Volume 118 July 2008

Print Post Approved - 535347/00018

[ CONTENTS ]

WELCOMES – 4 3 With messages from the Chief Officer, Minister for Emergency VOLUNTEER - CONTENTS Services, CFSVA President, Commissioner and Public Affairs. NEWS & UPDATES – 9 Featuring the 2008 CFS AFSM recipients, Salvation Army Emergency Services, Fire Danger Season Aircraft wrap up, Ash Wednesday 25th Anniversary and much more. FACES IN THE CROWD – 27 Get to know one of the many dedicated CFS volunteers. TRAINING – 28 Meet the new State Training Officers and learn about the HUET course. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES – 30 STATEWIDE – 46 Includes a wrap up of regional news on incidents, and events. PHAMOUS PHOTOS - 62 Standout photos from the 2007/08 Fire Danger Season and how to enter. CADETS – 64 Anzac Eve Youth Vigil and Scout Challenge. THANK YOU AND CONTACT DETAILS – 66 Letters of thanks and praise recognising CFS efforts. OBITUARIES - 68 CONTACT DETAILS - 71

Front cover image taken by CFS Promotions Unit at the Kangaroo Island Fires, December 2007.

Managing Editor: Melanie Hunter Editors: Karina Loxton, Chris Pepper, Nicole Ely and Heidi Geytenbeek Tel 08 8463 4206 (CFS Media Line). If you would like to contribute to Volunteer… Send your photos and stories to: The Editor, Volunteer Magazine, GPO Box 2468, Adelaide SA 5001 or email: [email protected] Don’t forget to include your name, address, brigade and a contact phone number. Photographs can be supplied digitally, via email or disc, in the largest file size possible or as original prints. Text can be supplied as hard copy or electronically, via email or disc, as a Microsoft Word document. Volunteer is published by Boylen Media. Comments and opinions expressed in Volunteer do not necessarily represent the views of the CFS. Volunteer is free to all CFS volunteers. We make every effort to credit the photographers and the authors of articles published in Volunteer. Articles and photos are published at the discretion of the editorial team. [ CHIEF OFFICER Euan Ferguson

ith the often hectic fire National Volunteer Week is a time Murray APM has recently delivered season over, we continue to pause to give thanks to each and his report and recommendations on Wto work to implement the every one of our volunteers for your the Review of the Fire and Emergency recommendations of the Coronial hard work, your professionalism and Services Act 2005. 4 Inquest into the Wangary Bushfire. for your passion. While the Government is now

VOLUNTEER - WELCOMES The responses of CFS (and many When we reflect on many of our seeking comments on the report other agencies) to the complex fires successes and challenges from recent recommendations, key outcomes of on Kangaroo Island, and significant fires, we see a common theme that we the process include that each of the fires at Warooka (1 and 2), Belair, need a continuing focus on leadership emergency services are recommended Gumeracha, Mt Crawford and and incident management. to retain their own identity and Willunga were excellent opportunities In May we formed a dedicated Task status, and that the CFS Volunteers for CFS to demonstrate that we are Group to focus on the development Association nominee will be retained “getting on with the job”. and delivery of our new Command and on the SAFECOM Board. And, of course, there have been the Leadership framework and to assist in Significant changes to the bushfire many responses to fires across the planning Level 2 and Level 3 Incident prevention and mitigation sections State that have been kept small and Management Teams across the State. of the Act have been re-affirmed, but out of the news. The Command and Leadership with more discussion to occur with In a very challenging fire season, framework will ensure that there local government on fire management one of the driest on record, you is a mechanism to develop the committee structures. have once again demonstrated your right skills in our next generation In closing, I am sure you will agree professionalism and commitment. tactical frontline leaders, incident with me that there is never a quiet Well done and thank you! management team leaders and senior time in the Emergency Services We celebrated National Volunteer strategic incident managers. environment; however I trust that all Week in May. The Task Group will work closely with in the ‘CFS family’ can make the most CFS volunteers are distinctive in the Incident Management Steering of the cooler months. our community. Committee to ensure that volunteers I would also like to pass on to all CFS Selfless service, determination in continue to be involved in setting our members and their families, the thanks the face of adversity and danger, and priorities in this vital area. of the community of South Australia for working in committed teams who are You will be aware that retired keeping the State safe again over what focussed on protecting the community. Assistant Police Commissioner John proved to be a busy Fire Danger Season.

SA Country Fire Service ThankIn Appreciation You

CFS Volunteers

In gratitude for your support and diligent services provided during the 2007/2008 Fire Danger Season; Kangaroo Island (Vivonne Bay, D’Estrees, Western River, Flinders Chase), Gumeracha, Warooka (1&2), Belair, Williamstown, Willunga and the many other incidents attended over the season. The Country Fire Service sincerely thanks you for assisting the communities in their time of need. Your efforts preparing for and responding to all fires, throughout the fire season is greatly appreciated and highly valued. Whether you battled the fires on the frontline or provided backup support across the State, I thank you.

Euan Ferguson AFSM CFS Chief Officer [ MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES Hon. Carmel Zollo

t’s hard to believe that winter We have had some rain at long last, Its report does clarify that is upon us and, instead of bush but sadly the impact of the drought many of the Deputy Coroner’s Ifires, storms and floods are very continues to be felt right across South recommendations had already been much on our minds. Australia – and our changing weather implemented - and interim measures The fire season once again tested patterns mean that bushfire seasons were put into place to ensure that the 5

the mettle of our Emergency Services will become longer and there will be intended outcomes from this report VOLUNTEER - WELCOMES volunteers – and once again, you’ve more frequent days of extreme fire days. were operational for the 2007/08 Fire shown South Australians what an I need to re-iterate that this Danger Season. incredible asset you are. Government’s commitment to our It is clear that significant progress Kangaroo Island of course stands out volunteer firefighters remains strong has been made. for a number of reasons - one young life and we will continue to ensure On the subject of progress being was tragically lost - 90,000 hectares of resources are there when needed. made, on 26 March I attended the property were devastated in the worst In January, we paused to remember Ministerial Council for Police and fires on the Island in living memory Ash Wednesday, 1983. It was a truly Emergency Management Meeting – the location added a whole new moving event – one that reminded in Canberra. dimension to fire fighting – and with us that we must always remain alert The Council acknowledged the the island being a tourism jewel, the to the danger of bushfires. valuable contribution of volunteers attention was as intense as the fires. And we must always be alert to and requested a report from the But for the main part, it provided how our systems and approaches Australia Emergency Management an incredible example of how our can be improved. You may be aware Committee on appropriated volunteers work together when such that the Review of the Fire and methods to recognise, recruit crises strike. Emergency Services Act 2005 has and retain volunteers. The statewide help, the nationwide now been completed. Of course, there have already been help and the help from other agencies I’m pleased that the report makes some important developments in including the State Emergency it clear that our emergency services that area in South Australia. Service, Department for Environment organisations should remain as The “Four R’s” initiative was and Heritage, the SA Ambulance three distinct operational entities, launched by SA Fire and Emergency Service, St Johns and the Salvation each with their important cultural Commissioner, David Place in February. Army was impressive to say the least. histories and traditions. This recognition program is part of Although it was a dreadfully However, the Government won’t an overall volunteer and employer anxious time for all, I was privileged support recommendations about support framework. to see first-hand what a “campaign removing volunteer representatives We want to ensure our volunteers fire” is really all about – the from the SAFECOM Board – we and their employers know that precision with which everyone swung want the volunteers and their their contribution is valued and into action to set up, and run, all the representative organisations to have genuinely appreciated. necessary facilities. a say in decision making. I look forward to attending a At the same time, the Yorke We’d like to get your feedback on all of number of special events and Peninsula and West Coast had their the recommendations, with the report activities designed to raise the own fires to deal with – it was a truly available on the SAFECOM website. profile of volunteers – having testing time. I’ve also received the report from kicked things off with a recognition Of course that was just the start of the Wangary Coronial Inquest ceremony in Port Lincoln. the season with more fierce tests to Working Party – the Government Volunteers Week in May also provided come – such as Belair and Willunga. is considering the report and how an opportunity to say thank you. Homes were threatened – indeed one it will influence our imminent At the time of writing this, the State was lost at Willunga – and a number response to the Deputy Coroner’s Budget was about to be handed of volunteers were injured as they recommendations arising from the down and I look forward to updating worked to protect the community. Eyre Peninsula Bushfires. you on that in the next Volunteer. [ CFSVA PRESIDENT Ken Schutz

ow relieved I was to wake was the normal routine for he and remember and have saved the up hearing the rain recently, other volunteers. lives of hundreds of volunteers on Hsignalling the close to an An astonished Matthew Abraham countless occasions. eventful Fire Danger Season. replied with a sigh: “amazing,” he I have witnessed their daring Apart from last year’s fires on said. I am convinced his response manoeuvres and sometimes pause Kangaroo Island, what really stood was echoed by thousands of listeners. from the action to enjoy a thankful out to me this last season was Peter’s actions are the norm for chuckle to myself, “Amazing… 6 the two weeks of record-breaking CFS volunteers and are repeated on just amazing”.

VOLUNTEER - WELCOMES temperatures above 35 degrees. a daily basis around the State. I too To our firefighters in the sky, we I would love to have seen all the am continually astounded by the salute you. records volunteers had broken during selfless efforts of our members. Outside of operations, the CFSVA that period… The pride I have in CFS brigades is in the final stages of producing • The total number of sleep hours from witnessing the events of the several audiovisual projects for the volunteers had missed out on past season is overwhelming. promotion of CFS volunteers. • The amount of fuel from Of course there is always the usual Courtesy of grant funding from volunteers' cars used to and from public response about not being told Emergency Management Australia the stations about the fires sooner, why we don’t (EMA), the CFSVA will produce two • The number of phone calls made use the station sirens to warn the features by the end of June. between members community and how they know best One is based on the retention, • The number of pager batteries that South Australia should have its recruitment and promotion of consumed in one week very own “Elvis”. What a circus! volunteers and the other shows how the • The total number of days of annual We all know full well the chaos CFSVA operates to represent and offer leave taken by volunteers to support that erupts in the first hour on support to members and brigades. their brigades …and then some! the fireground. DVDs of the final feature will be Bushfires impacted on several Heads are a spin as you do your issued to brigades later in the year. areas of the State and once again best to establish where the fire is, The second is a community our volunteers placed the rest where it is headed and what needs service announcement featuring of their lives on hold to avail to be protected. the equity and diversity of CFS themselves to the community for Station sirens …first they’re sick of volunteers and will be seen on days on end. them and now they want them back. regional television stations, initially An ABC radio interview conducted And yes, aircraft are brilliant and in Regions 4 and 6. with Peter Bishop – a volunteer we’ll never be without them, but you And finally, now that the CFSVA has treated for minor injuries after a burn- might as well be if not for our volunteer established its new name, branches, over at the Willunga fire – said it all. firefighting force on the ground. groups and brigades need to ensure When asked by announcer Matthew Having said that, I feel our fixed- that their constitution or branch Abraham what he did after he was wing pilots deserve a special mention. rules reflect the name change. cleared by the paramedics, Peter It seems the media and the public For more information speak to said he helped organise a relief are one-eyed supporters of the your local CFSVA branch president crew, went home, cuddled the wife “Elvis” heli-tanker. or delegate. and stared at the ceiling for an hour Of course it never was here in SA, Let’s hope for a quiet winter and I before being alerted by pager to but rather the “Incredible Hulk”. look forward to meeting up with you return to the fireground. Our fixed wing pilots have at the various CFS events over the His response sounded like this been around for as long as I can coming months. [ COMMISSIONER OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES David Place

ith the closing of the work on the implementation of the a commitment by the Government, 2007/08 Fire Danger Season outstanding recommendations will the CFS and SAFECOM to consult WI echo the sentiments then follow. with, and consider the views of, of Minister Zollo and would like In regards to the legislative review, volunteers on all matters that to personally thank all the CFS the Government has reinforced can be reasonably expected to volunteers and personnel who the need for the ESO’s to remain affect them. battled fire fronts and were tested as three distinct operational The Charter is expected to be with major incidents such as entities and has ruled out removing signed by the Government and the 7

Kangaroo Island and Willunga. volunteer representation from the CFSVA in June. VOLUNTEER - WELCOMES You again exemplified what it SAFECOM Board. Work is also well underway in the means to selflessly protect life, I encourage you to read the review review of SAFECOM’s Volunteer property and the environment and report and the Ministerial Statement Management Branch to ensure it the community of South Australia, available from SAFECOM’s website is recognised as a national leader as I do, thank you. to better understand how the in emergency services volunteer As the dangers of the fire season recommendations might affect the CFS. management. abate, we have a bit more time A coordinated sector-wide approach I am pleased to see the level to turn our minds to the work being to recognising and thanking of goodwill shown towards done to improve sector governance, volunteers during Volunteer Week Volunteering SA as they conduct the work practices, and volunteer proved very successful. review and the contributions that management. About twenty CFS volunteers were stakeholders have made to date. Significant progress has featured in local papers and on To canvass all the issues, a been made in relation to the radio and formal thanks from the questionnaire tool will be circulated recommendations from the Coroner’s Chiefs and myself were aired on ABC shortly and face-to-face interviews findings into the 2005 Wangary radio and papers across the State. and focus groups will continue. bushfire and the Review of the Fire Significant progress has also been To compliment this review, another and Emergency Services Act 2005. made on the Volunteer and Employer major initiative has commenced The Wangary Working Party has Recognition and Support Program investigating options to reduce the presented a final report to the with over a hundred volunteers and administrative burden on volunteers Government with the Government’s employers being formally recognised within the emergency services sector. response expected to be tabled in at a number of events over the past A workforce survey and focus Parliament in June. few months. groups will be held in each region Another round of communication CFS volunteers will also soon to collate data and I urge you with stakeholders on the benefit from work being done to to participate in this important Government’s position and further create a Volunteer Charter, seen as improvement program.

STOP PRESS - BUDGET UPDATE

number of initiatives for the operations and improved fire coordinated approach to prevention Paradise Fire Station. The MFS also emergency services sector were retardant mixing infrastructure. and warning activities. received additional funds to cover Afunded in the State Budget • Community bushfire education, The Budget also allocates funds to the rising cost of fuel as did the CFS, handed down on 5 June 2008. enhanced training for Incident replace the O’Sullivans Beach-based SES and Volunteer Marine Rescue. The Budget provides $19.6m over Management Teams (IMT) and Sea Rescue 2. The replacement craft In responding to the Budget, an Operations Planning Officer to will not only be deployed to emergencies SAFECOM Commissioner David four years to the CFS to address the coordinate IMT training. in the southern metropolitan waters Place said, “It’s positive to findings of the Wangary Coronial • Continuing bushfire research efforts. but will also support operations in other see the reinforcement of our Inquest including: The CFS and SES will benefit from areas of the State. sector’s importance in supporting • An aircrane dedicated to SA an Emergency Management Officer Funding of $8.6m over four years community resilience through the during the Fire Danger Season, to liaise between agencies and has also been secured for 22 provision of new funding for vital additional support staff for aerial local councils to provide a more additional firefighters for the new new assets and resources.” Part of the Public Affairs team in the Intelligence Cell at CFS State Headquarters (L-R): Chris Metevelis, Tara Rischmueller, Karina Loxton, Dawn Walker, Nicole Ely and 8 Brenton Keen. VOLUNTEER - WELCOMES

<< [ PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Two of the new Public s we farewell the 2007/08 Fire expertise and experience of Chris the new Media Liaison Officer (MLO) Affairs team members, Danger Season and welcome Metevelis who joins the Public Affairs and will be covering the media line Nicole Ely and Chris Athe ‘respite’ of the winter team as the CFS Account Manager for all three ESO’s in tandem with the Metevelis, in the media months, we also farewell a number after 19 years as a journalist with second MLO to be appointed shortly. ‘Greens’. of Public Affairs team members and the ABC. Chris will handle the more Brenton Keen, Heidi Geytenbeek, welcome some new starters. strategic / political media enquiries, Mel Hunter and Dawn Walker have Judith Bleechmore, SES’s Account will undertake communications and all been helping to establish the new Manager, has taken up a position public relations projects on behalf team and holding the fort while the with the SA Ambulance Service and of, or in collaboration with, the CFS new members are being inducted and Kate Husband, Acting Manager including the 2008/09 Fire Danger trained in Basic Firefighting 1 (BFF1), Public Affairs, has departed CFS Season campaign, and will provide CRIIMSON, etc. Heidi has recently and SAFECOM to tackle a new job a lead role in the implementation of transferred back to the CFS while at the Department for Education Mel, Dawn and Brenton will continue the new CFS website. and Children’s Services. Chris to assist the Public Affairs team over Tara Rischmueller fills the Pepper, who has been with the team the next few months. same position for the SES and for a short time, has accepted a One of the first orders of business comes to SAFECOM after five too-good-to-refuse position with the for the new team has been to years with SafeWork SA. Tara is Sunday Mail. accredit the new members in Basic Heading the new-look Public also completing a Masters of Arts Firefighting 1, with Chris, Tara, Affairs team is Karina Loxton. With (Professional Communication). Nicole and Karina all completing the more than 12 years’ experience Chris and Tara join John Foody, the course in early June. in marketing, public relations, MFS Account Manager, in the senior The pooling of public affairs consultation and public affairs, public affairs roles. resources from across the ESO’s including a one year stint with the Another ABC journalist has joined into one team will mean that while 2007 World Police and Fire Games the team with Nicole Ely looking for a the members of the team each as the event’s Marketing and PR new adventure after eight years as a have their respective areas of Executive, Karina is looking forward radio and television reporter. Nicole responsibility to focus on, during to her team working collaboratively started her career with the ABC in periods of peak activity and major with the CFS and the other ESO’s to Port Augusta and then moved to ABC incidents, the CFS in particular will enhance the position and profile of TV and Radio News in Adelaide where benefit with all hands on deck to each agency in South Australia. she held positions such as the Police keep the community informed and The CFS will be assisted with the and Emergency Reporter. Nicole is assist operational staff and media.

FAMILIAR VOICE OF CFS TAKES ON NEW CHALLENGE ormer CFS Media Officer Brenton Brenton said that while he was pick up on it. Had I gone to air without Ragless is enjoying settling into enjoying settling into the new role wearing it, my first broadcast would Fhis new role as weekday weather he’s had some “knee-shaking” have been very short lived!” presenter on Channel Nine. moments. While Brenton will be working full- “I see presenting the weather as an “On my first night presenting the time reporting on weather and climate extension of my passion for sharing weather I forgot to wear my lapel related stories he will still continue in stories about Australia’s resilience to microphone. Only 60 seconds prior to his capacity as an ambassador for CFS the elements,” said Brenton. going to air did one of the floor staff volunteers. << The new-look Brenton Ragless as he appears on Channel 9’s nightly weather. NEWS & UPDATES SUMMER ON THE ICE By: Narelle Rawnsley, Operations Planning Officer, Region 2

uring the summer of 2007/08 more water is pumped from the A number of blizzard days were On the way down, a nine-day I spent six months working tankhouse via a ring main system recorded and 80 knot winds made trip took us to the sea-ice edge Das an expeditioner at Casey throughout the station. it very hard to walk anywhere safely where we were flown off the ship Station in Antarctica. Believe it or not, fire is a huge risk and upright, let alone between in a helicopter to the station with My work was mainly communications, in Antarctica as a fire may render buildings and to walk to work. minimal supplies. some IT and air traffic control the station inoperable and fires will ‘Blizz lines’ or ropes strung between The return trip was a lengthy five duties and I was employed by the ignite and burn more readily due to all buildings ensure no one gets week voyage stopping to re-supply Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), a the very dry environment. disorientated, which is very easy other stations before returning to 9 Commonwealth Government agency. All expeditioners undergo extensive to do when there is a whiteout Hobart on 20 March 2008. VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES The AAD employs expeditioners for training, including field training, situation. Antarctica is the most amazing place. both summer and winter positions safety and survival, quad bike Having daylight for 24 hours a day The isolation, harshness and - with all roles supporting the many training, weather, communications, created many opportunities to get below zero temperatures make it an science programs taking place across ice axe use, and navigation prior to outside and I spent a lot of evenings incredibly challenging place to live the Australian Antarctic Territory. venturing out of station limits. watching penguins and seals at a and work. Sixty expeditioners were based at We were required to spend two nights penguin colony near the station. Despite this, the wonderful scenery, Casey over summer and 20 remain over in the field sleeping in bivvy bags in Seventy kilometres inland at Wilkins unique animals and environment winter to experience almost 24 hour order to demonstrate our survival and Runway, temperatures hovered constantly take your breath away – darkness and very cold conditions. safety skills in the harsh conditions. around minus 17 most of the time. it’s very hard not to love it. A fire team, made up of mostly Being a cold-climate person, I The first ever large passenger jet I would like to thank the CFS for winter expeditioners, is on call 24 relished the cooler weather and to land in an Australian Antarctic allowing me to take leave without hours a day and like CFS they carry enjoyed getting out in the sun as Territory occurred over summer; pay in order to undertake this pagers for a rapid response. much as possible. an A319 Airbus making a number fantastic opportunity. Fire team members undergo three The average temperature over of subsequent flights to bring in For more information and images of weeks training with the Tasmanian summer was around minus five, cargo and science personnel during my experiences – you can view my blog Fire Service, including some and this was quite pleasant on January and February. site: www.narellesantarcticadventure. breathing apparatus and hazardous a calm day. Most expeditioners like myself blogspot.com materials components. An increase in wind adds to the wind travelled aboard the Aurora Australis, Further information about Fire water in the fire station is kept chill factor and makes it a lot colder a research and supply ice-breaking Antarctica is available at heated at all times and if required, than the ambient air temperature. vessel, to get to our destination. www.aad.gov.au

<< The Antarctic Circle - one of the five major circles (or parallels) of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. It marks the northern limit of the area within which, for one day or more each year, the sun does not set or rise. The length of continuous day or night increases southward from the Antarctic Circle, mounting to six months at the South Pole (from www.worldatlas.com). Raoul unequivocal loyalty and Raoul unequivocal loyalty Neville Schultz Neville Schultz joined the Cambrai The Brigade was typically rural In 1979 records of all members Neville was instrumental in Over the next 10 years, he actively These qualities were recognised He immediately undertook a This process saw him undertake he As a qualified instructor, Neville has been instrumental in He is an active member of Region He was also the Operations SAVFBA Management Committee. SAVFBA example devotion to the CFS is an and his for every volunteer to follow Group recent retirement as Chaffey Officer will be sorely missed. Emergency Fire Service in 1964. with only minimal training and practice nights. were lost and they were asked to re-enrol with the CFS. building a more up-to-date fire appliance, putting in many late nights and weekends. held the positions of Brigade Training Officer Administrative officer, and Brigade Lieutenant, showing exceptional leadership qualities. in 1989 when he was unanimously elected to the position of Group Officer of the newly formed Ridley Group. building process to upgrade appliances and facilities for the volunteers in the Group. many hard fought battles with local government authorities for funding. devoted countless hours training volunteers within the Group and from around South Australia and was a regular participant and assistant at Centre. the State Training organising and hosting Regional Field Days and instructing at field days throughout the region. Operations Committee and has 3’s Chairman. served as the committee’s representative on the Committee’s State Committee for more than 6 years and has been involved with Chris has recently been appointed guiding force and Chris’s Raoul Otto de Grancy Raoul Otto de Grancy joined the CFS He proved to be a good firefighter, He was instrumental in the Under his effective leadership, the Apart from the normal duties of His commitment also extended volunteers in helping them manage volunteers in helping them of the non-operational functions reducing brigades and groups by the level of paperwork, assisting and with financial, procurement asset issues; aspects which have significantly reduced the risk of malfeasance within the CFS and increased compliance with government audit requirements. Commander of Region 1. outstanding leadership in a number of initiatives within the CFS in the emergency and particular, services in general, is testament to his commitment to the organisation. in 1975 and devoted a huge portion of his life and energy into improving the lives of his fellow firefighters and those in his Brigade, Group and Region. a very good officer and an excellent Group leader. merger of the Loxton and the Upper Riverland Groups into what is now the Chaffey Group. transition was smooth and unified and all parochial differences were circumvented, giving the Riverland an extremely effective, professional and operational volunteer fire service. Raoul developed a a Group Officer, keen understanding of the financial operations of Brigades, Groups and Regions and put this knowledge to good use in training and teaching other volunteers. into state matters such as the Fire championing the SA Volunteer now Brigades Association (SAVFBA), known as the Country Fire Service Association (CFSVA), Volunteers where he held the position of Branch Vice-President and delegate to the

© News Ltd

Photo: In 1985, Chris was successful in In 1985, Chris was successful Between 1993 and 1997 he was The facility not only provides Since being appointed Commander

becoming a staff member of CFS, becoming a staff member Centre firstly in the State Operations Officer, and then as a Regional Hills, Port serving in the Adelaide Lincoln and Murraylands/Riverland. Officer and was a State Training instrumental in moving the Training Centre from Brookway Park to Brukunga where it has evolved into a state-of-the-art training centre, providing a centralised location for specialised training with up-to-date methods and equipment. a centralised location for the volunteers of CFS but is also used by other South Australian emergency service organisations, industry groups and interstate fire services. of Region 3 in 2001, Chris has been instrumental in the employment of Business Services Officers who now provide invaluable assistance to 2008 CFS AFSM RECIPIENTS AFSM CFS 2008

Chris Martin, Commander, CFS Region 1.

