November 2019

FIRE

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF GROUNDTHE TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE NOVEMBER 2019

Baptism of fire – The first year in. P2

Urban fire suppression P8

State Firefighter Championships P24 MESSAGE from the Chief Officer CONTENTS

10 $2 million Emergency Volunteer Support Fund launched 9 High level national qualification in fire investigation 11 2019 Fire and Emergency Services Conference 13 FireComm 15 16 Climbing for mental health 17 TasGRN go ahead 19 Medium Tanker t’s been a tough summer this year with During these almost unprecedented Working Party 20 Ia protracted 83 day (3 month) bushfire times, there have been many outstanding campaign; starting on Christmas Day with efforts from our firefighters right across Junior Cadets Skills 27 fires on Bruny and going right through the state. Cape Barren Island to the Dolphin Sands fire in April. Finally, The commitment of our TFS volunteers Good Fire 30 in early May we were able to lift permit has just been magnificent and I sincerely restrictions. thank you and your families for the time Where were we At the height of the bushfire emergency and anguish we may have put you 50 years ago 32 we were battling 71 fires which burnt all through. Our Fire Service Roll through over 211,000 ha – that is equal The commitment of our brigades this year to 3% of the State’s land mass and the is illustrated by the fact that we had 85 of Honour 34 largest fires since 1967. We declared brigades responding to fires in the Huon Southern Region National 13 days of TFB, 1400 Tasmanian residents Valley. And brigades from the North and Medal Presentation 40 presented at evacuation centres, Northwest could be found anywhere in 28 public information forums were held, the state. 7 airbases were established with Suffice to say, had the firefighting effort 27 30 50 aircraft being managed at one time, not been implemented such as it was, not and we received over 1000 personnel only would the immediate impacts have from interstate and overseas to help us. been significant, but moreover the longer The vast majority of fire incidents were term recovery and cascading effects 41 located in largely inaccessible terrain, would have been financially costly, far requiring air assets, complemented by reaching, and ultimately disastrous for remote area firefighters on the ground. the State. Whilst using both of these modes of And I know that those not directly operation, we continued to ensure we involved in the campaign fires have Official magazine of Tasmania Fire Service were ready to respond with a ‘weight of provided much-needed support in attack’ to address any new starts that Chief Officer and Chairman of the State Fire the background, or have stood by in Commission Chris Arnol occurred on days of TFB. readiness to provide fire coverage in Commission Members Rod Sweetnam, Chris Although TFS is well equipped and local brigade areas. Your efforts are Hughes, Graeme Brown, Lindsay Suhr, Bruce Corbett, Dana Faletic, Leigh Hills resourced, the scale and demands of also acknowledged and appreciated. the remote operations ultimately led [email protected]

to us calling for additional resources. fire.tas.gov.au 1144 interstate and international The opinions expressed in Fireground are not personnel assisted the personnel and necessarily those of the State Fire Commission volunteers from Tasmanian agencies. Published by Tasmania Fire Service We had at least 2,500 individual Design & production: Digital Ink ISSN 0727-6087 Tasmanian firefighters working on the Printing: Mercury Walch front line this summer and I am thankful Printed on Hanno Satin, totally chlorine free from to work with such dedicated and FSC Mixed Sources hardworking people. Cover photo: Great Pine Tier Fire by Liam Cox

November 2019 FIREGROUND 1 Baptism of fire – The first year in.

Story and photos by Patrick McBride, Firefighter Gravelly Beach

When I transitioned from being a road rescue operator in the State Emergency Service to a TFS volunteer I didn’t know that my first serious engagement with bushfires would be the second largest fire event ever experienced in this State.

joined the Gravelly Beach Fire Brigade Iexpecting to provide assistance to my local community, whether it involved attending road crashes, structure fires or vegetation fires. Even if I could have imagined participating in a campaign fire that would last 87 days and devastate 210,000 hectares, I probably would have assumed that it was something that I would experience only after years in the TFS. However, that wasn’t to be the case. My first intra-state deployment saw me accompanying other Gravelly Beach Fire Brigade colleagues to the staging area We were tasked with asset protection, We toiled long and hard until everyone that had been set up at Miena. From there a Parks and Wildlife office situated near was withdrawn so that the four engine we were deployed to various operational the Central Plateau Conservation Area jet could do its run over the fireground, areas. On Sunday the 3rd of February located in the Tasmanian Wilderness before we returned to the fray and finally 2019 we were deployed to the fires at World Heritage Area. In the brown got busy blacking out the scorched Liawenee and Reynolds Neck where twilight that accompanied the raging landscape. The work was filthy, arduous our team was confronted by large and fires we were buzzed by the incessant and the hours were long, but you never fast moving fires. Up until this point, my (but welcome) roar of the two yellow seem to really notice because you experience had been primarily attending Air Tractors and an assortment of are sharing the experience with your relatively sedate hazard reduction burns, helicopter water bombers. I have never colleagues – and that brings extraordinary but this monster was on a scale far greater been in a war zone, but I suspect it must satisfaction. than that! sound something like this!

2 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 3 83 days of battle photos from the front line

Riveaux Road Fire – Phil Sanager

Reynolds Neck – Patrick McBride Great Lake Hotel – Liam Cox

Lightning Strike Woodbury – Old Sawmill Site Lake Sorell – Brak Huey Brak Huey Bracknell Barn Fire – Kara Littlejohn

4 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 5 Reynolds Neck – Patrick McBride Reynolds Neck – Patrick McBride

Waddamana Power Station – Hummocky Hills Fire – Kara Littlejohn Kara Littlejohn Riveaux Road Fire – Phil Sanager Bruny Island Fire – Phil Sanager

Riveaux Road Fire – Phil Sanager Riveaux Road Fire – Phil Sanager

6 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 7 $2 million Emergency Volunteer Support Fund Launched he Emergency Volunteer Support Fund was officially launched in late 2018 by the Tformer Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, the Honourable Michael Ferguson. This initiative is part of the Tasmanian State Government’s commitment to keep Tasmania safe through a boost to emergency services. Under this initiative, the Government is providing an injection of $2 million over four years for volunteer TFS brigades and SES units. This extra funding sets up a grants system to apply for non-core equipment and training, enhanced recruitment and engagement activities, as well as station amenities and minor facility improvements. The funding for the grant programs has been split between TFS and SES, based on each agency’s proportion of total volunteer Brigades and Units across both agencies. Over the four years, this equates to: • $1,724,000 for TFS Volunteer Brigades or $431,000 per annum; and • $276,000 for SES Volunteer Units or $69,000 per annum The TFS Volunteer Brigade Grant Program was developed collectively by the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigade Association (TVFBA), the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighter Association (TRVFA) and the Tasmania Fire Service. Under the TFS Volunteer Brigade Grant Program, one main round of grants will be offered each financial year for four years. An additional round may be offered each financial year if not all available funds are allocated in the main round of grants. Opening and closing dates have been set as follows:

Additional Round Main Round (if required) Urban fire suppression Photographer, Matt LFF Davis, Hobart Fire Brigade Round 1 Round 2 2018-19 Financial Year Opened December 2018 Opened March 2019 Closed 31 January 2019 Closed 30 April 2019

at what we do, and this training helps us • Burning regimes Feedback from participants shows strong Round 3 Round 4 The time is right for TFS to stay on top of our game.” • Controlling the environment/ support for the program: 2019-20 Financial Year Opened July 2019 Opens November 2019 reorient the compass on one Firefighters in the TFS have a long gaseous phase using gas cooling • “Most relevant training Closed 28 August 2019 Closes 31 January 2020 tradition of service and are respected • Branch efficiency and water undertaken for structural of its core responsibilities Round 5 Round TBA by the community for bringing order extinguishment firefighting in 14 years” – urban fire suppression, to a situation that has lost control. 2020-21 Financial Year Opens June 2020 Opens November 2020 • Door entry techniques • “We know that we are more efficient Where people are running away from according to Chief Officer, and safer as a result of this training” Closes 31 July 2020 Closes 29 January 2021 an emergency incident, firefighters are • Decontamination procedures. Chris Arnol. Commitment expected to run towards it and deal with a “In the courses that have been run so • “Above and beyond my Round TBA Round TBA has been given to roll out situation that has enormous potential for far, the professionalism of broad-minded expectations. This course needs 2021-22 Financial Year Opens June 2021 Opens November 2021 to be delivered to every structural negative consequences. firefighters enabled the structural Closes 30 July 2021 Closes 31 January 2022 a statewide refresher and breathing apparatus brigade in “To allow us to meet the high firefighting sessions to break down the state” upskilling program to career expectations of communities, it is our already well-versed practice of To date there have been three opportunities for our 224 volunteer fire brigades to seek and volunteer brigades imperative that we keep up with new suppression,” said SSO Rick Mahnken. Organisers wish to make special funding through the Grants Program. The Grants Committee is delighted to advise that are equipped with techniques and best practice,” SSO Rick This training is currently embedded in the acknowledgement of the many support that more than $743,000 in total grant funding has been awarded to 164 volunteer fire Mahnken said. trainee firefighter development program personnel who have and continue to brigades across the State as part of Rounds 1, 2 & 3 – with approved items ranging breathing apparatus and and will become business as usual into contribute to the success of the program: from water tanks to weather meters, BBQs to brushcutters, and honour boards to high The Structural Firefighting Level 1 & 2 pressure cleaners just to name a few examples. have the capacity to provide course being rolled out consists of two full the volunteer pathway. • Fire and Rescue New South Wales an internal structural days. Each day has a morning of theory The structural firefighting facilitation for providing their suite of training The Grants Committee also notes that savings of more than $60,000 will be reinvested materials and expert training in back into the Grant Program. These savings have been realised by following firefighting attack capability. and an afternoon of branch techniques team is made up of passionate and highly and live fire in the specially designed trained instructors committed to best this space governmental procurement processes for standardised items, such as the portable training prop/cells. Using the approved practice and ensuring firefighters are as • Australian Maritime College, Bell Bay UHF radios and AEDs. “Over the last fifty years, firefighting has Fire and Rescue New South Wales safe as possible. TFS has ensured the for allowing TFS to use their site to Further information about the TFS Volunteer Brigade Grant Program is published in changed considerably. Buildings are programs, personnel are equipped with local facilitators of this program are fully train and conduct live fire burns the Members Area of the TFS website. Enquiries are welcomed through tfs.grants@fire. constructed differently, and the average the most contemporary and internationally qualified by investing in expert training • Neil Brooksbank for his commitment tas.gov.au and all of our volunteer fire brigades are strongly encouraged to consider home contains modern furnishings which accepted skills in structural firefighting. and instruction from Fire and Rescue New making an application at least once over the course of the full four-year program. burn hotter and faster, and we need to be and dedication to getting this Firefighters update skills relating to: South Wales and Queensland Fire and training off the ground. Kylie Kapeller prepared,” said Project Coordinator SSO, Emergency Services. Rick Mahnken. “We in the Tasmania Fire • Stages of fire Coordinator, Volunteer Capability Service pride ourselves on being the best • Extreme fire behaviours On behalf of the TFS Volunteer Brigade Grant Program

8 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 9 TFS trains Antarctic expeditioners in Higher level national qualification emergency response in fire investigation ustralian Antarctic expeditioners have been training with Athe Tasmania Fire Service to prepare them to respond to potential emergencies in Antarctica. The expeditioners, bound for Davis, Casey and Mawson research stations and sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, learned how to respond to fire-related emergencies in a course at the TFS Cambridge Training Facility in October 2018. All course participants have a primary role on one of the stations. In addition, they learned the latest firefighting and rescue techniques to be able to respond to incidents such as large building fires, vehicle fires, medical emergencies and those involving hazardous materials. TFS training instructor, Station Officer Adam Doran, said, “While we hope the crews won’t have to use these skills while they are there, they will be as prepared as they can be, and gain an understanding of how to deal with fire and other emergencies in their unique environment.” Casey Station Leader, Chris MacMillian, said people don’t expect fire to be an issue on the frozen continent. “Antarctica is actually the driest continent on Earth, with most of the precipitation falling in the form of snow or ice crystals, and it can also be very windy with regular blizzards,” Ms MacMillian said. “Fighting fires under these conditions is challenging, so we get some intense training before we depart for our year on the continent.” Tertiary-level qualifications for All the station buildings are well equipped with fire extinguishers and hydrants, and a dedicated fire vehicle remains Tasmanian Fire Investigators have on permanent standby. been awarded. “We are essentially isolated for seven months of the year, relying on each other for fire and other emergency responses.” proposal was put forward to the Organisational Leadership The relationship between the Australian Antarctic Division AGroup identifying an opportunity to gain further knowledge and Tasmania Fire Service spans 25 years, with AAD receiving and credibility within the technical field of fire investigation. emergency response training annually. Approval and support enabled Regional Fire Investigators North/West and South, Anthony Goss and Matthew Lowe, to be TasFire Training also conducts similar training for many major, signed up for a two-year programme in the Advanced Diploma high-risk industrial sites in Tasmania including Norske Skog, of Public Safety (Fire Investigation) (PUA60913). Nyrstar, Bell Bay Aluminium, Temco, Grange Resources mines at Port Latta and Savage River. The training allows these sites to David Groer from Air Services Tasmania was among the students have fully functioning Emergency Response Teams. who embarked on a higher learning journey after completing the Tasmania Fire Service Conduct Fire Investigations and Analysis Activities (PUAFIR501B), highlighting the value of interagency training and networking. The course provided by the Canberra Institute of Technology consisted of 15 units. The program was primarily in an eLearning Training on King Island environment that included presentations, lectures, online fire scene analysis, research, tests and assignments, with contact uring the weekend of 15–16 September, three VTIs and Rod McGarvie has been a TFS member for over 50 years and hours toward the end to consolidate knowledge gained. Done Station Officer from Operational Training North West Group Officer for the island for over 30 years. “Trying to arrange In Londonderry NSW, the quote “The Learning is in the Burning” The combination of group diversity and course content enables travelled to King Island to conduct two training courses, Crew structured training across the brigades is difficult, but we have from the Australasian Association of Fire Investigators (AAFI) the participants to develop a common working language and Leader and Level 1 Bush Firefighting. been making better progress over the last few years,” he said. Conference in 2016 resonated when we conducted, compiled, shared ideas. Being able to achieve uniform processes increases King Island is home to approximately 1,500 permanent residents The Island’s TFS members face challenges given its remoteness tested and coordinated fire investigations. the credibility of fire investigators. who are mainly engaged in the farming and marine industries. and small but scattered community, but they strive to provide The students from Australia and New Zealand were afforded an In September 2018, Matthew Lowe and Anthony Goss The largest employer is the Lion factory, located 15 minutes the best possible emergency service for their community. opportunity to observe fires in controlled cells, gaining insight completed their Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Fire north of Currie with a large range of specialty cheeses on sale at This year’s participants all successfully completed their courses. into timelines, burn patterns and accelerated environments. Investigation) Adam Doran will graduate later this year. the factory shop. It is always great to renew old acquaintances and to meet new Syndicates had to process the scenes and hone their With the support of TFS, the next group of candidates will be The Island is serviced by flights from Wynyard and Melbourne members on King Island. interviewing techniques, following process and developing taking up the opportunity to complete the program, further daily and a regular shipping link with Devonport. Transport Lucas Bryan files for court. enhancing the Fire Investigation unit’s levels of specialist and associated costs limit the amount of training that can be knowledge and skills and building a stronger capability across Training Instructor, NW Region At the Canberra Institute of Technology, we were exposed to delivered to TFS members on King Island; however, at least the state in this field. forensic evidence collection and, between the two locations, one annual visit is made to upskill the members of the four developed a working hypothesis, collected evidence and Anthony Goss fire brigades. presented our finding in a gruelling mock court setting. Regional Fire Investigator

