N A T I O N A L

RESPONSE Official Journal of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services

Volume 24 No. 3 WINTER 2011 Print Post Publication No. PP337586/00067

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Print Post Approved EMERGENCY PP 337586/00067 RESPONSE DISCLAIMER Official Journal of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services Views expressed in this journal, unless specifically acknowledged, are not necessarily those of the Publisher, of the Institute, of its Council or of the Editor. Winter2011 • National Emergency Response EDITORIAL RIGHTS The Editor of National Emergency Response reserves the right to grant permission to reproduce articles from this journal. Such Approval is hereby granted, unless a specific withdrawal of this permission is included in the article in question. cton en s The Author and the journal must be acknowledged in any such reprint. Regular Columns Mailing Amendments or Enquiries For any amendments or enquiries regarding mailing, please email: 2 AIES News [email protected] 3 President’s Report NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 11 In Brief This publication is the official journal of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services. It is published by Countrywide Austral for the 25 Crossing Borders Australian Institute of Emergency Services and will be distributed to its members. 29 Application Form An illegal practice is presently operating where advertisements from some of our publications are used to produce unauthorised 31 AIES Contacts publications and our advertisers are contacted for payment for the unauthorised advertisement. If you are approached to place an advertisement or with a request Features for payment for another publication, you should verify that the advertisement has been authorised and establish the bona fides 5 Ad Campaign Illustrates Spring Street ‘Circus’ of the company. The invoice and any correspondence should have the company 6 AFP Tackles the League name, ABN, and an address (not just a PO Box) and you should ask for proof of publication. 14 Young Vollie Credits His Best Mates If you do receive a request for an unauthorised advertisement, or have concerns about the bona fides of a company, we suggest 16 Hervey Bay Shows Community Spirit you refer it to the Office of Fair Trading in your capital city. 17 Government News PUBLISHER 18 Celebrating National Volunteer’s Week National Emergency Response is published by Countrywide Austral 21 Swift Volunteer Response to Floods 22 Flooded by the Media 26 State Reports Level 2, 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 28 Information Sharing for Emergency Response & Recovery Ph: (03) 9937 0200 32 ADF’s Extraordinary Athletes Fax: (03) 9937 0201 Email: [email protected] ACN: 30 086 202 093

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kristi High Associate Editor: Bob Maul LFAIES

Send articles for inclusion to: Email: [email protected]

WEBsite www.aies.net.au

WEBSITE CONTENT The website has sections for each State as well as National Areas. If you have ideas for State Division content, please contact your State Registrar, for National content, email [email protected] FRONTCOVER Please be aware that all content must go past the National The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is a volunteer Registrar prior to web publication to ensure it meets required based fire and emergency service with guidelines. approximately 15,000 volunteers and 110 staff providing a range of fire and emergency services to more than 434 communities across South Australia.

Disclaimer Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the National Emergency Response and the publication is offered for background information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright: All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising: Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser. 2 BobMaul, FAIES General Secretary/Registrar

AIES is pleased to announce the following emergency service people became members of the Institute between March and May 2011.

AVALIAS Corporate Affiliate NSW Benedict Antony Dept. of Human Services VIC S Christopher Budd SES NSW Rick Carter St John Ambulance NZ

E Mark Dolence Marine Rescue NSW Gary Eglington Institute of Fire Engineers WA N

Andrew Hadden Police VIC

S Peter Fowler Emergency Management (Engineering) SA

E John Harper State Rail Authority (Fire) NSW William Little Dept of Human Services VIC

AIW Shane McLachlan SES NSW Alex McKenzie SES VIC Ken Neller SES/Fire QLD Clinton Neuman Fire & Rescue Service QLD Andrew Pearson Fire &Rescue Service QLD Michael Piscopo Telecommunications (EM) VIC Josh Rogers Australia Federal Police NSW Steven Rypp Country Fire Service (Hon) SA Glen Strickland Red Cross VIC Thomas Walsh Country Fire Service (Hon) SA Iain Watson Rural Fire Service TAS

AIS E CODE OF CONDUCT

1. The Public Interest Members must at all times safeguard the interests of the Institute, provided that they do not conflict with the duties and loyalties owed to the community and its laws.

2. Integrity Members must be straightforward, honest and sincere in their approach to professional work.

3. Objectivity Members must be fair and must not allow prejudice, conflict of interest or bias to override their objectivity.

4. Independence Members must be and should be seen to be free of any interest which might be regarded, whatever its actual effect, as being incompatible with integrity and objectivity.

5. Confidentiality Members must respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their work and must not disclose any such information to a third party without specific authority or unless there is a legal or professional duty to disclose it.

6. Professional Standards Members must carry out their professional work in accordance with the professional standards relevant to that work.

7. Competence and Due Care Members must perform professional services with due care, competence and diligence.

8. Ethical Behaviour Members must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the good reputation of their profession and refrain from any conduct which might bring discredit to their profession, including any potential or real conflict of interest.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 3 fr om the president’s desk t E i P

AlanMarshall, FAIES R

National President E S

he AIES held its Annual General Other items raised at the Annual General D Meeting in Adelaide on 18 Meeting are as follows.

April 2011. N T INSTITUTION REVIEW AGM Highlights Administrative arrangements were ’

• For the third consecutive year, the completed to lower the eligibility age S

membership fee structure will remain for full membership of the Institute r the same for at least the next 12 months. from 21 years to 18 years and to • A sub-committee was formed to fully remove the qualification period for e review the constitution and will report full time and volunteer members. p