NEWS & UPDATES & NEWS

ive SA Country Fire Service were(CFS) volunteers and staff Firehonoured with the Australian

Congratulations to Chris Martin, Congratulations to Chris Congratulations to Arthur Tindall, Chris Martin Chris Martin joined the CFS, then In 1975, he moved to Ardrossan F Service Medal (AFSM) in 2008.Service Medal (AFSM) in Commander Region 1, Raoul Otto Group retired Chaffey de Grancy, Officer and Neville Schultz, Cambrai CFS who received an AFSM in the Australia Day Honours List, announced on the 28 January 2008. CFS Manager Infrastructure and Logistics and Andy Thomas, Group Group who received Burra Officer, an AFSM in the Queens Birthday Honours List, announced on the 9 June 2008. the Emergency Fire Service, in 1966 as a firefighter with the Eden Hills Brigade. where he joined the local brigade.

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES 10 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES 11

Neville Schultz, Cambrai CFS.

Burra Group. Burra

Andy Thomas, Group Officer, Officer, Group Thomas, Andy

and Logistics. and

Infrastructure Infrastructure

CFS Manager Manager CFS Arthur Tindall, Tindall, Arthur His experience shows in Andy has undertaken For over 20 years Andy has Bryan and Burra and District communities. his exceptional handling of all fire incidents; he always appears to be composed and in control, often under difficult circumstances. many CFS training courses and leads his personnel by a wonderful example, communicating at all levels of staff in a clear and concise manner. given exemplary service to the CFS and the community. The first of these is the Collaborative The second is working technical ability, Through Arthur’s Operationally Arthur is responsible Arthur has consistently Andy Thomas Andy Thomas joined the Mount He has trained continuously to keep In 1982, Andy assumed In 1988, he became Brigade Andy has served with distinction, further efficiency and operational interoperability amongst AFAC member agencies. Purchasing Initiative where multiple agencies are able to procure similar goods collaboratively and so make cost and other savings by aggregating their purchasing power. towards consensus on, and implementation of, common hose couplings across Australia. communication and advocacy consensus has been reached and a number of agencies are now implementing the agreed standard. for Logistics and along with a small team has been instrumental in developing the logistical capacity of CFS, a capacity that was fully extended and tested during the Kangaroo Island fires late last year. demonstrated outstanding ingenuity and technical energy, innovation and is a highly dedicated professional who serves as an inspiration to others. Bryan Brigade of the CFS in 1966 and has been an active firefighting member since. up with the requirements of the ever- changing CFS role within the community. responsibilities as the Brigade’s Chairman and continues to hold that position. Captain and was later elected Group Officer of the Burra Group. never failing in his duty to the Mount

Raoul Otto de recentlyGrancy, retired Chaffey Group Officer. Neville has been an excellent Arthur Tindall joined CFS as a Arthur Tindall He remained active there for over In 1998 Arthur was given the He continues to work for CFS as Arthur is passionate about his role He and his team are focussed At a national level, Arthur has The SAVFBA is now known as the is now known The SAVFBA Country Fire Service Volunteers Country Fire Service Volunteers Association (CFSVA). ambassador for the CFS and his dedicated efforts have ensured he is held in the highest esteem by the community. Gully in 1978. Tree volunteer at Tea twenty years during which time he held the roles of brigade training officer for six years, administrative officer for two years and was also a brigade lieutenant. opportunity to combine his love of CFS with his engineering background and managerial skills when he won the full time CFS position of Manager Services. Technical Manager Infrastructure and Logistics, a title that better identifies his current role within the organisation. in CFS and especially about firefighter safety having been involved in several burnover events himself. on trying to constantly improve appliance design and safety features and this focus along with the associated technology implemented on CFS appliances led to CFS being awarded both State and National for Australia Awards Safe Work “The Best Solution to an Identified Health and Safety Issue” Workplace in 2006. been instrumental in establishing two projects aimed at driving the SA Volunteer Fire Brigades Fire Brigades the SA Volunteer for committees Association (SAVFBA) Regions 3, 7 and 8. INTERNATIONAL

Female Volunteers: Back L-R: Elena Obert, Jan Inkster, Linda Carter, WOMEN’S DAY << Melissa Inkster, Athelstone CFS. Middle: Heidi Geytenbeek, Summertown CFS. Front L-R: Genevieve Kenny, Eastern Suburbs SES Unit, Yvette NEWS & UPDATES Dowling, Happy Valley CFS, Merise Adamson, Prospect SES Unit. Photo: The Advertiser

he successes, battles and the next Level 1 course – as it was achievements of women were known then. We then went on to Tcelebrated across the globe on finish the rest of the courses that 8 March for International Women’s Day. were available. In South Australia the emergency “Other brigades around the state services gathered together some of their had a few female firefighters and 12 female volunteers to mark the occasion the numbers soon grew.” and recognise the contributions women Jan Inkster sees no difference VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES make to the sector. between what men and women bring They braved searing heat in the to firefighting. middle of a 15-day long, record- “Being in the CFS seems to be breaking heatwave to don their addictive and gets into your blood. uniforms for this Advertiser photograph. We all train together and turn out to Despite those proud smiles we the various types of calls together. suspect at least one or two were “We rely on each other at some wishing it was 20 degrees cooler! very trying times, and this forms Jan Inkster (back row, second a very strong bond between us. from the left) is one of thousands Apart from the skills I learn and the of women who have given a lot of community spirit, it would have to be their heart and time to the South the comradeship that keeps me in Australian community. the CFS.” The Athelstone CFS member joined Jan’s daughter-in-law Melissa the organisation in 1982 after Inkster (back right in photograph) making friends with other mums joined the CFS in 1997. living in her neighbourhood. She says she saw South Australian “We saw our husbands rush off to volunteers being sent over to Sydney fire calls at the sound of the siren. A to help with fighting bushfires and it few of us initially joined as auxiliary motivated her to join. to help out with communications and “Some of my friends think I’m crazy catering,” said Jan. wanting to fight fires, get dirty and “We soon realised that crewing the smell of smoke…when I joined appliances during the daytime was the Athelstone Brigade there were six sometimes a problem and as we women in the brigade, so that’s quite were available during the day, we a high ratio.” enquired about training to become Melissa feels the CFS encourages active firefighters.” women to join, and says during her Jan says although the CFS was a nine years of membership she has ‘hobby’ that involves getting dirty. of women in the State Emergency more male dominated organisation 26 developed more confidence and Women need to get out there and Service, either. years ago, she and her friends were some valuable life skills. try something different. They might For decades they’ve also put instantly made to feel very welcome. “Women in the CFS are really no surprise themselves at what they themselves in harms way to save “The guys were great and different than women anywhere can do.” lives, search, rescue and give back encouraged us to come along to else, except that we choose to do a We can’t forget the contribution to the community. VOLUNTEERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW CHARTERS

he Volunteer Charters for the The charters lay out the of consultation and discussion Euan Ferguson, CFSVA President Ken Country Fire Service and the cooperative and consultative between major stakeholders Schutz and Commissioner TState Emergency Service were partnership between volunteers, the including the CFS, CFSVA David Place as signatories to signed on 17 June 2008, marking a Government, the agencies and the and volunteers. the Charters. significant milestone in recognising volunteer associations. Premier Mike Rann, Emergency The Charters will be distributed and valuing the contribution made The development of the charters Services Minister Carmel Zollo to brigades shortly and can be by volunteers to the emergency has been a two-year journey which and Volunteers Minister Jennifer viewed at www.safecom.sa.gov.au services sector. has involved a high level Rankine joined CFS Chief Officer under Volunteers. CFS ON DISPLAY IN NATION’S CAPITAL n August 2007, CFS Public Affairs and includes an image of a CFS received a request from a Sydney firefighter and a fixed winged water Ibased business for several bombing aircraft. images to be used in an iconic large The firefighter photo was taken format wall graphic to be displayed by the CFS Promotions Unit at the inside the new Department of Bridgewater fire during the 2006/07 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Fire Danger Season, and the fixed- (DAFF) building in Canberra. wing water bombing aircraft image Artwork in the DAFF building was taken by the Public Affairs team followed a graphic system to reflect at the Mount Crawford airstrip. the department’s themes, coming This same artwork will be used under the headings of rural, water, as a wall graphic in the CFS State desert, forest and alpine. Headquarters in the future, for use 13 The time-lapse image was called as a dramatic backdrop during << ‘A Day In The Life of A Firefighter’ time-lapse wall graphic on display in the ‘A Day in the Life of a Firefighter’ press conferences. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) building in Canberra. VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

The artwork to be used as a wall graphic in the CFS State Headquarters.

BATTERY SPECIALTIES (GROUP) Wholesalers and suppliers of ®

DURACELLALKALINE BATTERIES For Ordering: Contact Frank Cairo Ph: 08 8346 5021 Fax: 08 8340 2750 Email: [email protected] Long Lasting Power SAPES GAMES WRAP UP

<< << Female Tens Silver Medallists.s. NEWS & UPDATES

un, Fitness and Friendship’ was great competition, great times and the theme for the 2008 SA Police great fun. Fand Emergency Service (SAPES) “The pressure that comes from Games, held from the 2–11 May. being a member of an emergency With everything from angling to service agency is left behind for a volleyball, many CFS volunteers and short while when competing; we staff took the opportunity to take hope that everyone enjoyed their 14 part, have fun and win some medals. experiences and are looking forward CFS picked up medals in 11 of the

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES to next year’s event.” 34 sports on offer, including darts, Not only did CFS have competitors Who knows, you might be competing Mountain Bikes cycling, golf, shooting, swimming compete in a range of sports we against or alongside Euan. Ryan Pym, Blackwood CFS, Bronze and dragon boat racing. also had people coordinating sports, For more information on the SAPES Shooting Clay Target SAPES Games organisers have said which is a big job and the CFS is Games visit the website Ian Hopton, Ashbourne CFS, this year was the biggest games very thankful to those who put up www.sapes.com.au 3 x Gold, 1 x Silver, 2 x Bronze ever with a 40 percent increase in CFS games results: their hands to help. Deb Hopton, Ashbourne CFS, competitors, and are hoping to have Cross Country Euan Ferguson would like to 1 x Gold, 1 x Silver, 3 x Bronze an even bigger and better event next Rebecca Crack, Lameroo CFS, Gold encourage everyone in CFS to Swimming year, with the announcement that Tristan Moyle, Belair CFS, Gold Marilyn Hughes the games will now be run annually. consider competing in the games Cycling Road Race 6 x Gold The Games Executive Officer, Allan next year; it’s a great chance to get Euan Ferguson, 4th Place Vilcins said: “The great thing about to know fellow CFS members and Darts Euan Ferguson, 2 x Gold, 1 x Bronze the games is that on the sporting members of other emergency service Scott Broadie and Forbes Thompson, Ten Pin Bowling field, everyone is equal, everyone has and associated agencies. Blackwood CFS, Bronze B Grade Teams Dragon Boat Racing Fire Dragons Combined CFS/SA Police/MFS, Bronze Female Tens, Silver Joan Harris, Brian Viant, Golf Nicole Viant,Tony Long CFS CREW BAG Julie Lovett, Burnside CFS, Gold

DISCOUNT ON ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR CFS VOLUNTEERS

ichard Koral, Director EFC • 15% discount on any Sick of looking for your CFS overalls? Group, has decided to thank implementation and entry fees for Carry them with you in an approved RCFS firefighters for their financial planning CFS bag. Made from durable 11oz efforts after a bushfire threatened • 10% discount on personal his Echunga property, by offering insurance for each year of the canvas with yellow handles and volunteers the following special rates: policy (life cover, TPD, trauma and pockets each end and one side. • 7.5% discount on tax & accounting income protection). Large Crew Bag: $50 services (the end of the financial CFS members are advised to speak Extra Large Crew Bag: $55 year is just around the corner) to Richard or Mark Koral at EFC • 15% discount on lending (referred Group on 8272 6833. We also manufacture ute seat to Westpac) Thank you EFC Group. covers, swags and camper units for tray top utes. CANDY’S OF TINTINARA Ph (08) 8757 2285 Fax (08) 8757 2286 www.candycanvas.com.au THE VOLUNTEER & EMPLOYER SUPPORT & RECOGNITION PROGRAM (VERSP) MEETS NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK, 12 – 18 MAY 2008 By: Adaire Palmer, A/Manager, Volunteer Management Branch << Port Lincoln Times 13.05.08.

008 heralded a very different CFS and SES trucks were parked in

way for the emergency services Rundle Mall for the national launch << Standard Messenger 14.05.08. 2to celebrate National Volunteers of Volunteers Week by Senator Week in May. The Volunteer and Ursula Stephens. Attendees at the 15

Employer Support and Recognition launch included representatives VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES Program (VERSP) had been in the from the CFS, SES, VMB and development phase for nearly six SAFECOM. Two SES rescue dogs months, and it was time to let it also got plenty of attention! loose and see what happened! In addition, a television campaign VERSP is designed to raise was developed specifically to thank the profile of emergency service employers of emergency services volunteers and their employers. It is volunteers and retained firefighters. facilitated by the South Australian Fire It was aired as a Community Service and Emergency Services Commission’s Announcement throughout the week << Press advert, thanking volunteers (SAFECOM) Volunteer Management on most networks. for their efforts. Appeared in the Adelaide Advertiser. Branch (VMB) and comprises a range Over seventy emergency service of activities and events to recognise volunteers, employers and invited and support volunteers and those who guests attended a special breakfast employ them. at the start of National Volunteers Using the resources of the VMB, the Week in St Peters as part of the May SAFECOM publicity machine swung Community Cabinet meeting. into action. While on a local level, it It was hosted by the Minister might have appeared that one or two for Emergency Services, the Hon. volunteers had their photo printed in Carmel Zollo MLC, the Advisory the local news, but on a statewide Board and SAFECOM to recognise level it was quite a different picture. and thank people for their

Considerable media coverage was dedication and support to the State’s << This message of thanks appeared in 30 local and regional papers. received with feature stories in emergency services. Certificates newspapers across the State. Thirty- of Recognition were presented two separate articles and editorials to employers and self-employed highlighted the work of volunteers. volunteers. In addition medals In addition, there was a half-page were handed over from the New advertisement thanking emergency South Wales Government, thanking services volunteers, their employers volunteers for helping in the clean- << and families in The Advertiser. up following a devastating storm Port Lincoln Times 13.05.08. Community radio announcements last June. The Premier’s Certificates were aired on regional ABC and of Appreciation were also presented. metropolitan stations using voiceovers As if that wasn’t enough, 30 from CFS Chief Euan Ferguson, State CFS and SES volunteers attended g Emergency Service (SES) Chief Stuart a Community Cabinet BBQ and Cary Pedicini, CEO of VolunteeringVolunteerin MacLeod and SAFECOM Commissioner Forum at San Giorgio La Molara Australia in Rundle Mall. David Place. The messages expressed Community Centre. They also the sector's thanks and appreciation to received the Premier’s Certificates volunteers for their contribution to the of Appreciation. State's emergency services capacity. And it doesn’t end there. As part In Adelaide a static display was set of the VERSP program, more events up in the foyer of the Department of and presentations are planned to Education and Children’s Services take place regularly over the coming for the full week. Its main aim months, to offer real recognition was to educate the public about and appreciation to volunteers, their emergency services volunteers and families and employers. to encourage new volunteers to More information on VERSP can be contact the recruitment line. found at: www.safecom.sa.gov.au For details, and to see the sort of projects entered in 2007, check out the EMA website at www.ema.gov.au. a special ceremony. National award a special ceremony. recipients will be sponsored to travel to Canberra to receive their award and certificate. Bright idea: New residents receive a personal CFS welcome.

Mount Pleasant Brigade Captain, Jason Sabeeney, receiving his award

from the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Carmel Zollo MLC. State and Territory winners will State and Territory receive an award and a certificate at recognise best practice and innovation by organisations and individuals that help to build safer communities across Australia. Any organisation or individual can enter. The Australian Safer Communities Awards are sponsored by Emergency Awards Management Australia (EMA), a division of the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, in conjunction with They States and Territories.

bright idea to promote fire bright idea to promote fire safety while encouraging last CFS recruitment scooped brochure children from bushfire CFS Brigade volunteers about the CFS. from the Brigade Captain • Preparing for bushfires brochure • a bushfire Living through • brochure Bushfire restrictions • • Bushfire action plan booklet for Learn fire safety • safeguard your home 20 steps to • flyer for the local A recruitment • A guide for prospective • Frequently asked questions • The scheme has created CFS regional commander John Entries close for the 2008 The scheme was the brainchild of The scheme was the brainchild in cooperation with five Working The “New Resident Kits” contained the district letter A welcome to •

A considerable interest among other brigades, and went on to become a state winner in the 2007 Safer Communities Awards. Hutchins said: “I thank the men and women of the Mt Pleasant Country Fire Service Brigade for their dedication and concern for their community and the integration of new members into the community. This initiative shows the true spirit of community and volunteerism.” Australian Safer Communities on Friday 1 August. If you Awards have a project that has improved then this may community safety, be the perfect way to promote and recognise your achievements in your own community and beyond. year’s Australian Safer Communities Australian Safer Communities year’s Awards. Brigade, the Mount Pleasant CFS which decided to target new residents with bushfire safety advice. local real estate agencies, new home buyers are presented with a safety information pack, which also includes CFS recruitment information. a range of items, such as:

AWARDS SAFER COMMUNITY SAFER

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES 16 WORKING IN HARMONY

Branch HARASSMENT CONTACT OFFICERager, Volunt eerTRAINING Management NEWS & UPDATES By:By: AdaireAdaire PPalmer,almer, AA/Manager,/Man Volunteer Management Branch

171 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATESVOLU NTEE R - NEWS & UPDAT ES

Participants in the Harassment Contact Officer refresher training: Back (L to R) Julie Paterson (VMB); Natasha Thomas (CFS); Daniel Tinker (CFS); Wayne Palmer (SES); Deane Pentland (CFS); Peter Pentland (CFS); Lyssa Liebelt (CFS); Gill Hall n a first for the sector, the complaint handling procedures (SES); Ron Muller (Sea Rescue – VMR); Neil Turner (CFS); Kim Smith (VMB); John Gilbert SAFECOM Volunteer Management as they relate to the Harassment (CFS); Linda Wollaston (SES). Middle (L to R) Felicity Hopkinson (VMB); Monica Verran IBranch has facilitated combined Contact Officer role (CFS); Julie Macmichael (SES); Jan Dolphin (CFS); Merise Adamson (SES); Robyn Coates training across three organisations, • Lots of role plays based on actual (SES); Colin Coates (SES); Carolyn Muller (Sea Rescue – VMR); Matt Pearson (CFS); and included volunteers and staff. examples Michelle Egel (CFS); Pete Shalley (VMB). Front (L to R) Andi Sebastian (DQ Facilitation); Margaret Ludwig (VMB); Darryl Wollaston (SES); David Baker (VMB). In all, 26 people from CFS, SES, VMR • A chance to observe and critique Photo: Adaire Palmer (VMB). and SAFECOM undertook Volunteer an Harassment Contact Officer Harassment Contact Officers (HCO) ‘interview’. training on 24 - 25 May. The role of the Harassment Contact There are now 50 Volunteer Officer is twofold: Harassment Contact Officers in the • To take referrals and deliver emergency services sector who are a one-on-one service (usually actively acting as ambassadors via telephone), which means for the Working in Harmony supporting individuals in Program (including the Volunteer emergency services by assisting Management Branch, who provide a through exploring options for high level of support for Harassment action Contact Officers). • To act as educator, ambassador DQ Facilitation provided the and champion for the Working expertise and a structured and fun In Harmony Program at the local workshop that enabled the trainees level. to learn and network in a positive, Harassment Contact Officers are upbeat environment. not the ‘fun police’, nor do they Key learning outcomes related investigate complaints. They are directly to the HCO role, and primarily a source of information included: and support for emergency services • Redefining and refreshing the personnel who may be experiencing role of the Harassment Contact difficulties in their working Officer environments. • A refresher of relevant legislation, Confidential referrals to a and some plain English Harassment Contact Officer are definitions for discrimination, available seven days a week. Phone sexual harassment and bullying 1300 364 587. • Grievance handling principles as they relate to the Harassment Contact Officer • A refresher on the key Front cover of the folder promoting the components of SAFECOM's work of Harassment Contact Officers. BUILDING TRUST WITH NEWLY ARRIVED REFUGEES NEWS & UPDATES

he Country Fire Service the two fire services. (CFS) joined forces with the SES Central Region Commander, TMetropolitan Fire Service (MFS), Derren Halleday, was also at the State Emergency Service (SES) event and found a potential recruit and SA Police in an effort to build in one man from Congo who was a trusting relationship with newly interested in volunteer work.

arrived refugees, particularly those The Oasis Childcare Centre’s Director << from war torn countries. Nikki Baker says while dialling 000 Parents About 100 parents and children is easy, some newly arrived refugees enjoying an Aussie BBQ. attended the community event at the find it hard to communicate or << Oasis Community Childcare Centre describe their locations. emergencycy situations.”situations ” A newly arrived at Salisbury on 28 May. “In Australia we are educated from Volunteers and staff from all three refugee from 18 Congo tries out A majority of the families in the a young age to know that emergency emergency service organisations – a firefighting VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES crowd were newly arrived refugees service organisations are there to CFS, MFS and SES - had a rewarding uniform. from African countries, Afghanistan help us,” she says. experience; helping to develop potentially and Burma and they’d had little “However, some newly arrived life saving relationships with families. or no experience with Australian refugees have had poor experiences Minutes before the event ended emergency service organisations. with people in uniforms in their the SES Central Region Commander The Salisbury CFS Brigade crew home countries, and this can inhibit and MFS crew were suddenly called attended with an appliance and the development of trust when they away to an emergency situation at spent two hours showing curious arrive in Australia.” nearby Smithfield. adults and children the equipment Salisbury CFS Brigade Captain Ken They were forced to drop they use and explaining their roles. Potter says: “The CFS is committed everything and drive away with Likewise, a local MFS Brigade to developing strong links with lights flashing, giving the crowd

brought along a truck to diverse groups in the community. of children an exciting end to what << Children lining up for their turn on the demonstrate the differences between Those links will prove invaluable in was an educational morning. Salisbury CFS Brigade appliance.