10 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 11 Norske Skog 2019 Fire and Paper & TFS dual- Emergency Services response training Conference collaboration

Crew 3 ERT Team L-R standing: C. Larsson, R. Quinn, S. Edwards, R. Lomas, R. Buckeridge, C. Nichols, T. Boatwright. L-R kneeling: K. Dare, A. Beach, L. Fisher A career crew from HFB B Shift with ASO Alison Wigston in charge were then to respond. Norske being the first responding crew were tasked with initial scene assessment, elimination n 25th May 2019, the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) and the of dangers and making the scene safe, then disseminating OState Emergency Service (SES) hosted its annual statewide information to the responding TFS crew. The passing of initial conference at the Country Club, Launceston which was officially information is vitally important to the responding HFB Officer opened by the former Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency and crew so they can start to formulate an Incident Action Plan Management, the Honourable Michael Ferguson MP. and resource incidents as required. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Not the Norm’ and On arrival of the TFS crew, Norske crew leader Leigh Chaplin facilitated a host of local and interstate presenters. Michael liaised with ASO Wigston and relayed any further incident Wassing AFSM, Deputy Commissioner of QFES gave an details he had gathered as well as detailing initial actions. Once insightful update on the current and future directions of QFES. this had occurred, ASO Wigston formulated a plan and briefed Other highlights included Bronnie Mackintosh, a Station both crews on what she required to extricate the casualty. Both Officer for Fire & Rescue NSW who spoke of positive cultural crews then worked together to stabilise the vehicle, gain access ERT in action at Boyer change around equality, diversity and inclusion in complex and ultimately rescue the casualty in a safe and timely manner. and change-resistant organisations, and Lauren Hepher, a asFire Training (TFT) has been providing relevant and tailored ASO Wigston said, “I would like to say thank you to the Norske Paramedic Educator from Ambulance Tasmania, who spoke of • Keeping emergency services workers safe – emergency response training to industry for over 25 years. T Skog group for their commitment and involvement in our RCR the importance and relevance of mental health in the broader new 40km/h road rule. During this period, TFT has trained many high-risk workplaces training. Their positive attitudes on the day made it easy for my emergency response context. The Chief Officer presented the Chief Officer’s Special Award in initial response to emergencies in their workplace on a site crew to task and teach them. We look forward to further training Other topics presented and discussed included: to Bob Shoobridge and David Downie, in recognition of their risks–needs basis. days and are confident if we do need to respond to Norske in extremely valuable contribution to our firefighting efforts this fire Earlier this year, TFT instructors identified a unique opportunity particular that they are a highly skilled ERT.” • Resilience as the new norm; season and providing the TFS with the critical ability to maintain for their emergency response training to partner with Hobart • Volunteer Sustainability; firefighting aircraft operation bases to support the remote Fire Brigade (HFB) career staff into delivering the training. • Volunteer Grant Programs; firefighting effort. This opportunity arose through identification of the potential “Ultimately, firefighters and ERTs work to a • Women and Firefighting Australasia; benefits combined training would produce, and in turn how it Live streaming of the Conference was again available for those would lead to improved emergency response. common objective when responding to an • Project Conexus intranet development; unable to attend on the day. TFT Instructor Adam Doran said, “This initiative was aimed at emergency, and training together serves • TasGRN project overview; On behalf of the 2019 Fire and Emergency Services Organising building a relationship between Emergency Response Teams • Fire season overview; Committee, we would like to say a huge thank you to all those to build on the understanding of those who helped make the Conference a success. (ERTs) and career firefighters. It provided the opportunity • SES and their role in the future; and for ERTs to learn from career firefighters, and for firefighters common goals, develop a mutual respect for Photographer Andrew Zielinski to better understand the role of ERTs when responding to each other’s role and ultimately provide a incidents.” better, more efficient and safer emergency The exercise gave HFB crews the opportunity to train and interact with people external to TFS, which is positive for their response,” Establishment of a welfare facility at Cambridge Training Facility own development. new welfare facility has been incorporated into the “Ultimately, firefighters and ERTs work to a common objective At the end of the day, the Norske Skog crew were appreciative ACambridge training ground that will provide trainees when responding to an emergency, and training together serves of the opportunity to gain an understanding of career response (volunteer/career and external clients) with an opportunity to to build on the understanding of those common goals, develop and what is expected of them when a career brigade arrives. recover from a live fire exercise and complete an initial debrief in a mutual respect for each other’s role and ultimately provide a This training was the first of numerous days that have now been an all-weather facility situated next to the main training ground. delivered by TFT and HFB. They have all been well received better, more efficient and safer emergency response,” he said. The facility has a strong safety focus that includes having a and delivered, in turn helping the TFS deliver on our strategic The day involved running numerous, varied scenarios covering defibrillator and other first response first aid equipment on directions of Supporting Community Resilience and Providing road crash rescue, vehicle fires and structural firefighting hand. The facility is a culmination of great work in planning Trusted Emergency Response. techniques. The ERT on this day was Norske Skog Paper and and design by the Cambridge training staff and outstanding they were tasked with being the first responding crew to a road construction by Dave Pickrell who repurposed a 40ft container crash rescue (RCR). This incident was simulated to have occurred and incorporated this into the existing site. at the front of their workplace with one person trapped. The facility has been operational since late 2018 and is a welcome addition that has had a lot of positive feedback to date. Justin Young Manager TasFire Training

12 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 13 CAFS deployment FireComm to Victoria here have been a few changes in FireComm in the last couple of months including ESCAD, new staff and shift movements. n Saturday, 17 March 2018, multiple grass fires started in T OVictoria. They were driven by strong winds and destroyed Alastair Cooke and Chris St Jack have been appointed numerous dwellings, structures and livestock. The fires were permanent while Rosie Wolf, Chris Dakin and James Taylor also driven into lakes with low water levels, thus setting lake are currently on fixed-term contracts. Kylie Cornish has also beds on fire. been successful with a part-time fixed-term contract. Stephen Palmer is currently in the position of Training and Data Management including AIRS. These old lake beds were organic material, As most people are aware, ESCAD went live in September namely peat. The surface of the peat caught 2018. While there have been many changes to the way things are done, it is getting easier and we thank everyone for their fire, which proceeded to develop and patience and support. It has been a big change for all of us. extend deeper through the peat. February 2019 also saw another change with the implementation of the Triple Zero Project. This was a change in our telephony On Monday, 26 March 2018, through the AFAC Arrangements network, which involved Tasmania Fire Service (FireComm), for Interstate Assistance (AIA), Emergency Management Victoria Police Radio Dispatch Services (RDS) and Ambulance Tasmania (EMV) contacted TFS, sending some documentation on water State Operations Centre (SOC). There will be changes and enhancers and discussing by phone potential suppression benefits in the way we receive and make calls. FireComm has options. The same day, EMV sent a formal request for the completed UAT (user acceptance testing) and went live on TFS to send an agency Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) 5 February 2019. A Shift – (L to R) LCO Geoff Ryan, SCO Kate Smith, SCO Kelly Quinn, specialist with experience in peat fires. SSO Andrew McConnon TCO Chris Dakin was deployed to Victoria to assess the suitability of CAFS as a potential suppression or control medium. A trial of CAFS was conducted on a known peat area to test its ability to cool, suppress fire and to control smoke quality and smoke volume. The trial was able to qualify and quantify the usefulness and effectiveness of CAFS. Site access was assessed as suitable for both types of TFS CAFS vehicles. Once the trial was reported on and approved at the state level, EMV requested a TFS CAFS deployment for an initial eight days. The request was for one bulk pumper and three CAFS-enabled heavy tankers. Tasmanian vehicles and firefighters were sent to Victoria on the Spirit of Tasmania. The initial deployment was extended to 20 days, and crews rotated every four days through domestic passenger flights. List of those deployed – Thank you TFS vehicles were used extensively and being operated for Ian Bounds Liaison Malcolm Lamb VFF about eight hours every day. Pump and vehicle usage of this magnitude and duration of deployment required a vastly Steven Richardson Liaison Jon Stow VFF increased maintenance regime to be established. Owing to the Andrew McConnon Liaison Jade Hall VFF unique and complex integration of the various systems on the B Shift – (L to R) LCO Jodie Lidden, SCO Carmen Lane, TCO James Taylor C Shift – (L to R) SCO Alistair Barber, SCO Darren Bradford, TCO Rosie Wolf Tim Sulman Mech Matthew West VFF vehicles, the DPFEM deployed its own mechanic from Tasmania Absent – Gavin Kerstan SCO Absent – LCO David MacFarlane who was familiar with how to repair and maintain them. Craig Plummer Mech Tony Perry VFF The TFS also deployed an agency liaison officer to Victoria to Greg Long Mech Sarah Castle VFF coordinate crew rotations, demobilisation of firefighters and the daily requirements of TFS members. Aaron Tammens Mech Perry Sward VFF The deployment concluded on 17 April 2018, with vehicles and Ben Dick V/ STL Nick Robinson VFF Feel free to pop in anytime you are in the last members arriving back in Tasmania the following day Mathew Philpott V/ STL Brendan Tucker VFF Hobart, as we all like to put a face to the The TFS crews worked on the Lake Elingamite fire. At the time Aaron Millar V/ STL Wayne Nelson VFF name and voice of all the people we talk to. of the firefighting efforts, the lake held very minimal water and could not be readily accessed. The Lake Elingamite peat fire Stephen Douce VFF Dylan Orme VFF was approximately 80ha with a perimeter of about 4-5km. Brodie Barnes VFF Mathew Galea VFF The photos demonstrate the efforts of Tasmanian firefighters Michael Kringle VFF David Charleston VFF and the effectiveness of CAFS. Andrew McConnon Leigh Blackwell VFF Todd Bennetto VFF District Officer, Operational Training Mitchell Dutton VFF Will Byrne VFF Justin Kenneth VFF Drew Clark VFF Ben Jones VFF Scott Davey VFF Jacob Cook VFF David Jacobs VFF Ken Nolan VFF Anthony Doherty VFF D Shift – (L to R) ALCO Nicole Williams, SCO Kylie Cornish, CO Alastair Cooke, TCO Chris St Jack Absent – LCO Clare Hall, SCO Tiffany Nick Dahl VFF Freeman. SCO Nicole Watt is now a casual employee and will work when required on any shift

14 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 15 Some notable quotes from Alex: “When you show up authentic, you create Climbing for mental health 2018 Women and Firefighting the space for others to do the same… walk in your truth.” “True values, true abilities, be comfortable being yourself.” Australasia (WAFA) Conference “Challenge behaviours and people.” “Empowered women, empower women.” Alex shared a video which has been Wellington, New Zealand developed by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and can be viewed at the following link. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vDFQfmQKiag&t=4s The video has been developed to help break down some of the traditional stereotypes associated with firefighting. The video contains the children of women firefighters talking about their mums.

Kelly Martin, Chief of Fire and Aviation Management, Yosemite National Park Kelly has over 32 years of service and her address focused on “How speaking up can become the tipping point for cultural change”. She spoke about the challenges n 7 September 2019, 847 emergency service workers from around the country facing women firefighters and her hopes Oclimbed the 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel as part of the 2019 Melbourne for women entering the profession today. Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge. Kelly gave testimony before the US This annual event raises funds for the Emergency Services Foundation, Lifeline and the House of Representatives’ Committee Black Dog Institute to improve support services, remove stigmas and raise awareness on Oversight and Government of mental health issues affecting volunteer and permanent emergency service workers. Reform on Examining Misconduct and Participants climbed 476 stairs whilst wearing full structural turn out gear and breathing Mismanagement at the National Park apparatus (either on or off air). Service in September 2016. She spoke about bullying, sexual harassment and A total of 41 Tasmanians participated in the event, with a grand total of $36,638 being misconduct and her own very personal raised from the TFS teams alone. Overall, this year’s event has raised over $500,000, Diversity is experiences. with donations still open. She spoke about the need for grit, A huge congratulations to everybody who competed and represented their brigades, perseverance and determination and how and a special congratulations goes to the following TFS members: something you women should stop doubting and start Brendan Tucker living their lives. 1st place, open age group, off air, with a time of 4:25 (Bridgewater) Conclusion see, inclusivity Charrae Myers ( I am encouraged to take responsibility, 1st place female, open age group, off air, with a time of 5:20 draw boundaries and tailor my Glengarry/Frankford) is something environment to an inclusive one. Diversity Travis Johnson 2nd place, open age group, off air, with a time of 4:29 of thought is important. Differing (Kingston) opinions are essential and healthy if you feel. expressed in an appropriate manner in a Marlon Von Moger 6th place, open age group, on air, with a time of 4:00 secure environment. (Burnie) It was empowering to be surrounded by Thomas Andrews so many inspirational women and men 9th place, open age group, on air, with a time of 4:25 (Huonville) AFA’S vision is to “promote equity The Conference was held over three Notable Speakers who were not afraid to share their stories and their lessons learnt. The positive, Glengarry/Frankford Wacross the sector to empower all days, with the first day being a Hands- 2nd place, open age group, off air women to embrace their strengths”. on Training (HOT) session conducted at Alex Johnson, Assistant upbeat and encouraging speakers and team WAFA was incorporated in 2007 and since Kilbirnie Fire Station, including topics such leaders shared a common theme that Chief Officer, South Yorkshire Kingston team 3rd place, open age group, off air then has been steadily supporting women as fire investigation, urban search and “you can’t be what you can’t see”. in being active in defining and shaping rescue, and fire equipment. Wellington Fire and Rescue Sandra Onn One in 4 Australians experience a mental illness in their lifetime, with eight people dying Alex delivered a presentation – “My the role of women in the firefighting and Airport hosted the second session on air Station Officer, Hobart Fire Brigade each day by suicide and 10 per cent of Emergency Services personnel suffering the effects emergency services. operations including helicopters, virtual past, my present, our future – sharing of post-traumatic stress injury. Since 2014, the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb has raised my journey” in which she told her story The WAFA Conference is held every reality training and drone use. almost $1.8 million for the Alfred Hospital Burns Unit, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, of 26 years’ operational experience. She two years and this year the theme was The second and third days were held at Te Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute. shared her journey, joining as a 24-year “Looking forward, looking back: Shaping Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, Although it is a very physical and psychologically demanding event, it is also an old firefighter in 1992 and progressing the new norm”. The event was officially and included a number of engaging extremely rewarding experience and provides an opportunity for members to offer through the ranks to her current position. opened by the New Zealand Minister for speakers from Australia, New Zealand, their support to colleagues who are facing mental health challenges. “It wasn’t easy, and there were days when Internal Affairs, the Honourable Tracey South Yorkshire, Yosemite National Park I wanted to give up”, she said, but like all Liam Cox Martin. and Howard County, United States. firefighters she loved the job. Volunteer, Glengarry Brigade