to the National Council bi monthly. The various motions were put to o

• The contractual arrangement with the the AGM meeting with some minor rt publishing company that produces amendments as discussed and noted the National Emergency Response on the night. At that meeting, the Journal on the Institute’s behalf is following was subsequently passed on to be reviewed and finalised in the the numbers present as the accepted AIES YOUNG next few months. Countrywide Media motion for the age and emergency VOLUNTEER’S AWARD is now Countrywide Austral and service recognition: clause 8 part Congratulations to the 2010/11 winner discussions with this newly formed 1 (c) sub parts (i) and (ii) to read of the AIES Young Volunteer’s Award company will include an expansion (i) be a career emergency or voluntary Thomas Walsh from One Tree Hill into social media. A media pack is also emergency officer and (ii) shall be Country Fire Service in South Australia. being discussed for use by the AIES. assistant to an emergency officer, and Mr Walsh is a very dedicated and a • The AIES Young Volunteer’s Award shall if the applicant is an employee, delightful young man who is more than will again be held in 2011/12. The produce with the application for deserving of this year’s award. Presented award, sponsored by the Emergency admission a certificate or such other with his award at the AGM, Mr Walsh Response Division of the Australian reference of his/her employment as was given 12 months’ honorary Maritime Safety Authority aims to may from time to time be required membership of the Australian Institute reward one person for “outstanding by the National Council. of Emergency Services. and ongoing contribution and commitment to the community AWARDS AND RECOGITION GUEST SPEAKER through his or her membership of the OF SERVICE The National Vice President of the AIES Emergency services as a volunteer”. The inaugural award for excellence John Rice Adv Dip PS (SAR), FAIES, gave • The award for the best article published was presented to National Registrar an excellent presentation followed by in the National Emergency Response Robert Maul in recognition of his loyalty, discussion on the operations and function Journal was held over for 12 months. devotion and outstanding service to of the Australian National Search and • An award system structure and the Australian Institute of Emergency Rescue Centre, RCC Australia, a business recognition of our membership has Services over many years. Robert’s unit of the Emergency Response been released by National Council. This service of over 34 years started as a Division of the Australian Maritime Safety will be acted on through the Divisional member of the NSW Division, through Authority on sea and land emergencies. structure to National Council, which will to president of NSW Division and support a full submission through to onto National Council as Registrar. SUMMARY the Australian System of Awards. This excellent, continuous service was With annual subscriptions remaining at • A code of professional conduct of AIES recognised by all in attendance at the 2008 levels, we encourage all Divisions was adopted by the National Council AGM, with a plaque presented by the and their committees to support the with accepted minor changes. It will be National President. Vice President South membership base by remaining connected. published for notification to all members Australia Peter Schar was elevated to a By doing so, we encourage all members and is included in this Journal on page 2. Fellow of the Institute. to contribute articles to the NER Journal. l

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Aaid camp gn illustrates nion o p

Spring Street ‘circus’ i Greg Davies said the government policy on pay could make the election promise on numbers almost impossible to achieve. “The message from the ads is to stop playing with public safety,” Mr Davies said. “The essence of a circus clown is comedy and melancholy. “The government response to the police claim would be hilarious if it were not so serious. “And, if they stick to this policy it will be a bad outcome for the community because more police will leave, more police will be de-motivated, and Victoria will go backwards on public safety.” Mr Davies said that before the election, Premier Baillieu told police he would support inflation rises plus GregDavies productivity increases. Now the government is offering 2.5 Secretary The Police Association Victoria per cent per annum (less than inflation) contingent on a raft of conditions. he Police Association Victoria The police claim is for an average rise launched a television and radio of 4.5 per cent per annum. Tcampaign in March, dismissing the Mr Davies said Victoria: State Government’s response to police • Spends less per capita on police than pay claims as a circus. any other state or territory (and has In the television advertisements, Victorian done for the past seven years) Premier Ted Baillieu is depicted as a ring • Has fewer police per 100,000 people master and the Deputy Premier and Police than any other state or territory Minister Peter Ryan as his assistant. Treasurer • Has attracted the lowest rate of Kim Wells and Finance Minister Robert Clark increase in police spending than any are shown as other characters in this circus. other state or territory for several years. The advertising campaign, Don’t Play “Any clown can see the lack of justice with Police Pay, criticises the government in that,” Mr Davies said. for baiting the electorate with promises Mr Davies said if the present stand-off of 1,700 extra police. Post election, the persisted, police were headed towards Government then announced a police industrial action. pay policy that would cut salaries in real “Police are sick of jumping through terms, putting the achievement of this hoops for Spring Street only to get a pie solemn election promise at serious risk. in the face,” he said. So much also for the Premier’s other Follow The Police Association Victoria solemn pre-election promise to ease Enterprise Bargaining Agreement cost of living pressures. campaign at www.tpass.com.au and view Secretary of The Police Association Victoria the television adverts on YouTube. l www.youtube.com/user/thepoliceassociation

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 6 AFP tackles the league y stor e a e F tur

AFP Media and Production team members talk to Brisbane Broncos Corey Parker.

By DomByrne Editor, Australian Federal Police, Platypus Magazine An AFP initiative to educate National Rugby League players about the pitfalls of using illicit drugs and unsecured social media sites is generating interest from other sporting codes.

n 2007, the AFP approached executives at the National Rugby League (NRL) Iabout running an education session with players about the ramifications of using illicit drugs. Based on an earlier pilot program the AFP ran with the Canberra Raiders, the initiative has expanded and has been delivered to all 16 NRL clubs. Since that time, the project has evolved to include the AFP’s High Tech Crime Operations (HTCO) team who deliver modules on the pitfalls and ramifications of using electronic and social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. And, it’s not just the NRL who are interested in the AFP program, the Australian Football League and Cricket Australia are keen for similar ones. The social media presentation has been delivered by the AFP to a variety of other sporting codes and groups The New Zealand Warriors during a Toyota Cup clash with the Sydney Bulldogs. including rugby union, Swimming

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 7 tur F e a e stor y

From left, National Rugby League Welfare Group Manager Nigel Vagana, Brisbane Broncos player Corey Parker and AFP High Tech Crime Operations project officer Melissa Sevil and former National Coordinator Child Protection Operations Brad Shallies in Brisbane.