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 $2100 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 COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETINGS DURING OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS NEWS & UPDATES

roviding accurate, up-to-date for Environment and Heritage (DEH)H) and appropriate information to and good visual information such aass Pthe public during an operational maps and relevant information fromm incident has always been a challenge the Incident Action Plan all assist for emergency services organisations. in providing the community the Traditionally mass media has been information they are seeking. the preferred, and often only, means This season 850 people attended 19 of meeting the challenge. 25 community meetings held More recently, however, conducting at Bruno Bay, Kangaroo Island, VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES community information meetings Birdwood and Willunga. during operational incidents has The meetings were conducted by

been a strategy used by fire services members of the Incident Management << A CFS Community in Australia, including the CFS. Team, CFS Community Education Information Meeting Operational meetings have enabled Unit and representatives from underway during the agencies to provide communities under supporting agencies e.g. DEH, South Williamstown fire on 2008 direct and potential threat of fire an Australia Police, Primary Industries 25 MarMarchch 2008. opportunity to get first hand information and Resources of South Australia - about the incident direct from the Rural Solutions, Stress Prevention Incident Management Team. and Management – Department for “People attending the meeting are Families and Communities. mostly concerned about what the “At all the meetings I’ve attended,” fire is doing and what it is going to says Fiona, “the community has do over the next 12 to 24 hours,” been appreciative of the work CFS says Fiona Dunstan, CFS Community has done in responding to the fire, Education Officer. Having and the time and effort taken by the representatives from the IMT, other agencies to speak to them and assistt agencies such as the Department them to make safer decisions”.

By: Fiona Dunstan, Assistant Coordinator,

THE DRAGON WITH A COLD CFS Community Education << << he Community Education Unit children between three and five Fiona Dunstan with and the Seaford CFS worked to years of age. the Dragon. Tdeliver a fun and entertaining The children thoroughly enjoyed the ffire safety session for children session and were treated with a tour vvisiting Seaford Library during the of a fire truck and the opportunity From left to right: Brett Wise, AApril school holidays. to “squirt some water”, which is << David Martin, Natasha Huber, DDragon has a cold…and a small always a big hit. Shirley Chomel, Colin Chomel prproblem starting fires accidentally The big finale was when the and Fiona Dunstan. whwhen he coughs. children waved goodbye to the fire HHis friend CuFS the friendly crew as the truck drove away and Border Collie dog was there to help sounded its siren! the children learn in a fun and The visit was arranged by the ininteractiveteractive way the importance of a Seaford Library which has been working smoke alalarm,arm, a ffamilyam y fire running a program called “Meeting plan, “get down low and go, go, gogo”” PeoplePeople From Your Neighbourhood”. anandd “stop, cover, drop and roll”. Other visits hhaveave inincludedclu the SA ThThee puppets provided a different AmbulanceAmbulance Service, SA Police aandnd way to explore fire safety with younyoungg AustraliaAustralia PostPost.. SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY SERVICES

20 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

SAES serving firefighters at the Williamstown fire.

he Salvation Army Emergency SAES also has available strategically This will be dependant on the cool room facilities, along with a Services (SAES) provides placed fast response catering trailers ability to source locally to the large generator set and additional Tcatering to South Australia’s located at Port Lincoln, Whyalla, incident or resource from Adelaide. catering equipment. emergency service organisations Peterborough, Millicent, Mount Servings are of a standard size but such as the CFS, SES and SAPOL. Gambier and Noarlunga. there is no restriction placed on the Belair Established in South Australia These are State level resources and number of serves a person consumes. The SAES provided catering for the around 1980, the SAES provides must be booked through the State Tea, coffee, cordial and cake is CFS and other emergency service catering for emergencies such as Logistics Coordinator via the Region. available at all times. agencies during the Belair fire on 17 bushfires, floods, storm damage, January 2008. searches, major road and rail Response Times SAES Deployments during the At this incident approximately accidents and police operations. When intending to use SAES, 2007/08 Fire Danger Season 600 meals were supplied and the The SAES is available 24 hours a day, consideration must be given to SAES was activated on several staging area was set up at the Belair 7 days a week and when activated, response times to ensure crews are occasions over the 2007/08 Fire National Park. SAES is staffed by a team of trained catered for at the appropriate time. Danger Season providing an volunteers who have training in safety, For the SAES major event catering essential service to all emergency Gumeracha operations and food handling. vehicle, a one hour call out plus service personnel. The SAES catering truck, mobile Team Leaders have National travel time from Pooraka to the cool room and support vehicles were Accreditation and Certification in incident plus one hour set up must Kangaroo Island deployed to Gumeracha Oval on food handling and preparation. be allowed before the first meals are The SAES was deployed to Tuesday 4 March 2008 to provide The SAES has approximately 100 available to be served to crews. Kangaroo Island (KI) at 10pm on catering for the CFS and associated trained volunteers in the Adelaide Note: Takeaway meals add Thursday 6 December 2007 to support organisations. metropolitan area and 80 volunteers significantly to the meal preparation provide catering for the firefighters A total of 15 SAES volunteers were in country areas. time and any requirement for and associated emergency deployed to this incident and 624 meals takeaways needs to be flagged as service personnel. were provided over a 24-hour period. SAES working with the CFS early as possible. Around 40 SAES workers were Background As a rule of thumb, takeaways can deployed to KI, serving over 14,000 Williamstown CFS has an agreement with the only be produced at the rate of one main meals. The SAES provided catering for the SAES for the provision of catering every thirty seconds. At the peak of the catering effort Williamstown fire on Wednesday 12 services to CFS at emergency there were 29 SAES catering March 2008. incidents and at other times as may Meals personnel on site, 16 covering the day Over the 48-hour period, the SAES be agreed, e.g. field days. SAES catering for at least the first shift and 10 covering the night shift. provided 1,625 meals. SAES will provide similar services twelve hours of any incident will be Three SAES administration logistics to other emergency service agencies reliant on long life foods, i.e. those people were on KI and one in Adelaide. Willunga but gives CFS priority at all times. that are canned or frozen. Four SAES vehicles, a large catering A SAES team from Noarlunga Note: That the meat provided for truck, generator set, mobile freezer provided catering for the Willunga fire. Resources salads is Premium Plumrose Ham – it cool room and Noarlunga's large The team was activated at 3.40pm SAES currently has available a is not spam (this minimises the cost catering trailer were deployed on KI. on 13 March 2008 and provided major event catering vehicle, with a to CFS and allows for rapid response). The CFS provided outstanding approximately 1,400 meals until second vehicle due to come on line After the initial period fresh meats logistical support to the SAES they were stood down at 2.30am on around the middle of 2008. and fruit will be used when possible. by providing additional freezer 15 March. SAES setting up at the Belair fire.

SAMPLE MENUS s

BREAKFAST Range of cereals with stewed fruit Bread/toast with range of toppings Spaghetti Baked beans Hash browns Bacon Eggs Sausages ow.

LUNCH & DINNER NOTE: Not all items available all meals. We choose from the items below. Generally we serve a cold lunch and hot dinner but this depends on circumstances, weather etc.

Plumrose premium sliced ham Fried chicken and fish 21 Chicken& Beef schnitzels Hamburgers

Pink Salmon Vegetarian patties VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES Lasagne Pizza SAES at the Willunga fire. Fried chips Potato salad Mint peas, Carrots, Corn Beetroot Pineapple rings Hot potatoes Vegetable & Tomato soup Ice cream DESERT cake Fruit salad Custard Fruit Sarah Lee pastries (various varieties)

DRINKS Tea, Coffee, Milo, Cordial, Water

NOTE: Depending on location and availability of local shops/supermarkets we also source and use fresh fruit, lettuce, tomatoes, meat etc.

Kangaroo Island mess tent.

Gumeracha fire. The narrow drop characteristics and its high volume capacity makes the Aircrane very 2007/08 FIRE DANGER SEASON: effective. AIRCRAFT NEWS & UPDATES By:By: DDavidavaviidd CCant,a Manager Aviation Services

A Bell 212 fire bomber refilling 22 during the Belair fire, while the Erickson Aircrane waits its turn. VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

Evaluating the drop effectiveness of foam with the Erickson Aircrane Helitak 736 on pines at Mt Crawford.

or air operations, the 2007/08 seven surveillance aircraft available Air Desk and common systems of and the conduct of safe and Fire Danger Season started to be deployed across the State communication for aircraft dispatch. effective operations. Fearlier than normal, with peak during the Kangaroo Island fires. The experience of CFS air crew The CFS sought support from activity during December and March. In turn, South Australia supported was evident on many occasions both the NSW Rural Fire Service The CFS received additional Western Australia with the release with Air Attack Supervisors skilfully and the Victorian Department of funding from the Federal and South of an Airtractor to help operations managing complex aircraft Sustainability and Environment for Australian Governments for aerial near Bunbury. movements in tight airspace. They aircraft management, air crew and firefighting, meaning there was This season the CFS also provided also developed tactics for bombing, ground support. extra firebombing and surveillance bombing and support aircraft for while air observers provided close to This support provided valuable aircraft capacity. the Department of Environment real time maps of fire events. insight into other states’ operations January and February were particularly and Heritage’s Bushfire CRC and how improvements could be quiet months, with very few large fire Research Project FuSE at Ngarkat Significant Incidents made both here and interstate. incidents involving aircraft. Conservation Park. The most significant fire event Other challenging fires for aircraft Despite this quiet period, planes Victorian and New South Wales involving air operations for South included the fires on Southern and helicopters were frequently used colleagues assisted with observation Australia this season was the Yorke Peninsula, O’Halloran Hill, the for very rapid initial response across of aircraft during experiments and multiple Kangaroo Island fires Belair fire and the fires during the the high risk areas of the State. retardant mixing. during December 2007. heat wave in March at Gumeracha, Thanks to the National Aerial At Project FuSE the CFS started It was incredibly demanding on Willunga and Williamstown. Firefighting Centre (NAFC), South trialling the use of super absorbent volunteers and staff because of Having a mix of aircraft for these Australia was able to access polymer gels for aerial firefighting. the length of the campaign and the fires proved invaluable in controlling extra aircraft and personnel during It was the first time the product numbers of aircraft involved. the fires and minimising damage to peak fire danger periods and had been trialled in an aerial Issues that caused concern life and property. significant events. operation in Australia. were flight crew and air crew In all the CFS had two Aircranes, Also during the bushfire season, rotations, ground support demands, Aircraft Specifics two medium helicopter bombers, turnout systems were streamlined maintaining fuel and foam supplies During the bushfire season the CFS fixed wing bombing aircraft and through the establishment of the State from the mainland to the aircraft, had access to a number of different Gel suppressant being dropped by an Airtractor 802 during a field trial in January.

23 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

aircraft for both bombing operations decisive in the control of the fire State Coordination Centre at CFS Future Challenges and surveillance of fires. adjacent to Warren Reservoir with Headquarters. The introduction of alternate Through Australian Maritime its rapid turnarounds dropping in This desk managed the dispatch chemicals for aerial firefighting requires Resources the CFS had seven fixed un-thinned pine plantations. and resource management of significant investment in research, wing fire bombing aircraft (five During the Kangaroo Island fires the aircraft across South Australia via application techniques, infrastructure Airtractor 802s, and two Airtractor CFS was also supported from Victoria the GRN paging network. development and effectiveness. 602s) available with capacity of with a S64F Aircrane and their King Air This system proved to be both The use of gel products was proposed aircraft increasing in the Lower line scanning aircraft, which provided reliable and effective. to be trialled operationally last summer South East and Lower Eyre Peninsula strategic mapping of the fires. By having this facility the CFS was but the CFS remains hopeful approvals bombing zones, and an additional The 2007/08 season was also the able to provide flight following for will be granted for this coming season. aircraft being available for use first year of surveillance aircraft aircraft across the State. Gel is a direct attack media which has across the State. contracts in the Lower South East The system also enabled a longer residence time than the foam Through Coulson Aircrane of and Lower Eyre Peninsula, with tracking and monitoring of CFS products we currently use. Canada the CFS supplied two high winged Cessna aircraft being aircraft via the CRIIMSON incident Succession planning for aircrew medium helicopters (Bell 212s) used for air observation and fire information system. remains difficult. Skill requirements with belly tanks; each capable of bombing coordination. To enable effective and safe for these highly specialised transporting 14 crew. Additional funding enabled the CFS communications during air roles require significant field air The helicopters were used for fire to have a dedicated helicopter and operations the CFS enacted SOP operations experience and developing bucket operations and transporting fixed wing surveillance aircraft for use 10.15 which provides a common these competencies is quite costly. equipment on Kangaroo Island as well across South Australia. An AS350BA system of communication with Developing knowledge on the as fire duties in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Squirrel Helicopter and a twin engine aircraft state-wide, while minimising use and application of aircraft by The National Aerial Firefighting Cessna 337 were used in these roles. communication interference between Incident Management Teams for Centre (NAFC) enabled CFS to have CFS regions. inclusion in Incident Action Plans access to a national Erickson S64E Procedural Changes This strategic and tactical plan is requires development. Aircrane for periods of four months. As mentioned, the CFS established currently being reviewed to ensure This will be a key focus of Aviation This aircraft was reported to be a State Air Desk function within the all stakeholder needs have been met. Services in the future. NEWS & UPDATES SOUTH AUSTRALIANS GATHER TO COMMEMORATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASH WEDNESDAY RexRe Hall lays a wreath at a aturday 16 February marked seservice in commemoration of Ash Wednesday 25 years the 25th anniversary of the ago. At least 400 people Sdevastating Ash Wednesday gagathered at the community bushfires of 1983. hall in Tarpeena on Several commemorative services SaSaturday 16 February 2008. were held around the State to honour Photo: Courtesy of The Border Watch the 28 people who lost their lives, 24 and were attended by the families of the victims, CFS volunteers, media VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES and members of the public. Photo: Courtesy of The Advertiser SA Premier, Mike Rann, hosted a >> special service at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, while several same time – an estimated 130,000 CFS brigades, the CFSVA and other firefighters. local community associations held In South Australia alone, 1,587 services in some of the districts square kilometres of land was burnt,, worst affected by the 1983 inferno. 257,350 farm animals perished, 5644 The Ash Wednesday II fires saw vehicles were incinerated and 312 the largest number of volunteers homes destroyed, leaving behind a called to duty across Australia at the total damage bill of over $400 million.on. ASH WEDNESDAY 25TH ANNIVERSARY

arlier this year the 25th who suddenly found himself in area around Tea Tree Gully and the Anniversary of the Ash the thick of what is generally still north-eastern hills is a very differentnt EWednesday bushfires was considered the worst natural disaster community. marked at the Tea Tree Gully RSL Hall. this State has ever endured. A new generation of children has Past and present CFS members I remember not realising there were grown up. Families have moved in were joined by community members other fires occurring until we were and others have moved on. and officials, including the Tea Tree at the end of Churchett Road that The urban sprawl has eaten up Gully Mayor, Miriam Smith. night. We could see the glow of the much of the large land areas and The CFS Assistant Chief Officer, other fires in the distance. the nature of farming has changed Rob Sandford, spoke at the event to There are few people who can’t substantially. Left to right: Neville Milton, Mark Hawkins, share his thoughts and reflections at recall precisely where they were and Yet as individuals and as a Ross Schlien, Leon Hurst, Rod Hills. the commemoration event. what they were doing on that most community, we are still drawn Reflections… terrible of days. together each year to remember this learned from that harsh experience. When we think of Ash Wednesday, Ash Wednesday reminds us that one event that has defined our local It’s a time to pause and we think of that awful, dark dusty fire is as much a part of our natural community forever. acknowledge that rare species known sky, of the wild northerly winds and landscape as the gum trees and the It’s not just about fires. It is about as the “volunteer firefighter”. of the hills lit up well into the night. creek beds. the extraordinary strength of our Some might consider this yellow Who could ever forget the fire As a society, we have embraced friends and family, our neighbours coated ‘being’ an endangered burning over the top of Anstey Hill? a lifestyle as close to nature as and fellow firefighters who stepped species. Perhaps they are not The trucks were chasing flames, possible – perfectly sandwiched up without flinching, putting endangered, but they’re definitely a clinging to the side of the hill, amid between the sea and the bush. themselves in harms way to protect species that deserves to be protected the flames. It is our choice to live in the bush what was most precious to them. and praised. That night, the media reports but it is equally our responsibility The 25th Anniversary makes me Some 1,390 CFS volunteer from overseas talked of "Adelaide to learn to live with the reality of proud to be part of such a community. firefighters battled the fires on surrounded by fire", of "South bushfires. Proud to have grown up here and Ash Wednesday around Tea Tree Australia burning". And it was. So what makes Ash Wednesday proud to be part of a bigger family Gully, Anstey Hill, Cudlee Creek and My perspective now as an Assistant stand out? What is it about this called the Country Fire Service. Lobethal. Many more went forward Chief Officer and State Coordinator of particular anniversary that draws us The anniversary is as much about to fires burning across the State. the CFS, is quite different to that of together year after year? the tragic and significant loss of Men and women didn’t think twice the young volunteer firefighter, from a 25 years on… life and property as it is about the jumping on the back of a truck and large family of volunteer firefighters, It’s now 25 years on, and the knowledge gained and lessons working around the clock. And not VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEER - NEWS & UUPDATESPDATES 25 The CFSVA’s final submission is The CFSVA’s CFSVA President, Ken Schutz, said President, Ken Schutz, said CFSVA

Back left to right: Liz Sandford, Jenny Pam Harrison. MacDonald, Bernie Tindall, Front left to right: Kath Sandford, Rhonda Goodes. Back left to right: Wayne Harris, Stan Murray Corston, Ian Glidon, Simper, Mike Graham Verrall, Arthur Tindall, Sandford. Front left to right: Brian Maarten Nieuwenhoven, Dean Leaney, Sandford, Ray Goodes. available for downloading from the website, news column on the CFSVA www.cfsva.org.au that he believed the final submission was an accurate representation of volunteers’ thoughts and concerns. since the inception of the Fire and Emergency Services Act in 2005. >> >> ,

e g st

the Eyre Peninsula Branch at Cummins CFS Station.

CFSVA Executive Officer, Wendy Shirley, is presented her plaque from >> hank you to all CFS volunteers who provided feedback on the submission to the review CFSVA’s CFSVA FINAL SUBMISSION TO FINAL CFSVA LEGISLATION REVIEW OF SAFECOM The review was conducted by Mr We really have come a long way. really have come a long way. We Because of this tragedy, as with Because of this tragedy, However the strength and resilience John Murray APM and examined the legislation affecting the Country Fire Service, Metropolitan Fire Service and State Emergency Service T of the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) legislation. But our journey forward will always be tinged with memories of one of the darkest of days in South history. Australia’s many bushfire tragedies before and since, we have learnt valuable lessons. The cost was high – too high but we are a stronger, some might say, more resilient community as a result. of the local community reflects a healing process that started 25 long years ago. I hope that we can all ensure that those lives that were lost, were not lost in vain.

o

r

o R d g. So, what have we learnt from the will never forget the horrors of We “She was speechless when we “She was speechless when only a small token of our “It’s said that she was very Wendy “The Coronial process was a very

Ash Wednesday fires? We have fires? We Ash Wednesday learnt that fires are inevitable. No amount of ground crews or aerial resources can ever match the force of catastrophic bushfires like Ash When the weather Wednesday. conditions are that extreme, with a fuel load that high, we have to accept that nature will unleash its fury no matter what we throw at it. And so, our ability to prepare for bushfire becomes our best and most powerful defence. Those images will Ash Wednesday. stay with us as a reminder of our innate fragility but also our strong spirit. I don’t need to describe them to you because I know you all have your own recollections of the fires. Those who were just children at the time and those who’ve lived through many decades of fire danger seasons, will have memories that come back to haunt them at the sound of the fire siren or the uncertain smell of a hot day. northerly wind on a dry summer’s

difficult circumstances bearable for difficult circumstances was seen to our members. If anyone with be experiencing any difficulty went out of her the process, Wendy were looked way to ensure that they Russell said. after,” her at a presented the plaque to Management Meeting. recent CFSVA appreciation for the tireless hours she spent in support of the volunteers but I know she appreciated it because she saw first hand what our members had gone through,” he said. grateful for the plaque and didn’t expect anything from the support she provided. difficult period for many volunteers. I saw it as an excellent opportunity for the Association to do as much as possible to help them through it. do it all again tomorrow if we We’d had to, though I hope we never have to,” she said.

