medal presentations on 26 February marked a memorable evening for local members and their families. MC and President of the Gulnare CFS Committee Richard Sorell welcomed all to the presentation evening, especially Deputy Chief Officer Andrew Lawson. John Prest was invited to give a brief history of the Gulnare Brigade. He started with tanks and pumps on stands that were loaded onto the first available truck, through to the appliance they have today. The Brigade was officially formed in Official handover of Gulnare 34 refurbished appliance from DCO Andrew Lawson to Brigade 1948, and there have been four trucks in Captain Ian Burgess and, from left, Sam Lemon, David Thomas, Paul Thomas and John Prest. that time. However the community was proactive long before that. and State for their efforts and support DCO Lawson outlined the history and Much laughter and reminiscing took over the years, and particularly for the new background of the medals before the place during John’s well researched talk, appliance. presentation. before DCO Lawson responded and He said the new appliance and medals On the night 17 medals were presented, presented the keys of the refurbished being presented that night were as much with four apologies, with the medals appliance to Brigade Captain Ian Burgess. for the family members behind the scenes ranging from 10 years recognition to Alan Ian thanked the Brigade, Group, Region as for the individuals receiving them. Davidson’s 60 years service. Volunteer 31 Region 4

ERNABELLA TANKER DELIVERY AND TRAINING

By: Scott Haynes CFS Training Officer (Rural)

n July, Region Four Training IOfficer Phil Tapscott completed his preparations for basic firefighting training of Pukutja (Ernabella) Brigade volunteers for the delivery of a 24 Tanker. This involved communicating with a number of personnel across both the region and state and key CFS staff including training managers, the Deputy Chief Officer, the Region 4 coordinator, and the Captain of Pukutja Brigade, Pukutja trainees practicing bowling and Pukutja trainees operating one of the pillar Dudley Dagg. coupling hoses. hydrants to fill their 24 tanker. In consultation with the Rural Firefighting Project manager Michael where non-essential stores (material for Headquarters as well as seeking advice Mathew, Quality Systems Manager Lee an additional BFF1 course on the return from DECS. Watson and Rural Training Officer Scott journey) and the trailer were dropped Teaching staff also enquired about Haynes, a modified BFF1 course delivery off at the CFS station. After rotating developing a cadet component within the model was developed for the members of drivers again the convoy continued to its Ernabella Brigade to be supported by the the Pukutja community. overnight stop at Marla, a total driving school and the brigade. These efforts were supported by two distance of 830kms and duration of A short presentation was made to Volunteer Trainer/Assessors – Ken approximately 10 hours (including rest the school’s students about the recent Campbell (Yongala Brigade) and Graeme periods). training and emphasised the importance Austin (Woomera Brigade), who along On the following day, three vehicles and of fire safety and the benefits to their with RTO Phil Tapscott and STO Scott four trainers departed Marla en route to community of having a fire tanker. Haynes delivered the training to the Pukutja (Ernabella) covering a distance Future tasks and recommendations course participants at Pukutja. of 230kms and 3.5 hours travelling time • Liaison to occur between RTO Phil The trainer and assessors Tapscott, and arriving at Pukutja at 11.30am. Tapscott and STO Owen Glover to Haynes and Campbell completed Over the next two days the training deliver appropriate driver training to their final preparations at Region 4 involved familiarisation of the tanker, members of the Pukutja Brigade. • Ongoing logistics and administration support to be provided to Pukutja Brigade Captain Dudley Dagg. Members with incomplete personal protective clothing, i.e. helmets, boots, goggles and dust masks etc, will need to have these items provided. • The final units of the BFF1 course to be delivered in forthcoming months, Pukutja Brigade Captain Dudley Dagg A Pukutja trainee using a portable fire receiving the keys to the 24 Tanker from RTO preferably before the commencement extinguisher. Phil Tapscott. of the upcoming fire danger season so that the brigade can safely and Headquarters before heading off on practical demonstrations of the pumps, effectively respond to fires. The July 27 to their remote location for the filling the tanker from a hydrant provision of this training needs to be Putkutja Brigade training. All equipment including the use of reticulated water, the a matter of priority. and stores for the delivery of a BFF1 use of portable fire extinguishers and a • The Pukutja Brigade members to course and an initial allocation of PPC skills maintenance drill. undertake ongoing weekly training were carried in two logistics vehicles, On the third day, following the and to include school-age students in in addition to a CFS 24 tanker (ex training, a goodwill visit took place at this training as a cadet group. Narridy 24) equipped with standard rural the Ernabella Aboriginal School where • A communications plan will need stowage. discussions were held with the school’s to be developed to include the Trainer Graeme Austin was met en principal regarding DECS policies in provision of appropriate radios route near Pimba in the second logistics relation to school closures on days and associated equipment with the vehicle and the convoy proceeded to of catastrophic fire warnings. It was potential for members of the brigade Glendambo, a distance of 280kms. After recommended that these discussions and community to be indentified resting and rotating drivers the convoy should be followed up with the principal and trained as radio operators and travelled another 255kms to Coober Pedy making relevant enquiries to Region 4 communication officers. 32 Volunteer Region 5