Australia, Hockey ACT, Tennis Australia As part of the NRL Education and “The fact that the presenters can and various sports commissions. Welfare program, it is compulsory that all speak from first-hand experience adds To date, more than 450 first grade Toyota Cup and NRL players attend the AFP significant weight to the workshops players have received the training, but the social media and illicit drugs presentations. and the players’ awareness and focus is now on educating rookie players Presented by AFP Federal Agent Nigel understanding of these issues.” in November and December before the Ryan, the drug education session gives Federal Agent Ryan said that that was Under 20s NRL Toyota Cup competition the raw facts about illicit drugs in a very the impact he had hoped to achieve, and starts each year. Before the start of the confronting manner. The legal, social, Mr Vagana confirms that it is working. 2011 season, the social media education psychological and physiological aspects session will have reached both first are the focus of the presentation, while grade and 220 Toyota Cup players. the social media component looks at Former AFP Manager Corporate safe social networking, mobile phones, Communications David Sharpe was the ‘sexting’ and reputation management. driver behind the Canberra Raiders pilot Former rugby league player and NRL program and said the arrangement between Welfare Group Manager Nigel Vagana the AFP and NRL is a win-win for both sides. oversees the delivery of the sessions in “These players are seen as role addition to providing players information models and the potential influence on cultural awareness, behaviour towards that they can have on the public also women and alcohol consumption. benefits community policing,” he said. He said working with the AFP had “This initiative is a new way of added credibility to his program. approaching crime prevention. The “The sessions are not only relevant community benefits from public figures but presented in a very raw and such as NRL players delivering key uncensored manner, which the players messages to target audiences. The NRL not only appreciate but relate to. They also benefits as this form of education are being developed and presented by is delivering strong messages to their people who are at the forefront in these players and assists in their development areas in terms of information, education National Rugby League Chief Executive David Gallop. as young men and potential role models. and technology,” Mr Vagana said.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 8 y stor e The Canberra Raiders take on the Wests Tigers in an under 20s Toyota Cup game.

“Reactions from the players indicate a National Rugby League Welfare Group Manager Nigel Vagana. that seeing how it has affected a player e known to many of them shows them

F tur “If a player walks away from the It covers the important information that it can really happen and adds that presentation not deterred from which technology consumers need human element to the session.” involving himself in any illicit drug to be aware of, as well as information “I think it shows them that they do activity, then nothing will deter that for people in the public spotlight on need to be more careful as one silly player,” Mr Vagana said. how they can manage their online mistake can ruin an entire career.” NRL Chief Executive David Gallop reputations and privacy. And David Gallop has no doubt that is satisfied his organisation’s pairing A recent social media incident players are now responding to such with the AFP on illicit drug education involving former Canberra Raiders player strong messages. has been crucial for the success of its Joel Monaghan last November has “That doesn’t mean that there won’t internal education initiatives. brought this issue into the spotlight. be issues in the future. But the pitfalls “The AFP has made a very important “After the Monaghan incident I started out there are real and our players have contribution and one that we are including a brief video of his apology big public profiles. What we can be sure very appreciative of. They have been and accompanying news item as part of of is that our players are better prepared supportive from a long time back, the presentation,” Ms Sevil said. than ever before,” he said. l through former Commissioner Mick Keelty and also through Federal Agents David Sharpe and Nigel Ryan and High ELECTRONIC AND SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENTATION OUTLINE Tech Crime Operations Coordinator Safe social networking Crime Prevention and Missing Persons Emphasises the importance of using privacy settings when on sites such as Dr Jenny Cartwright,” he said. Facebook and Twitter. Players using unsecure social networking are often “Not only have they seen the potential shown pictures of their wives and girlfriends that have been easily collected to make change in the community through from their personal sites. the influence of sporting role models, they have taken a personal and passionate ‘Think before you post’ approach to educating our players.” This module shows players that once images, posts, texts or comments are He was equally impressed with the shared, they are virtually impossible to take off the net, sometimes with addition of the social media module, severe consequences. delivered by HTCO Crime Prevention Mobile phones project officer Melissa Sevil since 2009. Outlines the vulnerabilities associated with using smart phones and mobiles, “I sat in one of the first social media including taking and sending pictures and using modes of transmission sessions delivered at the Toyota Cup rookie including Bluetooth. Often, players are shown how easy it is to be tracked via camp and was so impressed with the unsecure Bluetooth connections. content and delivery of the message that Child abuse images I insisted it be delivered to a much wider Alerts young players to the potential pitfalls of dating and texting a person audience within the NRL,” Mr Gallop said. Drawing upon their considerable under the age of 18. Players can unwittingly be involved in child pornography- experience in delivering cyber safety and related offences when they send ‘sext’ messages. security presentations to community Reputation management members, the HTCO team has Reminds players that they need to ensure they manage their interactions with fans developed a comprehensive social and the community appropriately to protect their personal and club reputations. media presentation.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 9 tur F e a e stor y

IMAGE: NRLPic5: The New Zealand Warriors during a Toyota Cup clash with the Sydney Bulldogs.

Qicku actions, long consequences The AFP social media education audience with the crucial messages session is comprehensive and around cyber safety and security.” designed to be confronting for Often players will ask questions professional athletes. after the session and not in front Many of the players are similar of their teammates, or will speak to in age to presenter HTCO project their welfare manager said Ms Sevil. officer Ms Sevil, which allows them Club and coaching representatives to better relate knowing that they’re tend to ask questions on dealing not being educated by someone who with the wider ramifications of may not even use the applications misusing social media, while players being discussed. generally ask questions related to “Players in every session have personal issues. A Toyota Cup player during the electronic and shown respect and paid attention “Many of these players have children social media presentation. to the presentation, even those who or young relatives who they are now thought the session didn’t apply to able to better guide in the safe use The feedback from an NRL club after them at the beginning leave with of technology, and model these one session sums up the impact the new knowledge and an improved behaviours themselves,” she said. AFP is having on players. perspective on their obligations,” “Engaging with these sporting codes “After the session yesterday I she said. in the future may also allow the AFP overheard one of the players on the “Engaging with and educating to reach the millions of Australians phone asking for a photo to be taken athletes and public figures on the who watch sport on television with down, and rumour has it that a few responsible use of digital technologies important information on how they can of the boys were straight on the is an opportunity to reach a broader stay safe online.” laptops after you left.”