16 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 17 Women in Technology Conference, 7 August 2019 at IMAS

rranged by the University of Tasmania, I was given the opportunity to speak at Athe Women in Technology conference the beginning of the Conference. I spoke was recently held at the Aurora Lecture Our new radio network - TasGRN of my background as an emergency Theatre, IMAS. The Conference’s aim was dispatcher, and how I had never to inspire and encourage women and considered myself to be a technically What became apparent during the he Tasmanian Government Radio Expert) are pivotal to the project and will commence in 2020, with users girls to consider a career in technology, apt person. After 11 years of working Conference is how much women doubt TNetwork (TasGRN) project is well were involved in defining the business to transition to the new network promote discussions about women for Tasmania Police, I applied for my their ability. According to studies, women underway. The State Government requirements for Tasmania Fire Service commencing in 2021. working in technology related fields, will read selection criteria and think “oh, current job with FireComm. Upon my approved funding for the project in (TFS). There are eight user organisations encourage diversity in the workplace and I can only do 95% of the required duties” acceptance, I was met with jokes and September 2018. A Request for Tender Chief Officer Chris Arnol is on the TasGRN involved and each are represented by provide experienced female voices from and think that’s not good enough to disbelief from friends and colleagues to provision TasGRN was released to Project Steering Committee and said of an Agency Project Lead that form the within the technology sector to share their apply. On the other hand, men will read at my ability to perform successfully in the market on 24 November 2018 and the project: “I’d like to thank every one of partnership between the project team career journeys and learnings. selection criteria and think “oh, I can this role. In FireComm on a daily basis, responses closed 31 May 2019. For the our TFS members involved to date. I am and their own organisation. The Agency only do 50% of the requirements but hey, I was lucky enough to be personally we use Emergency Services Computer remainder of 2019 the project team will championing this change. This project Leads are involved in activities ranging I’ve got nothing to lose”. Women have invited to this event, and had the Aided Dispatch, AVL to track vehicle and be finalising the procurement process, is absolutely critical to TFS as one of from assisting with tender responses a tendency to diminish their skill sets, pleasure of listening to the speakers who aviation assets, GIS mapping and radio culminating in an announcement as to our largest corporate risk lies with radio to ensuring the appropriate people are particularly if they weren’t obtained in a hailed from very different backgrounds; / pager networks. I’ve now been with which Service Provider will build and communications.” engaged at key stages in decisions that including Christie Wilson - Cyber FireComm for 9 years, and am a Senior corporate environment. manage the new radio communications TasGRN will provide a reliable, will benefit their organisation well into the Resilience Lead, Unisuper, Anya Reading Communications Officer mentoring Junior Attending this Conference has made service. interoperable communications system future. The TFS Agency Project Lead is - Professor of Geophysics, School of Communication Officers in this role. me view both myself and FireComm The new network will consolidate the allowing our people to remain connected, District Officer Claudio Muench who has Natural Sciences (Physics) – UTAS, and differently. I have acquired skills from While I was speaking, I could see other five existing separate radio networks. informed, confident and safe in been seconded to the project for a three- Rebecca Kardos – Chief Executive Officer working in FireComm I never thought women around me nodding, as some Tasmania will be the last jurisdiction in performing their duties. year period. / Managing Director of Aurora Energy. of my comments resonated with them. I would, and I now view my skill set Australia to go over to a P25 public safety With such a complex infrastructure and Visit www.tasgrn.tas.gov.au to sign up I have never identified myself as a My story had similarities with the guest as being specialised. I feel that our grade radio network. Assistant Director business change there is still a long for updates about the TasGRN Project or ‘Woman in Technology’. My husband, speakers; they too, accidentally fell into work environment has been enhanced State Operations Neil Brooksbank way to go. Timeframes for transition contact Claudio Muench - Agency Project Richard, is the Team Leader, Unified their areas of expertise. Christie studied with the addition of more female staff (TasGRN Project Business Process Owner) will be better known once a Service Lead Communications (IT Services) at UTAS, a Bachelor of English Literature and members, and like the speakers at this and FireComm Supervisor Michael Provider is engaged, however, there [email protected] and prior to attending the event I was Sociology, Anya is an accomplished Conference, we too can be a cause for Jones (TasGRN Project Subject Matter questioning how much relevance the scientist who added in computational inspiration. Christie Wilson, the speaker is an expectation that network build Conference would have for me. He techniques to assist her in the field, and who manages cyber security for Unisuper, pointed out to me how much technology Rebecca studied a Masters of Business summed it up best: if an opportunity FireComm relies on, and how much more Administration and a Bachelor of presents itself, always say “yes”. service agencies could use to better Another feature of the ESCAD system diverse the workplace has become over Computer Science. Kelly Quinn Senior Communications Emergency share and manage incidents across is we now have earlier access to safety quite a short period of time. Officer agencies. This was the start of the ESCAD warnings for our responding crews, Services Computer project. Representatives from each of the where each incident we create will search agencies have spent the last couple of Tasmania Police warnings systems to alert years drafting requirements, designing, if the location we are attending may have The new Middleton Fire Aided Dispatch configuring, testing and supporting known people who could pose a risk. implementations in each agency. While FireComm staff will try to alert Station was officially opened (ESCAD) Tasmania Police went live with ESCAD crews of any risk appearing, we do in October 2017, and the TFS made the appreciate that times may occur where switch on 18 September 2018. Ambulance workload pressures, for example, may n September 2018, TFS “went live” with on 15 December 2018. Tasmania completed the implementation prevent this from being checked for every a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) I in June 2019. caller who rings Triple Zero. he new station is on the same site as the original station system. Following the TFS go live, FireComm We have also welcomed the feedback which was deliberately destroyed by fire in July last year. Since the early 1990s, we had been served T staff had two months to settle in with the from career and volunteer firefighters, It was opened by the Honourable Michael Ferguson, former very well with our previous system, FIRM, system before we implemented our multi- and are working on defects as a priority Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. which had become very bespoke in our agency connection with Tasmania Police to give you the best information that you TFS Deputy Chief Officer Bruce Byatt said TFS appreciated the needs for a CAD system. on 27 November 2018. have come to expect. patience of the community and the brigade’s members while After the Dunalley bushfires in 2013, This feature has allowed us to share We are aware of the iFire and website the re-build has been going through the planning and building issues were raised about the lack of incidents across agency, while having logs not continually updating for some process. interoperability between the emergency the luxury of being able to see the police incidents. There are also some data issues “The fire brigade has shown great resilience and patience while services in Tasmania (TFS, SES, resources and incident narrative on flowing to the AIRS reporting system we have been working on providing them with a new fit-for- Ambulance and Police). Each agency the same shared incident (such as car which are being looked into. purpose station. facility today with more space and an improved design so the during this event found it difficult to get accidents, structure fires). Feedback or questions can be directed to “The new station is over 70m2 larger than the old station dedicated membership once again has a hub to work from and information to its desired location, or No longer do our staff have to call [email protected]. and much more efficient in its layout. It includes an area call their own. in fact share intelligence on what was police to get ETAs on their attendance for ventilation of clothing, space around the appliances for happening. Stephen Palmer “The brigade’s response to incidents in the area was unaffected, at incidents, as we now have that members to move around, and a training room. Out of this a business case was Leading Communications Officer largely due to the generosity of a brigade member who housed information available from the time the developed to look into the possibility of “The loss of their original station was a trying and emotional two small fire trucks on his property, and an additional larger incident is shared. time for members. We are very pleased to be opening their new truck located at Woodbridge Station,” he said. a shared CAD system that all emergency

18 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 19 Devonport competitions Medium Tanker team competes in the 2019 Working Party Australasian Firefighter Championships

n 17 October 2019, the Devonport Fire Brigade Competition OTeam arrived in Tamworth, New South Wales to compete une 2018 saw the culmination of the Medium Tanker working in the 2019 Australasian Firefighting Championships. The team Jparty process in the start of the statewide roadshow, where was made up of Kordel Dick, John Radunz, Ben Parker, Marcus the appliance was brought to many areas around the state. Holland and Ben Dick and follows on from competing in the 2017 The focus was on engaging with a significant number of TFS event in Carteon, New Zealand, where we finished in sixth overall. members of all backgrounds to promote and facilitate feedback 2019 saw us compete against the top 20 teams from FRNSW, into the appliance. This followed 18 months of work by the RFS and the CFA. While there were a few teams down on the last working party in producing an appliance specification reflective competition, most notably the New Zealand teams, it was always of organisational and TFS members’ needs. going to be a hard-fought affair, as the calibre of teams were Ongoing operational evaluation is being undertaken over the first class. 2018/2019 fire season by George Town Fire Brigade. Thursday was the traditional review of the events and gear to be In total, the road show was able to engage with 345 individuals, used for the competition. This was a long and draining day as we being a mix of volunteers and paid staff, both shift and day were in 35 degree heat with very little shade. On completion, we workers. This represents a significant proportion of the active quickly went and mixed it up with the locals to try out the various membership of the TFS, and perhaps the first time this level of waters they had on offer! consultation with key stakeholders has been enabled ahead of Unfortunately on day 1 we had an average run of events. Little the production run of a new appliance. things were going against us, but that’s just competition. We The roadshow sought feedback on the following broad areas: brushed this off and went to the local bowls club to enjoy the • The overall visibility and conspicuity of the appliance The Emergency Lighting and Siren package from CODE3 was The new appliance has been fitted with an array of new events night, with other teams and their families. Wouldn’t you also universally accepted as a premium product and one that firefighting tools, of which the most conspicuous is the bumper know it the boys from Tassie were victorious and we are currently • Ease and intuitiveness of use of the appliance controls and gave a good conspicuity profile in both response and stand to/ monitor. This is in itself an evolution of that which was fitted the Australasian Firefighters Barefoot Bowls Champions. systems parked modes. The quad flash ALL RED then ALL BLUE setup to the 2015 one-off medium tanker now stationed at Risdon Day 2 was a better day on the track. We had some consistent • The layout and functionality of the fire body lockers and the was discussed, and members who attended the 2018 Emergency Vale. The most notable difference is that the new monitor can results, including fourth and fifth event placings. These results cabin, including work health and safety considerations Services Conference were able to relate to the CFA presentation operate in Water only, NAF, and CAF modes, bringing increased saw us finish equal ninth overall and we were extremely happy • Feedback on the driver’s experience, particularly the change on their new Medium Pumper, and how the emergency lighting functionality to this firefighting tool. with a top 10 finish. in handling and dynamic stability as the operational mass of profile was designed for maximum visibility and recognition. The appliance has been built to service both rural and urban This marks the end of an era for the team, as we have now the appliance changes. The emergency “Pursuit” light bar is a significant upgrade over applications, with BA fitment and options where necessary. retired from Australasian and State Championships. We have six It has been well documented and acknowledged previously the light bars used in the past on previous appliances, and A larger 800lpm pump set has also been installed to support State Championships under our belt and have competed in six that Engineering and Fleet Services (EFS) turns out well- includes forward and intersection facing scene lighting. This urban interface operations, and the appliance is configured to Australasian Championships – with the highlight being a second proportioned and visually pleasing appliances. The new medium represents a huge improvement in the night-time scene lighting deliver compressed air foam via the bumper monitor, 38mm, overall result in 2015. Not a bad result for a group of mates. tanker is no exception, with almost universal positive comment capability of the appliance. Furthermore, upgraded rear and and 25mm deliveries. To Kordel, John, Ben and Marcus (our first retiree), it’s been a received from roadshow attendees that this vehicle continues in lateral rear scene lighting has been vastly improved. The medium tanker roadshow has shown the virtues of end user great ride. Taking part in these championships also wouldn’t this tradition. engagement in a project such as this, with positive feedback have been possible without the support of Mersey District The retroreflective vinyl is considered, and has been shown, to alone touting the benefits of a new appliance being made Officer Mark Brownrigg and North West Regional Chief Shane be highly visible by both day and night. Testing was performed The appliance has been fitted with a twin available for comment and review amongst a large cohort of Batt, which we greatly appreciate. Additionally, thank you to at night with the prototype medium tanker, comparing it to tone style siren with the low frequency end users. everyone who cheered us on and competed with and against us. a current model heavy tanker alongside both 2004 and 2015 For and on behalf of the Medium Tanker Working Party. If there are any brigades out there thinking about competing, light tankers, from a range of approximately 300m. The new “Rumbler” function. The low frequency siren Raz Stow give it a go - it’s the best time you’ll have. appliance was noted to have improved passive visibility, is felt rather than heard. marginally more than the heavy tanker and 2015 light tanker, Brigade Chief, Dilston Ben Dick and significantly more than the 2004 light tanker. Leading Firefighter, Latrobe Fire Brigade

20 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 21 2019 North West Region Westerway Juniors Volunteer Firefighter at work Competition Fun Day