Successful recruitment evening at Keith By: Margaret Ludwig, Region 5 Volunteer Support Officer

On the job at a hay stack fire near Naracoorte. Hay stack blaze north of Naracoorte By: Scott Murray, Regional Training Officer, R5

bout $25,000 damage resulted Captain Simon Rosenzweig, Mascot Max Fisher, new recruit Graeme Kroehn, BL4 Todd Battersby completes his police check Afrom a hay stack fire at Karana Mark Sherriff and BL2 Paul Fisher check out with Captain Simon Rosenzweig. Park, north of Naracoorte, on 16 the Tatiara dryfighting machinery. March. The fire, believed to have started through spontaneous combustion, eith CFS Brigade held a successful The recruitment banner remained up for destroyed 160 hay bales. Krecruitment evening on 30 April, the next fortnight. CFS crews were called to the fire receiving genuine interest from seven Brigade members made a big effort to shortly after 8am and had it contained people. clean up around the station and provided a by mid morning. Every Brigade member had agreed to fire bucket and BBQ tea. All appliances and Tractors were used to pull apart the ask at least one person they knew or came the Tatiara dry fire fighting gear were placed hay bales, mineral earth breaks were across in their daily activities to consider out the front for inspection purposes. constructed, and a foam blanket was joining the brigade and attend the open Keith Brigade training is held each used to good effect. night. Wednesday night at the station and all Binnum and Frances Brigades This worked extremely well for the interested persons are welcome to visit continued to monitor the scene Brigade and they are very hopeful of during this time. Contact the Captain on throughout the day. keeping most of the new applicants. 0429 429 124 for further information.

Fire fighting boost for small communities number of small communities in the The six quick fill pumps are attached to Photo and story by Business Support AGrant district have benefitted from tanks to ensure CFS crews can access high Officer Karen Barnes funding which will allocate fire pumps volumes of water during fire emergencies. to sit with water storage tanks already The District Council of Grant has said provided. it will explore additional funding streams Funding of $60,000 has been obtained to further boost firefighting equipment from the Bushfire Mitigation Project, with across the district. $20,000 allocated each from the Grant Council Fire Prevention Officer Ken District Council, State Government and Stratton said council wanted to install Federal Government. emergency power at Tarpeena and Six 45,000 litre fire tanks have been purchase a number of mobile generators provided at Donovans, Kongorong, Nene to protect communities that lost power Valley, Carpenters Rocks, Blackfellows during bushfires. Caves and Mil Lel. A new bore and pump “We are hoping to be successful with were provided for Carpenters Rocks and that application,” Mr Stratton said. Allendale East. He said council had also been busy Firefighter pumps were also purchased undertaking a string of other fire Port MacDonnell Group Officer Garry Talbot, for the six water tanks at Donovans, prevention activities across the district, Blackfellows Caves Captain Kail Williams, Kongorong, Nene Valley, Carpenters including the upgrade of the fire track at Council Prevention Officer Ken Stratton, and Donovans Captain Roger Babolka. Rocks, Blackfellows Caves and Mil Lel. Carpenter Rocks. Volunteer 33 CFS Business Support Officer Karen Barnes, Smokey the Koala, Captain Koala Region 5 and CFA Human Resources Manager Julie Winzar enjoying the luncheon at Mount Gambier Cup.