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response

11 Cmmissionero McMurtie God o FrIDAY, The AIES congratulates great firefighters Iin Br ef Member Peter McMurtrie Firefighters and KStJ, appointed staff from the Commissioner of St Metropolitan John Ambulance (QLD) Fire Brigade for the next triennium (MFB) and the (2011‑2014). Country Fire Writers wanted Mr McMurtie has been an active Authority (CFA) F in bri The National Emergency Response member of St John Ambulance for the past joined forces to Journal exists to inform members 50 years and brings a wealth of experience help raise funds about new ideas, opinions, campaigns, to the position. His years both in St John for The Royal events or disasters of relevance to the and the Ambulance Services within Children’s Hospital emergency services in Australia. Australia have given Mr McMurtie the vast 2011 Good This journal takes submissions knowledge required to lead the volunteer Friday Appeal. e from members and non members arm of the organisation into the future. Around 75 of the Australian Institute of Mr McMurtie’s wealth of experience firefighters from Emergency Services. comes from a number of sources. across Victoria took part in a 24 hour At the Annual General Meeting Among them are Member State MFB/CFA City of Melbourne Relay. each year, a Watermark pen engraved Council and Deputy Commissioner of This year is MFB’s 52nd year with the AIES logo (valued at $400) St John Ambulance Australia (Qld); supporting the Good Friday appeal. In is awarded to the best submission. Member National Council of the addition to the run, MFB firefighters, You must be a member of the AIES Australian Resuscitation Council; Past staff, retired firefighters, family and to be in the running for this award. President and Foundation Member friends collected donations. If you have a story, please send it to Combined Emergency Services This year’s Good Friday Appeal raised [email protected] and help make this Seminar Committee; and other senior more than $15 million for the State’s a truly great Member’s Journal. management and volunteer roles. youngest and sickest little battlers. ai es polo shirts now available only $38.50 including postage! The ACT Division of the AIES is pleased to provide members with the opportunity to purchase Institute Polo Shirts at a discounted rate.

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Winter2011 • National Emergency Response

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y SA Country Fire Service One Tree Hill Brigade member Thomas Walsh was presented with the 2010/11 Australian Institute of Emergency Services Young Volunteer’s Award at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting recently.

stor AIES President Allan Marshall (L) and National Vice President

e John Rice (R) congratulate 2010/11 Young Volunteer Award recipient Thomas Walsh from the SA Country Fire Service. a e F tur

MelissaVeal Such extraordinary dedication to the in his lounge room before setting off CFS prompted Brigade Captain Dave for his first CFS adventure. ccording to the CFS, despite Cockburn to nominate him for the award. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm was holding a full time job, Mr “Thomas is an extremely valuable curbed slightly when he turned up to the A Walsh has always maintained member who contributes to all areas of station to find that all the trucks had left one of the highest attendance records Brigade life,” Mr Cockburn said. – from that point on realising he wasn’t to incident callouts from his Brigade. “He is a credit to himself and his the only enthusiastic brigade member With his trade as an electrician, family with the manner in which he and that if he wasn’t fast he would Mr Walsh spends countless hours conducts his volunteer work.” miss out. rewiring truck lighting systems and Mr Walsh’s love for firefighting began Since joining the CFS, Mr Walsh has trailers and adding lights and power at a young age when he saw his first been involved in many life changing points within the station, and is always fire truck. From that moment on he was experiences including a deployment willing to get out his toolbox for hooked and throughout his childhood to Victoria where he helped provide whatever requires work. he lived and breathed the thought of emotional support to the victims of the Mr Walsh’s maturity in his volunteering firefighting – never failing to tune in to devastating Black Saturday bushfires and decision making has also allowed Fireman Sam on television. (February 2009). him to take on a leadership role, being Three weeks before his 17th birthday, He was also involved in a Kangaroo voted to Brigade Lieutenant in 2009 – Mr Walsh joined the One Tree Hill Island deployment where he was caught a role that has almost exclusively been CFS Brigade. He was an enthusiastic in a burn-over. taken by members with a significantly member of the Brigade and was excited Mr Walsh said that this moment changed higher number of years in both when receiving his first call out to an his life forever as he then fully realised firefighting experience and age. incident, getting dressed into his boots the seriousness of being a CFS volunteer.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 15

He hopes to teach future volunteers about the many benefits of volunteering, along with the risks involved. Mr Walsh thanked the AIES for their generous award. The AIES Young Volunteer Award will again “I am extremely grateful for this be offered in 2011/12. tur F

award and I hope that the Institute can Sponsored by the Australian Maritime Safety e continue presenting a young volunteer Authority, Emergency Response Division, a with this accolade as it gives people this award recognises one young person for something to strive for,” he said. ‘outstanding and ongoing contributions and “I would also like to thank my family commitment to the community through his for putting up with all the late night or her membership of the emergency services callouts and all my mates at the One Tree as a volunteer’. e

Hill brigade - they are my best mates. Nominations can be sent to the Registrar stor “Thank you also to Dave for of each Division by 3 February 2012. nominating me for this award as it The Award Committee will consider all nominations, make a final means so much.” judgement and recommendation on the successful nominee, and forward As part of the award prize, Mr Walsh will their recommendation for consideration of the National Council before the embark on a journey of the seas on the 30 March 2012. y sail training ship Young Endeavour where Visit www.aies.net.au for all award details and conditions. The award he will further develop skills in teamwork, nomination form and brochure can be downloaded from the website. leadership and communication. He Please forward any questions to ACT Division Registrar Philip Gaden at also receives 12 months honorary [email protected] membership to the AIES. l

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Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 16 Hey rvey Ba shows community spirit n February, Hervey Bay answered a call that started on Facebook calling for donations to Iassist in the recovery efforts of Yasi-affected communities in northern Queensland. Within hours, Managing Director of Jobsmart Robert Garland donated a chainsaw to Black River RFB, Rotary Sunrise Club pledged a chainsaw each to Black River, Saunders Beach, Rangewood and Lime Hills Elliot rural fire brigades and the owner of Pialba Mower Centre Doug Lankowski supplied spare chains and lubricants. Black River RFB First Officer Warren Kelly said the generosity displayed was typical of the Aussie Mateship seen over and over again in the face of adversity, brought on by mother nature earlier this year. Mr Kelly, who was deployed to the Rockhampton floods in January, was also impressed with the speed at which these community-minded businesses and organisations acted in providing such resources into these cyclone devastated areas. l Help the Salvos

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Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 17 Gneover m nt News

From the office of the Attorney General of Australia n E g o Dscussionsi on National Broadband for Police and v Emergency Services Attorney-General Robert McClelland and r Minister for Broadband, Communications

and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy me met in May with State and Territory public safety agencies and representatives of the telecommunications industry to n

discuss the development of a national “These types of vehicles are amongst t n mobile broadband capability for police the best of their type in the world,” and emergency services. Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