Hobart District 4x4 competition 2018 s the new kids on the block in Hobart District, Acting DO ABarry Bones thought it would be a good idea for Lauderdale to host this year’s 4x4 light tanker competition. The thought process was that the competition could take in the whole South Arm peninsula through to Rokeby, Cambridge, and Seven Mile Beach. he 2019 North West Region Volunteer Firefighter The Firefighters of the Future trophy is awarded to the Junior TCompetition Fun Day was held on Saturday 7th September team that upholds TFS values and participates in the spirit at the Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport for the 49th year of the day, helps support their brigade and other teams in a Leading into summer, the aim was to of competitions. competitive and friendly manner. This year, Ravenswood entered three junior teams which is a magnificent achievement and saw A total of 17 teams competed, with six Senior and 11 Junior familiarise Hobart District Brigades with them receive the award for 2019. teams battled it out for the six events on offer. This year’s events the urban interface surrounds and some The Bucket Brigade event is held for Under 10s during the lunch were Firefighters Football, Dutch Roll, Siamese Valve, Pumper of the issues they might encounter if a fire Relay, Tanker Rescue and a Sealed Event, with both Juniors & break to get the younger children and siblings involved and Seniors competing in all events. try out their firefighting skills. After the best of three attempts, were to start in our area. victory went to the “RAVO” team. They were each awarded Overall results saw the following trophies awarded: medallions, with all other participants receiving a badge. • – Ridgley Lauderdale were asked to coordinate the event. Lyndsay Suhr n Sunday 6 December 2018, the Westerway Junior Fire Senior Aggregate Winners The Devonport Fire Brigade hosted this year’s event and did a and John Brassington provided logistical support, and Jake Brigade climbed aboard their 4: 1 at 1015 hours. We then • – Ravenswood fantastic job organising the facilities and catering for the day. O Senior Aggregate Runners-Up Breen and Dave McGregor high-quality IT support. Barry Bones travelled to National Park and prepared to burn a rather large An enormous amount of work goes on behind the scenes and and Bob Rushton were also tasked with feeding the hungry • Junior Aggregate Winners – Devonport 2 resulted in a very successful day and it was greatly appreciated heap of tree branches and limbs, previously inspected by the participants. A big shout-out to South Arm, Sandford, Rokeby, Brigade Chief, Grant Joseph, and Junior/Cadet Coordinator, • – Devonport 1 by everyone. Junior Aggregate Runners-Up Cambridge, Seven Mile Beach and Lauderdale Brigades who Stefan Frazik, (both permit officers), with the owner of the The Competition Committee acknowledges those who assisted were individually tasked with creating their own events and • Smokie Dawson Trophy (Most Penalty Points - Senior) – property. The only proviso was to cut the grass with his ride on in holding this year’s event: coordinating them from within their area. They did a fantastic Meander mower, as low as he could. job and the events were well received by the participants on • Dennis Gleeson Memorial – Senior Firefighters Football – TFS North West Hillcrest Primary School the day. My job of coordinating this event was only possible When Stefan and the juniors arrived with Greg Power, the owner, Ravenswood because of all the help I received leading up to and on the day a brief and inspection was carried out. Firecomm was informed Somerset Fire Brigade Social The Hon. Roger Jaensch MP of the event. of the lighting, as the permit was already lodged. • Senior Seal Event – Meander Club The events included RCR, Burnover, Structural Triage, First Aid Drip torches were lit, two girls went one side and the two boys Medallions and Certificates were awarded to Junior teams for: Senator Anne Urquhart The Hon. Leonie Hiscutt MLC and Hazmat, just to name a few. went the other side, it was an absolutely still day. As the fire took hold, flames were at least 15 metres high. Firefighters Football: 1st – Devonport 1, 2nd – Meander 2, TFH Hire Services NW The Hon. Ruth Forrest MLC In total there were 12 teams competing with 9 events spread 3rd – Ravenswood 1. across the eastern Hobart District; all up it took about 3½ hours We had one small incident when the flames bent towards SES North West Robert & Veronica Atkins to complete. Each event had a maximum score of 10 points; 1st – Ravenswood 2, 2nd – Devonport 2, the river and the grass burst into flames. These were quickly Dutch Roll: there were many high scores throughout the day, which shows 3rd – Devonport 1. extinguished by Thomas and Stefan. The Hon. Michael Gaffney the tasks were completed to a very high standard. MLC By 1215 hours the burning heap was reduced to 2 metre flames Siamese Valve: 1st – Ravenswood 1, 2nd – Devonport 2, Rokeby Brigade came away with chocolates, with not much and was handed over to Greg. 3rd – Wynyard. Congratulations to all the teams that entered this year. Overall separating Bridgewater and Cambridge. The scores were it was a fantastic day and we hope to see even more teams next Rokeby 86, Bridgewater 82 and Cambridge 81.5, and I might add The Juniors and Stefan then returned to the station. Pumper Relay: 1st – Devonport 1, 2nd – Devonport 2, year for our 50th year. 3rd – Ravenswood 1. you could have thrown a blanket over the rest of the participants, Thank you to the juniors: In 2020, we’re going back to where the competitions started all the scores were that close. Isabella Joseph (Bella), Ellie Pritchard (Miss El), Thomas Joseph Tanker Rescue: 1st – Devonport 1, 2nd – Ravenswood1, those years ago, with many activities being planned. Keep an Special mention to Barry Bones and Paul Lawler for the prizes (T.J.), Kaine McAlister (Knuckles). 3rd – Devonport 2. eye out on our Facebook page that were donated to the winners, and also for the resourcing and help over the duration of the comp. Sealed Event: 1st – Meander 2, 2nd – Somerset, TFS North West Regional Fun Day Stefan Frazik 3rd – Penguin. Paul Baker Junior/Cadet Coordinator Westerway Fire Brigade Lucas Bryan Brigade Chief, Lauderdale Photographer Greg Power Second Officer, Ridgley Fire Brigade

22 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 23 STATE FIREFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIPS Story by Jess Mulcahy TFBCA Past Executive Officer Photos by Howard and Denise Colvin he 2018 Tasmanian Fire Brigades Championships TAssociation’s State Firefighter Championships were held over the weekend of 10–11 November at Launceston’s Invermay Park. A total of 27 teams, including 14 senior and 13 junior teams, battled it out in a variety of events over two days of competition in perfect weather. This year’s championships featured a new senior and junior event, Pumper Relay. In this four-person event, competitors transfer water from a drum, through a portable pump, then through a light tanker to knock down two targets. This is the first time in a number of years where a new junior event has been introduced, now bringing their total events for the weekend to eight. It was evident that, before the championships, teams had worked hard training for events, with times very close in every event. Junior teams were extremely competitive and worked very hard with all teams obtaining a penalty-free run in Tanker Rescue. The eventual senior section Division One aggregate winner for the fifth time in six years was Devonport Green. Old Beach Blue took out Division Two, and Devonport Blue triumphed in the junior section. Devonport Blue took out the overall aggregate with a very high total of 318, followed by Kingston on 281, Gretna on 267, and Rokeby with 266 rounding out the top four.

TOP FOUR PLACED TEAMS Div 1 Seniors Div 2 Seniors Juniors Devonport Green Old Beach Blue – Devonport Blue – 217 202 – 164 Claremont – 199 Kingston – 172 Gretna – 150 Old Beach Red – New Norfolk – 184 Rokeby – 110 164 Risdon Vale – 160 Rokeby – 156 Kingston – 109 The Executive Committee look forward to seeing all new and returning brigades compete in 2019 to help the Championships grow into the future.

The Championships were extremely well supported by a number of corporate partners, and I would like to acknowledge the outstanding assistance provided by the following: Platinum Partners ECCO Safety Group (Code 3) I Isuzu Australia Limited Fire Rescue Safety Australia (FRSA) Gold Partners Weeding Hire Silver Partners LHD Group Bronze Partners Andrew Walter Constructions I Robert and Veronica Atkins Howden Fire Brigade Fire & Rescue NSW Firefighters Championship Association New Norfolk Fire Brigade Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association (TVFBA) – North

24 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 25 Gretna Fire Brigade Juniors and Cadet/Junior Group 2018 he Cadet/Junior group of the brigade are an enthusiastic, cadets have fun Tdedicated and knowledgeable band of young people. There are presently nine members with three new recruits joining the ranks early in the new year. while developing The group is managed by the Junior and Cadet Coordinator and assisted by other Officers and senior firefighters helping as required. Training occurs every week of the year and they are taught basic firefighting drills and techniques and engage their skills in other constructive fun related activities, which develop their personal and teamwork skills. There is a comprehensive calendar of events during the year in which they participate. The Juniors take part in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gretna, the overall State Runners Up prize. The Devonport ‘blue’ team reading poems and verse as well as flag raising. Over the last were the winners with Rokeby third. four years senior Cadet members have delivered the main address, which requires research and preparation. They also December will be another busy time for the junior members with help set up for the occasion and clear away afterwards. Christmas celebrations. The New Norfolk Christmas Parade will involve decorating our fire trucks, in preparation for the drive up One of the most important events, which is sponsored by the High Street. Members will be walking along side our vehicles, Tasmania Fire Service, is the annual Junior Development Day. handing out lollies and Christmas cheer to the many young Twelve to fifteen brigades usually attend this event, with each spectators lining the street. Recently we introduced our mascot brigade required to provide an activity for all crews to compete ‘Marshall’ from Paw Patrol. This has been successful and creates in. This year it was hosted by the Rokeby brigade and next year great interest from children who want their photo taken beside Gretna has been chosen to host. Marshall. The group also attends various functions at schools and The brigade will again hold our Lolly Run, taking Santa in the community centres, such as the ‘Day For Daniel’ held at ‘Fire Truck’ through Bushy Park, Gretna, Hamilton and Ouse. Westerway Primary School and the Teddy Bears Picnic held Here again, junior members will assist Santa, when he stops to in the grounds of the Ouse Health Centre. They promote the wish eager children waiting along the route “Ho Ho Ho and a brigade and provide demonstrations at the Bushy Park and Merry Christmas”, by handing out the lollies. Hamilton Shows each year. Younger children are encouraged to join in the hands on activities such as knocking down a target Santa and his helpers also attend the Gretna Cricket Club with a hose from the fire truck at all of these occasions. Christmas party, when again the man in the red suit will arrive by fire truck, to hand out presents to an eagerly waiting bunch of The annual State Firefighters Championships is held in he 2018 Southern Region Junior and Cadet Development children. Launceston where senior and junior teams from brigades TDay was hosted by Rokeby Brigade on 22 September 2018. throughout the State participate in competition events. This year Trafford Harvey For the first time, the event was hosted at one location, the was a successful and enjoyable trip with the junior team winning Firefighter Gretna Fire Brigade Police Academy. This allowed the juniors and cadets a chance to undertake every activity, and spend additional time at each one, to further develop their skills and ask questions of the facilitators. In total, 12 brigades participated in a very fun and Have you seen rewarding day. The participating brigades were: Campania Claremont Dodges Ferry one of these? Gretna Kingston Margate Midway Point New Norfolk Rokeby

In the wake of the 7 February 1967 “Black Tuesday” bushfires Sandfly Wattle Hill Wellington that swept south-eastern Tasmania, the state’s rudimentary rural The juniors and cadets walked around each of the variety of firefighting resources were found to be totally inadequate. In activities, which included an obstacle course, phonetic alphabet response, the State Government moved quickly to address the challenge, first aid, hose bowling and lots of team-building shortfall and passed the Rural Fires Act 1967. exercises. At the end of the day, only 32.5 points separated all 12 The Act abolished the existing Rural Fires Board (RFB), replacing brigades, which is possibly the closest development day ever. it with a new, reconstituted Board as a standalone firefighting Sandfly came first, closely followed by Campania in second and, agency. The RFB was also provided with an assured funding one point away, Margate in third. stream from State Government, insurance underwriters and local government. Rokeby would like to thank all the juniors and cadets who attended, their support crews, district staff, and everyone else Virtually starting from scratch, the new RFB wasted no time in issued over 165 tanker trailers, most on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis who came along and volunteered their time to make the day an establishing over 255 new volunteer rural fire brigades by 1970. with local councils, at an average cost of $1,000 each. amazing success. It was also keen to find a quick and cost-effective way of As this represents one of the larger rollouts of a single appliance In 2019, Gretna will host the Development Day, which will be equipping the new brigades with appliances. Part of the answer type in our fire service’s history, your Museum is keen to add held in and around the Gretna area. We look forward to seeing lay in the design of a tanker trailer that, when fully laden, could one to its collection. If you know of a tanker trailer that’s tucked everyone again at Gretna. be towed by a car or ute to the fireground. away in someone’s shed, regardless of its condition, please send Jess Mulcahy Each trailer had a 150 gallon (682 litre) water tank, portable details and a picture to [email protected] pump, hose reel and suction hose, with capacity to carry beaters, Terry Gill AFSM, Third Officer, Rokeby Brigade hand tools and knapsack pumps. By 30 June 1973, the Board had Historian, Tasmania Fire Museum All photos courtesy of Andrew Zielinski.

26 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 27 Lauderdale Fire BUSHFIRES-FLOOD-STORM Students actively participate in disaster resilience in Brigade Open their households, schools and communities. Day 2018 new Tasmania disaster resilience Aeducation resource is enabling young people to actively participate in their households’, schools’ and community’s disaster resilience. The newly released AFAC Position on ‘Bushfires and Community Safety’ Principle #3 states that “Community awareness and education programs and Ambulance Tasmania attended with one of our own, Lewis resources should recognise that prepared Russell, a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. The open day and knowledgeable communities are coincided in the same week as ‘Restart a Heart Day’ on more resilient to the impact of bushfires.” 16 October, which provided a great opportunity to engage with the local community, provide information and show them how to do CPR. Children and young Inside the station, families were greeted with photographs, equipment and stories from John Brassington, our current people play a critical role Group Officer and founding member of the Lauderdale in increasing disaster Volunteer Fire Brigade. Phil Mettam from the Tasmania Fire knowledge, awareness Service Museum kindly donated his time to bring our original Teacher, Janet Harrington, and 24 students in a Year 7 class at Huonville School were a case study group fire truck, the 1967 Chevrolet, along on the day. The museum has and preparedness, leading during the consultation phase of the resources development restored the truck, and each year the Lauderdale Fire Brigade to more disaster resilient uses it in the Christmas Day lolly run. The 2018 Open Day was a huge success, with lots of local communities. families attending. We have to thank Michael Netherton and the ‘B’ shift crew who brought down Hobart 6.1, Phil Mettam and the Collaborations with the TFS Community n Saturday 13 October 2018, the Lauderdale Fire Brigade rest of the Tasmania Fire Service Museum team who continue to Development and Education and Bushfire rolled up their doors and welcomed the local community O look after our original appliance, and all the Lauderdale Risk Units, State Emergency Service, into their station. The sun was shining, and the smell of a BBQ Fire Brigade members who assisted in the lead-up and on the Tasmania Department of Education staff, and the buzz of fire trucks, an ambulance and the ‘B’ shift crew day itself. the Department of Premier and Cabinet, in Hobart 1.1 and 6.1 brought families from afar. Children were municipal emergency management given the opportunity to dress up as firefighters, crawl through a Jake Breen staff, researchers of child centred risk tunnel and extinguish a house on fire using the hose and branch. Fourth Officer, Lauderdale Fire Brigade reduction, teachers, students and parents were critical to the development and testing of the new Disaster Resilience Education Tasmania (DRET) resource. TFS (www.disasterresiliencetas.com.au) DRET is a web-based teacher delivery package featuring local natural hazards Community information, activities, quizzes and resources where students explore disaster resilience concepts. Each lesson features a video guide and instructions so that Engagement Disaster Resilient Schools Project Officer, Lesley King, and students from the Year 5/6 class at educators have all the information they need to deliver the DRET unit confidently Leighlands Christian school in Ulverstone who provided feedback for the final resources version for the best possible learning experience. goes Social recovery. DRET helps them understand Their rigorous testing of the DRET The DRET unit links to the Australian Curriculum in areas of Humanities and how mitigation, planning and emergency prototype has provided important ushfire–Ready Neighbourhoods drills can help them to be safer in a feedback for its improvements. What can you do? • Learn about educational and training Social Sciences, Geography, Science and has developed a‘TFS Community disaster emergency, and they learn B • Join the group by sending us a opportunities Health; general capabilities of Literacy The Disaster Resilience Engagement’ Facebook group. and Personal and Social Capability; and where to find Tasmanian flood, storm and Education Tasmania resource, request to join the group • Participate in discussions regarding The aim of this Facebook group is to cross curriculum priority of Sustainability. bushfire emergency information. disasterresiliencetas.com.au, will be • Add your information regarding your community engagement allow access to the latest information In five lessons students explore local Children and young people are often launched later this month. brigade or community engagement regarding TFS and SES volunteers, staff • Develop your engagement skills natural hazards and the occurrence of highly motivated to learn about activities and community members practicing in • Hear about research and news in the disasters in Tasmania. disaster resilience and they embrace • Ask questions and source information community engagement. community engagement space By the end of the lessons students opportunities to participate in resilience about community engagement building activities. 197 students and 9 The group is open to people with an Look us up on Facebook.- understand what being disaster resilient teachers from five schools in Tasmania interest in community engagement, • Look at offers of participation in BRN Search: means for individuals and communities, activities. were involved in the testing phase and extends communication between TFS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT they can identify local natural hazards volunteers, community members and • Keep up to date with the latest fire and begin to understand key concepts of of Tasmania’s first disaster resilience Bushfire–Ready Neighbourhoods staff. safety programs prevention, preparedness, response and education resource.