Cup day fundraiser for fire services By: Margaret Ludwig, Region 5 Volunteer Support Officer he annual Mount Gambier Gold With MFS and sometimes the CFS fire safety theme to the day which was TCup race meeting was a fundraising handling fire calls in the city itself, the attended by 140 extremely well dressed winner for fire services in the region. CFS (sometimes MFS), CFA, Forestry and ladies. The Ladies Committee hold a charity industry brigades handle rural responses. The respective mascots took the luncheon each year and after the Black The CFS and CFA worked closely opportunity to encourage the purchase Saturday bushfires in Victoria decided this together due to the proximity of, similar of raffle tickets and participation in year’s event would benefit fire services. land use and volunteers who may work extinguisher and fire blanket training. With Mount Gambier situated just 10 one side of the border but live on the The proceeds from the day will be kilometres from the Victoria – South other. divided evenly between the two local Australia border it is dependent on three A joint presentation from both CFS and groups, Dartmoor CFA and Mount major fire services. CFA delivered a strong volunteer and Gambier CFS. Positive response to Community Fire Safe

en Marsh has recently been At Griffith, Jen spent over five years Jappointed to the Regional working for Griffith City Council Prevention Officer (RPO) at Region in various planning roles (Strategic 5, taking over from Phil McDonough Planner, Environmental Planner, Town who has taken up a Compliance Planner) and for the last 10 months Officer role in CFS Headquarters. of her employment was employed as After relocating to Naracoorte a Senior Town Planner, specialising in from Griffith, NSW in August 2009, development assessment. Jen was lucky enough to pick up Jen has a land management background, contract work with the CFS, working having studied in both areas of natural on various project officer jobs resources and urban and regional including drafting the “Bushfire planning at the University of New Management Committee Training and England, Armidale. Resource Manual”, and also stepped into She is looking forward to continuing to Jen Marsh. the role of Acting RPO while Phil was work for the CFS especially in her new on leave. role as the RPO in Region 5. 34 Volunteer Region 6 Positive response to Community Fire Safe ll attendees at a Community Fire However as the picture shows, on ASafe session in Port Lincoln on arrival she was indeed fooled. 1 April had some exposure to the fire Not all members of the group agreed in and around Port Lincoln on 23 with the word ‘catastrophic’ or the need December last year. to relocate early. Community Education Officer Therese “Some questions were challenging, Pedler had been advised the group discussions involved some healthy would be from the University of the debate, but in the end all feedback was University of the 3rd Age members at a Port 3rd Age, and have an average age overwhelmingly positive and supportive,” Lincoln Community Fire Safe meeting. of 97. said Therese. Uniting Care Wesley fund New subdivision emergency preparation sessions residents look niting Care Wesley has Ufunded three sessions focussing on at preventative “all hazards” emergency preparation for Eyre Peninsula. They were facilitated by CFS Region 6 measures Community Education Officer Therese esidents planning to live in Pedler and concentrated on becoming Ra new housing subdivision Bushfire Ready. north of Port Lincoln are showing Other local providers had input with a a high level of interest in bushfire focus on Women’s Health and Children preparation and prevention. with Disabilities. The residents of Shearwater Drive One of the Uniting Care Wesley session participants Between 10 and 20 people attended where many new homes are being uses contents from the My Survival Kit. each session. built are showing particular interest in the location of their homes, design, vegetation placement and seeking Good attendance at Firey advice as to other bushfire risk preventative measures. Community Education Officer Women workshop Therese Pedler has now held four wenty women have attended a Anderson, and her mother from Adelaide meetings involving residents from TFirey Women Workshop held on Andrea Johns. this area, including two Community 27-28 March at Trinity Haven, located Hayley feels very strongly that all Fire Safe sessions. between Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay. members of the family need to be Five separate telephone trees have The attendees either did a live-in/ Bushfire Ready as they will often be been established. sleep arrangement or returned home home with the children while Hayley and At the latest of these meetings the overnight. her husband are away from the property host homeowner invited a guest The women were from Wudinna, at work. speaker from a local business that Yeelanna, Cummins, Tulka, Port Lincoln The Firey Women program was supplied home sprinkler systems and and Adelaide. general fire fighting equipment. Community Education Officer Therese conducted on lower Eyre Peninsula two years ago with overwhelming success, The installation and cost of home Pedler said family groups included sprinkler systems and portable fire and in turn workshops were delivered in Hayley Anderson, her daughter Rebecca fighting equipment options were also all other CFS regions this year. Anderson, her mother-in-law Jill discussed.