The Government is continuing to talk “These ARVs are used in dozens of “This training is an excellent initiative e

with public safety agencies about their countries as part of high risk policing designed to help Australian fire and police w requirements for a reliable and resilient activities. They are designed to be agencies address the threat of bushfire mobile broadband capability. bulletproof and blastproof and are arson to the Australian community,” s A number of options are being considered specifically manufactured to protect police in Attorney-General Robert McClelland said. to provide this key capability and agencies very hostile situations, or help with the safe “Up to half of all bushfires in Australia are put forward a range of constructive views. rescue of hostages or injured personnel. suspected of being deliberately lit or start in Today’s discussions centred around “The vehicle will also provide suspicious circumstances and, as we have all the possible ‘earmarking’ of spectrum additional counter-terrorism capability. seen, the consequences can be devastating. from the 800 MHz band for potential “The purchase of the Armoured “Based on best practice and adapted use by public safety agencies to build Rescue Vehicles was agreed to by from North America, the training focuses their mobile broadband capability. members of the National Counter- on building the skills police and fire agency The Australian Communications and Terrorism Committee, which includes wildfire investigators need to gather arson Media Authority is currently working on representatives of each Australian state related intelligence and lead investigations replanning space in this band and will and territory and the Commonwealth.” conducted by a multi-agency team. work with public safety agencies to identify The vehicle will be used by the Australian “The primary objective is to help appropriate spectrum requirements to Federal Police’s ACT Policing Unit. agencies catch more arsonists and meet their operational needs. ACT Chief Police Officer Roman contribute to successful prosecutions. A Steering Committee, co-chaired Quaedvlieg accepted the vehicle from “The course is part of the ongoing by the Attorney-General’s Department the Australian Government. commitment of the Australian, State and the Department for Broadband, This vehicle is one of three recently and Territory Governments to work Communications and the Digital purchased, the other two vehicles are together to combat bushfire arson. Economy with senior representatives from being handed over to South Australia and “With this year’s disaster season over, public safety agencies, will undertake the Northern Territory in the coming weeks. we can concentrate on continuing to further work with a view to reporting to While the vehicle will provide an improve the skills of our emergency the next meeting of the Standing Council additional counter-terrorism capability, management personnel.” on Police and Emergency Services. the purchase does not reflect any change The development of the course – The Government will continue to work to the current National Terrorism Public led by the ACT Emergency Services with public safety agencies and state and Alert level which remains at medium. Agency – is a key priority in the National territory governments to find the best Work Plan to Reduce Bushfire Arson possible solution to support the critical Nwe wildfire arson developed by the National Emergency work of our police and emergency services. investigation training Management Committee. A new specialist arson investigation The pilot is fully funded by the Australian Nwe high-tech armoured training pilot for police and fire agencies Government through the National rescue vehicle for the ACT to help them catch bushfire arsonists Emergency Management Projects. A new high-tech Armoured Rescue commenced in April. “I commend the efforts of national fire Vehicle (ARV) has been given to the The week-long Wildfire Arson and police agency arson experts, as well ACT Government to help police deal Investigation Management training program as international fire experts from North with dangerous situations such as at the Australian Emergency Management America and New Zealand, in leading the hostage incidents or acts of terrorism. Institute in Victoria welcomed participants review and delivery of the investigation The vehicle was built in the United States from almost every State and Territory course which will greatly benefit the many by a leading international manufacturer police and rural fire fighting organisations, communities under threat from bushfire at a cost of approximately $400,000. as well as the New Zealand Fire Service. each summer,” Mr McClelland said. l

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 18 y stor R V COE

Cele bRATINg Ntia a on l Volunteer’s Week

National Volunteer’s Week was celebrated across the nation from 9 May – 15 May 2011. This annual celebration recognises and pays tribute to more than 5 million Australians who donate their time to assist local communities each year.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 19 E CO V R stor

Left: NSW SES volunteer Matthew Stone.

Above: The NSW State Emergency Service is made up almost entirely of volunteers, with 226 Units located y across the state comprising approximately 10,000 volunteer members.

SW SES Parramatta Unit Deputy teams at the end of the day. I also act Have there been any memorable Local Controller Matthew Stone as a trainer and assessor for specific moments for you volunteering Ntells why he loves offering his skills both within the unit and across our with the SES? time to help communities in need. region, and wherever possible work with There have been very happy times as region headquarters to test new strategies a resident breaks down in tears after What made you decide join the SES? and equipment, and work towards our team arrives to offer assistance, to I always wanted to do something for improving the overall standard of our those moments where you are faced others and give to the community but it is operations. Our expertise and capabilities with tragic and challenging conditions one of those things that with the turmoil are always growing and it is great to work like Cardwell in Far North QLD after of younger years seems to get pushed with a large group of dynamic individuals, Cyclone Yasi. aside. With greater stability in my life, and both volunteers and staff, and achieve the The thing that always stands out to me, the support of my wonderful wife Jacqui, advancement that I see every week. though, is the members of the SES. I was able to finally join the SES and do something that I always wanted to. NSW cadets James Petty (Rural Fire been a great success and is now What is your role in the SES? Service) and Jasmyne Lee (State in its third year of operation, giving Emergency Service) have won Cadet of volunteers an understanding of role My current role is one of the two Deputy the Year Awards, which were presented during flood and storm events.” Local Controllers of the Parramatta Unit. I am directly responsible for Rescue by NSW Minister for Police and Mr Petty completed the Secondary which is everything relating to teams in Emergency Services Michael Gallacher Schools Cadet Program as a Year 8 the field and our readiness as a unit to during National Volunteers Week. student with an exceptional degree respond whenever required both within “One of the aims of the RFS of energy and commitment, showing our local area and across Australia. and SES Cadet Programs is to a great deal of initiative and passion for I also perform the role of Team Leader, inspire young people to take up the RFS’s work throughout the course. Duty Officer and Level 3 Swiftwater volunteering,” Minster Gallacher said. While completing the SES Cadet Technician as required. The training The RFS and SES Cadet of the Program, Ms Lee became known for and support provided by the SES is first Year awards are open to students her abilities to mentor, encourage and class and ensures we have the skills and who have completed the relevant support her peers and demonstrated resources to perform our many varied tasks. Secondary School Cadet Program. a high level of leadership skills Along with the support of a small team, “The RFS Cadet Program has throughout her studies. I additionally coordinate the training plans proven a great success since its More than 3000 cadets have within the unit, along with some community launch six years ago to develop graduated from the RFS Cadet events as they arise. Each of these roles an interest in the NSW RFS and its Program some of whom have gone offers their own challenges and rewards. traditions,” Minister Gallacher said. on to become dedicated volunteer As a team leader or team member “RFS Cadets gain a foundation fire fighters with their local brigades. you get to see first-hand the response in fire fighting knowledge and The SES has had 703 cadets of the community when we knock on participate in practical exercises, graduate from its Cadet Program over their door. By working in a command or team building and safety training. the past three years, with 23 joining operations role you get to see the sense “The SES Cadet Program has also an SES unit. of accomplishment on the faces of the