FOR WANGARY SUPPORT WANGARY FOR

CFSVA EXECUTIVE OFFICER EXECUTIVE CFSVA PLAQUE PRESENTED TO TO PRESENTED PLAQUE

he Eyre Peninsula Branch of he Eyre Peninsula Branch has presented a the CFSVA plaque to Executive Officer,

Wendy played a pivotal role during played Wendy Apart from ensuring that all Eyre Peninsula Branch President, made what were often very “Wendy I’m truly humbled by the guts years on - we have Twenty-five Twenty-five years ago it was a very Twenty-five I am sure some of you will

Wendy Shirley, thanking her for the Shirley, Wendy provided overwhelming support she Coronial to volunteers during the bushfires. Inquest into the Wangary Wangary the three years after the were fire ensuring that volunteers needed given all the support they during the investigation and the release of the findings. volunteers had legal representation paid for by the State Government - a total of six barristers in all - she also made sure they were provided transport and lodging, and were generally made to feel comfortable during the unnerving period. Russell Branson, said it was suggested by numerous volunteers that the branch, on behalf of its members, present a plaque to Wendy to formally recognise her support. T just at the peak of the fires, but in the long days following. Men and women saved neighbours’ properties while their own homes, properties and livelihoods burnt to the ground. and sheer heart of our volunteer firefighters who served the community and who continue on Ash Wednesday, to serve today. shiny new trucks with every safety feature imaginable. Rural firefighting has moved on in so many ways with state of the art equipment, rigorous training programs and a fleet of aerial firefighting resources. But the essence and intrinsic qualities of our volunteer firefighters will thankfully never change. Time past and lessons learnt… Time different world for firefighters. the perhaps not too fondly, remember, heavy 15-gallon knapsacks and the coils of rubber hose lugged around to add on to the hose reels. – TEA TREE GULLY TREE TEA –

Y GOLD COIN

FOR GEOFF APPEAL << Geoff Buyrn (front) with Andy Thomas, Wendy he “G“Goldold CCoinoin fforor GeGeoff” Appeal It happened in just a few seconds. and District CFS Group to hold a Shirley, Ken Schutz and Euan Ferguson. was officially launched on Geoff now requires daily therapy gold coin appeal to improve Geoff’s T8 February with a segment and support. overall well being. The appeal closed on 31 May. The broadcast on the video-based He was duly compensated by CFS members across South final amount raised will be included website YouTube. Workers Compensation and the Australia were encouraged to dig in the next Volunteer magazine. Geoff Buyrn is a member of the CFSVA Top-up Insurance. However, deep and donate a gold coin to help Thank you for your support - together Mount Bryan Brigade in the Burra money will still be tight for Geoff make Geoff’s life that little bit easier. we can really make a difference. 26 and District CFS Group who, at a and, as a gesture of goodwill, it Your generosity will assist him in Geoff’s positive spirit, fierce fire in November 2006, became a was decided at a meeting attended many ways such as setting up a determination and great big smile VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES quadriplegic when the fire appliance by CFS Management, the CFSVA, computer system so he can stay in are an inspiration to us all. he was driving rolled on a hill-side. the CFS Foundation and the Burra touch with friends and family.

- THE AUSTRALASIAN ASSEMBLY OF VOLUNTEER AAVFBA FIRE BRIGADE ASSOCIATIONS INC. By: Ken Schutz, President, CFSVA

id you know that there is made up of myself from Victoria presentation to AFAC for assistance. rearranged from legal blame a national body looking as President, Terry Hunter WA Vice- The submission would contain some apportioning outcomes to more Dafter volunteer firefighters’ President, Bruce Corbett Tasmania of the issues raised by VFBV CEO scientific lessons learnt outcomes. interests? as Secretary and members Ken Andrew Ford when he addressed Most states and territories have The Australasian Assembly of Schutz SA and Richard Davidson NZ. the board. conducted similar coronial inquiries Volunteer Fire Brigade Associations The AAVFBA board (executive) met The Assembly is seeking to meet which are most difficult for the (AAVFBA) is the equivalent of the recently at CFA Headquarters in AFAC staff in June. volunteers who are involved. CFSVA but at a national level. Melbourne, the first of two planned Assembly Publications The Board is to approach AFAC The CFSVA is a member of the meetings during the year. Two business proposals to publish to ensure incident controllers are AAVFBA and I – Ken Schutz- sit on The Assembly holds its AGM in a glossy magazine for the Assembly, appropriately trained personnel the executive of the AAVFBA. conjunction with AFAC’s annual at no cost to the Assembly, were having regard for local knowledge. It From now on the executive conference. considered. will be emphasised that volunteers has decided to put updates and The arrangement reflects the The board agreed not to accept are most professional in the delivery outcomes from the AAVFBA into relationship that the Assembly either offer at this time. It was felt of their services. all State volunteer firefighter and AFAC have developed through that the Assembly needed to set up Lower Speed Limits at Incidents magazines to make sure everyone is a Memorandum of Understanding a strong base with administrative Volunteer firefighters have been aware that, collectively, the States (MOU) signed at last years AGM in support first. pressing for lower speed limits to are working on various issues and Hobart. The MOU covers the two The Assembly felt it was a huge apply in the vicinity of emergency their progress. parties working cooperatively. commitment to embark on. There was scenes where hazard lights are This is the first of such newsletters The Assembly has an opportunity to concern not to interfere with current flashing. South Australia has had from the AAVFBA President, Bruce have input into AFAC deliberations. State and association magazines. 40kmph limits for some years; but Conboy. Funding and Support As an interim step the Assembly other states have resisted providing If you would like to know more The Assembly has a very limited will seek to have its information improved safety at incidents. Road about the AAVFBA please contact funding stream provided by its posted in association publications. workers get 40kmph limits even me at anytime. member associations. 2008 AGM when they leave the job. AAVFBA President’s Newsletter Much of the Assembly’s current The 2008 AGM of the Assembly will Australian transport ministers Who we are expenditure is on travel and be held in Adelaide from 29 August have agreed to have common The AAVFBA is an incorporated accommodation costs. to 31 August immediately prior to road rules nationally but delay body representing the various The recent board meeting cost the AFAC conference. The CSFVA is implementation. States volunteer fire brigade $3500 as board members flew in organising the meeting. South Australia meanwhile is associations and the New Zealand from New Zealand and other states. Coronial Inquiries seeking 25kmph limits. United Fire Brigades Association. The Assembly actively seeks The board considered the report of Transfer of Volunteers Eleven of 13 Associations are assistance through grants or the Eyre Peninsula Coronial inquiry. The Assembly is to approach AFAC affiliated. sponsorships not only to cover travel The main recommendation that to facilitate the transfer of volunteers The Association exists to allow fire and accommodation costs, but only staff be incident controllers from state to state, and country to brigade associations to network, importantly to provide an executive has been rejected by the South country, as they change employment provide information exchange and officer time to coordinate national Australian CFS and its Volunteer or seek education around the nation, advocate on national issues. affairs. Association (CFSVA). so that volunteers competencies are The Board The Assembly resolved to prepare There is a pressing need for readily recognised. The Board of the Assembly is a professional submission for coronial inquiries into fires being Bruce Conboy, April 2008 FACES IN THE CROWD GEORGE POLOMKA’S 60 YEAR FEAT

ot many people can claim to He was awarded life membership more, 55 have served over 40 years No doubt they feel just the same as have 60 years of volunteer fire with the CFS in 1971. and 4617 have clocked up at least George does, when he says: Nfighting under their belt. In 1974 George became the first 20 years. “I’ve achieved something I wanted In fact, George Polomka is the only volunteer Regional Officer in Region This means nearly one third of all to achieve and I’ve enjoyed the CFS volunteer in South Australia to 4, the biggest CFS region in the CFS members have been with the opportunities that I’ve had to serve have achieved the feat. State stretching nearly 700,000 organisation for more than two decades. the community.” His six-decade anniversary with the kilometres from Burra to the NSW CFS ticked over on April 2nd this year. and NT borders. 27 The 80-year-old is still a valuable, In the 1960’s he was pivotal in enthusiastic member of the raising money to build a new fire VOLUNTEER - FACES IN THE CROWD Athelstone Brigade and just as station at Jamestown. humble as the day he joined the CFS Like so many long term volunteers, back in 1948. George Polomka also played a part “I’m the last person in the world to in fighting the devastating Ash make anything of it,” says George. Wednesday bushfires in 1983. “I’ve just gone along for the The experience prompted him to community…I don’t think any become heavily involved in designing brigade or any firefighter has ever new fire appliances with better strived to make a fuss about it.” safety features. George’s aversion to any “fuss” Mr Polomka’s dedication to his about his achievements was evident community doesn’t end with when Premier Mike Rann presented firefighting. him with a plaque to recognise his He has served as a District service in front of the Athelstone Councillor and the Mayor of Brigade in April. Jamestown, and was a long- The Premier commented that the term volunteer with the St John’s << The plaque presented to George by Premier Mike Rann at a commemorative event only way people could be sure George Ambulance Service which he joined held at the Athelstone CFS station in April. Polomka would attend an event in in 1969. The plaque is installed at the CFS State Training Centre at Brukunga recognising the double classroom block as the George Polomka Building. his honour, was to hold it on a weekly For several years he also drove the training night at the Athelstone Campbelltown Community Bus. Brigade’s station! To top it all off, George Polomka “The fact that George would rather was awarded the Australian Fire quietly go about his duties – as he Service Medal in the Queen’s has done on the community’s behalf Birthday Honours list in 1999. for a remarkable 60 years – says as All of this achievement seems like much about his character as it does serious stuff, but George is known about his humility.” for his wicked sense of humour. The CFS Chief Officer, Euan He’s a committed, competent Ferguson, also attended and paid trainer but has played the odd trick tribute to George’s efforts. on fellow volunteers. George Polomka is the only “The CFS volunteer spirit literally Many can remember being woken CFS volunteer to reach the milestone of 60 years. courses through his veins,” he said. in the dead of night at training Photo courtesy The Advertiser “Every week he fronts up to the camps by his demanding voice, brigade for training in the unassuming ordering them to haul hoses over way he has done for the past 60 years.” the dormitory roof or perform an The plaque that was awarded unexpected drill! to George is installed at the CFS George is now a volunteer State Training Centre at Brukunga communications and administration in the Adelaide Hills; recognising officer with the Athelstone CFS the double classroom block as the Brigade with no plans to retire from George Polomka Building. the organisation just yet.

GEORGE’S HISTORY LONG TERM VOLUNTEERS George joined Jamestown CFS as There are several other long term George Polomka with a foundation member in 1948 when CFS volunteers snapping at the heels his wife Elaine. Photo the organisation was known as the of George and his achievement. courtesy The Advertiser Emergency Fire Service. Seven have now served 55 years or NEW STATE TRAINING OFFICERS n the last edition of the Volunteer we gave you an insight into the men VAUGHN ELSWORTH Iand women who work within the State Training Centre at Brukunga. Brigade: Lyndoch CFS, previously What attracted you to the position: Since then, three new individuals with Woomera The ability to travel around the state have been employed as State Training Volunteer Service: 12 years and not be restricted to a single area Officers to focus on Rural Firefighting. Position within the Brigade: or region, as well as interacting with With the aim of assisting with Lieutenant 3 and Brigade Training a large group of individuals who the delivery of rural based courses Coordinator want to put something back into the across the State, these new staff Training Background: Spent 14 community in which they live. members have been kept very busy years teaching in schools from What do you love about the job: over the past six months. Reception to Year 12 as well as 28 The people, interacting with people As part of their training portfolio, contract work for TAFE. Vaughn has from all parts of the state who come VOLUNTEER - TRAINING TALK these training officers deliver courses taught across a diverse range of in; Basic Firefighting 1, Suppress curriculum from music and IT to the from different backgrounds and Wildfire, Suppress Wildfire Up Skill, Sciences. have different life skills. I love the Plantation Firefighting 1, Navigate in Previous Employment: Fire Training travel, I can be at opposite ends of Urban and Rural Environments, Map Industry delivering evacuation training the State in the same week. I now Reading, Introduction to GPS and and warden training to corporate have a job that started out as a Government Radio Network. organisations as well as initiating the hobby, I always enjoyed teaching and The training officers have been setting up of BA and HAZMAT training enjoy focusing on adult education employed to assist with the delivery for mining industry clients. rather than children. of training sessions to individual Brigades, Groups or for Regional and State based courses. So who are the new State Training Officers – Rural Firefighting? ROBIN GEYTENBEEK

Brigade: Summertown CFS Previous Employment: Cabinet Volunteer Service: 16 years maker / Shopfitter for over 10 years. COMMUNITY WATER Position within the Brigade: What attracted you to the LLieutenant 1, Brigade Training position: The chance to do CCoordinator and Group Training GRANT FOR BRUKUNGA something that I love for a living. Coordinator. What do you love about the job: ith a firm commitment to Training Background: Brigade Meeting different people and water conservation, recycling Training Coordinator for nine years Wand preservation, the CFS and Group Training Coordinator for shsharingaring knknowledgeow with others. I State Training Centre at Brukunga over seven years. Robin also has also find I learn as mmuchuch frfromom the has been successful in obtaining Certificate IV in Workplace Training participants as they learn from me. a Federal Government Community and Assessment. Water Grant. The funding will help build a 424,000 litre concrete tank which will enable water run off from the hot pad training area to be captured MICHAEL MATHEWEW and stored for future use. Currently there are four tanks at Brukunga, with a water storage and BBrigade: Clare CFS Previous Employment: Coordinator recycling capability of around 347,000 VVolunteer Service: 8 years – Clare High School litres but this new facility will more PPosition within the Brigade: What attracted you to the position: than double the water conservation CCaptain for 5 years, now Lieutenant 4 The opportunity to contribute to the abilities of the training centre. TTraining Background: Secondary CFS in a full-time capacity. The stored water is used for hot scschool teacher and coordinator, pad, compartment fire behaviour, TATAFEFE llecturer.ecturer. MMichael also has a What do you love about the job: multi story breathing apparatus sscscienceience degree, teacteachinghing ddiplomaiploma Getting out in the field and working training, as well as watering the anaandd Certificate IV Training anandd didirectlyrectly wwith volunteers, travel and grassed areas. AsAAssessment.sessment. flexible wworkork arrangarrangements.ements. As a guide, for every one millimetre of rain that falls, two million litres of water goes into the storage tanks. The storage facility should be complete by the end of the year. TRAINING TALK

HUET COURSEBy: Gary MacRae, CFS Volunteer Aircrew

29 VOLUNTEER - TRAINING TALK

Adelaide Bank Rescue Helicopter in action.

ire bombing aircraft are In February four CFS Air Attack well known as an invaluable Supervisors - Wayne Atkins, David Ffirefighting tool, swooping Pearce, Greg Stone and Gary MacRae from the sky to accurately rain - attended the specialised course. down their fire-stopping loads of which was run by RHO Aviation foam and retardant. Training Services at the Adventure The pilots of these aircraft, along Blue Dive Centre, Glenelg. with our own CFS air crews, routinely During the course, skills needed to fly in some of the most dangerous escape a submerged helicopter were and inhospitable of conditions practiced in a special training prop experienced in Australian aviation which looks like a small raft with a operations. mock-up helicopter cockpit on top. In recent years CFS Air Operations The crews were strapped in and has expanded its role across the then tipped upside down in a pool to State, requiring many hours ferrying simulate a ditching helicopter. people from place to place, such as The trainees were then required to Port Lincoln. demonstrate correct procedures to This requires significant flight time affect an escape. over water. The HUET course markedly As a result, the CFS has included increases the chances of survival The HUET trainees take to the water. Going… Helicopter Underwater Escape should an aircraft be required to Training (HUET) as part of the air ditch into the water…or on the land crews' operational requirements. for that matter.

… gone! … going … THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES By: Leanne Adams, Incident Management Project Officer INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

ll CFS incidents are managed of Flinders Chase, 39.0 percent (960 using AIIMS (the Australasian hectares) of Western River Wilderness AInter-service Incident Protection Area and 46 percent (17,900 30 Management System). The AIIMS hectares) of Cape Gantheaume

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES structure chart is illustrated in Wilderness Protection Area. Diagram 1. Landholders were affected by the AIIMS is used at small incidents fires in many ways, including 14,500 where an Incident Controller hectares of private land burnt with Photos taken by: CFS Promotions Unit, aerial photos by is identified and performs some stock lost. Gary MacRae, CFS Volunteer Aircrew and Leanne Adams, all the incident management CFS Incident Management Project Officer. responsibilities. As an incident grows in size or complexity, more of the system is established. For example someone may be delegated the role of Operations, which often starts with a Sector Commander, or someone could be delegated logistical roles, such as arranging catering or supplies. The fires on Kangaroo Island in December 2007 were an example where nearly all of AIIMS was used. One of the key principles of AIIMS is the concept of Functional Management. AIIMS uses specific functions to manage an incident and the four functions used are Control, Operations, Planning and Logistics. The following pages provide an overview of the Kangaroo Island fires from the perspective of AIIMS incident management broken up into the four key functional areas as seen in Diagram 2. Diagram 1: The Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) structure chart. The Incident Multiple, intense and sustained lightning across all areas of Kangaroo Island resulted in 12 fires beginning on the island. The complex of fires burnt approximately 20 percent (90,000 hectares) of Kangaroo Island. The four major fires were the Chase Fire (63,000 hectares), Solley’s Fire (3,000 hectares), Central Fire (6,000 hectares) and Destrees Fire (18,000 hectares). A number of Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) Reserves were burnt by the fires, those being: 84.4 percent (61,715 hectares) Diagram 2: The four key functional areas of AIIMS - Control, Operations, Planning and Logistics. THE ‘OPERATIONS’ FUNCTIONBy: Leanne OF Adams, THE Incident Management AIIMS Project OfficerSTRUCTURE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES

perations is the tasking and when multiple fires were reported Strike Teams from the mainland appliances, private vehicles, plant application of resources due to lightning strikes and local were responded. and equipment and aircraft. Oto resolve an incident - brigades responded. Operational resources are managed They can be used as single resources illustrated in Diagram 3. Initially brigades from the western within the Span of Control, which is or they can be put into Strike Teams, Operations is the bread and butter end of the Island responded to fires the number of groups or individuals which can include a command vehicle of CFS. It is what brigades do every and when a second band of lightning that can be successfully supervised and five appliances. day when responding to all types of came through the central part of the by one person and is usually 1:5 Alternatively a Task Force could be incidents and is fundamentally what Island all KI brigades became involved. ratio, for example one Crew Leader assembled for a specific task, for we do as a service. Other operational resources included to five crew members or one Strike example some plant, equipment and During the incidents on Kangaroo plant, equipment and bombing aircraft. Team Leader to five appliances. appliances assembled into a team to Island, Operations commenced As the incidents escalated further, Operational resources include establish a fire break. 31 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES Seal Bay. Example of a private vehicle assisting with firefighting activities.

A dozer and appliances rounding up Seal Bay. fires that had jumped control lines.

Appliance.

Diagram 3: Operations Firefighters. key functional area of the AIIMS structure.

Crews. CONT. THE ‘OPERATIONS’ FUNCTIONBy: Leanne OF Adams, THE Incident ManagementAIIMS Project STRUCTURE Officer INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES

Example of heavy plant Mopping up in the seaweed. equipment utilised during firefighting activities.

32 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

Seal Bay.

Filling at dam.

>> The KI fires map. There were five significant fires on KI which were broken into either the Chase Division or the Destrees Division and each fire was broken up into Sectors where appropriate. ncidents are often divided into Sectors and Divisions, depending Ion the size of the incident. During the Kangaroo Island fires there were five significant fires, so it was treated as a ‘complex’ of fires (meaning there are multiple fires being managed with one Incident Management Team). The fires were delegated to either the Chase Division or the Destrees Division and each fire was broken up into Sectors where appropriate (see map). Each Division had a Division Commander that reported to the Operations Officer in the Incident Management Team and each Sector had a Sector Commander who reported to the relevant Division Commander. During times of high levels of activity there was an Operations Officer in the Incident Management Team for each fire. Air Operations ir Operations is part of the Operations function. A At the KI incidents there was an Air Operations Manager whose role was to develop the Air Operations Plan, conduct strategic decision making relating to the use of aircraft, attend incident management briefings, liaise with Turkey Lane Airstrip. the Incident Management Team and request logistical support such as additional foam and fuel.

There was also an Aircraft Officer Some interesting Air Operations whose role was to request logistical statistics from KI: arrangements, such as transport, • Bombers used an average of 7,000 accommodation and catering for litres of Jet A1 fuel per day pilots and the mixing crew who were • Rotary Wing Aircraft (not including located at Turkey Lane Airstrip. Erickson Aircrane) used 4,000 33 Additionally the Aircraft Officer litres of Jet A1 fuel per day VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES coordinated all the reconnaissance, • Erickson Aircrane used an average intelligence, observation and of 2,000 litres of fuel per hour tactical flights. • Reconnaissance Aircraft used There was an Air Base Manager and an average of 1,400 litres per day up to 12 support crew located at the of Avgas Turkey Lane Airstrip. • An average of 640 litres per day off Their role was to support aircraft by foam was used in aircraft providing re-fuelling, filling aircraft • On one of the busy days on KI, Helitak. with water and foam or retardant. 8 tonnes of retardant was used. Also, there were Air Attack Supervisors who liaised with the Aircraft used at KI pilots of bombing aircraft and with Bombers Sector Commanders. • 555 and 558 (Air Tractor -502, They provided feedback on the 1900 litres) effectiveness of the bombing • 563 and 564 (AT-602, 2500 litres) operations, including the laying • 580, 581 and 584 (AT-802, 3200 of retardant, accuracy and litres) Reconnaissance and bombing effectiveness of drops. aircraft. The Air Observer is supported by Helitaks Air Operations, however they report • 536 (Bell 212 used both Belly Tank to the Situation Unit in Planning and Long line bucket 1200ltrs) and provide valuable information • 341 (Erickson Aircrane from VIC Erickson Aircrane. about fire behaviour, topography and 7500ltrs) vegetation in addition to providing plots of the perimeter of the fire. Air Attack / Air Observer For the KI fires FLIR (Forward Platforms used at KI Looking Infared) was used. FireSpotter Bomber drop. This resource was brought to • 501 (Local aircraft used) South Australia by DSE (Victorian • 514 (DEH aircraft) Department of Sustainability and • 505 (Lower South East aircraft) Environment) and is a heat-sensing • BirdDog 500 camera that is flown over fires. The data it collects is combined with Rotary GPS and is provided to the Mapping •Firebird 507 (used for both roles) Support Team to put onto maps that • Firebird 534 as above are then used in the field and by the • Rescue 53 as above Incident Management Team. During the KI fires, NSW Rural Fire Service and DSE supported CFS by providing Air Operations Management and Aircraft Officers.

Operations and the Incident Action Plan perations is responsible for The objectives will generally example through backburningrning protection,protection, creating breaks withwith implementing the Incident describe what is to be achieved with operations, creating a mineralmineral earth machinerymachinery and backburning.backburning. OAction Plan. a timeframe. break or by asset protection.ction. The Incident Action Plan outlines The strategies describe how the There were a variety ofof strategies objectives and strategies. objectives will be achieved, for used on KI, such as assetsset CONT. THE ‘OPERATIONS’ OFUNCTIONO ISLAND FIRES By:By: LeanneLe OFanne AAdams,d THE Incident ManagementAIIMS Project STRUCTURE Officer INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES

Appliances protecting assets at Flinders Chase.