Shearwater Drive residents learn more about fire fighting equipment options. Attendees at the Trinity Haven workshop.

Volunteer 35 Faces In The Crowd Kail Williams and Jason Smith outside their Mt Gambier home – just up the road from Blackfellows Caves.

Kail’s twist of fate a winner for CFS By: Terry Price, Media Liaison Officer f a few years ago someone had said to Blackfellows Caves area ranges from to be part of the South Australia CFS Inew Blackfellows Caves CFS Brigade scrub, grasslands, bush, pine trees and team which assisted in some way,” she Captain Kail Williams she would be most importantly, forests. said. leading a team of almost 40 fire fighters Her initial thoughts on joining the The 15 or so new recruits in recent she would have told them they were CFS were that she might find it a ‘bit times will ensure there will always be balmy. blokey’, however she has been pleasantly enough members to go to any incident at However here we are in 2010 and she surprised and continues to be delighted short notice, particularly as many of them is largely responsible for an exciting new with the number of females either in her live close by the CFS facility. future for the Lower South East Brigade brigade or showing an interest in joining. Part of the growing CFS membership which continues to flourish. “Actually I’ve found everyone to be comes from fellowship, with regular Today’s involvement in the CFS all goes very supportive right from the moment barbecues and gatherings responsible back to her experience with an out of I joined up, and having respect from the for social interaction and sharing of CFS control burn-off in the Carpenter Rocks men has never been a problem,” she said. experiences. area in 2004. “Former Captain Laurie Upham has Ilene Blacksnell does her part with a “Someone close to me had lit the burn- helped me along the way and I’ve constant supply of home made scones, off which got out of control and was very also appreciated the support given me cream and jam. nearly responsible for not just burning by Deputy Group Officer with Port Another recent morale building out a lot of scrub country, but it almost Macdonnell and District Marianne exercise was the making of a safety and went through the Rocks Tavern,” said Talbot. awareness community promotion for Kail. “And our successful recruitment drive local television. “Witnessing at close range the has been greatly helped by Community At 15 Kail took her first test flight in exceptional work done by the local CFS Education officer Vicki Hann.” an aeroplane, and obtained her pilot’s that day, and more so the manner in Kail’s partner Jason Smith is also a CFS licence even before she had a motor which they went about their volunteer volunteer, as are her mother and father vehicle licence. work, certainly enticed my interest in the Leonie and Tony O’Meara. As a result she has a special interest service. And youngest son Tristan, 12, is already in the bushfire aerial bombers and “My brother-in-law Heath Telfer was showing an interest in becoming a CFS appreciates the difference they have made a member of the CFA in Victoria and I Cadet. to controlling the fire ground at an early soon made enquiries about joining up.” Heath Telfer is these days a committed stage. Having completed courses from initial member of her brigade, and along with Recently moving into Mount Gambier, basic fire fighting to breathing apparatus Kail was part of the South Australian she enjoys the short drive down to and pine plantation fire fighting Kail CFS team seconded to assist in the Black Blackfellows Caves and the satisfaction knows the importance of training, and Saturday bushfires in Victoria last year. on arrival of seeing good roll-ups at encourages her Brigade members to “Seeing the result of such a disaster on Sunday training sessions as they make follow suit. so many people was an experience one preparations for the next fire danger The nature of bushfires in the could never forget, and it was an honour season.

36 Volunteer Phabulous Photos A hot summer’s night 25 km north of Tintinara

WINNER his month’s winning photo T was taken by Rick Munro on a hot summer’s night about 25km north of Tintinara. Rick will be contacted by the Volunteer magazine team to choose a $50 voucher.

12-month old Joshua Davis is keen to follow CFS members break for lunch provided by the Haystack fire off Gomersal Rd Tanunda in dad’s footsteps by joining the Waikerie CFS Salvation Army during a training exercise at April. Photo: Tim Hage, Angaston Brigade one day. Photo: Adam Davis, Waikerie CFS Bolivar in June. Photo: David Lamplough. Brigade.

A day in the life of CFS volunteers. Photos; Rebecca (Bec) Kirvan.