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 20

They vary in age and background and What SES operations and events that is always first in my mind with any some join saying that they know they have you been involved in? SES requirement. I am the very proud won’t be able to perform all the tasks Besides the weekly requests for Dad of my two girls Tiarna 8, and Holly but they just really want a chance to assistance I have also been involved in 5. My Family always has to come first; give to the community even if it means several operations over the years, most work comes next because it is what pays just holding a ladder rather than getting recently as the Team Leader for the the bills and the SES fit in after that. up on a roof. As a trainer I am able to recovery effort in Cardwell after Cyclone My family feels the same as me about

y stand back with the other trainers and Yasi as well as the search for Keisha. my role in the SES. We hope the need watch as these members regularly I’ve been Team Leader for several flood does not arise too often but when it overcome difficult challenges and their boat events and have been involved in does then that is the time when I can own personal fears to achieve results several land and forensic searches across give the most to community. I am also they never knew they could. I am very the state. I have also performed a role lucky to have a great employer who is

stor proud of the accomplishments and as SES Liaison Officer for other combat willing to work with me to ensure that commitment of the SES members and agencies in some of these activities. there is a balance to the time I can take R the support of region and state staff, off. All up, it just works but I know that and that is always what i remember How do you balance your family, the SES has a very strong and large V first when someone asks me about work and volunteering commitments? group of members who will always the SES. It’s definitely a balance and something achieve something extraordinary. l COE

‘The Spirit of CFA’ by Jamie Cooper.

Cringaptu the “This print is a powerful symbol themselves to protecting life and Spirit of CFA of the contribution CFA volunteers property. Every Victorian owes them An evocative print capturing the make to keep their communities a debt of gratitude.” essence of CFA’s volunteering spirit safe. National Volunteer Week is an The painting, created by Australian was presented to Volunteer Fire important opportunity to recognise artist Jamie Cooper, traces the CFA Brigades Victoria (VFBV) - the CFA their professionalism and dedication,” story from its origins to the modern volunteers’ representative association - Mr Bourke said. day and celebrates the CFA volunteer’s to mark National Volunteer Week. VFBV CEO Andrew Ford accepted qualities of leadership, teamwork and CFA CEO Mick Bourke joined VFBV the Spirit of CFA print on behalf of all dedication to the community. CEO Andrew Ford to acknowledge CFA volunteers. The Spirit of CFA limited edition art the great contribution of the state’s “The outstanding commitment of print is available for purchase through 59,000 volunteers, who protect CFA volunteers deserves recognition,” www.memorabiliaonline.com.au country Victoria and more than half Mr Ford said. or 1800 889 992. Proceeds go to of Melbourne’s suburbs. “Every day they selflessly dedicate leadership training for volunteers.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 21 Swift volunteer response to floods tur F

total of 210 St John Ambulance e By St John Ambulance (NSW) volunteers provided on-ground a A support to flood victims in Queensland earlier this year. Following a request from St John (QLD) for additional support and

resources, volunteers were deployed e

from ACT, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC and WA. stor The volunteers assisted the community by providing first aid at relief centres and clean up locations. About 25 volunteers from NSW were

deployed in three teams. Volunteers y were also deployed to centres in Victoria as the flood crisis in the state continued. The first NSW team flew to Brisbane and Ipswich on 13 January with Virgin Blue at no cost. The team comprising of First Responders, healthcare professionals, communication specialists and incident command staff joined 50 St John volunteers from Queensland who were already on site. The volunteers worked 12 hour shifts Cmmunityo service advice for flood hit areas before rotating. About 100 casualties St John Ambulance (NSW) worked together with St John National Office, were seen on day one and included St John (QLD) and the First Aid Services volunteers on the ground to prepare treating minor cuts and scrapes through a media kit with first aid information to help those affected in the flood hit areas. to providing advice to the elderly on The kit contained a series of three media releases which were sent out over taking their medication at relief centres. a week. The topics of the releases were: Mobile teams were dispatched to • First aid tips on treating the common injuries sustained in a flood various sites where clean up operations environment such as cuts and lacerations, sprains and strains. were underway. At these sites, • Preventative measures to minimise injuries during clean up and recovery work. volunteers provided first aid care to • First aid tips when amenities fail such as loss of power and contaminated water. house owners, other volunteers, military personnel and workers. The types of injuries treated included infections from dirty wounds, and trauma injuries. The second deployment from NSW was dispatched on 16 January, which included five patient retrieval vehicles, three incident controllers and 10 clinical members to provide additional first aid support to the Ambulance Service and St John (QLD) through the recovery phase. A further four vehicles were dispatched to Queensland in response to the medical needs in affected areas. The quick response to the Queensland emergency would not have been possible without the hard work and effort of those in the front line and those behind the scenes providing administration, communications, support, training and first aid. l

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 22 Flooded by the media Diary of a media flood y stor e a e F tur

When the Richmond Tweed SES Region was threatened by the same rain storm that decimated Queensland in January 2011, there was early deployment of 31 volunteers from all parts of NSW to fulfil specialist roles. One of these was my deployment as media officer from Canada Bay to Regional Headquarters at Lismore. This is an account of the media response for the duration of that deployment from Sunday 9 - Thursday 13 January.

unday 9 January 2011 was arrival just who will do what with which media, day. At 11am I arrived at Regional when and where. SHeadquarters and had an opportunity In the case of Richmond Tweed, to gain local knowledge of the area, the river the daytime Operations Controller, a systems, the previous history of flooding, local, decided quite properly that he the current situation, the likely forecast, would handle ABC radio the designated local media, on site essentials (ie desk, emergency channel and that he would also phone, lunch room) and accommodation. front the cameras for any TV interviews. Deployment to a new area can be My role as volunteer Media Officer challenging, especially when it occurs would be to set up the ABC radio and at short notice. The role of a volunteer TV interviews, and handle any other Media Officer is to liaise with the radio and newspaper requests. television crews and reporters at a local On Monday 10 January I commenced level, provide information and adhere active duty at 7am as Media Officer with to SES media policy in so doing. It is the first phone call for a background important to establish at the earliest briefing being received from local radio opportunity in an Object Oriented ten minutes later. Our internal daily By Bill Hoyles MAIES Analysis Advanced (OOAA) deployment briefings were scheduled for each