34 Backburning operations. VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES Backburning operations.

Staging Check in. he relevant parts of the Incident Action Plan should be Staging Area Manager. Tcommunicated to each person involved in the incident. For example, a Sector Commander briefs Sector personnel on the strategies and tactics of the Sector.

Staging Area he Staging Area is also part ooff Operations and once a Stagingng TArea has been established, allll operational resources check in andd out of the incident via Staging. Appliances at Staging. The Staging Area Manager reports to the Operations Officer and lets them know which resources are available at Staging and notifies Operations when resources are deployed to the incident. At Staging there is a record kept of T-cards. incoming and outgoing resources, and this information is gathered through the use of T-cards. On KI, the Staging Area was co-located with the Base Camp on Parndana Oval.

Decontamination and cleaning of vehicles at Staging. Crew briefing at incident. THE ‘CONTROL’ FUNCTION OF THE AIIMS STRUCTURE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES By: Leanne Adams, Incident Management Project Officer

Diagram 4: The Control key functional area of the AIIMS Structure.

ontrol is the management of Officer, which allows the Incident all activities necessary for Controller to focus on other areas of Cthe resolution of an incident - responsibility, such as establishing illustrated in Diagram 4. the Incident Management Team, In the initial phases of an incident identifying risks, determining the Crew Leader on the first arriving priorities, interagency liaison, appliance will usually become the facilitating media management, Incident Controller. developing the Incident Action Plan, At this point the incident is usually a communicating within the control 35 Level 1 incident and can be managed structure, reporting within the chain at the location of the incident. of command and communicating VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES As an incident progresses and with the public. Interstate briefing. becomes larger and more complex, The Incident Controller is required to often another person, usually an keep the State Coordinator informed, Officer, will come and take over the who can then brief the Minister and incident. other agencies at State level. Prior to the fires on Kangaroo Island the local CFS group was aware of the Incident Levels incoming weather and were already Level 1 – Incidents that can monitoring the situation. be resolved using local or initial The Group Officer, Terry May, was response resources only. already in the Group Control Centre Level 2 – Incidents that are more at Parndana when the first fires were complex either in size, resources or reported. risk. They are characterised by the Initially there were three fires need for: almost simultaneously reported on • Deployment of resources beyond the north coast; one was quickly initial response, or extinguished, the other two were not • Sectorisation of the incident, or contained. • The establishment of functionalal Then the second part of the storm sections, or went through and brigades from the • A combination of the above. ForestrySA Tankers. western end were responded. Because the Group had already Level 3 – Incidents that may been activated, Terry May became require establishing Divisions the Incident Controller for all of the or effective management of the incidents. situation. These incidents will usuallyally As the incidents progressed further involve delegation of all functions. and became a Level 3 incident, the Regional Commander, Mark Safety Advisor Thomason, became the Incident The Safety Advisor reports to the Controller. Incident Controller on matters that CFS usually appoints one Incident affect safety. Controller for day shift and one for The Safety Advisor will monitor night shift. safety issues, monitor and report on At this incident, one Incident injuries and provide advice regardingg Controller was appointed for day and safety messages to crews. night (although they slept at night), There was a Safety Advisor on with a Deputy appointed for each of KI throughout the course of the the day and night shifts. incident. This is the method used in the United States because it promotes Interagency Liaison consistency between the day and There were many agencies involved night shifts and the feedback has on KI and it was important that there been very positive after it was used was a high level of coordination and on KI. communication with all of those The role of the Incident Controller at agencies. Level 3 incidents is very complex. During KI there were both Responsibility for operations Interagency and Interstate Liaison is delegated to the Operations Officers appointed, who provided One of the SA Metropolitan Fire Service crews. << State Emergency Service personnel at base camp.

State Emergency Service information and advice to personnelthe Control at base Agency camp. for the fires. CFS and SAPOL visited residents in KI to support the South 36 those agencies. SAPOL provided traffic control, those dangerous areas and in some Australian agencies.

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES South Australian agencies coordination, attended taskings and cases asked people to leave the area. The agencies included the that attended the incident provided advice to residents This joint approach provided Victorian Department of included: Country Fire Service, in the area. authority and credibility to the Sustainability and Environment, Department for Environment and There was a team approach taken requests and was very effective. Country Fire Authority and Victoria Heritage, ForestrySA, SA Fire and to advice provided to the community At the peak of the incidents there Parks plus New South Wales Emergency Services Commission, and standard messages were were 24 SAPOL Officers, some during Rural Fire Service, Department of SA Metropolitan Fire Service, SA developed and communicated by the the day and some at night. Environment and Conservation Ambulance Service, State Emergency two agencies. There are usually only three SAPOL Western Australia and Queensland Service, St John and Salvation Army CFS and SAPOL identified dangerous personnel located on KI, including Fire and Rescue Service. Emergency Service. areas on the Island, which were one Sergeant and two Officers. These agencies brought enormous areas where people and property were support, both in firefighting and in South Australian Police (SAPOL) unlikely to be able to be protected and Interstate Liaison incident management, and valuable SAPOL was considered to be a it would place emergency personnel There were many individuals from skills which provided a great learning Supporting Agency to CFS, which was at unnecessary risk. many interstate agencies deployed to opportunity for South Australia.

South Australian Police were a Supporting Agency to CFS who was the Control Agency for the KI fires.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service appliance.

Police vehicles at Parndana.

Country Fire Authority appliances. THE ‘PLANNING’ FUNCTION OF THE AIIMS STRUCTURE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES By: Leanne Adams, Incident Management Project Officer

Diagram 5: The Planning key functional area of the AIIMS structure.

37 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

An Air Observer plots a fire on KI.

Crews reading the maps and information produced by the Situation Unit.

lanning is the collection, analysis Situation Unit and dissemination of information The Situation Unit collects all Pand the development of plans the information about the current the risks and likely outcomes This is one of the most difficult for the resolution of an incident - situation. associated with each. roles in the incident, especially at illustrated in Diagram 5. This was done on KI through present where there is no particular In the initial phases of an incident, Situation Reports received from Resource Unit system to track resources at an the planning for the incident usually Division and Sector Commanders, Air This Resource Unit gathers and incident. The Resources Unit is also heavily occurs mentally in the head of the Observers, Ground Observers and by maintains information about Incident Controller. involved in the demobilisation of the the Bureau of Meteorology. resources at the incident. As an incident progresses, incident i.e. getting everyone and The Situation Unit produced maps The Unit needs to have an planning becomes a lot more everything home. (through the DEH Mapping Support understanding about which people, complex and there are many more This was a particularly difficult job Team), Situation Reports and vehicles and equipment are at the factors that need to be considered. with incidents on Kangaroo Island During the KI incidents there were Incident Predictions. incident and where they are, for because everything needed to be Planners focussing on each of The Situation Unit also identified example, en route, allocated to a transported by plane or ferry in ththee fifires.res. alalternativete strategies and identified sector, resting, etc. addition to the road transport.

The Bureau of Meteorology liaises with The DEH Mapping Support Unit prepares Situation Unit personnel. a map of the fires. THE ‘PLANNING’ FUNCTION OF THE AIIMS STRUCTURECONT. INCIDENTINCID MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES t Projec By:By: Leanne Adams, Incident ManagementManagemen Project Officer significant improvement on previous On some days there were four The Resources Unit incidents where there has been no meetings held per day. interconnectivity between computers. In total, 587 people attended these The SAFECOM IT personnel were community meetings. highly competent and very helpful A newsletter was prepared for with all IT issues during the KI fires. members of the community each day which provided response and Information Unit recovery information. The Information Unit provides The meetings provided operational, information to all the relevant preparedness and recovery stakeholders. information. 38 They ensure relevant parties get the Operational and preparedness

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES appropriate sections of the Incident information consisted of the current Action Plan. situation, what had happened, what The Information Unit ensures we were doing, how people could communication of relevant information help, together with how they could is occurring internally within the prepare as a community. incident management structure, in Communicationi ti PlPlanningning UUnitnit radios,radios anansweringswering phphones,ones, lologging,gging, Recovery information was linked addition to external communication The Communication Planning Unit photocopying, security, IT support in with other agencies that could such as with the media, community, prepares the Communications Plan and filing. provide immediate assistance, support agencies, etc. with technical advice. These are vitally important roles for example, SPAM, Mental Health Management of the media occurs KI was one of the first, if not the and there weren’t enough people to Services, Telstra, PIRSA, DFC, etc, within the Information Unit, and the first, time an individual has been fill all of the roles required. and representatives from these Media Officer will have very close appointed as the Communications There were many CFS volunteers in agencies attended the meetings. links with the Incident Controller Planning Officer for an incident in these roles, plus we were able to use In addition, door knocking activities who is required to approve any South Australia. SAFECOM personnel to assist us with were conducted with SAPOL to information released publicly. This was particularly useful some roles. inform residents of the potential During the KI incidents there was a because this role had a direct link KI was the first time that the weather conditions and to ensure Media Officer on the Island for most back to the CFS State Coordination Incident Management IT kit was of the incident. The Media Officer that they had an adequate Bushfire Centre, where they were able to deployed, including IT support. liaised closely with the Incident Action Plan in place. access additional equipment and The system was so new that it Controller, provided information for The community meetings continued gain communications advice. wasn’t quite finished and it hadn’t media releases, arranged media after the incident to assist in the It was beneficial to have this been tested, so it got a significant interviews and attended to many recovery process. position in place because it was test-run during those incidents. media enquiries. Four meetings were held in late able to provide an effective plan The system includes a number of One method that has become January and early February at for communications, supported laptops which are all networked increasingly successful in providing Flinders Chase, Western Districts, by appropriate hardware and and linked to a shared drive; there information to the community is Kiawarra (closest to D’estrees) and technology. are also printers connected to the community meetings. Vivonne Bay. system and computers that have There were 20 meetings held on the These sessions were designed to Management Support Unit internet and email access. Island at various locations including offer support to the community on There were many roles undertaken There were several issues with Vivonne Bay, Kingscote, Penneshaw, what services they were able to access by this unit, including operating the system, however it was a Western Districts and Parndana. and how to prepare for the remainder of thethe 22007/08007/08 FFireire DaDangernger SSeason.eason.

IT Support. Media at Base Camp briefing. THE ‘LOGISTICS’ FUNCTION By:OF Leanne THEAdams, Incident AIIMS Management ProjectSTRUCTURE Officer INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES

Logistics is the obtaining and maintaining of human and physical resources required to support an incident - illustrated in Diagram 6.

Supply Unit he Supply Unit acquires and brought onto the Island specifically foror distributes materials and the incident. Tequipment for infrastructure This provides a significant challengee support. because transport needs to be arrangeded On Kangaroo Island, the Logistics from Adelaide, across a ferry and from Section supplied a huge amount the ferry to the destination. of supplies to support the incident There is a set schedule for ferries whichch including bedding, tents, food, water, had to be worked around and sometimeses 39 fuel, hoses, equipment, gloves, additional ferries needed to be chartered.d.

stationery, etc. There are added complications and VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES One difficulty with incidents on KI is regulations that needed to be dealt with that many of the supplies need to be when transporting fuel. Logistics personnel. Facilities Unit Diagram 6: The Logistics key functional area of the AIIMS structure. he Facilities Unit obtains and manages the necessary Logistics Volunteers phone home on the Tfacilities and accommodation phones set up at Base Camp. to support operations and incident Supply Unit control and maintains them in Communications Support Unit working order. While this unit was not specifically Facilities Unit

appointed during the KI incident, Ground these functions were carried out by Support Unit the Logistics Section. Finance Unit Some facilities used during the Medical incident were the Base Camp, Services Unit Staging Area, Incident Control Catering Unit Centre, various accommodation RefrigeratedRef i trucks. facilities and the Air Base. There were many items that needed to be brought in to support these facilities including phone lines, tents, floors for tents, marquees, bedding, camp beds, photocopiers, tables, chairs, etc. Portable toilets at Base Camp are emptied. Base Camp and Staging The Base Camp established at Parndana Oval was the largest Base Camp ever set up in South Australia SES cleaning vehicle for a CFS incident. at Staging. There was a huge number of people accommodated at the Base Camp and there was a significant amount of work done by many individuals to support the camp and the Staging FoamFoaFFoooaamms sstocks.toctotooccks.ksks Area, including personnel from SES, SAAS, St John, Salvation Army, CFS,, MFS and interstate agencies.agencies. Tents at Base Camp. SCHOOL ACCOM. O THE ‘LOGISTICS’ FUNCTI E MENS AND LADIES INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIR SHOWER TRUCK

VEHICLE RECONDITIONING

DEH ACCOM.

40 TENT CITY 1-79

VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES MARSH AL TRUCK PARK

MARQUEE 3 MARQUEE 4

WATER STORES

SES/SALVO MANAGEMENT CARAVANS

SES TENT CITY Photo of the Base Camp set up at Parndana Oval.

ION OF THE AIIMS STRUCTURECONT. FIRES By: Leanne Adams, Incident Management Project Officer

BASE CAMP ENTRANCE/EXIT

STAGING

TRANSPORT BUS STOPS

41

SH ALLING VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

MARQUEE 2

MARQUEE 1

ST JOHN FIRST AID MESS TENT AND EYEWASH

DEMOB AND FIRE INFO SHOWERS

BAR

SALVATION ARMY

BASE CAMP MANAGER FOOD STORES SALVOS KITCHEN

MENS SHOWERS

SES CARPARK CONT. THE ‘LOGISTICS’ FUNCTION By:OF Leanne THEAdams, Incident AIIMS Management ProjectSTRUCTURE Officer INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES Food tent at Base Camp.

Briefing by Base Camp Manager.

Supplies. 42 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

Ground Support Unit Finance Unit he Ground Support Unit was not anaging incidents is There were many ferries and The Finance Unit is responsible officially established at the KI an expensive exercise, aircraft chartered to move personnel, for purchasing supplies and hire of Tfires, however the roles were Mparticularly on KI where some of them from interstate. equipment and collection of cost data. performed by the Logistics Section. there are many transport costs These logistical challenges, At an incident, this function is an This Unit provides transport for involved in moving personnel, combined with the scale of the fires, extension of the purchasing and personnel, equipment, fuelling, vehicles and equipment on and off resulted in a significant cost to cost management that is done on a mechanical maintenance and the Island. suppress the fires. daily basis within CFS. security of equipment and vehicles at an inciincident.dent.

Some of the many buses used to transport personnel during the incident.

SES fuelling at Staging. The SAMFS mechanical support truck provided excellent mechanical support to vehicles during the incident.

St John volunteers applying first aid at the Medical Station at Base Camp. Medical Unit he Medical Unit provides the incident by providing first medical support, such as first aid facilities at Base Camp, in Taid and emergency medical addition to ambulance response response, to personnel involved in to firefighting personnel at the managing the incident. incident. St John and SA Ambulance The Medical Unit is responsible for provided invaluable support to developing a Medical Plan. Some of the St John crew that provided first aid support at Base Camp. First aid station.

Catering Unit s with many CFS incidents, CFS provided logistical supportort Salvation Army Emergency by providing additional freezerer 43 Services (SAES) provided cool room facilities, along withth a A VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES invaluable catering support during large generator set and additionaltional the entire incident. catering equipment. Over 14,000 main meals were While SAES provided a hugee supplied and at the peak of the amount of catering, there wereere catering effort, there were 29 SAES also many others involved inn catering personnel on site. providing food during the Four SAES vehicles - a large incident, including local catering truck, generator set, mobile individuals and businessess freezer/cool room and large cateringg thatthat preparedprepared andand delivereddelivered Some of the many SAES personnel that provided catering during the KI incident. trailertrailer - werewere deployed.deployed. many meals.

ng. Filling up jerry cans at Staging.

A firefighter receives his meal at the SAES catering truck.

Firefighters line up to be fed by the SAES. SUMMARY RES CONT. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT – THE KANGAROO ISLAND FIRES By: Leanne Adams, Incident Management Project Officer

Coordination fires which occurred in Region TTwo,wo, ll of the roles in the AIIMS or in support of the KI incident Incident Management Team organising Strike Teams and otherher Athat have been described occur resources. at the incident or in the Incident This meant that many of the Control Centre near the incident. Groups around the State were bbusyusy 44 To support an incident of this scale organising Strike Teams. there is a huge amount of work that The CFS State Coordination VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES goes on at CFS Groups, Regions, the Centre was active and providedd CFS State Coordination Centre, State additional Logistical Support foror Emergency Operations Centre and in large scale items such as palletsets the offices of supporting interstate of foam, retardant, bottled waterter or agencies. chartering large passenger aircraftrcraft The Regional Coordination Centre, to transport interstate personnel.nel. in the case of the KI incidents, was For the first time in CFS history,ory, at the Region One Coordination there was an Interagency Liaisonson Centre at Mt Barker. Cell set up where there was a They provided a Logistical Support representative from each interstaterstate function, as they supported the agency involved in the fires. incident by providing additional The State Planning Cell was activeactive,, personnel and arranging for much of as was the State Air Desk andd the transport onto and off the Island. interagency liaison including DEDEHH They also liaised with the CFS and ForestrySA. State Coordination Centre regarding The Victorian DSE also assistedsted Strike Team requirements from other CFS by preparing an assessmentment of agencies and Regions. vulnerable communities on KaKangaroongaroo All other CFS Regional Coordination Island. Centres were active either with their The State Emergency Operationsations own incidents, such as the Warooka Centre was activated for the mmostost 45 VOLUNTEER - NEWS & UPDATES

dynamicdyna times of the incident, has been reviewed to incorporate with the relevant State agencies changes and the Flinders Chase Fire represented,repr such as other Management Plan will be reviewed, emergencyeme response agencies, in particular the fire access track PIRSA,PIRS etc. network and prescribed burn ReRecovery and Rehabilitation program will be reviewed. ThThere is still much work to be A fire management plan for the donedon on recovery and rehabilitation Destrees Bay, including Cape of tthe environment and for the Gantheaume Wilderness Protection INCIDENT communities on KI. Area and Seal Bay Conservation The vast amount of area burnt has Park, will commence shortly. resulted in significant environmental Nearly all areas of Flinders Chase damage and while the vegetation National Park have been opened, MANAGEMENT will return quickly, it will be including the Cape du Couedic Road, some time before the true damage West Bay Road and Shackle Road. is known. DEH staff have been working hard The landscape is currently a sea to remove trees from across roads PERSONNEL of green across all firegrounds, and tracks,ks, rerehabilitateha walking particularly with Mallee and Yacca tracks aandnd making arareasea safe regeneration. for visitors.sitors. Animals will take a lot longer to WANTED! recover from the devastating effects of the bushfire, with some having to an you see yourself or migrate from surrounding areas. someone else you know in any Animal sightings already reported Cof the incident management include koalas, echidnas, kangaroos roles described in this article? and platypuses. On several occasions this year In addition, there are currently wwe were unable to fill incident other changes underway followingng management positions requested. the December bushfire. If you are interested in AIIMS roles Cape Forbin Fire Managementnt contact your Regional Office to find Plan (North West corner of KI)I) out more. Statewide > MOUNT LOFTY RANGES REGION 1 & KANGAROO ISLAND BELAIR FIRE FS volunteers tackled a bushfire which threatened homes at Belair in Cthe Adelaide Hills on 17 January. One hundred and twenty CFS firefighters and twenty Department for Environment and Heritage staff battled the flames. Crews were hampered by unpredictable valley winds which swept the fire front dangerously close to a caravan park and neighbouring houses. Residents could only stand by and 46 watch as four aerial waterbombers flew

VOLUNTEER - REGION 1 to assist ground crews. SAPOL closed a number of roads in the area as the day wore on, with the smoke << clearly visible from Adelaide. Peter and Rose Reynolds Overnight, CFS crews were deployed in watch the Aircrane. Photo: The Advertiser Belair to monitor the area. No properties were damaged, although << << it came close, with reports the blaze Flames above the trees. Photo: The Advertiser reached some backyards. It later emerged a slasher caused the Smoke seen from the city. << blaze, which blackened 30 hectares of Photo: The Advertiser land.

The air crane filling up.

THANK YOU FROM THE MAYORNot long after, the huge Incredible could have been a disaster had the Hulk (not Elvis but a similar craft) fire been able to get away. aving witnessed the recent Belair Two of my sons live a few doors arrived at the scene. I understand it took all that night bushfire at close hand, I felt I apart in Serpentine Road, 200 From the balcony of my son’s home I and all day Friday to extinguish Hshould give credit where it is due. metres from the fire. witnessed spectacular precision firing burning trees and fallen branches. Just to let you know of my Both sons are members of the of two fixed wing bombers, two large The professional coordination of the background, I was in the Belair EFS Belair CFS and both left work to helicopters and the Incredible Hulk. suppression of that fire was great. (prior to it becoming the CFS) for attend the fire. The way these craft were flown into Some would say we were lucky the almost 10 years, 30 years ago. I was able to get up Windy Point the tight and difficult terrain was a wind was blowing the wrong way - that At that time we experienced many Road to defend both properties sight to see. may be correct, but that fire was very more fires in that area. which I did by starting a bushfire I must congratulate all the CFS professionally extinguished and I hate I am Chair of the Mitcham Bushfire pump and wetting the house brigades that came from near and to think what would have happened Prevention Committee and have been and surrounds and by turning on far on containing the fire to grass, had it jumped James Road and got into a member of the Region 1 Bushfire sprinklers at the second property. bush and trees. hundreds of hills face homes. Prevention Committee for 10 years By that time two fixed wing water The State Government and CFS and a member of the State Bushfire bombers were dropping water over the Headquarters must also be thanked Yours Sincerely Prevention Committee for 6 or so years. edge of James Road and at about the for sending the two bombers and the Ivan Brooks - Mayor On the day, I was made aware of same time two large helicopters arrived three helicopters to what was a very the fire by the smell of smoke at my and were also pounding the slopes with steep and dangerous situation. (Correspondence to Premier and house in Kingswood. thousands of litres of water. They quickly took control of what CFS CO dated 7 February 2008) ALDINGA BEACH 40TH ANNIVERSARY n Sunday 18 May 2008 both past and present members of OAldinga Beach CFS, along with members from neighbouring brigades and invited guests, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Aldinga Breach CFS with a BBQ lunch. Held at Aldinga Beach Station, the day commenced with speeches by invited guests, including Leigh Miller, CFS Manager Prevention Services. He presented the Brigade with a plaque on behalf of Euan 47 Ferguson, CFS Chief Officer, in recognition of 40 years of diligent VOLUNTEER - REGION 1 service to the district. Aldinga Beach CFS would like

to pass on its thanks to all past << From left: Leigh Miller (CFS Manager Prevention Services), Lorraine Rosenberg (City of Onkaparinga members who have contributed to the Mayor), Anthony Thorpe (Region 1), Dean Norman (Aldinga BeachPhoto: Captain), Tanya David Norman, Przibilla Aldinga (Kyeema Beach CFS establishment of what has become a Group Officer), Leon Bignell (State Government representative) strong and professional Brigade. PREMIER’S AWARDS

s part of the Eastern and North Polomka, Athelstone CFS and SandySandy Eastern Suburbs Community Taylor, Deputy Group Officer Eastst ACabinet, Premier’s Awards were Torrens Group. handed out during a BBQ and Forum at San Giorio La Molara Community Congratulations! Centre in Payneham in May. >> Three CFS volunteers, all from Left to right: Terry Beeston, East Torrens Group Officer, George Region 1, were presented Premier’s Polomka, Athelstone CFS and Sandy Awards – those being Terry Beeston, Taylor, Deputy Group Officer East East Torrens Group Officer, George Torrens Group.