28 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 29 Tasmania Fire Museum ‘truwana patrula nayri’ Brigade Project

s you may be aware, the Museum Brigade does an Cape Barren Island Good Fire Aoutstanding job of bringing back to life retired operational appliances and many fine examples are located across the state. Improving bushfire resilience on truwana / Cape Barren Island was the aim of a recent The work done to preserve these vehicles project between TFS and CBI that recently is important. It retains the history of TFS, won Tasmania’s 2018 Resilience Australia allows retired members to stay connected Community Award for ‘truwana patrula nayri’. to an organisation that has been a significant part of their working lives, he project name was carefully chosen from the Tasmania and promotes “mateship”. TAboriginal palawa kani language, to reflect its cultural identity, which translates as Cape Barren Island Good Fire. This article highlights one of these projects and will be followed The project has been a success for this remote island community Returning cultural burning to truwana / Cape Barren Island and owes its achievements to the collaborative partnership by others in future issues of Fireground. The design of the The project steadily evolved to build community trust and formed between TFS and Cape Barren Islanders, including Toyota Light Tanker TFS 427 goes back to the days of the Rural bring together a balance of traditional and contemporary fire the Aboriginal Land Council Tasmania, Cape Barren Island Fires Board and the initial 29 September 1969 delivery date of knowledge. One significant lesson learned is that contemporary Aboriginal Association, and truwana Rangers. this type of appliance. TFS 427 was fabricated on a 1970 cab/ fire science and cultural burning practice can fuse together. chassis, purchased second hand by the Rural Fires Board in the The project began in early 2017 after TFS responded to an Winners of the 2018 Resilience Australia Community Award for Lyell Dean explains, “It’s about planning and working together late 1970s from the then Forestry Commission. From around invitation by Elders from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council ‘truwana patrula nayri’ in a way that better represents our fire partners’ aspirations 1980, it worked out of the Pioneer Country Fire Brigade and later to work with their remote island community and truwana and builds a contemporary understanding of how fire can be the Bradys Lake Brigade. Rangers after a severe bushfire event in 2016. applied within their cultural landscape to manage the protection of community, cultural and ecological assets.” The truwana The restoration began on 25 July 2017 and was completed with Rangers are now starting to create a mosaic of patch burns the refitting of Rural Fires Board signage on 21 November 2018. across truwana/CBI, using cool fire to form a barrier around their TFS 427 took pride of place at the 50th anniversary celebrations community to provide protection from bushfire attack. of the Longley Sandfly Brigade. The project has forged extremely valuable links between TFS, Tasmanian Aboriginal organisations and their island community. By working together and sharing information, TFS staff involved in the project feel fortunate to have gained a unique cultural understanding and to have participated in the revival of an ancient fire language perspective. By building a strong relationship, the community also benefits from having improved access to TFS expertise and support to undertake bushfire planning and mitigation works, while combining traditional burn practices.

Project Coordinator, Lyell Dean, from the Bushfire Risk Unit explains, “After our initial meeting with the community, it became apparent there was a gap in emergency management on truwana / Cape Barren Island. Over the past 18 months, TFS has played a supportive role in training and mentoring the truwana Rangers to use fire and has facilitated building a local self-sufficient firefighting capability to respond to critical fire events occurring across remote areas of truwana/CBI.” Beyond building community bushfire resilience on truwana/ CBI, the project has been a unique experience for TFS staff involved in the project who learned about the importance of cultural burning and the role fire plays in connecting Tasmanian Aboriginal people to the land. truwana Ranger Coordinator, The truwana Rangers, who are part of a Commonwealth Government-funded Fiona Maher, explains, “Traditional fire knowledge is as Indigenous Ranger Program important today as ever, and here on this remote island, the Courtesy of Aboriginal Land Council Tasmania, there is a In recognition of this fine restoration and the great work of the truwana Rangers are working with their community by returning video link to learn more about cultural burning on truwana / Museum Brigade, we include the following photo spread. cultural burning to heal our land and, in so doing, restore Cape Barren Island: www.dropbox.com/s/zd6566ar3n2n712/ cultural connection and the natural balance for all living things.” truwanafire06.mp4?dl=0 Justin Young Manager, TasFire Training Training the truwana Rangers to build a local team of ‘first attack responders’ Lyell Dean capable of working with TFS remote team firefighters Planning Officer, Bushfire Risk Unit Photographer Justin Young, Manager TasFire Training

30 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 31 1978-1987: Heavy-duty, woollen turnout coats with retro- Service to TFS, in the four career brigades’ response areas. All of reflective bands were introduced for urban firefighters in early these skills were supported by specialist training, appliances and Where were we 50 years ago? 1979, to replace the double-breasted light woollen coats first equipment rollout. issued in 1910. Coloured helmets, to help recognise officers on Upgraded PPC introduction started for all urban firefighting in the fireground, followed. 1993, consisting of Bullard thermoplastic helmets, zip-up boots, The Fire Service Act 1979 commenced on 1 November. and Nomex coat and trouser sets. These sets replaced the This saw the SFA disbanded and all urban boards and the RFB black woollen coats and trousers that had been worn by urban How far have we come since? abolished. They were replaced by the new statutory State Fire firefighters for the last 83 years. Commission (SFC), with the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) as its In 1994, the first female career firefighter was appointed. Our historian and 40-year firefighter, “Black Tuesday” was almost the disaster we had to have, a operational arm. The integration process had started. But it was Before this, women had been accepted into retained and Terry Gill AFSM, takes a quick glance back circuit breaker needed to shake us out of our complacency. to take a further 12 years before the “urban” and now “country” volunteer brigade ranks. brigade streams finally disappeared. Importantly the SFC’s created a new standalone opened in Hobart in 1996 as a single computer aided at our last five decades. A new Rural Fires Act 1967 members included some with operational experience. FireComm Rural Fires Board (RFB). It had more certain funding mechanisms, dispatch (CAD) centre, replacing the former three regional a clearer role and defined partnerships with local councils. The new emblem for the TFS included elements from those of control rooms. First, let’s set the scene. In 1967, with around From its start, it took a proactive approach by properly its predecessors, the SFA and RFB. 1998-2007: 370,000 population, Tasmania as a whole supporting and resourcing the few existing and new rural A universal fire service levy was one of the most important brigades. provisions of the new Act. Based on property assessed annual ISO compliant structural Nomex PPC began to be rolled out had just 500 trained career and retained The new RFB quickly put its operational structure in place with values, it was paid by all property owners to fund the new single in 2000, initially to career, and later to all urban, firefighters. firemen operating about 45 fire appliances its own dedicated staff to support its wholly volunteer rural fire service. No longer were only fire insurance policy holder Two-piece Proban PPC issue started for all brigades that year, for vegetation firefighting, replacing the one-piece combination out of 39 urban fire stations. They responded brigade network, through a system of “regions”, “districts” and contributions a source of funding. This funding surety allowed remote “Special Fire Areas”. Rural brigades went from 47 in 1967 the new SFC to plan for long-term development of the TFS. overalls style inherited from the RFB in 1979. almost exclusively to non-vegetation fires to 255 in 1970. This included the provision of fit-for-purpose equipment, Nationally recognised Public Safety Training Package units appliance types, stations, PPE, and standardised skills training in the then two cities and 33 larger towns. and the started to be delivered in 2003 to all firefighters alike: career, Fifty per cent of funding came from local councils for all brigades. Each of the 23 brigades had separate new RFB sources appliances for brigades as a priority. Tanker retained and volunteer. on Toyota LandCruiser command and control systems. trailers were the first appliances to be issued to rural brigades. Urban 4x4 light tanker appliances And 2003 saw an expansion of “in-house” appliance They were followed by rudimentary 4x4 light, medium and heavy chassis were issued from 1979 onwards to all urban stations and fabrication activity, by bulk-purchasing the required cab/ tankers, all in white livery and on a variety of platforms, for a brigades with a bushland interface risk. chassis units. The first appliances built under this arrangement 1968-1977: plethora of the new rural brigades being created. Hydraulic platform aerial appliances were issued from 1980 to were 12 Isuzu 3-1p tanker/pumpers. “In-house” appliance fabrication was an activity inherited from the former RFB in 1979. In mid-1967, Tasmania and its then disparate fire services were For urban boards and FBC, it was pretty much “business as the four career brigades in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and still coming to terms with the disaster of “Black Tuesday” on usual” for most of this decade. Funding for urban brigades Devonport. Before this, there had been only one, at Launceston 7 February in our south-eastern quarter. From Bicheno to continued to be from the three sources, as it had since the start Brigade from 1965. 2008-2017: appliances and training Southport to the Derwent Valley there were 64 deaths and of public fire brigades in 1884. and Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) “Normal air” breathing apparatus deployment began to be introduced in 2013, initially for volunteer brigades substantial property, public infrastructure, agricultural and associated training was also expanded beyond career urban Hose-carriage appliances, in traditional all-red livery, continued with urban interface fire risks. natural resource losses. Brigades were not resourced to prepare to be rolled out to the urban boards’ retained brigades, with brigades, to include all brigades dealing with fires that for, nor to respond to, an event such as this. FBC approval. Using mainly Ford V8 F350 and F500 chassis as presented firefighters with airway risks. Our disparate fire services were then: the platforms and relying on urban reticulated water, they had New and upgraded appliances for our fleet were: • twenty-three individual, urban fire brigade boards, each no water tanks, pumps or live hose reels. • built on standard platforms; funded by three equal contributions made by the State Clearly one of the lessons of “Black Tuesday” was being • equipped with dual red and blue beacons; and Government, local government and insurance companies. Post-incident reports to Government had strongly ignored. • finished in the now familiar red and white livery, with red and The insurance contribution was raised through a fire service criticised the FBC and the urban boards for not having yellow retro-reflective tape all around. charge in the premiums paid by fire insurance policy appliances designed to carry a water supply and a pump to holders; these boards were mostly not interested in, nor deliver it. Most urban brigades then, as now, served expanding 100 years of operations by Hobart and Launceston brigades equipping their career and retained brigades for, vegetation towns with bushland interfaces, where bushfires were common. was reached on 29 October 1983. firefighting; The issue of proper, self-contained urban pumper appliances 1988-1997: • a conservative Fire Brigades Commission (FBC) established was limited to Burnie, Devonport, Hobart, Launceston and In 1988, the new national in 1946, made up of non-operational vested interest Queenstown brigades from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished fire service was conferred for the first appointees, supposed to be coordinating all the pre-existing amendments of 1967 were mainly about (AFSM) Fire Brigades Act 1945 time by the Governor-General, on three Tasmanian firefighters. urban boards; and creating limited consultation between the urban FBC and the in the TFS • a Rural Fires Board with new RFB. But crucially, day-to-day operational cooperation on Disappearance of urban and country streams finally started in 1990, progressively triggering a number of limited funds, attached the ground, between the services, didn’t get a look-in. changes to our fire service, including: to the then Forestry Polycarbonate helmets for urban firefighters were Commission, to look after introduced from 1971 onwards. These replaced the cork • after 107 years of Tasmania’s fire services administration all fire protection outside Cromwell helmets which had been first introduced in the mid being headed by appointees with no operational experience, of the state’s urban areas, 1930s. Other improvements to PPC, dating back to 1910, were the first appointment of a Chief Officer/SFC chair with with a system of volunteer still 20 years away. operational experience – a morale boost to the TFS’s then around 4,000 firefighters; fire wardens (permit was Since 1946, recognition of the urban firefighter service In 2014, a was formed within the TFS. officers) and just 47 by award of the 15-year FBC Long and Meritorious Conduct • rationalisation of brigades and primary response areas, Fuel Reduction Unit (FRU) Its role was to identify, plan and implement fuel reduction on volunteer rural brigades. Medal. From 1970 to 1976, it was replaced by award of the where there was overlapping coverage; and public or private land. Resourcing was limited to 20-year Imperial Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct • phasing out duplication of State HQ and Regional, executive distribution of a couple Medal. The year 1975 saw the introduction of Australia’s own and middle management staff. of knapsack pumps and honours and awards. All Tasmania’s firefighters then became (HART) skills training began in 1993 In 2018, serving a population of about a few hand tools to fire High Angle Rescue Team eligible to receive the 15-year National Medal. for career brigade members. This represented one of the earlier wardens only; there 520,000, the Tasmania Fire Service has over , following a damning additions to traditional firefighting skills training. were no vehicles, no The FBC’s existence ended abruptly mid-1977 report to Government by an international fire service 5,000 trained career, retained and volunteer stations, no PPC and This was later followed by other specialist training including: expert. As a result, the Commission was abolished and its no training. HAZMAT (1993), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) including firefighters operating over 450 fire appliances Chief Officer resigned. It was replaced by an interim State Fire trench rescue, and in 2003 Chemical Biological Radiological out of 230 fire stations. Responding to all Authority (SFA), the main task of which was to devise a single, Enhancement Program (CBREP) to enhance response to integrated modern fire service for Tasmania. kinds of fires and emergency incidents, the terrorism incidents. In 2007, Road Crash Rescue (RCR) responsibility transferred from the then Tasmanian Ambulance TFS has a single command and control system.