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 23

The outcome was several live Nature of media calls interviews on ABC Radio and three During my deployment, the requests TV interviews with Prime, NBN and received from the media were mostly Channel 7. Each of the interviews for information and interviews about was arranged by the Media Officer the current situation, the likely impact of and conducted by the daytime potential flooding, sites for photographs tur F

Operations Controller. (preferably of SES Volunteers sandbagging) e As the flood threat progressed, and media requests to fly on a helicopter a the media interest intensified. On for aerial still photos and film footage. the second day there were 43 media Of these requests, I was able to make contacts between 7.00am and 8.30pm arrangements for a Prime TV reporter reflecting the extended media hours and cameraman to hitch a lift on an SES

being requested by the night-time chopper performing a resupply, and for e

Operations Controller to meet the an SES member to take aerial still photos stor demand experienced the previous day. for use by the Northern Star newspaper. On arrival back in Sydney, dressed in orange, I was

offered a place near the front of the taxi queue by a y well wisher who thanked me for the job I had been doing.

The same media agencies were in Flood bulletins were regularly sent to contact again the next day in addition the media, and when it became apparent to some newcomers including the that one township needed partial West Courier (Sydney), the Australian evacuation and some homes would be Newspaper, ABC North Coast, ABC FM flooded the media was actively notified Gold Coast, 2SM Sydney, CFM Radio, in a ring-around by the media officer. ,Grafton Radio and 2GF/FM104.7. There was one extremely unusual Then the media interest In Richmond request passed to the media officer – the Lismore, NSW, January 2011. Tweed subsided as the threat decreased, producer of a German reality TV show I’m Grafton in Nambucca Region was hit a Celebrity, Get me out of Here seeking and the devastation in Queensland advice on whether to evacuate their 200 morning around 7.30am and a situation became even more apparent. cast and crew from a location that was only report was prepared for 9am. On the third day there were only accessible by crossing three causeways. That first phone call preceded the daily 19 media contacts between 7.00am This was passed to the media officer briefing and sit-rep, and saw my first use of 3.00pm. These were mostly wrap-up because it was a TV show making the the phrase, “sorry I am not able to answer calls from those following the story. The request. They were advised to self-evacuate. that at this time but I will find out and I will media interest then dried-up completely. The most amusing call, however, was get back to you as soon as possible. Do At 3.00pm, the Operations Controller from the Inner West Courier in Sydney you have a deadline?” This was to become asked me to write a summary of the asking if anyone from the Canada my mantra in my first hours as OOAA last few days and send it off to the local Bay Unit had flown to help with the media officer with the request always newspaper, which was subsequently Queensland floods. I said ‘No but I am noted followed up and a call-back made published as Dodging a Bullet in the in Lismore with the NSW floods’, and with the requested information. Northern Star newspaper in Lismore. so they interviewed me. A log of media calls was kept with On what was to become the final day of contact names and numbers noted my deployment there was only one media Things to remember when as well as the nature of the query. Of call in the morning, and so I was offered deployed out of area: course, as the deployment progressed, the opportunity to return to my family certain media contacts became familiar, • Be prepared for the possibility to that afternoon. On my departure I left a a relationship with some reporters stay a little longer than planned summary of the media calls, names and was established, and local knowledge as conditions can change. contact phone numbers of reporters at the improved to the point where the mantra • Spend time to listen to your hosts. regional headquarters for the next OOAA was needed less frequently. • Remember that you are a guest of media deployment to Lismore – to better On the first day there were 30 media the local unit and are representing facilitate a response to the next media flood. contacts between 7am – 7pm, with some them in their local community. On arrival back in Sydney, dressed in reporters making up to five calls per day. • You should always value local orange, I was offered a place near the front These came from radio stations ABC and knowledge and experience. of the taxi queue by a well wisher who 2LM/ZZZ, television stations Channel 7, • You are there to help, so be thanked me for the job I had been doing. Channel 9, NBN and newspapers including active in your assistance. My thank you letter to him was published the Northern Star and the Courier. in the Sydney Morning Herald. l

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Proudly supporting our local SES & Emergency Service Members & Volunteers “The Worst In Nature - The Best In Us” 25 Ne w blood bank for defence troops crossin A walk-in blood bank is up and running at the multi-national base, Tarin Kot, in Afghanistan to allow Australian defence personnel to give fresh blood for use during trauma situations.

pened on 10 April 2011, the g

blood bank saw more than 150 bor Opersonnel sign up to begin the screening process in its first month. Senior Medical Officer Major Oscar

Aldridge said the aim of the walk-in d blood bank was to provide more blood e than is currently held at the medical r facility, and provide fresh blood during a trauma situation. s “While we do hold frozen stocks there is some evidence that, for people who require massive transfusions, fresh warm whole blood is best,” Major Aldridge said. “Stored blood is separated into three different components and when you mix them back together it is still not the same as the fresh product. “The only way for us to achieve that is through a walk-in blood bank.” Major Aldridge said due to the An Australian Army Nursing Officer prepares to take blood from an Australian Defence Force member at the isolation of base at Tarin Kot the blood new walk-in blood bank. bank was critical for supporting troops on the ground. but would need to be screened for “When we learn of a medical suitability before their blood could evacuation and someone is identified be used. with major injuries we will activate the “We start the screening by asking walk-in blood bank,” he said. questions which are quite similar “That way when they arrive we will to those asked by the Red Cross,” have donors already standing by to Lieutenant Poole said. provide fresh blood for transfusion,” “We are trying to identify a low risk he said. population by selecting people who “There’s nothing better for massive can make a declaration that they trauma patients.” are not part of any of the high risk Currently the Role Two hospital holds sub groups. stocks of frozen blood products and “From there we call back anyone while they have a constant demand for eligible to have a blood test done, and blood, when someone needs it they test for HIV, hepatitis and other blood generally need a lot. borne diseases. “So far every patient that has arrived “On the day when we actually take alive at the Role 2 has left here alive,” the blood off people there is a quick Major Aldridge said. test panel that gives us an answer within “Part of that is due to our ability to five minutes to confirm those results give blood transfusions as required and are still valid. this is something we want to maintain.” “That way we can ensure the blood Nursing Officer Army Lieutenant we use for transfusion in Tarin Kot is just Australian Army Nursing Officer, Lieutenant Jasmine Jasmine Poole said any defence as safe as the blood supply back home Poole prepares to take blood from Army Corporal Ellen Greig at the Role Two medical facility. member could sign up for the program in Australia.“ l

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 26 RTS O E R E STAT P

The National Council of the AIES: (L-R) Darrell Johnson, Barry Presgrave, Steve Anderson, Alan Marshall, John Rice and Robert Maul. Absent: Michael Davis.