Flames at the Willunga fire on 14 MaMarchrch 202008.08 WILLUNGA FIRE Photo: Chris Sedunary, Hindmarsh Valley CFS he CFS attracted widespread Ground crew were helped by praise for its hard hitting tactics two fixed winged water bombers, Ton 14 March, when volunteers an aircrane and two observation faced one of their toughest challenges aircraft. of the year so far – a ferocious blaze At one point the Range Hope in Willunga, which started under Forest crew were engulfed with suspicious circumstances. flames and had to take refuge The strategy to strike quickly and inside their truck. They were with everything they had averted a treated for minor burns and smoke major catastrophe during the State’s inhalation. record-breaking heatwave. A family with four children The Willunga fire destroyed lost their home in the area, but one home and nine firefighters fortunately were not at home when were injured. the fire went through. More than 160 firefighters battled The swift and targeted approach by the blaze with 30 appliances, as the CFS managed to contain the fire, temperatures topped forty degrees. stopping it from spreading further. Statewide > MOUNT LOFTY RANGES REGION 1 & KANGAROO ISLAND

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTON SUMMIT-ASHTON CFS

half-century of service was marked on 18 May as more Athan 100 past and present members and their families gathered at the Norton Summit Station to celebrate the Brigades’ 50th Anniversary. The invited guests included 48 Alexander Downer, the Federal Member for Mayo and Lindsay VOLUNTEER - REGION 1 Simmons, Member for Morialta, who represented Carmel Zollo, the Minister for Emergency Services. Also present was Isobel Redmond, the Member for Heysen, Chief Officer SA Country Fire Service Euan Ferguson, Commander of CFS Region 1 Chris Martin and Adelaide Hills Council Deputy Mayor Bill Gale. Brigade Captain Doug Munn

provided an insightful account of << Left to right: Dean Gebhardt, Doug Munn, Jack Makings, Keith (Sandy) Taylor and Lee Watson. some of the more memorable events over the past five decades, from the formation of the Norton Summit- significantly helped build Brigade years. Jeanette Taylor received an Five of the former six Captains Ashton EFS, which initially used fire appliances and the Station accolade for 30 years. also returned to help celebrate the the East Torrens District Council tip at Norton Summit. He also made National Medals for being occasion and to catch up with old truck to attend fires with a slip-on special mention to the families of active diligent firefighters were friends and relive some of their tank and pump, through to today members who provide the silent presented to Robert Butler and memorable past. They are Jack where the Brigade operates three Lee Watson for 25 years, 1st Clasp. Makings, Ross Wightman (who was support to all CFS volunteers. modern appliances. Terence Beeston received 35 years, absent, and now living in Perth), Dean Service Awards for active years Euan Ferguson paid tribute to 2nd Clasp. Gebhardt, Sandy Taylor, Lee Watson the sense of community within the of voluntary service were awarded Robert Butler and Miar MacDermott and Doug Munn, the current Captain. Brigade. He acknowledged the early to Brian Herde, Ray Lind, Bethany were awarded Life Membership for A cake celebrating the anniversary beginnings and the way in which the MacDermott-Palmer, Shirley Munn, 20 years of distinguished service for was cut by founding member Jim community and member support has John Naumann and Ray White for ten the CFS. Pellew and current cadet Eddy Mills. MASSIVE RESPONSE TO BALHANNAH FIRE

n a baking high-risk day in Onkaparinga CFS Group Officer ground units then there is no doubt CFS brigades respond to the grass fire << March, firefighters from CFS Peter Wicks told the Mount Barker my property, my livestock and life at Balhannah on 14 March 2008.Photo: OBrigades across the Adelaide Courier they had stopped a “fast would have been seriously at risk.” Mount Barker Courier. Hills responded en-masse to a grass moving” fire from posing “a serious fire near Balhannah. threat to public safety”. One hundred firefighters and He added “the conditions on the 20 appliances, supported by an day were really bad and blowy so Aircrane, two fixed wing bombers we threw everything we had at it and two aerial observation aircraft, as quickly as we could to stop the meant the fire was contained spread.” quickly. Property owner Fiona Challen In hot, dry and windy conditions, applauded the efforts of CFS crews, the fire started near the junction of telling the Courier, “I looked out my Mattners Road and burnt more than kitchen window to see aerial support eight hectares of farmland. crews dousing water to the flames The intense response from CFS engulfing my property.” crews brought the situation under She added “I honestly feel if there control within 20 minutes. wasn’t the aerial support to aid the MCLAREN VALE The wasted wine flowed through the carpark. WINERY Photo: Daniel Tinker, Aldinga Beach CFS << COLLAPSE

cLaren Vale and Aldinga Beach CFS responded to an incident Mwith a difference at Wirra Wirra Winery in McLaren Vale on 6 March. Kyeema Group Officer, David Przibilla, explained that the infrastructure which supports some 49

wine fermenters gave way. VOLUNTEER - STATEWIDE “CFS responded to the incident to assist SA Ambulance to rescue a worker with injuries who was stuck within the collapsed structure,” he said. “I could not quantify the amount of wine lost in the collapse, but it would be in the thousands of litres.”

The collapsed fermenting structure at Wirra Wirra Winery. Photo: Daniel Tinker, Aldinga Beach CFS Statewide > MOUNT LOFTY RANGES REGION 2 YORKE PENINSULA & LOWER NORTH EUDUNDA CHEMICAL SPILL By: Sonia Post, Region 2 Commander ust after midnight on Wednesday 28 May a member of the public Jcontacted the Gilbert CFS Group Officer directly, reporting that a quantityq of “wet stuff” was leaking outo from under the utilities room at thet Eudunda swimming pool where thet pool’s chemicals were located. On arrival, an unknown substance wwas found on the outside of the door aand looked like it was coming from 50 ininside the building. FFurther investigation revealed the source VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 of this substance was a quantity of swswimming pool chemical from a 1,1,0000 litre tank; that had escaped into ththee bunding around the tank, and had susubsequentlyb seeped through the bunding. CCrews had challenges with the heavy fofog,g which made it difficult to conduct a visual assessment of the incident

<< < CFSCF volunteers and staff deal with the aftermath of the chemical spill at Eudunda. from a safe distance. The road was blocked to traffic during ththee night to keep crews safe, as the thick fofogg made spotting people and vehicles didifficult,ff even at short distances. In the daylight hours, the fog lifted susufficiently to re-open the road and mmaintain crew safety. CCrews identified the chemical, stopped ththe leak and stabilised the situation. A vavacuum truck was sourced and crews mmopped up the chemical. The incident lasted well over 12 hours. Andrew Allchurch and Kym Booth ((both Gilbert Group) acted as Incident CoCControllers,ntrollers, wwithith ShShane Atze (Nuriootpa CFCCFS)S) acting as Operations OfficeOfficer.r.

LIGHT CFS GROUP POST CHRISTMAS DINNER By: Lindy Alderslade, Administration Coordinator, Light Group CFS

embers of the Light CFS Guests included CFS Chief Officercer Group held their annual Post Euan Ferguson and Regional Officerficer MChristmas Dinner at The Sonia Post. Southern Hotel, Gawler, on Saturday Euan and Group Officer Peter KKempemp 9 February. presented awards to ex-Deputy Approximately 48 people attended Group Officers Graham Pontt andnd the Dinner, which included the Jeff Kernich. All had a good time.e. Group Officer, Deputy Group Regional Commander John << Officers, Captains, Group Officers Hutchins and ex-Group Officer RaRayy From left Euan Ferguson, Graham Pontt, Peter Kemp and their partners. Bryant were apologies at the dinner. (Light Group Officer) and Sonia Post (Regional Officer). NATIONAL MEDALS PRESENTATION NIGHT By: Sue Tuddenham, Regional Administration Officer, Region Two

ozens of CFS volunteers were opportunity to thank CFS volunteers recently recognised at the at the close of a very busy Fire DRegion 2 National Medals Danger Season, which ended on 30 presentation night in Gawler. April 2008. National medals are awarded to “The sacrifice these volunteers volunteers who have completed 15 make to ensure that South Australia years of service, and Clasps are is kept safe from fire and other added every time an additional 10 emergencies is extraordinary and years is served. commendable,” said John. In all, 62 CFS volunteers who have The National Medal Presentation collectively given an astounding 923 was attended by the Minister years of service, received awards. for Emergency Services, the Hon. le Rohrlach ng Russell Butler Ly Nine members celebrated between Carmel Zollo MLC and CFS Chief << ler Wes Schilli ft to right: Simon But 51 35 and 51 years of service, receiving Officer Euan Ferguson, as well as LeftLe to right: Simon Butler, Wes Schilling, Russell Butler, Lyle Rohrlach, Toby Mifflin, Shaun Falkenberg, Rick Kessner, Mark Schwarz, Erin their Second and Third Clasps. other dignitaries. O’Doherty, Kym Haebich. VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 Sadly three members received “Not only do I congratulate the National Medals or Clasps volunteers but also their families and posthumously, and those awards employers who provide invaluable were collected by family or friends on support,” said Minister Zollo. their behalf: The National Medal Presentation • Robert Buttery, Deputy Group followed the tenth annual Officer, Para CFS Group, 1st International Firefighters' Day Clasp – representing more than commemorated on 4 May. The day 25 years of service. recognises firefighters worldwide for • Frank Hollands, Kersbrook CFS. their daily acts of goodwill. • Reginald Stewart, Avon CFS, 1st International Firefighters' Day is Clasp – representing more than also known as St. Florian’s Day. St. 25 years of service. Florian is the patron saint of all A further 25 CFS members received firefighters and was the first known their clasps for 25 years to 35 years. commander of a firefighting squad Twenty-six members received Medals in the Roman Empire. or Clasps for 15 to 25 years of service. He lost his life fulfilling the Regional Commander John same mission firefighters all Hutchins said that the National over the world continue to fulfil

Medals Presentation offered a great to this day.

<< Roy Schmidt and Adrian Behn.

<< Accepting the award for Reginald Stewart (deceased) is Andrew Stewart (centre).

Left to right: Annette Halford, Vera << Pietersen, Daryl Barkla, Tony Pietersen and Brian Grocke. Statewide > REGION 2 Continued from page 51

CASE IH GIVES $5,000 TO WEETULTA /

52 NALYAPPA VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 CFS BRIGADE

eetulta-Nalyappa CFS Brigade e

<< was the lucky recipient of a Lyndon Polgreen, Captain Weetulta-Nalyappa CFS, being presented a cheque by Colin Dickinson,Photo: BusinessAndrew Cadd, Manager Weetulta of Case / IH, W$5,000 cheque from Case IH. with (from left to right) Cummins Filtration Business Manager for South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, Kevin Wilkinson, Bruc Captain Lyndon Polgreen was Clasohm (winner of a $500 retail voucher) and Larwoods Ag Services Manager, Kym Flint. Nalyappa CFS presented with the cheque from Business Manager of Case IH Parts voucher and donation to the Country Larwoods Ag Services, at Kadina. CFS, Bruce has also received a Direct Shipment, Colin Dickinson, on Fire Service of their choice. Bruce was grateful his win will $500 gift voucher, which he plans Tuesday 26 February. Bruce Clasohm, a farmer from benefit his local CFS brigade. to spend at Bunnings. The donation comes after a Arthurton and also a brigade "I've always tried to support Larwoods Ag Services Spare Parts promotion in which all customers member was the winner from all the the local fire service and recently Manager, Des Westlake, said it was who purchased a genuine Case IH entries across South Australia and rejoined as a volunteer because I wonderful the dealership was able filter last year were automatically the Northern Territory. think it's important to help protect to give something back to the local entered into a draw to win a host He was selected after purchasing your local community," he said. community while promoting the use of prizes, including a $500 retail a Case filter from his local dealer, Along with the donation to the of genuine parts.

FAREWELL TO ROY, PAT AND PAUL By: Gayle Schmidt, Robertstown CFS

he first farewell goes to Over the years he has also years; the Brigade now has up to Last but not least we’d Roy Schmidt who has been collected the following Medals and date radios, phones and everything like to farewell Paul Ta member of Robertstown Certificates – National Medal, 1st else to communicate with. Mortimer, also known as Brigade since 1969, when it was and 2nd Clasps indicating 15, 25 But there’s one thing that has Churchie. known as the Emergency Fire and 35 years of service. remained the same. No matter what, He was only a recent member of Service (EFS). Our second farewell goes to Pat Pat could always be counted on if the Brigade but in that time held Roy was our very trusty and Schmidt, who was our radio operator, there was even a hint of food being the position of Training Officer and sometimes scary truck driver. catering manager and anything else needed. She would always be there Lieutenant. He was known for taking the truck that was asked of her. to organise everything, with her crew He undertook some training courses where no-one had ever taken it before. She joined the ranks of the of helpers. As soon as the siren sounded you Robertstown Brigade in 1975 when Pat achieved her 10 and 30 year himself to update his skills and would count on Roy – if he was home the CFS was also still known as EFS. service awards. towards the end of his time with the – to always be there. Pat can recall the first shed the Both Roy and Pat Schmidt enjoyed Robertstown Brigade, provided Level We were very lucky to have Roy as a team operated from. There was being members of CFS and also 1 Training to new members. member of our Brigade. no form of communication and helping the community. Paul helped wherever he could, with He was one of the Lieutenants for members had to wait until the men We wish them well with their future whatever he could in the Brigade. many years and helped in whatever arrived back from their callout. endeavours and thank them for their We wish him well in his new home way he could with the Brigade. Things have changed a lot over the service with our Brigade. at Ardrossan. BALAKLAVA CFS By: Jenny Stewart, Balaklava 60TH ANNIVERSARY Brigade Administration Officer

he rich history of the Balaklava Members fitted it out and the Blitz CFS was celebrated on 25 May was commissioned on 31 January Tat the Balaklava CFS Station. 1948 by the late Fred Kerr. The event began with a toast to A Country Climax trailer pump was the CFS and continued through also obtained around this time. lunch, followed by another toast and In 1950 the Brigade formed a finished up with afternoon tea. women’s auxiliary and in July 1958 53 Life members of the Brigade were the Brigade was registered.

on hand to share memories of the By 5 August 1964, the Ford Blitz VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 ‘old days’ and stories of how things was no longer adequate and the have changed over the years. council was again approached for a more appropriate vehicle. Members HISTORY: continued to petition the council A group photograph celebrating Balaklava and became so disgruntled they In January 1944, the then Premier CFS’s past, present and future. threatened to resign, which they did Tom Playford announced that rural on 15 September 1965. councilsco would be responsible for With public support, a Ford F700 firefi protection. was purchased and fitted out by OnO 12 October 1944, the council Brigade members. boughtbo a Beresford Stork pumping A new International unit was unit,un which was housed in the bought in 1977 and this time the fit councilco car shed when it wasn’t out was carried out by Carey Gully. mountedmo on a council truck. A fire station was built and it OneO of the conditions of the opened on 28 February 1978, at purchasepu was that a crew had to be which time the International vehicle trained.tra The crew consisted of nine was commissioned by Fred Kerr. EmergencyEm Fire Service fire control In 1978 on 9 May, the Brigade officersoffi and three volunteers. was re-registered as the Balaklava By 1948 it was obvious that this Country Fire Service and again in set-upset- was impractical, so the 1983 on 11 October when the council councilcoun bought a 1942 Ford known became the District Council of as thet Blitz for 325 pounds. Wakefield Plains. In November 1984, a Ford F100 four << Life members of the Balaklava Brigade. wheel drive was obtained to enable

better off-road capability.

<< CFS Chief Officer Euan Ferguson hands Balaklava CFS Brigade Captain Kevin Julyan a plaque celebrating 60 years. In 1993 the station was upgraded, with a communications room, meeting room, shower and toilet amenities added. Over the years equipment has changed but the Brigade continues to respond to fires and other emergencies in a Hino, the Balaklava 24, and an Isuzu, the Balaklava 24P, appliances which are purpose built, safe and reliable. The Brigade currently boasts 33 members, including nine life members and five cadets who are anticipating a new station in the near future. Sixty years of hard work, support and the dedication of many volunteers have ensured Balaklava and the surrounding district has a viable and efficient Brigade proudly serving the community. Statewide > MOUNT LOFTY RANGES REGION 2 YORKE PENINSULA & LOWER NORTH GUMERACHA WEIR FIRE n 4 March, CFS crews were called in to deal with a grass Ofire at the Gumeracha Weir on the northern side of the Adelaide Mannum Road. The fire burnt in a north-westerly direction and razed about 25 hectares of scrub, before being brought under control. Around 200 CFS and ForestrySA 54 volunteers attended and were assisted by support in the air from VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 five water bombing aircraft. The fire started across the road from a house owned by Chris and Angela Hannig but fortunately the wind direction pushed it away from their property. Later that day, Chris Hannig said the incident had forced him and his wife to suddenly implement their Bushfire Action Plan. The cause of the fire was found to bbe an angle grinder that was being CFS Promotions Unit Photo: uused by a contract worker at the Weir. CFS crews mopping up at the Gumeracha Weir fire on 4 March 2008. FREELING SHED FIRE

Photos: Sonia Post embers of the Shanahan do but monitor the fire to ensure it family at Freeling have didn’t spread. Msuffered three costly Volunteers took it in turns to give hayshed fires at their properties in many hours of their time to watch less than a year. the fire safely burn out over the On Thursday 20 March 2008, Easter long weekend. Stephen Shanahan was surprised and upset when he noticed a fire The team effort was another had been deliberately lit at his example of how CFS volunteers Gawler Road property. constantly generously give their Region 2 CFS volunteers attended, time and energy when it is needed however there was little they could most.

CFS volunteers hard at work Stephen Shanahan pulling bales from the burning shed. over the Easter long weekend.

The shed at Freeling burnt for several days.. FOUL BAY, EDITHBURGH AND PARSONS FIRES

n December last year, lightning In all, the Foul Bay, Edithburgh strikes ignited fires at Foul Bay, and Parsons fires burnt about 800 IEdithburgh and Parsons which hectares and were collectively caused havoc for locals and firefighters. referred to as the Warooka fires. The firefighting effort was massive. During the height of the fires, More than 60 Brigades from across there was a close call for the Foul the State attended the Yorke Peninsula Bay township and the public were region to help out and share the load. encouraged to keep off several roads More than half of those Brigades to remain safe. returned to complete a second shift. Thankfully, wind changes assisted 55 At the same time, Brigades from the firefight and firefighters ensured VOLUNTEER - REGION 2 across the State were also helping other communities in the region around the clock to fight the Kangaroo didn’t come under threat. Island fires. Overal l there was a great It was a difficult time for all, but well combined firefight from the ground co-ordinated. and air.

<< The Brentwood Unit head south along Foul Bay Road at the fire west of Warooka. The road was being used as a firebreak to stop the fire from heading east into cropping land. Photo: Stephen Fooks, Warooka CFS

REGION 2 THANKS TO ALL FOR HELPING DURING WAROOKA FIRES

o the residents, farmers, who battled the blazes for five days A special thanks to the District To the people of the Yorke contractors, employers and - thank you. Council of Yorke Peninsula and Peninsula - thank you for all you Teveryone involved in the Warooka To the men and women who fixed contractors who supplied drivers, have done. complex of fires (Parsons, Foul Bay our trucks, provided accommodation graders, tankers and dozers without Last, but certainly not least, and Edithburgh), THANK YOU very and supplied food - thank you. question and sourced these at a the firefighters from the CFS and much for the huge effort you made in To those employers who unselfishly moment’s notice when needed. DEH and local farmers who risked assisting the Country Fire Service in gave our firefighters time off to To the men and women who made their lives to save the township bringing these fires under control. attend these fires - our whole up the Incident Management Team Without you, our job becomes that community thanks you. based at Yorketown CFS Station of Foul Bay and who fought the much harder. Without our volunteer firefighters, our - this fire would have been a lot Parsons and Edithburgh fires so To the many people who donated community is dangerously vulnerable. worse had it not been for the careful determinedly - thank you. time, resources and products for the To the partners, parents and planning, logistical support and Salvation Army who, in turn, provided grandparents of our firefighters - operational expertise of many well (Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 2,000 meals to over 300 firefighters thank you for your care and support. trained CFS people - thank you. 18 December 2007) WILLIAMSTOWN FIRE

ountry Fire Service firefighters the blaze didn’t enter an adjacent were called to a fire at pine plantation. Cthe Warren Reservoir near Bombers attacked the head of the Williamstown just after 3.30pm on fire, while ground crews made good Wednesday 12 March. progress working on the flanks. The fire was on the southern side Firefighters made the best use of the Warren Reservoir burning . of daylight with aggressive between Gordon Road and Warren firefighting tactics. Road, burning in a southerly direction towards Watts Gully. Altogether more than 150 CFS, The fire was burning in grass and Department of Environment and scrub and burnt around 35 hectares. Heritage and Forestry SA firefighters

The rate of the fire slowed down responded and brought the fire << CFS crews at the Williamstown fire on 12 March 2008. as the afternoon progressed and under control. Photo: CFS Promotions Unit Statewide > MURRAYLANDSANDS REGION 3 & RRIVERLANDIVERLAND MVA AT MURRAY BRIDGE

56 n the early hours of the

VOLUNTEER - REGION 3 morning of 19 March, CFS Icrews responded to an accident involving a four-wheel drive and a train, between Murray Bridge and Monarto South. The Murray Valley Standard reported two men leapt from the Toyota Landcruiser seconds before impact, and a third person was trapped for two hours after the accident.