32 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 33 World War 2: ust 21 years later, the world was at war again. World War 2 was Jfought over a much wider area, from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Russia, to northern Australia, SE Asia, Japan and the Pacific. Over 22,000 Tasmanians were called up or volunteered, of whom 1,100 died. By the early 1940s, Tasmania had a population of about 236,875 and now had 23 urban fire brigades, each operating under the Fire Brigades Act 1920. The brigades continued to be staffed by mainly retained volunteer firemen, with Launceston and Devonport employing a few full-time firemen from the late 1930s onwards. In these 23 urban brigades, there was a combined strength of about 260. A summary of Tasmanian firemen’s contribution over the six years 1939-1945 to this new conflict was as follows: Our Fire Service Roll of Honour – Year created Strength* War service Died Hobart 1884 44 7 2 Tasmanian firemen who served in two world wars Launceston 1884 30 7 1 by Terry Gill AFSM, Historian, Tasmania Fire Museum Burnie 1901 7 3 - Devonport 1901 10 1 - Background: The author would like to thank the Brigade Chiefs of the above hen the new Commonwealth of Australia was created in Gormanston 1901 11 1 - brigades who provided input and Regional Chief – South, 1901 as a federation of the six former British colonies on Year created Strength* War service Died Jeremy Smith, for his support to ensure that the project was able W Queenstown 1901 19 - - our continent, one of its responsibilities was to provide for the to be completed. Hobart 1884 44 7 2 new nation’s defence. In the broadest of terms, this is what Zeehan 1901 12 3 1 If anyone has information they would like share on a followed. Launceston 1884 30 7 1 Tasmanian fireman who volunteered or was called up for Latrobe 1904 10 1 1 The first step was to consolidate the former six colonial military military service in either of these two conflicts, please email Burnie 1901 7 3 - [email protected] forces into a single defence force, and the Commonwealth Ulverstone 1909 10 1 - Parliament passed the Defence Act 1903 to achieve this. Devonport 1901 10 1 - Penguin As well as transferring the former Colonial career soldiers to 1913 9 12 1 Gormanston 1901 11 1 - the Commonwealth, the Act also allowed the Government to Wynyard 1914 10 6 3 call up all able-bodied civilian males in times of war. The later Queenstown 1901 19 - - Lest We Forget. Defence Act 1909 required that all males between 18 and 60 Scottsdale 1920 7 16 - undertook and maintained militia training in peacetime, thus Zeehan 1901 12 3 1 Deloraine 1922 forming a conscripted home defence reserve to the new career 7 2 - Latrobe 1904 10 1 1 Commonwealth defence force. This army reserve, initially Oatlands 1925 10 6 - prevented from overseas service, later became the Citizen Ulverstone 1909 10 1 - Military Forces. Longford 1933 10 4 - Penguin 1913 9 12 1 The Great War: Franklin 1935 10 7 1 Wynyard 1914 10 6 3 or the last four years, Australia has been remembering the Sheffield 1935 7 6 - Fsacrifices made by its citizens during the 1914-1918 Great *estimate Cygnet 1937 6 1 - War in Europe. Sunday 11 November last year was the 100th From 11 fire brigades, 31 firemen volunteered for war service in anniversary of signing the Armistice that ended hostilities, at the Middle East and/or Europe, of whom nine did not return, Huonville 1938 8 2 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. For the having either been killed in action (4), died of their wounds (4) or New Norfolk duration of the Great War, over 13,000 Tasmanians volunteered died of disease (1). 1939 7 4 - to serve overseas in the AIF, of whom around 2,900 were killed or Smithton died of their wounds or disease. This table also shows that the 1939 8 4 - Wynyard Brigade sustained the Railton As a consequence, your Museum embarked on a project to find heaviest toll, losing around a 1941 6 1 - out who, of these 13,000 Tasmanians, were also serving firemen third of its membership. Geeveston 1942 10 4 - (as they were then known), when they enlisted. The aim was to It was fitting that at compile a Tasmanian Firemen’s Roll of Honour to recognise their the 16 January 1918 *estimate military service and sacrifice. official opening of its From the now 23 urban fire brigades, 101 firemen were called up By 1914, Tasmania had an estimated population of around first fire station on the or volunteered for war service in this conflict, of whom two did 200,000 and just 11 fire brigades, each created under the Fire Esplanade, a shield not return, each having been killed in action. Brigades Act 1883 and established in urban centres only. They bearing the names of the All this research came to fruition at the Hobart commemoration were each administered by their own “fire brigade board”, six firemen who served, of St Florien’s Day on 4 May 2018. By that day, our Roll of with brigades staffed by retained volunteer firemen. The single including the three that Honour had been compiled and erected on the wall of the 1910 exception to this was Hobart. It had seven career staff (including died, was unveiled. appliance room of the former Hobart Fire Brigade fire station in Footnote: three officers) within its total strength of 42. In most of the As far as the author is Argyle Street. The roll lists all 132 Tasmanian firemen who served The start of fledgling fire brigade protection for smaller remaining 10 brigades, there would have been up to 10 retained aware, this is the only in the two world wars. For the interest of visitors, the roll is settlements and rural Tasmania generally was still over 10 years members each, including two retained volunteer officers. other Tasmanian firemen’s accompanied by an outline of each fireman’s war service details. after this, during the 1950s. In effect, Tasmania had a combined strength of about 172 war service “roll of honour” in firemen at the time. So, what was the contribution to the war existence. effort made by Tasmanian firemen? A summary is as follows:

34 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 35 Letters of appreciation …

THANK YOU FROM ST MARYS COLLEGE HOBART Dear Barry, and can you please pass on to Drew A very sincere and grateful thanks from all the staff here at SMC for the fortnight you spent with us here at SMC. The students loved you both and the staff were extremely impressed with the content and delivery of the program. Thank you so much for everything. I’m more than happy for you to pass this message on to those who are responsible for the provision of the Fire Education Program in schools. Warm regards

Glynis

Glynis Devereux Deputy Director Junior School

APPRECIATION EMAIL FROM LADY GOWRIE SWANSEA EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE SERVICE – DOLPHIN SANDS FIRE 2019 Dear Mr Steve Walkley, APPRECIATION EMAIL FROM SARAH – APPRECIATION EMAIL I am writing to you on behalf of the Lady Gowrie Swansea Education and Care MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC FROM JACQUELINE AND IAN YOUNG – Service, To all Tasmania fire fighting members MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC In the events of the recent bush fire in our local community at Dolphin Sands, I would just like to say A BIG THANK YOU TO LEBRINA FIRE STATION FIRE ATTENDANTS AND NORTHERN COMMANDER the children were very interested in what was happening. The sounds of the fire Thank you, you all do a fantastic job to help save us and to We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all involved truck, the smoke that could be seen and of course the helicopters flying over keep us all safe. the buildings were of particular interest. The educators used the experience to in getting our gutters cleared and fire drill for Rawnsleys You are all wonderful people, and to your families... support the learning of the children and reassured them that we were all safe and Road, Bangor last Friday evening. the firefighters were doing their jobs. On Wednesday 10.4.19 the children wanted to You risk it all, to save us all... The crew were very obliging to our needs and were most help and made muffins for the firefighters and emergency services personnel. Many thanks, for all your hard work, in this dangerous helpful seeing as Ian is disabled and has A.B.I. following On the Thursday Morning a short walk was organised to the Oval to see the time... the removal of a brain tumour in 2002. We greatly helicopters that had been flying over the building and around us. We would like to Stay safe, and give yourselves a pat on the back, for you appreciate their help! thank Fireman Daniel and Pilot Dave for being so supportive of the children during deserve it... Once again, A BIG THANK YOU to all involved! our excursion. Daniel spoke to the children about the fires and the work that Tas Sarah S from Hamilton TAS. Jacqueline & Ian Young Fire were doing. Dave allowed the children to get up close and have a look at the helicopter and the water carrier. On Wednesday 17.4.19 Kelvin Jones of the Swansea Volunteer Brigade visited the service with the Swansea Fire Truck. The children were amazed to see the truck up close both inside and out. The children were given a demonstration of how the hose works as well as given magnets, colouring in books and money boxes to take home. We are now weeks on from these experiences and the children still have a very strong interest in imaginative emergency play within the service. Once again thank you to Tas Fire for supporting the learning of the children attending Lady Gowrie Swansea during such a busy and crucial time.

Regards Nicole Nichols Team Leader Swansea Education and Care Service

36 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 37 Queenstown Fire Brigade Jubilee Medal 100 Years Queenstown Fire Brigade 1901 – 2018 embers of the Queenstown Fire Brigade were presented Mwith the 100-year Jubilee Medal at their annual dinner on Saturday 13 October 2018. The medals were presented by Scott Clarke from the Volunteer Association. Many litres of water have flowed through the hose lines of the Brigade since its formation on 9 October 1901. In the early days, firefighters answered calls in hard-to-access places, pulling a reel loaded with hoses and with no real PPC. The original station was a small shed located in Stitch Street where the current West Coast Council offices are located. The Brigade successfully operated under the Queenstown Fire John Price – Brigades Board from 1901 – 1976. It’s believed it was the first board in Tasmania to have the Brigade Chief report the activities of the Brigade in person at each quarterly meeting. 50 years of service In 1918, the Brigade and the hand-pulled service and hose reel were relocated to Bowes Street. In 1929, the first motorised Amalgamation between the Urban and Country brigades took Chevrolet vehicle was purchased as a cab and chassis; Brigade place in 1994. A new station was constructed and officially n Monday 7 May 2018, the volunteer this catastrophic event in 1967 that John members constructed the seating, hose and equipment boxes. opened on 24 June 1995, and membership peaked at almost 50 Ofire brigades on the Tasman and a group of fellow peninsula residents The Chevrolet stayed in service until 1949, when it was replaced members. Today we have a solid membership of 18 well-trained Peninsula had a very special presentation started off the volunteer fire brigades that with a later model Chevrolet. Today, we have three modern, well- and dedicated firefighters. night. The guest of honour was John we so rely on, here on the peninsula. equipped appliances and a dual cab support vehicle, all with the Price, lifelong resident of Slopen Main. The records show there have been many large fires in the Now, 50 years on, and John is still a most up-to-date PPC and equipment supplied for our members. John was presented with his 50-year Queenstown area. The most recent large structure fires that very active member of Koonya Fire and Nubeena, and all the members The Brigade has always been an effective and efficient brigade. service award in the TFS by the Acting Brigade. He has a wealth of knowledge congratulate him on a huge achievement. come to mind are the Festival Supermarket in Driffield Street Chief Officer, Jeremy Smith. It has been conscious of, and given due consideration to, and the BP Service Station fire that spread to buildings in Main on fire behaviour and is a cool head in 50 years. WOW. Many will remember that it was the 50th a crisis. His experience is a great asset the community with untold self-help, fundraising, equipment, Street. This would have been disastrous for the town if the fire Guy Dobner building maintenance and community involvement. In particular path wasn’t stopped and contained. There have also been anniversary of the 1967 bushfires last to the whole Tasman Fire group, being Brigade Chief, Koonya Fire Brigade is the nearly 70-year tradition of bringing Santa to the children significant vegetation fires that have threatened our town and year, and it was immediately following Koonya, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur on Christmas Eve in Orr street and the annual Christmas local area. Queenstown Fire Brigade members have also been raffle fundraiser. involved on numerous intrastate and interstate deployments over the years. North West Regional Award Presentation Starting with the TFS in 1972, Gerald’s early years were spent cting Regional Chief, Tyron Clark, along with Acting Deputy Brigade. Three 1st clasps were presented to Ian Wilkinson of Farewell to the Guru in the South West Region as a Country Fire Officer with the AChief Officer, Shane Batt, welcomed 77 Volunteer and Forth Valley Brigade, Greg Kelly of Devonport Volunteer Brigade Rural Fires Board. In 1981, Gerald transferred to the TFS training Career members and their families to the Harcombe Centre at and Alex Otten of Burnie Brigade. facility at Cambridge as a Training Officer and progressed to Marist Regional College, Burnie on Friday 20 July 2018 for an Included in the 69 service awards presented were a 45-year Deputy Chief Training Officer in 1984. It was later that year that evening of national medal and service award presentations. Service Award to Stephen Gardiner of Boat Harbour Brigade I first met Gerald when doing my recruit course. Gerald was Also in attendance were District Officer David Meldrum, Acting and 40-year Service Awards to James Reader of Strahan Brigade appointed the recruit course manager, and with his Defence District Officers Don Seymour and Tony Wood, Acting Field and Vernon Elphinstone of Moorleah Brigade. Force background, he soon had us marching up and down the Officer Shayne Andrews, Team Leader Debbie Duncan and training yard and doing drills at all hours. He gained a lot of Administrative Staff of the North West Regional Headquarters. A cumulative 1,435 years of service have been given by all those members in attendance. The evening was a wonderful respect from the recruits in the weeks that followed, which has Nine National Medals were presented to members from held true to this day. celebration of those members who have worked and given their volunteer brigades across the North West Region along with time to protect communities in Tasmania. It is with much pride Gerald’s love of the bush soon had him back in the Southern three 2nd clasps to Leo Berechree AFSM of Smithton Brigade, that the Tasmania Fire Service acknowledges and thanks all Region in a variety of District Officer roles, particularly around Graeme Jones of Ridgley Brigade and Peter Dawson of Moriarty members and their families for the commitment given. the East Coast and Midlands areas. His expertise has been called upon on several occasions to attend many campaign fires, both interstate and overseas in Montana and Washington State. 2ND CLASP RECIPIENTS NATIONAL MEDAL RECIPIENTS Gerald’s other passion was his involvement with the TFS Firefighter Championships. Each year, with megaphone in hand, Leo Berechree Billie-Jean Bakes he took centre stage as the events unfolded, and it was a brave Graeme Jones Norman Berechree person that questioned any of his decisions. Gerald’s last appointment was District Officer with the Fuel Peter Dawson Michael Connell Reduction Unit where he was able to pass on his expertise in field operations. 1ST CLASP RECIPIENTS Graeme Fairbrother A recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal, Gerald was well respected, committed and forthright in his views and actions Ian Wilkinson Danial Johnson and always impeccably presented. Greg Kelly Michael Marshall I’m unsure when Gerald was given the title of ‘Guru’ but the Indian term denotes ‘teacher, guide and expert’ and Gerald was Alex Otten Wayne Marthick certainly all of those. n 29 September 2017, a large gathering of friends and work We will all miss you mate and wish you all the best for Glen Ralston colleagues met at the Hobart Fire Brigade clubrooms to O the future. celebrate District Officer Gerald Crawford’s retirement. Fondly Members of the Ridgley Fire Brigade L-R Nigel Clarke, Kyaralee Jordan, Dean Watts Rod Sherrin nicknamed the ‘Guru’, his 45 years with the TFS included a Graeme Jones, Gordon Russell, Darren Holness, Brendan Jordan, Lucas diverse range of roles and responsibilities. District Officer Bryan, Scott Clarke