TO ENTER Simply send in your photo with the name of the photographer and / or name of submitter, address, telephone number and brigade name (if applicable) with a description of the photo and / or details of where the photo was taken. Post photos to: CFS Public Affairs, GPO Box 2468, Adelaide, SA, 5001. Photos can be posted either as hard copies or on a CD in the largest file size available.Alternatively, email photos to: [email protected] When emailing photos please do not reduce the size. Sometimes Outlook asks if you want to keep the original size or send smaller. If the file size is reduced, the quality can be compromised and therefore the photo may not be published in a large size. The winner receives a $50 gift voucher of their choice. Volunteer 37 Obituaries

Roger Farrer Magarey Rhonda By: Don Venus, Brigade Captain, Coromandel Valley CFS Brigade, who delivered the Eulogy at Roger’s funeral service Jean Butler Valley Council was formed in 1983 he By: Daughters-in-law Deanne and was elected to the position of CFS Group Sally Butler Officer by the constituent brigades of Coro, Happy Valley, Clarendon, Kangarilla and Meadows, a position he held until his retirement from the CFS. Our brigade owned a four wheel drive command type vehicle and Roger, being captain, housed it at his place. After our main fire siren had sounded to call firefighters to the fire station down by the Sturt Creek to man the appliances for an incident, it was always a relief to see Roger emerging from Magarey Road onto honda was a wonderful woman Main road and head off to the incident Rwho spent her life helping with lights and siren going so that he others. She was married to Ross could guide the appliances to the incident for 50 years and spent many hours in the most timely way. helping him with his CFS duties. Roger had a gifted ability of being able Rhonda and Ross started their to read bushfire behaviour, predict its married life on the Eyre Peninsula path and guide brigades to combat it in where they lived on a property at the most efficient and safe way. He was Mangalo. During this time they had a leader who tended to stay calm in most three children so the days were very circumstances on the fire-ground. The busy with household and farm duties. old saying of cool, calm and collected, I They later moved to Mt Desperate think, summed him up, most of the time which is where they remained until anyway. they moved to Bordertown in 1979. Everyone who shared the fire-ground In 1974 Ross was involved in with Roger over the years became a a serious accident and without Roger Magarey at the 50th anniversary of the better firefighter because of it. He may Rhonda’s love and support he would Coromandel Valley Brigade in 1989. be gone, but the knowledge he imparted not have been able to continue with to us, the experiences we shared together his commitment to the CFS. Ross held many positions including Deputy oger Magarey, Coromandel Valley and the dangers we faced and overcame together, will live on. In our brigade, he Group Officer which required him RBrigade Life Member, SA Country to attend many incidents. During Fire Service Life Member, ex - Brigade has always had our utmost respect and without doubt is one of our best leaders this time Rhonda spent endless hours Captain and ex - Happy Valley CFS listening to the radio or lending a Group Group Officer. and friends and held in the highest regard by everyone both past and present. We helping hand to any member who You don’t receive those accolades or fill needed it. those leadership roles unless you are a have enjoyed his reminiscing with us at our AGM’s. There are many funny and The following notice was written by special type of person. the Tatiara CFS Group and shows the And Roger was certainly that. sometimes embarrassing stories and experiences to talk about, but these are high regard Rhonda was held in: He joined the Coromandel Valley A special, kind, gentle and respected probably better left to another place and Firefighting Group in his teens and lady, always caring about other time. saw the establishment of the EFS or people. Our gratitude for your Roger, for your decades of volunteer Emergency Fire Service, and then the endless hours of listening to the service to your neighbours, community CFS or Country Fire Service. In 1957 he radio, if a member needed a hand was and the state of South Australia, we say, was made a fire control officer with the always there. Thank you for watching very humbly, thank you. old Meadows District Council and was out for us. To Anne and all the family please accept captain of our brigade from the early You will be sadly missed by 70’s through to 1982. When the Happy our sincere sympathy. members of Tatiara CFS. Rhonda passed away on 16 April, 2010 after a short illness. She was the devoted and much loved wife of Ross, loved and loving mother of Colin and Sally, Andrew and Deanne, Karen and Mark and adored Nanna of Sam and Jake, Adam and Dylan. The most kind and gentle person who is loved and will be missed by her family and all who knew her. In God’s care.