<< The trapped man was extricated <<< The vehicle is lifted from the ditch with a crane. and airlifted to hospital. CFS crews at an MVA in Murray Bridge. The car was crushed into a railway cutting. Photo: Mike Coddington, Murray Bridge Captain Photo: Mike Coddington, Murray Bridge Captain SPEEDBOAT UP IN FLAMES

The ski boat well alight. n January of this year a Victorian Photos: Brenton Eden, CFS family’s holiday plans were ruined Training Manager REGION 3 Iwhen their $40,000 speedboat burst into flames at Paringa’s Bert Dix Park boat ramp. SUPPORT ON In the process of launching the boat, it ignited when the ignition key KANGAROO was turned. Fortunately the owners were not injured and had time to move their car and boat trailer out ISLAND of the way and called 000. By: Ray Jackson, Regional Prevention Paringa Captain Phil Heading, 1st Officer, Region 3 and 2nd Lieutenants’ James Rigby- Meth and Brian Gilgen and pump egion 3 provided approximately operator Gilbert Pilgrim made short 124 Incident Management work of extinguishing the speedboat. personnel and firefighters to The wrecked boat. R Photos of the incident were assist on the island and some even captured on a camera phone by CFS went back for a second deployment. Training Manager Brenton Eden This was also the first of what while he was on holidays. could also be anticipated of many interregional responses for the IMT / CFS crews on scene. staging pod. After disgorging all the IMT resources at Parndana the pod was set up at the oval base camp / staging area where all the staging resources located in the pod were utilised. VOLUNTEER - REGION 3 57

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Mick Ayre and Claire James. Claire and Ayre Mick Mic Warnings displayed at Loch Luna Game Reserve. Due to the type of vegetation, This fire also marked the first use of The pod proved an invaluable It enabled them to have on hand all crews and volunteers from other regions the fire was contained by 21 November. the area needed to be continually monitored for some weeks afterwards. the R3 Incident Management Team/ staging pod in a real life scenario. resource for the IMT as well as at the staging area. that is required to set up an incident control centre and staging area in one hit. <<

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n 17 November last year lightning started a fire near the Bruno Bay boat ramp in

n awards dinner and presentation onwas held at the Paringa Hotel 17 May this year.

Ray Jackson, Regional Prevention Officer, Region 3 Region Officer, Prevention Regional Jackson, Ray Kerry Broughton, Paringa CFS Paringa Broughton, Kerry

There followed a few nervous days CFS, SES and DEH crews using when things were starting However, Over the next three days the fire dangerous weather Fortunately,

As a coincidence, this event was heldAs a coincidence, this event by theThe certificates were produced Several members also received O

By: By: By: By: BRUNO BAY BRUNO PARINGA AWARDS EVENING AWARDS PARINGA

the Moorook Field and Game Reserve. for Cobdogla and Moorook, as at times thick smoke and embers affected the townships. floating pumps battled to contain the fire front day and night in hazardous conditions. to look good, a freak wind gust on Sunday afternoon picked the flames up and caused the fire to spot over the river and the Sturt Highway, causing the road to be closed. spotted across the river a further three times. conditions which had been forecast and did not become a reality, following a huge effort by local A in National Volunteers' Week and eachin National Volunteers' Week presentedmember who attended was by Mickwith a volunteers' certificate Services. Ayre, CFS Manager of Strategic Renmark Paringa Council. awards of entitlement from 2007. Scott Turner received the National Medal and Phillip Heading, Brian Gilgen and Greg Forbes were awarded the First Clasp to the National Medal. A close call…the fire was stopped only metres away from an LPG bullet. k

Members of the Napperby CFS who took part in the commemorative ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Port Pirie. From left: Jye Kluske, Brian Cook, Maurice Walter, Alan Zubrinich, Alan Munn and Ian Lee. Tea Team work…crew from Roxby Downs CFS, Coober Pedy CFS work…crew from Roxby Downs CFS, Team and Woomera Emergency Services.

< Glendambo Brigade Captain, Rick Mould, at the scene. << Some of the damage caused. <<

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<< FLINDERS, MID-NORTH FLINDERS, AREAS & PASTORAL Utilising a 19mm sideline and a While the resulting fire caused an Thanks goes to all the Emergency To me this inaugural event was very Returned Serviceman and from Woomera Emergency Services from Woomera Emergency Roxby (one hour travelling time), Downs CFS (1.5 hour’s travelling) hour’s and Coober Pedy CFS (two the travelling) to help combat North incident, while Stirling CFS (two hour’s travelling) was dispatched to provide coverage to the township of Woomera while their appliances were out of town. 38mm line, Rick was able to provide protection to the gas bullet and defensively fight the fire. Water for the 14 appliance was sourced from a nearby 25,000 litre static water supply. During this time, a passing traveller, Peter Van Kruyssen, rendered assistance to Rick in fighting the fire. estimated $300,000 in damages (three ATCO huts, one caravan), undoubtedly Rick’s decisive actions and ability to combat the fire on his own for the majority of the time prevented the fire from spreading to the roadhouse complex, contained the fire to the boundary of the property – an estimated $2 million save - and averted a potential BLEVE. Services who rendered assistance to Rick and it goes to show that even though distance can be a tyranny in the bush, it doesn’t dampen the spirit of helping a mate who needs a hand. Cross and all of the Armed Services to honour the fallen. special as my 86-year-old father was there to remember his mates who fought with him in the Pacific Region but did not make it home. Brigade Member, Maurice Walter, was present to hear Mayor Geoff Brock from the Port Pirie Regional Council congratulate the Napperby CFS Brigade.

4

Nik Ludborzs, Regional Prevention Officer, Region 4 Region Officer, Prevention Regional Ludborzs, Nik By: By: << <<

apperby CFS was invited to participate in, and lay a wreath at the Anzac Day

Alan Zubrinich, Napperby CFS

t was an extremely busy day for t was an extremely busy on the CFS across the State 6 December last year.

BECOMES A TEAM EFFORT TEAM A BECOMES ONE MAN FIREFIGHT AT GLENDAMBO GLENDAMBO AT FIREFIGHT MAN ONE It was the first time CFS had Jye Kluske, a young member of our Jye joined representatives from Earlier in the day, it is alleged that The temperature was nearing At approximately 12.30pm, Additional resources were called in While attention in the early part While attention in the Dawn Service in Port Pirie. participated in this annual service, an event which traditionally attracts well over 1,500 people. Brigade, was nominated to lay the wreath on behalf of the CFS. MFS, St Johns, Legacy, RSL, Red N ANZAC DAY 2008 ANZAC DAY By: I of the day was tuned to the events of the day was tuned to Island, a unfolding on Kangaroo situation had developed at the Mobil Roadhouse at Glendambo, 284km north of Port Augusta on the Stuart Highway.

a person set fire to accommodation behind the Roadhouse. Intervention by Woomera Emergency Services Paramedics and SAPOL Officers resulted in the distressed person being forcibly removed from the burning building. 40 degrees with an estimated 70 – 80 km/h north wind blowing. Glendambo 14 arrived on scene, with a crew of one; Glendambo Captain, Rick Mould. He was confronted with one ATCO hut already destroyed, a second partially involved and a third beginning to burn, along with flames impacting on a gas bullet. In addition, a caravan was fully involved. As a result of leaf litter and grasses burning in the yard, the polypipe water connection to the Roadhouse was burnt through, resulting in loss of water to the facility and hydrants. REGION Statewide > > Statewide

VOLUNTEER - REGION 4 58 VOLUNTEER - REGIREGIONON 4

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The Andamooka Facility. Andamooka The T Th The The T T The T T T The The new Woomera 34P was Outside photograph of the newly refurbished Woomera CFS Station which includes a kitchen, offices, meeting room and toilets. Lyn Breuer with Digger Campbell in the background. commissioned by Malim Watts, CFS Manager Operations Service, when he handed over of the keys to the Woomera Brigade Captain Graeme Austin. the same site as the Woomera Emergency Services. n 29 January 2008, the new Woomera CFS Station was officially opened by Mick Obst, Commander, Region 4 Mick Obst, Commander, This new station was funded The new single bay CFS station at Woomera. From L-R: Max Thomson, Anne Legg, Stefan Bilka and Digger Campbell. NEW WOOMERA STATION By: O and built by the Department of Defence and is now located on Kevin Godfrey, Manager CSI Kevin Godfrey, Manager CSI Woomera - Defence. t h . a

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re 4 Exploded car. Unsuccessful vent. LPG Cylinder vents correctly. Speaking for the individual They outlined the team work and They also highlighted the fact that

Stefan Bilka was also presented with life membership to the CFS, as well as the local honour of being the first life member of the ‘Andamooka Emergency Services’. Officer with both services) were Officer with both services) of this all involved in the planning important event. atEmergency Services Organisations the opening of this state-of-the-art (A/Deputyfacility were Matt Maywald AyreChief Officer SES) and Mick (Manager, Strategic Services CFS). community spirit that has enabled the services to work together in such a cooperative and professional way. most members in the area have dual membership in both of these emergency services.

Pete Shalley, Volunteer Support Officer, Region 4 Region Officer, Support Volunteer Shalley, Pete

By: ANDAMOOKA OPENING ANDAMOOKA

t around 2.30am on 4 February a suspicious fire at the old wrecking yard in Port Augusta

he new joint CFS/SES facility athe new joint CFS/SES facility openedAndamooka was officially by State MP Lyn Breuer, the Pete Shalley, Volunteer Support Officer, Region 4 Support Officer, Volunteer Pete Shalley,

Lyn provided a brief history of the Lyn provided a brief history as an Andamooka was registered The first appliance was a Blitz, In 1985 a CFS/SES combined Andamooka SES operated as a This new facility has been designed The master of ceremonies for Anne Legg (Current Captain), Stirling North CFS crews were As the MFS crew arrived and was The rear parcel shelf was found One other vehicle fitted with an LPG These pictures show the damage

Member for Giles, on Friday 16 April. Member for Giles, on Friday Services Andamooka Emergency which included: EFS Brigade in 1972 and changed to CFS in 1979. which they spent more time pushing than driving. group set about fundraising to fill the gaps in equipment and training. registered Unit from 1988. to meet the operational needs for the Andamooka Community and surrounding areas including Roxby Downs both now and into the future. the day was Nigel “Digger” Campbell, who was the CFS Captain during most of the planning and construction time of the new facility. Stefan Bilka (Unit Manager) and Max Thomson (Communications A

BLEVE IN PORT AUGUSTA By: T resulted in the explosion of one of the vehicles, which was fitted with an LPG cylinder. called to assist the local MFS crews. gaining entry to the property, one of the vehicles exploded. approximately 50 metres away from the vehicle and the roof 150 metres in the other direction across the Eyre Highway. cylinder was found to be venting. caused when the venting process is unsuccessful, compared to one that has vented correctly. Statewide > SOUOUTH REEGION EASTEA AIR OP TRAINING DAYS By: Phil Richards, Millicent CFS

erial firefighting familiarisation enabled crews to experience thee sessions were held in the Lower steps involved with initial tacticalcal ASouth East Primary Response ground-air communications. Zone in February this year. The foam drops were conductedd in The training aimed to both high and low fuel environmentsents provide experience and greater in order to illustrate the differencesces 60 understanding of aerial operations in effectiveness and coverage. for both CFS crew and Green The need for strong air-ground VOLUNTEER - REGION 5 Triangle Forestry organisations. integration in both the establishmentnt of In total over 80 personnel attended strategies, tactics and implementationion both training nights. of the same was stressed. The sessions were conducted at It was highlighted that poor Lucindale and Millicent airstrips, situational awareness can lead << using two AT-802 Airtractors and a to inappropriate strategies being The Airtractor in the skies. Photo by Jim Reekie, Naracoorte CFS Cessna 172 Spotter aircraft (Spotter developed, and the ability of air 505) which is normally based in operations to provide timely and Millicent, and air crew. reliable intelligence was a crucial Participants were briefed on factor to be considered in assisting the CFS Air Operations structure, the Incident Management Team’s communications plans, drop zone planning process. safety, aircraft familiarisation, General feedback from those who aircraft filling and aerial fire attended indicated that they had a fighting strategies including the use greater appreciation of air operations. of foam, retardant and gel. Further sessions pre-season would The practical session that followed result in better integration of air included demonstration of fire and ground resources in future rural << bombing drops and a scenario that fire operations. An Airtractor AT802F prepares for flight. Photo by Jim Reekie, Naracoorte CFS TILLEY SWAMP TROPHY UP IN SMOKE GOSH, JOSH!

FS volunteer Josh van Loenen FS crews battled to save an roud CFS member David Will Josh even has a kitchen timer received a special award after eighty year-old vintage car, from Bangham Brigade, south which he sets to go off as his pager. Cleaving Tilley Swamp Brigade Cwhich burst into flames while Pof Bordertown, couldn’t resist “My son always had a great interest following six years of service. being driven at Padthaway near sending in photos of his six-year-old in the CFS, with a box full of old He was involved in every aspect of Naracoorte in February. son Josh and his custom-built fire Volunteer magazines stashed under the Brigade, and left with a heavy Despite crews responding truck. his bed and a Lego fire station. His heart for a training position in immediately, the 1928 Hot Rod, which It comes complete with a radio, commitment to everything CFS is tropical Mackay, North Queensland. was worth around $30,000, was knobs, switches, hose, lights unquestionable,” said David. At his last meeting he received destroyed in the blaze on the Riddoch and a ladder. Well done Josh! a special send off and an award Highway. declaring him Tilley Swamp Fortunately the owner escaped Firefighter of the Year for uninjured. Outstanding Service 2006 – 2007. Thanking his captain for the accolade Josh added: “Needless to say I won’t need a written reference to join up with a crew up north”.

A Padthaway CFS member moves forward Josh van Loenen and Wayne Allen, to douse the flames engulfing an eighty Josh Will and his specially built appliance. Vehicle instrumentation. Brigade Captain Tilley Swamp CFS. year-old car. Photo: John Fennell. Photos: David Will, Bangham CFS Statewide > EYRE PENINSULA The road train lights REGION 6 & WEST COAST up the night sky ROAD TRAIN BLAZE Photos: Gavin Lehmann, Group Officer, Caralue CFS Group

hese dramatic images show the devastating effects of a fire on Tthe rear trailer of a road train. It is thought the fire was caused by the brakes. The road train was carrying a number of drums of oil, with a car and ute on top. The CFS crew which responded 61 used CABA to put out the flames, which lit vegetation on both sides of VOLUNTEER - REGION 6 the road when the drums exploded. The explosion severely damaged the road surface, leaving the Eyre Highway closed for several hours. Dousing down The aftermath

REGION 6 UPDATE By: Kevin May, Commander, CFS Region 6

egion 6 staff and volunteers Region 6 also supported a number The job was wonderfully supported of personnel shifted by aircraft over helped Region 1 with the of shifts on the fire ground with by the Salvos, providing an excellent that period. RKangaroo Island fire incidents Strike Teams. variety of meals. The Region 6 2007/08 Fire Danger during December 2007. Approximately 130 personnel gave All agencies worked well together Season was quiet for Brigades, Several officers supported the their time for the incident, with all to complete the incident and a compared to other years, Incident Management Team over Groups supporting the Region and good working friendship was forged which allowed volunteers to a number of shift changes, which the State. with all the interstate and local spend time with their families and allowed a better understanding of Crews attended Group debriefs and agencies involved. have a good break before managing a very large campaign fire the Region also held a debrief of the Travel arrangements went the training season starts for all over many days. KI Fires. smoothly considering the numbers of us. KIMBA TRUCK ROLLOVER

n January 2008, Kimba CFS The driver and two passengers members responded to a truck escaped serious injuries, but the Iaccident in Kimba. road was blocked off for around The vehicle rolled over, spilling fuel, two days to allow the clean up to Truck rollover in Kimba. Photo: Gavin Lehmann, Group Officer, Caralue CFS Group but did not catch fire. take place. Or email photos to: imply send in your photo with the [email protected] name of the photographer and/ Sor name of submitter, address, When emailing photos, please telephone number and Brigade (if do not reduce the size. Sometimes applicable) with a description of the Outlook asks if you want to keep original size or send smaller. If the << << photo and/or details of the incident at Minlaton CFS Brigade Captain extinguishes a hot spot at the Wild which the photo was taken. file size is reduced the quality is Dog Hill Road fires near Warooka. affected and therefore the photo Photo: Stewart Germaine, Southern Yorke CFS Group Post photos to: CFS Public Affairs may not be able to be published in a 62 GPO Box 2468, Adelaide SA 5001 large size. Photos can be posted either as hard The winner receives a prize to the VOLUNTEER - PHAMOUS PHOTOS copies or on a CD in the largest file value of $50. size available.

How high do I have to climb to get the perfect picture? Freeling hay shed fire (March 2008). Photo: Sonia Post

Sunset over Kangaroo Island at the western end (December 2007). Photo: John Garfield, One Tree Hill CFS

Through the smoke, a helicopter maps an area of <<

<< Flinders Chase after a scrub fire (December 2007). Sunshine through the ruins of the hay shed fire at Freeling (March 2008). Photo: Krystal Graham, Aldinga Beach CFS Photo: Sonia Post WINNER

<< WINNER - Six-year-old CFS fan Josh Will from Bangham near Bordertown has a specially built fire truck. 63 Photo: David Will, Bangham CFS VOLUNTEER - PHAMOUS PHOTOS

<< Smoke plumes from a backburn at Solly, Kangaroo Island (December 2007). Photo: Volker Scholz, DEH Strike Team Leader

<< Smokey Strikes Again! Photo: Stewart Germaine, Southern Yorke CFS Group

<< Brentwood Unit A24 at the Parsons fire west of Warooka. The road was used as a fire break. Photo: Stephen Fooks, Warooka Brigade outh By: Fecility Hopkinson, Youth ANZAC EVE er Programs Officer, Volunteer YOUTH VIGIL Management Branch

or many people, ANZAC Day This year, the Governor, His Excellency celebrations capture more of Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC 64 Four national character than any RANR, attended as Guest of Honour at VOLUNTEER - CADETS other day on the calendar. the State Vigil, and 2007 Young South The ANZAC's valued qualities such Australian of the Year, Nikki Vasilakis, as stoicism, uncomplaining, helping was guest speaker. your mates, having a go, courage, Nikki spoke of the example that our determination and mateship. servicemen and women have set for These qualities are evident in younger generations. the work of the CFS, and it was an She called on the youth of today to honour for our cadets to be part of show gratitude for the sacrifices they CFS Chief Officer, Euan Ferguson, with some of the cadets at the State the 9th ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil. made during great conflicts. >> War Memorial Vigil, North Terrace, Adelaide. The ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil stems The attendance of our cadets at this from the military tradition of ‘Holding important event was a show of this Ground’, whereby a reconnaissance gratitude, and also of the example Not only did they take on the and they certainly represented patrol would find and hold strategic they are willing to set for others. challenge but they were exceptional themselves well. position in preparation for the arrival Congratulations to all the Special mention must go to of their army. representatives for the formal ANZAC cadets who represented the CFS Ellen-Louise Hills from Tailem Bend This would often involve an Eve ceremonies, including laying at the vigils, maintaining at all Brigade, who spoke during the event all-night vigil, keeping awake on tributes to the fallen, meeting the times professionalism, reliability, about the significance of the Youth watch, alert that the area of battle is State Governor, educating touring enthusiasm, bringing honour to the Vigil, and Kim Marshall from SES secured against threat. dignitaries on the symbolism of the uniform and taking pride their work. Eastern Unit Cadets who thanked The first ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil The cadets with me at the State monuments, standing guard and the Governor and dignitaries after was held in 2000 at the State War War Memorial Vigil were set the delivering eloquent speeches to the the event. Memorial on North Terrace, and challenge of staying up all night, assembled guests. Also a very, very special thank you has grown to include over 150 fuelledfuel e onlyy by bad fast food, iced I have received such glowing to the Cadet Leaders at all of the young people from 13 different coffee and a sense of duty.duty. feedbackfeedback aboutabo our cadets, vigils, without whose support and

organisation's including both the >> CFS and SES. Mawson CFS Cadets at the City of Onkaparinga Dawn Service Morphett These young people ‘hold ground’ Vale after a long night participating in the Anzac Youth Vigil in the south. on the site of the War Memorial in shifts for the 12 hours leading up to the Dawn Service, when they hand over to the Defence Force Catafalque Party who in turn ‘hold ground’ during the Dawn Service and the ANZAC Day March. During this time no-one else is granted access to the site, except for the formal laying of tributes, in which representatives from youth, cultural and community groups lay wreaths and tributes to recognise the fallen. In all, around 300 people participatete in the Youth Vigil and ceremony. The Youth Vigil has become so popular that this year they were held at Marion, Morphett Vale, andd Blackwood, as well as the original site of State National War Memorialal on North Terrace. Cadets: Michael Andersson, Ryan Todd (of Sedan); Adam Byrne, Jake Holmes, Braden Selby, Nathan Ayres, Sam Ayres (of Meningie); Ellen-Louise Hills, Dwayne Martin and Jack-Henryy Hills (of Tailem Bend). The Blackwood Vigil Seven Cadet Leaders and 13 cadets from Coro Group. Cadet Leaders: Sara Pulford, Jim Pulford, Janita Bentley, Grant Elliott, Rebecca Wilson and Rick Philp, with Lucas 65 Wilson coming in for the pack-up. VOLUNTEER - CADETS Thanks to others that also came and went throughout the night to show support. Ellen-Louise Hills of Tailem Bend Cadets: >> CFS, who spoke at the Youth Vigil. Tom Pulford, Keeley Bryan, Isaac Eckermann, Patrick Higgins, Jesse Cadets: Luter, Matthew Maloney, Megan Renee Davies, Luke Chomel (of Cadet Under Officer 619Sqn RAAF Cadet with 16 year old Matt Holecek, >> Mitchell, Jaryd Opie, Jake Size, Morphett Vale CFS who was the Master of Ceremony for Anzac Youth Seaford); Joshua Churchward- Sam Speak, Matthew Stratfold and Vigil in the South Evening Service. Bohn, Sophie Evans, Samantha Andrew Victorsen. Hall, Daniel King, Tyson Pienaar, The Morphett Vale Vigil Michael Laundy, Ryan Reynolds (of enthusiasm it would have been Cadet Leaders: Fifteen Cadet Leaders and 31 Morphett Vale); Bradley Benham, impossible for CFS and SES cadets Graham Curtis, Wayne Lehmann, cadets from Kuitpo Group, Seaford, Sarah Donkin, Pheobe Ellis, Shannon to be involved in this important and Debra Hills. With Happy Valley, Aldinga Beach and Endersby, Daniel Hoskin, Amanda event. acknowledgment to Daniel Jones, Morphett Vale Brigades. Leslie, Kris O’Shaunessy, Joshua The State War Memorial Vigil David (DJ) Ryan, Megan Wilton, Cadet Leaders: Anderson, Christina Rees, Michael Three Cadet Leaders and 10 Rob Metcalfe – SES Cadet Leaders Troy March, Angie Chomel, Simon Skuce, Pam Atkinson, Russell Houghton, Sarah Smith (of Kuitpo); cadets from Region 2. With so many who also provided support and Bloomer, Tim Evans, Sue Leslie, Chris Cowan, Matt Anderson, supervision for the CFS cadets – and organisations involved in the main Mark Vawser, Kym Vawser, Leanne Sadie Morrison, Forrest Norman, vigil, the number of CFS and SES David Baker, SES Cadet Leader, and Smith, Jeff Benham, Jennifer Oates, AJ Karagiolis, Cindie Sullivan (of cadets invited to attend was limited Region 2 VSO supporting both SES Monique, Richard Davis and Callum Aldinga Beach); Nick, Lachlan, Sam, to 10. and CFS cadets. Deans. Kelly and Nathan (of Happy Valley).