38 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 39 Southern Region National Medal Presentations Richard Cosstick receives a ational Medal presentations for Southern Region occurred In total, 53 participants were presented with medals and clasps. National Medal Third Clasp Non Wednesday 10 October 2018 at the Tasmania Police These included: ichard joined the Devonport Fire Brigade in January 1990 Academy. Official guests and families were invited to attend after moving to Tasmania from Victoria. He had previously to witness and recognise the longstanding contribution of 4TH CLASP RECIPIENT R NATIONAL MEDAL & served as a volunteer with CFA from 1980 to 1989 with the Tasmania Fire Service firefighters. Medals and clasps were 1ST CLASP RECIPIENT Melton Fire Brigade situated on the outskirts of the Melbourne Leonard Byers presented by the former Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency metropolitan area. Management, the Honourable Michael Ferguson. 2ND CLASP RECIPIENTS Matthew Thomas During his service with the Tasmania Fire Service, Richard has Official guests included Chief Officer, Chris Arnol; attended hundreds of emergency calls, and always made himself Deputy Chief Officer, Bruce Byatt; Deputy Commissioner, Wayne Burdon NATIONAL MEDAL RECIPIENTS available to attend as many brigade activities as possible. Scott Tilyard; Deputy Secretary, Donna Adams; This has earned respect from his fellow volunteers and the Regional Chief South, Jeremy Smith; Deputy Regional Chief Raymond Cooper Brett Arnold permanent staff of the Devonport Brigade. South, Paul Salter; Director of SES, Andrew Lea; and State Fire Commission Member, Lyndsay Suhr. As well as his work with the Devonport Brigade, Richard has Philip Gard Anthony Atkins served as the North West Regional Secretary of the Tasmania Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association for 22 years and was William Hodgetts Adrian Blackberry awarded life membership in 2015. Since 1996, Richard has been a Volunteer Training Instructor and Richard has been active in the competition side of the fire service Philip Owen John Brennan devotes a large amount of time to this role, working evenings and is a member of the Tasmanian Fire Brigades Championships and weekends. Richard’s family also need to be acknowledged Peter Paice Dean Brittain Association, the organisation that oversees the Tasmanian Fire and thanked for their support of Richard being involved in all of Brigades Championships. He started with the old Tasmanian Fire the above activities. Dean Plummer Timothy Bunge Brigades Competitions Association in 1990 and has held almost every track position, from Judge to Deputy Track Master, and has The National Medal Third Clasp is extremely rare, and the Andrew Skelly Matthew Butler also served as Vice President and President. He was a member TFS is thankful to Richard for his diligent and devoted service. of the committee that managed the amalgamation of the Urban Congratulations Richard. Lionel Mark Smith Andrew Clifton and Rural Fire Competitions and continues his service with the Dave Meldrum Championships Association to this day. Wade Stewart Daniel Cotton District Officer

1ST CLASP RECIPIENTS David Drysdale Val Ansett Matthew Easther Cambridge Angela Bradshaw Simon Geard James Clifton Peter Lee Brigade 50th Richard Colman Andrew Melton

Ian Cooling Adam Moss Anniversary David Cornish Jessica Mulcahy Open Day Phillip Grimsey Tanya Munro

Peter Howard Christopher Murtagh unday 23 September 2018 marked the S50th anniversary of the Cambridge Fire Stephen James Imre Nagy Brigade’s formation in 1968. Wayne McDonald Michael Nichols To celebrate the anniversary, the Brigade hosted a Public Open Day at the James Searle Bruce Phillips Cambridge Fire Station. All members of the community, past and Craig Woolford Mark Prestage present members and their families were invited to attend and help the Brigade Scott Woolley Martin Schroeter celebrate this milestone. Christopher Stingle There were modern and historic fire trucks on display, including the Brigade’s Marek Szostakiewicz first ever appliance, a WWII Ford Blitz, interactive activities and show bags for Julian Toigo the kids, as well as an extensive display of photographs and historic memorabilia, Ian Walker equipment and uniform. The Chief Officer, Chris Arnol attended, Ben Wallis and the former Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, the Honourable Family and friends were able to enjoy some refreshments and Michael Ferguson MP, unveiled a new congratulate and acknowledge the service of recipients at the station plaque to commemorate the conclusion of the presentations. Brigade’s 50 year anniversary. District Officer, Phil Smith Chris Ryan Leading Firefighter Photographer, Andrew Zielinski Cambridge Fire Brigade

40 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 41 Tasmania Fire Service recognises Colebrook Fire Brigade jubilee and special Frankford-Birralee Brigade Chief John Penney’s presentations By Lucy Stone uring the afternoon of 23 September 45 year volunteer career Images by Paul Scambler D2018, the Colebrook Fire Brigade celebrated its 50th jubilee. The brigade has worked hard, first independent of the Guests included: Chief Officer, Chris Tasmanian Fire Service and then becoming part of the TFS, Arnol; Southern Midlands Council Mayor, with the benefit of new technology, trucks, and support. Tony Bisdee, and Deputy Mayor, Alex “We haven’t had a bad fire for a few years, but it’s mainly Green; DO East Coast, Mark Klop; AFO because we’re able to jump on it pretty quickly, through East Coast, Wayne Smart; TVFBA State FireComm and people being observant of smoke,” President, Rob Atkins and Mrs Veronica Mr Penney said. Atkins; and TVFBA State Fire Commission “Makes a lot of difference from my end.” representative, Lyndsay Suhr. Apart from his remarkable 45 years at the brigade, Mr Penney Colebrook was extensively damaged is also a Justice of the Peace, and a long-term volunteer on during the 1967 bushfires with many numerous community boards and organisations. homes, shops, hotels and farms destroyed or extensively damaged. TFS District Officer James Newstead said it’s believed Mr Penney is the state’s longest-serving Brigade Chief. Chief Officer, Chris Arnol, spoke about the history of the Brigade, which officially “Tasmania Fire Service wants to recognise the value of service began on 5 May 1968 according to the John has provided to the community and the brigade,” he said. Long service: Frankford-Birralee Fire Brigade Chief John Penney retired in minutes and letters from the Rural Fires April 2018 after 45 years of volunteer service as the brigade’s chief. “I don’t think we’re likely to see that length of service repeated Board to the then sponsoring Richmond Picture: Paul Scambler in the future.” Council. Richmond Council provided a loan for the purchase of a second-hand t 45 years in the role, John Penney may be Tasmania’s light tanker for the Brigade at the time. She takes everything seriously from undergoing cancer treatment and was Alongest-serving volunteer fire brigade chief. The Chief Officer presented a Jubilee attending callouts, catering and social in need of some happiness in her life at His time as chief of Frankford-Birralee Fire Brigade may have Plaque to the Brigade and Jubilee Medals events, and dressing up as Santa’s helper the time. come to a close as he formally steps down, but he’s not going far. to members. A special thanks to all the for children’s Christmas events. The members of the Brigade and guests Mr Penney will remain the station’s second officer, providing past and present members who have She is quietly spoken, but lets you know joined to wish Shirley all the best at his invaluable years of experience to the brigade, and the served the community for the past where she stands, doesn’t like rubbish this hard time. Everybody took the community. 50 years. from anybody.” opportunity to share memories over a light afternoon tea. In 1972 the community decided it was time to start a volunteer Immediately after the jubilee The Award was presented by TVFBA State fire brigade with little more than “a few knapsacks and fire rakes”. presentations, our first ever TFS Volunteer President, Rob Atkins, and TVFBA State Shirley was still smiling days later. Medal was presented to member Shirley Fire Commission representative, Lyndsay “After a couple of bad fires here we decided to call a meeting Good on you, Shirley! Anne Hogue. Her citation reads in part: Suhr. and see if we could get together … so there and then we elected On 23 January 2019, our esteemed officers,” Mr Penney said. “Shirley has been a member of Colebrook The look on Shirley’s face was abject member Shirley passed away peacefully. for more than 23 years. horror when she was called to come “Somebody had to do it, and I was voted in to do it.” Our thoughts are with her family. She has always made new members feel forward, and her exclamation, “It can’t be Laurie Smythe It’s a long time since those first few years but Mr Penney and his me!” was a delight to all, as Shirley was welcome, part of the team and cared 2nd Officer, Colebrook Fire Brigade wife Maureen have seen it all. about. At one bad fire, before the advent of mobile phones and radios, Mr Penney spent six days riding around the fire breaks on a motorbike checking that each volunteer firefighter was safe. “That was basically all day long, because we had no other Sandfly Fire Brigade – 50th jubilee communications,” he said. VALE NOTICE n 25 November 1968, the Sandfly (then called Longley) In 1982 the brigade successfully raised enough money to O Fire Brigade was officially gazetted. upgrade from a tanker-trailer to a fire truck, which was parked John Wayne Penney Fifty years to the day, our current membership, together under an old pine tree until the station was built in 1984. 15/08/1943 – 24/01/2019 with state and local government representatives, TFS John became part of the Frankford Birralee Fire management, past members, neighbouring brigades, friends Brigade when it was established nearly 50 years ago. and family celebrated the Brigade’s 50th jubilee on Sunday He put his hand up to be Captain because as he said 25 November 2018. someone had to do it. He proudly held the Captains Although the weather had been a little wet, it cleared for position for over 45 years. John stepped down in 2017 much of the proceedings, which involved a presentation to Second Officer so he could spend more time with of the Brigade’s history, speeches by government and TFS his family and 11 grandchildren whom he adored. He representatives, and the awarding of medals and certificates was so proud to wear the Brigade uniform. to brigade members. On behalf of his TFS volunteer and career firefighters The event was well attended with good media coverage and we are proud to say that John was a mentor, friend numerous brigade history items including past and present and teammate and he will be sadly missed (behind equipment and vehicles on display. the wheel). Deepest sympathy to Maureen and all the A big thanks to all brigade members, District staff and family. representatives of the wider TFS including the Museum Brigade Neville Hall for making the day such a great celebration! Brigade Chief Frankford Birralee Fire Brigade Phil Gard Leading Firefighter, Sandfly Fire Brigade Photo Mary Laing Support Member, Sandfly Fire Brigade

42 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 43 Dodges Ferry Fire Brigade – 50th anniversary Somerset Fire Brigade 1949 – 2018

Somerset Fire Brigade was established on 4 October 1949 as a subsidiary brigade under the control of the Wynyard Fire Brigade Board.

he first fire station was built and Tcompleted in October 1952 on Falmouth Street, Somerset. Around 1959, the Brigade received its first fire vehicle, a 1928 Chevrolet. In September 1984, after 32 years on Falmouth Street, the Brigade moved to a new two-bay station on Old Cam Road, Somerset. Elliott Fire Brigade amalgamated with Somerset Brigade in 1995. In January 1998, Somerset Fire Brigade L-R Craig Stirling, Luke Griffen, Damien Dawes, Robert Gough, Katherine Ruffin, Robert Dawes, received its first new fire appliance, a Grady Bergan, Marilyn Dawes, Damien Gale, Marc Couacaud, Marci Witeri, Darren Smith, Mark Smith, 1995 Isuzu Dual Cab Tanker. Present Stuart Braid, Justin Grave, Dean French, Dale Atkinson. Absent Jesse Bakes and Heyden Blizzard membership for the Brigade is 19 Volunteer members and 10 Junior members. The Brigade celebrated its 70th birthday in October. Somerset’s Senior, Junior and Cadet Members have participated and continue As the saying goes, to participate in numerous community events every year, including Australia Day “from little things, big celebrations and the Anzac Day Parade, things grow”, and this is both held at Anzac Park in Somerset as very accurate regarding the well as the Somerset Christmas Parade, which the Brigade organises. The Brigade growth and development also competed in the 2018 North West of our Brigade. Family Fun Day Competitions held at Wynyard. n 9 December 1959, the President of In the last 12 months, many brigade Othe Greater Dodges Ferry Progress members have been recognised for their 2018 Station Photo – Juniors with Darren Smith, Robert Dawes and Jesse Bakes Association applied to register a Rural service. Craig Stirling and Marilyn Dawes Fire Brigade. Albert Pearson was the were presented Life Membership of the first Brigade Chief. Members kept basic Somerset Brigade. At the Brigade Annual firefighting equipment at their homes, as Dinner and Presentation Evening, Ron for many years there was no fire station. Grave was presented with his 35-year At a public meeting held at the home National Medal Clasp and his 30-year of Mr and Mrs Neave on 26 December Long Service Certificate by District Officer 1966, the Carlton Brigade was formed. Tyron Clark; Ron had just recently retired Residents were asked to pay $10 to fund from the Brigade after 38 years’ service. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the the purchase of firefighting equipment. Ron also received a certificate from the Brigade had a commemorative medal A small fire station was built at what is Waratah-Wynyard Council Mayor, Robbie struck and held an awards afternoon now Erle Street, Carlton River. The 12’ x 8’ Walsh. Brigade Chief, Robert Dawes, where we had the pleasure of presenting shed constructed of roofing iron housed presented some farewell gifts from the the medal set to all former Brigade a trailer built by Barry Neave to carry Brigade to Ron and his wife Kathy. 2018 Junior visit to 3 Mile Line workshop Australia Day at Anzac Park Somerset 2018 firefighting equipment. The station door Chiefs, Life Members, TFS Museum In turn, Robert Dawes was presented always remained unlocked and there was and Founding Member, Barry Neave. his Tasmanian Volunteer Medal 20-year a fire bell to be rung every New Year’s Current Brigade Chief, Adam Hall, has service clasp by Tasmanian Retained Day at noon, so community members been a member of the Brigade for almost Volunteer Fire Brigades Association knew what it sounded like. A fire drill was 21 years and said at the event, “We’re representative, Bruce Corbett AFSM. held twice a year and the fire station first often called upon to travel all around opened for calls on 3 February 1967. the state and even interstate to help. Robert Dawes, Brigade Chief and The dedication and service provided Dale Atkinson, 3rd Officer Fast forward 50 years and we now have by members to this Brigade and the Somerset Fire Brigade a substantial fire station on Old Forcett community cannot be measured.” Road, which houses our 3.1, 3.2 CAFS, 5.1 and Sorell Group 7.1. Our Brigade serves Proud of our Past. about 6,000 people in the fastest growing Focused on our Future. residential area on the East Coast, with Margaret Hawkes senior members training weekly and Operational Support Member, Dodges juniors/cadets fortnightly. Ferry Fire Brigade A n z a c D a y 2 0 1 8 - L a c h l a n B u r g e s s a n d M a c k e n z i e E l l i s l a y i n g a w r e a t h f r o m t h e S o m e r s e t F i r e B r i g a d e