38 Volunteer Thank Yous

CFS collision rescue Landslide n Saturday 19 June, 2010, CFS members assisted with lighting, Oemergency crews were called to guarding the scene, traffic control and rescue respond to a vehicle collision at Cadell even moving vehicles as requested during he CFS and SES came to our rescue Valley Road, Cadell. The collision was the examination by the Major Crash T10 days ago (July 4). I had been a head-on impact between a motorcycle Investigation Section, who attended and working hard on preparing for bushfires rider and a vehicle. took over the investigation. During the on our property but never thought we Police responded to the location from investigation they also assisted police would have a landslide. Waikerie. On arrival police were met with shielding the deceased from view as A combination of a hill behind the by the Cadell and Morgan Country required. house being soaked after weeks of rain Fire Service brigades who had already CFS stayed in attendance for an and a burst pipe from the water tank on top of this, led to a severe landslide down closed the section of roadway and were extraordinary time, assisting police onto the back of our house. The people directing traffic. until the scene was cleared and the road Police were briefed by the attending who had joined two sections of plastic opened. During this time the CFS were pipe delivering water from our big tank CFS officers, who advised a synopsis professional and efficient in all their higher up had used concrete for the join of what they had done prior to police duties. 17 years ago. The concrete finally burst. arrival, and what duties they had The friends of the deceased male, the My husband called the SES because allocated to their fire fighters at this other driver and passenger involved although we could understand we could time. Observing that police were solo, and witnesses to the scene all expressed do nothing about the tank at 2 o’clock they also offered further assistance at the their appreciation of the CFS and their in the morning we were not sure that scene. dealings with them during this incident. the amphitheatre now created above the Attending SA Ambulance Service The attending police officer was house was safe. officers briefed police on injuries to impressed, and greatly appreciated the The assessing officer from the SES called in both services and about 12 men the parties involved and confirmed response and efforts by the members of that the motorcycle rider, a 21 year old came and sandbagged our doors, water the Cadell and Morgan Brigades, all of male, was deceased. Police observed outlets and air vents as well as digging whom made it seem that nothing was that CFS members were ‘guarding’ the out a few tonnes of mud. Volunteers too much trouble or an imposition in collision scene and ascertained that the worked from the early hours of the any way. deceased and the vehicles had remained morning until it was time for them to go The professionalism and efficiency to work. untouched since the male was declared displayed by these attending CFS We are both extremely grateful for the as deceased. members was of no surprise to police in support of both services in our time of CFS members had also been able to the local area. Local police, (Waikerie, need. We felt really badly about calling keep a number of the deceased’s friends, Morgan, Blanchetown and Swan Reach) for help at such an awful hour of the from entering the scene and had made have been involved with these brigades morning. The thing that impressed me them comfortable a short distance away. on a regular basis at previous incidents, the most was the happy banter between This group included the girlfriend of the the two services as they worked together. including fires, missing person searches, deceased male and about seven friends, A young SES volunteer from SA vehicle accidents and storm damage all of whom had been camping nearby. Water said that he had recently arrived CFS members had also comforted the incidents and each time they have from Queensland and had joined the other driver (an elderly male) and his represented themselves and the CFS SES to make friends. I thought this wife and arranged comfortable seating well. was a wonderful aspect of organised for them also near the scene, where they For their assistance in this matter, volunteering. were kept in constant care by CFS and and for their commitment to the local This letter is a simple way of thanking Ambulance service members. community, again I wish to convey our you and your emergency teams for At police request, CFS members appreciation to these Brigades and their helping us at this difficult time. We will never forget it. covered the vehicles and the deceased members. With fond regards, with tarps to preserve the scene from Peter Sims, Sue Vardon AO, Teringie. rain: this was done, quickly and Senior Sergeant First Class efficiently and with minimal disturbance Officer in Charge to the scene. WAIKERIE Police Gratitude to CFS volunteers Birdwood House Fire ifeline Wallaroo would like to extend o the wonderful, kind, dedicated appreciate that from each and everyone Lits gratitude to the Country Fire TCFS people, of you. Service volunteers for their efficient Thank you so very much for the care Birdwood is very lucky to have such a work in mopping out and sandbagging and effort shown to us at our recent skilled, dedicated group of volunteers. our shop after the heavy rain on Sunday, home fire. Our deepest thank you. March 7. We know you did everything in your Kellie-jo, Todd, Mississippi (dog) and Well done to these valuable members of power to save our home and we deeply Georgia (cat) Jenkins, Birdwood. our community. Lifeline Retail, Wallaroo Volunteer 39 40 Volunteer