SCOUT CHALLENGE By: Peter Jarman, Roseworthy Cadet Coordinator wo teams from the Light Group At the completion of the activities (Roseworthy and Freeling CFS) the points were added up and Ttook part in the 2008 Scout certificates were awarded. Cadets take aim. Youth Team Challenge at Woodhouse Both the Roseworthy Cadets and Scout Camp at Piccadilly in the the Freeling Cadets were awarded Adelaide Hills on Saturday 5 April. Gold Certificates. The teams participated in a The two teams were the only non- number of activities, including scout teams in the Challenge (this is erecting a rope bridge over a river out of approximately 100 teams) and and crossing safely, horizontal they enjoyed themselves so much they bungie jumping, navigating using a will be entering the Challenge in 2009. compass, archery, skate-boarding, The two CFS Cadet Firefighter puzzles and blindfolded navigation. teams are a credit not only to South As each activity was completed, Australia, but to the CFS, their each team was awarded a gold, brigades and families, but more silver or bronze point. importantly to themselves. THANKYOU CFS

Train Incident damage, and potentially other Thank You The sense of “it won’t happen properties in the neighbouring area. to me” still prevails, but at least As a passenger on the Ghan train Fortunately the property had been Please pass on our grateful thanks to a handful of people will now which collided with a truck on cleared of dry grass and other litter the members of the Belair CFS and all have plans and perhaps they will August 6, I would like to express my in preparation for summer. the other units who fought yesterday's influence their neighbours to get highest praise to the train staff and This should serve as a warning to bushfire in Brownhill Creek. on board. the CFS for their handling of the others to do the same as this factor We are enormously grateful to them I don’t know what else you can do to 66 incident, the efficient and courteous most certainly saved my house. for their gruelling hard work in often get the message out to be prepared. dangerous conditions.

VOLUNTEER - THANKYOU CFS evacuation of the passengers and Robyn Hedley - Echunga I sometimes think that only hip- We are full of admiration for the also to the ambulance crews and (Mount Barker Courier, 19 pocket incentives have the power members of the CFS as yet again those person(s) from the RAH who December 2007) to make the otherwise indifferent they work tirelessly to protect us all. went through the carriages to see if act – perhaps if every business Our very best wishes to you all Uleybury Thanks anyone needed assistance. Joan and Colin Butler - Springfield and household in fire danger areas I was not injured in the accident. (Unsolicited email dated paid an additional ESL, with an The rescue and treatment of It would be much appreciated if 18 January 2008) offer to waive the levy if they could the truck driver and treatment of you could please pass on our very demonstrate they had a plan and others who were injured was no grateful thanks to all those involved Thank You met basic preparation requirements doubt also done with the utmost in responding and extinguishing each year? professionalism. the fire that occurred on Friday As a resident of Old Belair Road, I It could start at a modest level Margaret Dingle - Norwood 28 December in the Uleybury / am writing a brief email to express and increase for each year that they (Advertiser, 9 August 2007) Craigmore area. our sincere thanks to the absolute don’t act perhaps? The CFS organisation and your professional approach that has been More bureaucracy I know, but I can’t Residents Say Thanks volunteers are truly wonderful and taken in the past 20 hours in relation think of a more effective motivator. do a great job. to the fire in Mitcham/Belair. Best wishes and thanks Kangaroo Islanders Helen Read Our property on Chapman Drive The CFS is amazing and we are in Lisa Ward - Crafers and Sharon Soloman couldn't was located across from the paddock awe of the work that every volunteer/ (Unsolicited email dated that was on fire and the fire did worker places into what they do. contain their gratitude for the 18 January 2008) firefighters who battled the spread to the edge of our property. THANKYOU, you are true heroes. Could you please pass this on bushfires - so they put up a sign: We were very thankful to see Thanks to the CFS "Thanks CFS". the water planes arrive to help to anyone who may read (or want to!), we cannot thank you enough, There were displays of thanks extinguish the fire. While the media is often quick to it is times like this that the public across the island but the simple Again, thank you. be scathing of less than perfect realise what you do and how sign at American River reflected how Julie and Gary Wharton - Uleybury performances of the CFS, such as incredibly important you all are. all the islanders feel. (Unsolicited email - 4 January 2008) in the Yorke Peninsula episode, "We wanted to do something Ryan and Kylie Fleetwood - Belair (Unsolicited email dated the media often gives much less because we know how much they Great Job 18 January 2008) attention to success stories which did," Ms Soloman said. are less dramatic and hence less "Not just the interstaters but also You guys do a GREAT job in Thank You newsworthy. the locals who went out on the protecting property, lives and It is impossible to give excess trucks then came home and did it assets. As a hills dweller and former praise to the efficiency with which Although I haven't been directly all again with their own truck." Glenalta resident, thank you for your resources were allocated to last affected, I as a local resident express More than 130 interstate brilliant work yesterday. week’s Brownhill Creek - Old Belair firefighters and the Elvis aerial my gratitude to the hundreds of Even though I no longer live close Road bushfire. bomber went home yesterday. volunteers who give up their time and by, because friends know that I The continuous cycles of flare- (Advertiser, 17 December 2007) risk their lives in service to others always monitor the ABC radio on high up and douse-downs were clearly and who are often criticised for it. fire danger days and take all threats evident as each helicopter and Thank You I regularly check the CFS website seriously and have a plan, friends plane dumped its load of water on and notice the quick response times and family from the area of the fire the fire front – which was for the I would like to extend a heartfelt to fires that potentially could have rang me yesterday for information – most part inaccessible to ground thanks to all those involved in been much worse! (eg. Belair fire they live and work in the immediate crews. fighting a fire on my property at on 17/1/08). area and did not know which radio This fire would almost certainly Echunga, December 14. With gratitude. station to listen to, nor your website have raged into a major disaster The prompt action of neighbors, CFS Local Resident - Adelaide or hotline numbers or even such if it were not for the impeccable and workers in the area who pitched (Unsolicited email dated critical information as a map of efficiency with which the CFS fought in saved my property from serious 18 January 2008) alternative routes to leave the area. this fire primarily from the air, with numerous ground backups around when you realise that the areas that only for me, but also for our whole already at work which was the only the entire perimeter. were burnt had been heavily mowed community and the Hills in general. way I knew where the fire was. I The CFS are our modern day local and grazed, with minimum ground I am at a loss as to how to thank couldn’t see any smoke. heroes – no two ways about it. cover to prevent erosion and that the you all however, I feel deeply Although I could not hear any sirens, Robert Dickinson - Mitcham spotted gum plantation had been high privileged to live and work amongst I could hear very quickly that our local (Independent Weekly, 26 January 2008) pruned…yet the ground still burned. such wonderful people. brigades were on the fire ground. There is no doubt in my mind that Thank you so much, to everyone. The calmness and organisation Letter of Thanks my property, my livestock and my Fiona Challen - Balhannah demonstrated was exceptional. life were beyond lucky. (Unsolicited mail dated 16 March 2008) The CFS is to be congratulated for There are organisations around the We were literally saved by the most its extremely rapid response to this world that know no boundaries like outstanding efforts from a highly A Big Thanks fire. 67

Doctors Without Borders. committed group of 120 individuals To all the men and women on the VOLUNTEER - THANKYOU CFS I have just joined one such group (most of whom are volunteers) and To all the firemen and firewomen ground and those in the air, you that I will call Farmers Without the sheer fire fighting power and that helped in the Willunga fire...A were terrific, well done. Fences – thanks to the Country Fire volume supplied by aerial support VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL! Di Liebelt - Summertown Service. in the shape of two planes, two For many residents and farmers, (Mount Barker Courier, 19 March 2008) However, although I was not ready helicopters and an air crane. including ourselves, this was a for this destruction, 2 days later, I wish to express my sincerest very scary time and we are glad it's Thank You it does seem such a trivial issue gratitude to everyone who was over due to the quick response and and minor inconvenience when involved in containing the the knowledge of all the men and My name is Heather Bitter, and my you consider what could have Balhannah fire at ‘Millewa’ on women involved. family and I live near Williamstown eventuated. Murray and Mattner Road. Sadly, for a few people, help in South Australia. At least fences can be fixed. Whichever area you were involved was too late as the fire spread so I was wondering whether you Last Friday 14 March, I watched a in – behind a radio or behind a quickly, but hopefully they will get might be able to place a thank you letter from our family to all the CFS fire travel from the roadside into my hose, on the ground or in the air you through this with lots of help from service that has helped so diligently property, across one paddock and certainly got it right! the community. in our area of late. fan out into 3 other paddocks in the Local vigilance, rapid response, Again, thank you all for a job well I have seen the ‘Volunteer’ space of 15 minutes. precision teamwork and good quality done. magazine and hoped I may be able The potential for a catastrophic resources combined to produce in Jack and Tania de Kievit - Yundi Road to communicate our appreciation bushfire of major proportions existed this case a successful outcome not (Unsolicited email - 18 March 2008) through that. Bushfire Heroes Of particular note are the recent fires near the Warren, and the rapid Thank you to all the men and and thorough response of not only women on the ground and in the our local, but the many appliances air for extinguishing the fire near from out of the area, that attended. Williamstown. It was the closest we have come The actions of these brave people to an impending fire and we were averted a potential disaster as the quite distressed. fire occurred in dense, tinder-dry The support of the many volunteer eucalyptus bushland, which is CFS personnel was fantastic. part of a long corridor of national Within days of this, there was a park, surrounded by thousands of severe car accident to deal with, hectares of pine forest. as well as fallen limbs from trees The outcome of this lightning strike and other incidents which required could have been very different. support. Louise Jones - Williamstown It is mind blowing that CFS (Adelaide Advertiser, 18 March 2008) volunteers are all so dedicated to our communities and I just wanted Rapid Response them all to know that it is very much respected and appreciated by us. With my gutters full, pumps The role modelling for young people primed, armed with my scanner, I in our area, by these courageous was on fire watch on Deviation Road and committed people, is fabulous. on Friday. Thank you one and all. Having noted, via the internet, a You are indeed our local heroes. fire at Balhannah, I went outside to Heather Bitter and family near Williamstown A message of thanks to all those who helped with the KI Fires as they look for the fire. >> departed the island from Jayne Bates, Mayor of Kangaroo Island. Two fixed-wing bombers were (Unsolicited email dated 9 April 2008) VOLUNTEER [ OBITUARIES ]

Rob Buttery of Tea Tree Gully CFS By: Andrew Oakley AFSM, Para CFS Group Officer

In recognition of his 31 years of vvoluntary service, Rob was awarded tthe Australian National Medal, Life Membership of the South Australian Country Fire Service and the British 68 Fire Services Medal. Recently, along with Deputy Group VOLUNTEER - OBITUARIES Officers Gerry Thomson and Rob Styling we had the opportunity to visit Rob. It was an extremely sad time for all. One of Rob’s favourite stories is; “For Ash Wednesday 1983, Rob had the appliance backed down a narrow track on Anstey’s Hill, with numerous lengths of hose run out ready to battle the oncoming fire front. Rob decided that it was time to beat a hasty retreat out of there, driving off with many lengths of hose dragging behind the fire truck. As it would happen one of the lengths became entangled, and to avoid doing extensive damage to the Rob Buttery with his wife Pat. truck and pump, Rob took out an axe and calmly cut the hose off and escaped the oncoming fire.” The time that we shared with Rob will be cherished forever. Whilst writing Rob’s eulogy and gathering my thoughts, I asked a ob and his family immigrated throughout the region and State. SACFS Incident Management close friend ”how would you best to Australia in 1974 and He was also the first regional Course and had taken part in describe Rob Buttery?” with Rob having spent five representative on the State Training numerous Incident Management R The answer was “He was always years volunteering in the British Committee. Teams throughout the State. a gentleman, very dignified, and to Fire Service, he soon joined the Tea Rob, having started the competition As a Deputy Group Officer, Rob the last, never complained about Tree Gully Emergency Fire Service in team at Tea Tree Gully, was the took on the position as Chairman anything.” South Australia. Captain of the team when it won of the Finance Committee and Over a number of years Rob held best “Brigade in the State”. many executive management This response pretty much says the positions of Senior Firefighter, He went on to become a member of meetings were held in his it all. Fire Control Officer, Lieutenant and the State Competitions Committee office at Wattle Crescent. To Pat and her family; Rob was a subsequently Brigade Captain with that organised the competitions and Rob, Fire Investigator, carried out husband, father and grandfather. the Tea Tree Gully Brigade. eventually became a judge. over 140 investigations, many in the To members of the CFS family During this time he also held the After Ash Wednesday in which a Tea early hours of the morning. he was a friend, colleague and positions of the Brigade Training Tree Gully appliance was destroyed Rob’s work assisted police in the dedicated volunteer. Officer, Brigade Administrative by fire, Rob was a member of the arrest of several arsonists. Goodbye Rob, we will miss you. Officer and was the Brigade committee which raised funds for a representative to the Mount Lofty new truck and assisted in the design Vale Rob Buttery By: Euan Ferguson AFSM, CFS Chief Officer Volunteer Fire Fighters Association. of the RFW (TTG 34 fire appliance) Rob had a keen interest in the that served Tea Tree Gully CFS and e were deeply saddened to England, before he passed away. training aspect of the Country the community for many years. learn of the death of Para Rob has had a long association Fire Service. In the early 1990s Rob became WGroup Deputy Group Officer with the Tea Tree Gully CFS brigade He set up the first Cadets a Deputy Group Officer of Para Rob Buttery. and the Para Group. in Tea Tree Gully, became an Group, a position he held at Rob had a long fight with cancer Rob will be missed. Instructor and spent many the time of his death. and was strong enough to see his We offer our sincere condolences weekends training CFS personnel In 1992 Rob completed the brother, who recently travelled from to all the Buttery family. (Firewire No. 131, 22 February 2008) Roger Bonython of Summertown CFS

he Summertown, Uraidla and He began playing as a Senior Colt, “Despite being faced with the loved spending time in the open wider community were deeply played in quite a few B Grade Finals challenge of a large fire, Roger space. Tsaddened by the sudden and finished with a B2 Premiership. always had a quiet, warm, friendly, He enjoyed the family occasions passing of Roger Bonython on At 38 years of age, Roger stopped reassuring smile that would settle which were celebrated at the farm 17 July 2007. playing football to become the your nerves and give you confidence and he loved to share the farm This was evident by the large crowd President of the Club, a position he to go on.” experience with all who came to visit 69 that overflowed the Uraidla Football held for nine years. Roger was involved with both Ash him and he shared it with pride.

Clubrooms as people came to say Roger was extremely proud to Wednesday campaign fires and at In the latter years, one of his VOLUNTEER - OBITUARIES goodbye at his funeral. receive Life Membership from the his funeral, when an opportunity was greatest joys was his beloved Roger was born at the Monreith Uraidla Football Club. given for anyone to say a few words, grandchildren, Jacob and Tahlia. Hospital at Burnside, to Lance and The SA Country Fire Service, a local resident got up and said: He loved to spend time with them, Edna Bonython and was his parents' previously the EFS, was another part of “I would not be alive today if I taking them for rides on the forklift only child. Roger’s life that was dear to his heart; hadn’t been with Roger at the Ash or planting vegies in the backyard He lived at Bonython Road, a way to give back to the community. Wednesday II fires.” and watching them grow, kicking Summertown for all of the 65 years The Summertown EFS was formed “There were four of us on the small the football and reading stories, of his life. in 1957 and Roger joined as a Summertown appliance and as we and when they left there was always Through working with his parents in 17 year old believing it to be an were nearing the Mt Lofty Summit a ‘high five’ instead of a hand the garden and orchard, Roger learnt important part of living in the Hills. the fire storm hit.” shake. a strong work ethic which continued Roger hardly ever missed a Monday “Roger stayed calm and in control Roger was an honest, caring, loving throughout his working career. night training session at the Station. as he took us through what looked husband, father and grandfather Roger attended Uraidla Primary As with all brigades starting out, like a black cave of smoke and who welcomed all friends whether School, followed by three years at there was little money available so flames to a clearing on the summit they were his or his children’s into Oakbank Area School. appliances were built from community we sought refuge then tried in vain his home. He could not wait to come home donations, fundraising and massive to save the kiosk.” He had a cheery word for all, a from school and start work. amounts of volunteer labour. “A Summertown firefighter died in sparkle in his eye and quite often a At 16, when Roger obtained his Roger, along with several others, the holocaust, which etched deeper joke to share. drivers licence, he began doing regular was very hands on in the building the sad memories that Roger had of He worked hard, played hard and trips to the East End Market and later and setting up of the Brigade’s that day.” gave himself to all he met. to the Adelaide Produce Market. appliances; the first “Blitz”, which As time went on Roger’s family After the funeral service a guard of Roger only stopped his trips to he always had a soft spot for, then grew as Malcolm, David and Rachael honour was formed that stretched the market four years ago after he two Land Rovers and a Nissan married into the family and Roger from the clubrooms out onto the road, purchased a farm at Nildottie. Patrol, two water tankers and a 34 welcomed them with love. with CFS volunteers on one side and After 49 years, Roger was arguably Isuzu, as well as several building The farm at Nildottie was a whole football club members on the other. one of the longest attending persons projects that were required to house new interest for him, he enjoyed Many more joined the guard of at the market. the appliances. helping the boys, meeting new honour because they wanted to salute In his early years many happy hours Roger was involved with the CFS for people in a new environment, a man who had touched their lives. were spent with family and friends over 35 years, holding the position sharing a joke with the employees Since Roger's passing, little Grace at Black Point fishing; experiences of Captain of Summertown and who came to pack onions; he just Oliver was born to Darren and Rachel. he continued to share with his wife Districts EFS/CFS for 15 years. and children. He was also a Fire Control Officer During his teens, Roger learned to and a Deputy Group Officer of the play the piano accordion, took up East Torrens Group. small bore rifle shooting, and was a Being a very active member, Roger member of the Adelaide Small Bore was presented with Life Membership Rifle Club. as well as the National Medal for Roger married Valerie in 1966 and service to the community. in 1967 was blessed by the arrival of Peter Bonython, current Captain their first-born son, Darren, followed of Summertown and Districts CFS, by Janet, Linda and Steven. explains that if you were ever on the fire Roger was very proud of all his ground with Roger, you could guarantee children and their accomplishments that you would be the last to leave. with work, sport and in life. “It didn’t matter how long Roger His family, both close and extended, had been out there, he would were extremely important to him. painstakingly check the area for Roger Bonython with his wife Valerie. Football and the Uraidla Football any possible hotspots that may Club were a huge part of Roger’s life. rekindle,” Peter said. Mark James Chivell of Woodside CFS

ark lost his battle with over the Maintenance Officers job at ill with Ross River Fever, Mark was cancer at the Stirling the fire station. happy to help out in the role. MHospital on 20 January 2008 Twenty five years ago Mark and Mark was a dedicated member at the age of 56 years. Margaret bought a property at Murdock of the Woodside CFS Brigade, At 18 years of age Mark started Hill where he raised cattle, and and served on both the Executive work with the Post Master General’s enthusiastically set about growing trees. Management Committee and the Department (PMG Department) as A member of “Trees for Life” Social Committee. a technician. Mark would propagate trees and Mark was actively engaged as He worked with PMG for 35 years transplant them. Secretary-Treasurer of the Social Mark Chivell, Woodside CFS seeing different name changes such Mark’s passion for trees, especially Committee at the time of his passing. as Telecom and Telstra. natives, can be seen in the great Always eager to improve his skills Mark then found part-time variety of species growing around the Mark participated in the training Mark’s popularity in the CFS was employment picking up milk samples homestead on the Chivell property. courses provided by the CFS, shown by the large number of comrades from factories and taking them to The loss of Mark’s first wife including First Aid, Road Crash that attended his funeral service. Flaxley for testing. Margaret in a tragic farm accident Rescue, Truck Driving and Chain Saw. Brigade members wore their CFS A man of many skills and was very hard on him, but he picked Mark’s one regret was that he shirts and formed a guard of honour 70 achievements, Mark loved motorbike up his life and found happiness with didn’t join the CFS earlier. as the family and friends filed past riding and he held a Light Aircraft his second wife Felicia. Mark’s funeral service was held in and placed a sprig of rosemary on the VOLUNTEER - OBITUARIES Pilot’s Licence. Mark joined the Woodside CFS on the Mawson Chapel at Centennial coffin at the completion of the service. He loved tinkering and fixing things, 26 July 2002. Park on Friday 25 January 2008. Mark will be fondly remembered by and was often found with his head He was one of those active, reliable, The chapel was overflowing into his fellow firefighters for the diligent under the bonnet of a motor vehicle. capable people, who put a lot of the outside passageway with friends way he went about doing things, and Mark completed a Diesel Mechanics effort into all that he did. who had come to say “goodbye” and his willingness in helping to get the Course, and hoped to one day take When the Administration Officer fell show their last respects. job done.

Colin “John” Matheson of Birdwood CFS By: Malcolm Herrmann, Birdwood CFS and Chris Cotton, Lobethal CFS olin John Matheson, Birdwood unit at a large fire near John seldom ever missed a training the CFS and for his community and commonly known as “John” Gumeracha where he and his crew night since being at Birdwood. this was recognised by his award of Cor affectionately known to were the only defence between the According to daughter Mardi, the National Medal in 1993 and for his Birdwood CFS members as “Metho”, fire front and the township. who is currently a member of the long standing service and commitment passed away on 19 April 2007 at the “The fire was coming towards us Oakbank CFS, he just lived for the he was awarded Life Membership. age of 79 years. at a rate of knots and setting small CFS and the local community. Birdwood members paid tribute In his early life, he worked on spot fires on the Gumeracha side of Whenever funds were required, to John at his funeral service held Nilpena and Kembroke Park Stations the vineyards. We did the best we in the far North of South Australia. could and knocked down the main Metho was always there to assist and at Lobethal. In 1943, John enlisted in the Royal front (of the fire) before it could get was instrumental in raising funds for The Birdwood community are the Australian Navy and served with to the vineyards and the township. a second fire unit at Birdwood. poorer with the passing of John distinction in Burma. Back-up from other units were on the A dedicated volunteer, John worked “Metho” Matheson. On returning he worked briefly at way, but gee it was quite scary.” tirelessly and unselfishlyy for Lucy Creek Station before taking up a soldier settlement block near Bool Lagoon in the South East. This broad experience laid the foundations for his wealth of knowledge for the maintenance of equipment and radio communications. In 1972 John officially started his career with the CFS in the South Eastern area of Spence at Lucindale. In 1984 John and his family moved to Birdwood, where he immediately transferred to the local CFS brigade, becoming a Lieutenant in 1986. Amongst his most unenviable memories are the number of fatal vehicle accidents he had attended since being in Birdwood, particularly one where two local teenagers were killed on the Williamstown Road back in 1986. John never forgot the memories of such accidents and the devastation it wreaks on local communities. John Matheson, Birdwood CFS. On another occasion John remembered being in charge of the VOLUNTEER - STATEWIDE

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