44 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 45 Fifty years for Fifty years as a volunteer firefighter

eon Hodges has reached 50 years Richard Lang Lservice as a Volunteer Firefighter with Hillwood Fire Brigade, having ovember 26, 2018 marked 50 years’ been with Hillwood since the Brigade Nservice to the Tasmanian Fire Service started in June 1968. He is a valued for Kempton’s Brigade Chief, Richard and respected member of the Brigade Lang. Richie, as he is affectionately and the community, and has mentored known, has been the brigade captain at and passed on valuable knowledge Kempton for 36 years. and experience to his peers and new After battling the 1967 bushfires, Richie members. He has also learnt a thing or joined the then Rural Fire Brigade, two from others. beginning a 50-year career as a volunteer Here are some questions put to Leon firefighter. During that time, he travelled about his time with the Brigade: to Friskville, Victoria to undertake training, and in 1995 he flew to the What was fighting fires like when you mainland with his son-in-law Mark to first joined? assist NSW battle blazes. “You did what you could to the best of your ability. There were no training Richie has fought countless fires all over courses in those days.” Tasmania. He has led many teams and on these stones’. I was amazed that once was out, the dinner suit was no good. I new members through training and Have you ever had a close call? the fire had passed, I didn’t have a mark couldn’t wear it again!” their first call-outs. Ray Cooper, Second When reflecting on 50 years, I asked him to stand in the dam wetting bags, getting “I got caught in a burnover at the on me.” Officer, says, “You were always in good what was the best thing about it, and he flea bites.” Tippergory Hills. I was putting out a What do you like about being a volunteer firefighter? hands if Richie was with you.” said, “Being with family.” Richie has been The real creator behind the famous stump, when all of a sudden the wind How has PPC changed? “I like helping others. I also like the But he didn’t just serve our community followed into the fire service by his son, pavlovas, Lesley has been the backbone came up and fire started coming towards “We didn’t have PPC for a lot of years. friendships made with other firefighters. during the fire season. Richie starred as Paul, sons-in-law, Mark and Ray, and his of support for the Brigade since the early me. I ran as fast as I could, but the fire was You just turned out in what you were I always say being a volunteer has been auctioneer at local Calcuttas, helping granddaughters, Grace and Esther. years, still ensuring everyone is fed and catching me. I jumped straight down into wearing at the time. One night I was the best unpaid job I’ve ever had!” families during hardship. These were And what was the hardest thing? well looked after. a dry stony creek bed. As the fire jumped returning from a function and got the call events where he claimed to have “stayed “Losing Horney and Diesel.” Paul Horne As we thanked both Richie and Lesley this over the creek bed, I was thinking ‘I am to a packing shed on fire. I fought the fire Sharon Clarke up all night baking those pavs”, and he was the Midlands Field Officer for many of year for their service, Richie informally going to be black and blue from landing in my dinner suit! Mind you once the fire Second Officer, Hillwood Fire Brigade was renowned for announcing you had Richie’s years as Captain and also a dear announced his impending retirement as bought something, even if you were not in family friend. Dale, a beloved member of Captain. “Time to leave it for the young the room... our Brigade, lost a long and hard battle blokes now, Ray and Paul.” He has led the Brigade through highs, with cancer in 2018. Richie said, “He was After 50 years of service, Paul summed such as sons-in-law Ray and Mark always there, always reliable.” Kelso Brigade embraces BRN up Richie’s time best by saying, receiving the Tasmanian Volunteer 26 November also celebrated 50 years of “You could write a book with all the stories Association ‘Volunteers Medal’, and the service by Richie’s wife, Lesley. Lesley also he has to tell.” ver fifty years ago, the Kelso Volunteer Fire Brigade area of responsibility was designated from Andersons Creek inclusion of the SES Road Crash Rescue fought the 1967 bushfires, but remembers Esther Cooper O Unit within the station. the time very differently, saying “We had in the south, Narawntapu National Park in the west, the Tamar Firefighter, Kempton Fire Brigade River to the east and Bass Strait to the north, containing the hamlets of York Town, Clarence Point, Badger Head, Kelso and Greens Beach. At that time, the population of the area had a rural focus, with Hillwood some residents commuting to Comalco or Temco at Bell Bay for shift work. (For weekday fires, the sparse population had to work together.) On summer weekends and holidays, people flocked from Launceston to enjoy the golden sands, fishing, boating, Fire Brigade walking and relaxation. Today, the Kelso Brigade has a protection responsibility for around 3,000 permanent residents in 861 houses, and visitors Jubilee come from all over Australia. During the December / January fire season, the population he Hillwood Fire Brigade held a dinner swells by about 600 on a weekday and over 2,000 on Saturdays and presentation night in July 2018 to T or Sundays, increasing Brigade responsibilities for over 4,000 celebrate 50 years. people, plus local rural and business operations. Presentations were made on the night for Interestingly, the Brigade area only has two vehicular access 50, 35, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years of service, routes – via bitumen-sealed Greens Beach Road from Beauty Left to Right: Brigade Chief Steve Masters, Marie Millier and Kevin Cleaver National Medal, Volunteer Medal and Point / Beaconsfield or the unsealed Bowens Road over the Volunteer Award. Progress Association in helping to raise Dazzler Range. Due to our geographic location, the Brigade appliances tend Members were presented with a Jubilee the funds to strike the Jubilee Medal. However, for most of the population, their sole access is over the not to be called to leave the district, but due to a good number Medal that the Brigade had struck to The function was held at the Hillwood two-lane York Town Rivulet bridge, and the Brigade has become of active operators, our members respond to calls for out-of- recognise 50 years. The Medal has an Football Club and the wonderful meal focused on fostering a Bushfire Ready Neighbourhood. area crewing. image of the Batman Bridge (also 50 was catered by the Tamar Chapter of the In days gone by, the primary focus had been on structural and While over fifty years Brigade members and equipment have years), which is a significant landmark Order of the Eastern Star, who in turn, vegetation firefighting and training. Now, as Brigade emergency changed, the community spirit and ethos of the community within the Hillwood area. were donating proceeds towards the operations have encompassed light aircraft, motor vehicle, working together continues to be a primary pillar of the The Brigade would like to recognise the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. structural and vegetation fires, boating and medical incidents, Brigade’s continuing vibrancy. generous donations made by Pacific Sharon Clarke prior planning and incident-orientated training have become Mike Turner Aluminium Bell Bay and the Hillwood Second Officer Hillwood Fire Brigade ongoing critical success factors. Kelso Brigade

46 FIREGROUND November 2019 November 2019 FIREGROUND 47 St Patricks River Volunteer Brigade Enhancing Public Information practice during the 50-year Jubilee Medal presentations response phase, in Tasmania’s emergency services (Tasmania Fire Service & State Emergency Service) The St Patricks River Volunteer Fire Brigade Ten years on from the Victorian Black Saturday Bushfires Public Information celebrated their 50 years during response, what have we learnt? with a barbeque on Sunday 7 October 2018 at the St Patricks River fire station. The Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission findings stated that Public Information (PI) during the response phase up until 2009 failed to ineteen members of the Brigade were reflect the quantity, demands and priority surrounding information Npresented with the 50-year Jubilee management in the 21st Century (Parliament of Victoria 2010) . Medal at a ceremony hosted by the At an international level, one of the driving factors for public information during the response Brigade Chief, Brian Medcraft Snr. Three phase is the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disasters and Risk Reduction 2015-2030 members who were absent on the day (United Nations 2015). were later presented with their medals. Areas identified in the literature to inform future enhancement include recognition and identification of the importance of working within an integrated emergency management One member, Neville Calvert, has been model across all hazards, where prevention, preparedness and response are linked, and a with the Brigade since formation. Some community resilience approach is taken. of Neville’s early recollections were of Tackling the challenges of; vulnerable technology, community and stakeholder the days before the Brigade had PPC relationships, Increasing public expectations, gaps in understanding behavioural change, organisational culture and leadership, and vulnerable populations. and members were advised on what type of clothing to wear, e.g. solid footwear, The importance of planning and preparing for public information during response. Sound leadership and capable personnel are identifiedas key factors to systematic success, no thongs or sandshoes. He said the with a continued shift towards a greater focus on impact based warnings. Brigade started with a tanker trailer, which Mount Barrow to Mount Arthur. 2013 at Pecks Hill Road, Targa. ABC, 2013: Tasmanian Bushfires - Dunalley Findings from both the Tasmanian survey and the literature identify two key themes: was towed by either a private vehicle or This area consists of farming communities Sadly, a few days after the medal training and building capacity of new and existing PI staff, and systems development for There are a series of challenges and barriers to the enhancement of PI response. Some tractor; the pump was driven by a Wankel in small valleys flanked by heavily forested presentation, the Brigade’s highly the enhancement of PI during the emergency response phase within the Tasmania Fire of the challenges identified in the literature include; technology being vulnerable – (Burns, rotary motor. A 3.1 tanker followed some hills of native bush and tree plantations. respected Second Officer Angie Mills lost Service (TFS) and State Emergency Service (SES). These themes form the basis of key Robinson & Smith 2010, Cao, Boruff & McNeill 2017, Emergency Management Victoria 2014), recommendations to emergency services in Tasmania. a shift towards ‘joint public information systems’ – (Anderson-Berry et al. 2018, Basher years later and was parked in the shed of There are approximately 220 houses in her fight with cancer. Her husband, Scott 2006 2018, Hall 2007), relationships between stakeholders and the community – (Steelman one of the members until a station was this area, and it gives the local residents Mills, and one of her sons, Kyle Harrison- Literature & Mccaffrey 2013), gaps in understanding behavioural change – (Burns, Robinson & Smith et al. 2010, Leadbeater 2010, Shevellar & Riggs et al. 2015, Steelman and Mccaffrey 2013), built at Myrtle Bank. peace of mind knowing there is a Brigade Mills, who are also members of the The literature between 2009 and 2018 shows that significant progress and enhancement Vulnerable populations, E.g. the elderly and tourists – (Mayhorn 2005) and organisational The St Patricks River Volunteer Fire presence. Brigade, were in attendance for the medal has been made in the PI response field since 2009. The literature can be synthesized culture (Pearson & Clair 1998, Bunker & Smith 2009). presentation. into four themes; systematic influence, challenges, an evolving field that is rapidly changing, Brigade was formed in 1968/69 in the The Brigade currently has an Isuzu Euro future directions and solutions. Culturally, Hall (2007) discusses that we cannot achieve effective public information until the wake of the disastrous Hobart bushfires 1V light tanker 4-1 appliance, which was Ric Rees focus is placed on the leadership role of emergency management in providing effective early Public information needs to be planned and organised through the use of strong systems, warning capability. A suggested solution to this is through increased integration with science of 1967. The Brigade is situated in the given to the Brigade in 2011, and a new 3rd Officer, St Patricks River Fire Brigade clear leadership and capable personnel identified as key factors to systematic success. and technology, and commitment and involvement of all at risk to disasters, a ‘shared North East, and its area of responsibility station that was built and occupied in There is also a continuing shift towards a greater focus on impact based warnings. responsibility’ approach. Hall (2007) discusses the value of providing impact based warnings and the importance of and rights of the community being kept informed. Of note, is the covers from Nunamara to the Sideling and Research methods identification of the shift in the emergency management paradigm from emergency response to prevention and preparedness being more integrated with response (Hall 2007). The research methods selected were a literature review and an online survey of TFS and SES staff that have worked in the PI response field. The ‘Public Information during response’ survey was distributed by email to 94 staff (SES-13, TFS-81) utilising the Survey Monkey Recommendations • 50-year Jubilee Medal software. A total of 31 respondents (32.98%) completed the survey, with 25 being from Some of the recommendations can be considered nationally as well as within the TFS and Wesley Vale TFS (80.65%) and 6 being from SES (19.35%). Representation from TFS and SES was as SES, however due to the nature and scope of the study it is recognised that the findings are • Susan Marshall, Keelan Dent and expected, based on the numbers of PI response staff (SES-13, TFS-81). indicative only. Recommendations are across two themes: Nathan Marshall receiving their Tasmania Volunteer Medals Sample from survey results – Three greatest challenges identified by Fire Brigade staff working in public information 1. Training and building capacity of our people • Veronica Atkins being presented Plan and conduct accredited PI training. Recruit, raise and sustain esley Vale Fire Brigade celebrated with her 35-year service badge Community additional suitable staff through an expression of interest process to expectations Wtheir 50-year jubilee at their AGM • Robert Atkins AFSM being presented build the capacity of PI over the next two years. Provide development Organisational opportunities, including a PI workshop, exercises and mentoring and dinner held at the Axeman’s Hall with his 50-year clasp to Volunteer culture opportunities. Increase the knowledge and familiarity of TFS and SES Latrobe on 22 August 2018. doctrine in the area of PI response. Medal. Staffing capacity The Brigade was formed in 1967 after Chief Officer Chris Arnol presented 2. Systems the Black Tuesday bushfires. Ken Atkins Increased number Continue to implement, embed and formalise the state-wide TFS and Robert Atkins with his 50-year certificate of incidents was the Brigade Chief when it was for his continued service to TFS. Brigade SES PI Coordination Group that was established in 2018 to support the Technological ongoing review and enhancement of PI systems. formed. Not long after, his son Robert members also gave Robert a collage of Support became involved, as they had a few At present, Robert is trying to step back Establish guidelines and minimal standards around reference to policies his 50 years with the Brigade, which has National and the implementation of a state on-call PI officer role for the bushfire exercises on what to do on the fireground. a little and let others take up some of the policy inputs been such a significant part of his life. workload. He announced he was stepping danger period. Competitions were then held with Training Robert has been very active in the TFS provision other brigades in the area to familiarise down as Brigade Chief and Perry’s son over all those years. Robert began his Kordel Dick was elected the new Brigade Consistency of public Peter Middleton – [email protected] firefighters with their equipment. information delivered journey with the Tasmanian Volunteer Chief, Nathan Marshall 2nd Officer and Charles Sturt University Masters Graduate 2018 / BNHCRC Scholarship Holder 2018 Roughly 21 years down the track, Ken Fire Brigades Association in 1989, spent Keelan Dent 3rd Officer. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Coordinator Community Development, Tasmania Fire Service stepped down as Chief and Perry Dick many years supporting the wellbeing of was elected as Brigade Chief. Perry held Robert Atkins AFSM is now a volunteer volunteers, and has been State President firefighter with the Brigade and will help the Brigade Chief position for seven years for the past six years. The area Robert has before Robert Atkins was elected to this mentor new members and pass on his enjoyed the most is being involved with knowledge when required. position, which he held for 23 years. the State Competitions, now called the A number of presentations were made on State Firefighter Championships. Veronica Atkins the night including: Secretary, Wesley Vale Fire Brigade

48 FIREGROUND November 2019