ACT have been on the improve since Finally, on a serious note, our President Scott Milne, ESM, MAIES Christmas, which has re-invigorated committee needs your help. The Institute, The year for the ACT Division has been my efforts for the forth-coming year. while remaining strong cannot flourish on top of a busy response period for Thank you to those members who sent without the help of its members. Please many members at both the local and messages of support. become involved, all offers of ideas and national levels. At the end of May, the AIES will be assistance would be greatly appreciated. My thanks must go to Stephen Carter represented at the National Volunteers The NSW Division has introduced a for the great work he has done in Summit in Canberra. There will be 450 period newsletter that will be sent to arranging the program. Volunteers in Emergency management members and published on the website. Details of all our meetings and and also volunteer managers from the The Division encourages members important details for the information Emergency Services sector from all to contribute articles of interest and of members are posted on the Division’s over Australia. learning to this newsletter, and to page on the AIES website. This will be the third summit of its National Emergency Response Journal. I encourage all members to regularly type and this year coincides with the check the page for updates. Of course International Year of the Volunteer Qeenslandu details are also emailed to members. +10 years. The theme is The future President Thank you to Kate Fitzgerald as is in our hands – Partnerships · Queensland has seen its share of Division Registrar and to Phil Gaden Experiences · Solutions. This year’s focus incidents and natural disasters since as Division Treasurer who have done is on the younger generation and social Christmas ranging from little events to a wonderful job. networking tools. Information from this big events. Our members throughout I would like to encourage all members conference will appear in the Spring Queensland became involved in many to play an active role in 2011/2012. edition of the Journal. ways and support is extended to those One of the most exciting items for members who suffered personal Nw e SoUTH Wales this year will be one or two country losses during this time. Our thanks also Outgoing President Steve Anderson meetings that will take place. Planning extend to other AIES Divisions for their Incoming President David Hulls has commenced on a joint meeting for assistance to Queensland. Outgoing President Steve Anderson the south west of the state and one for Most people involved in a traumatic delivered the following report at the the central west. Our new committee incident experience some kind of Division’s AGM held in March. will hopefully be taking this on as one emotional reaction. Although each 2010 was a difficult year on a of their priorities. Another initiative for person’s experience is different, there personal level, which lead to less time our remote members will be that each are a number of common responses for my responsibilities as President. of our future dinner meetings will be that are experienced by the majority On a brighter note, those problems broadcasted on Skype. of those involved. It is reassuring to

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 27 know that, even though these feelings (L-R) National Registrar Robert Maul receives the inaugural can be very unpleasant, they are normal Recognition of Service Award from AIES President Alan Marshall. reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event. Further information can be obtained from http://www.health.qld. gov.au/mentalhealth/ P STAT The QLD Division has introduced a period newsletter that will be sent to members and published on the website. The Division encourages members to contribute articles of interest and E

learning to this newsletter, and to R

National Emergency Response Journal. E

S oUTH Australia O President Barry Presgrave The South Australian Division, including RTS membership from both the Northern Territory and Western Australia, is down members, including one corporate The talk focused on fire service history slightly on the membership due to the member, the Red Cross OH&S Unit that and equipment development, starting from transfer of members, death and others who joined in 2010-11. We are very proud to the ancient times when fire was worshiped have retired and decided to not renew. acknowledge Rick Head, ESM, MAIES was through to famous fires around the Michelle Tink was welcomed as our awarded the Emergency Service Medal world including London and Melbourne. new Registrar and Liz Lillecrapp as the at this year’s Australia Day Honours. He covered the development of newly created position of Treasurer In accordance with the Articles of methods and equipment used by the during 2010/11. They both come with Association 1996, Section 86, three existing modern fire fighter to the latest delivery a wealth of experience to share the load Divisional Board Members - Alan Marshall, methods and breathing suits. of managing the Division. Grant Coultman-Smith and Ian Munro - According to Mr Munro, the most During the past 12 months we have retired at the Divisional Annual General important improvement over time has held six Divisional dinner meetings at Meeting, having served the allocated term. been an increasing awareness of safety, the Public Schools Club in Adelaide, Each re-nominated for election to the followed by developments in training, where attendances increased over the Victorian Division Board and was successful. coordination, control, material studies, previous year. One of note was the At the Division’s AGM, Ian Munro, AFSM, breathing apparatus, personal protection presentation of the SA Young Volunteer MAIES a Senior Station Officer with 33 years’ suits, and the command of that lead Award certificate and AIES membership service with the Metropolitan Fire Service edge equipment. to Jarred Gilbert from SA Ambulance. (MFB) and a long serving member of the About 60 members guests made the Institute was introduced as guest speaker. T aSMANIA night a most memorable one. Mr Munro, a long time convenor for the President Iain Watson, MAIES Combined Emergency Services Seminars, The annual Tasmanian Division P J Victoria is also involved with the Fire Service Parssey Award went to Ambulance President Alan Marshall, FAIES Museum and the fire services history Tasmania volunteer Greg Whittington. Victoria held its AGM on Friday 29 April. and extended an invitation for all AIES Mr Whittington has been an ambulance The Division currently has 98 financial to visit the Melbourne CBD based facility. volunteer since 2002. He has gained Level Four Volunteer qualifications and spent Dave Cockburn, Brigade Captain, One Tree 2016 hours on-call since February 2010 Hill CFS Unit with Barry Presgrave. (the required number of hours is 264). He has attended 10 times the number of required training hours (44) and conducted 34 hours of training himself. In his nomination, Mr Whittington was describes as a remarkable and committed volunteer who offers support, encouragement and direction to the new volunteers, speaking volumes about his character and motivation. His personal characteristics make him a joy to work with and he is an excellent ambassador for Ambulance Tasmania. Congratulations on behalf of the AIES National Council and members. l

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 28 S pEAKERS list: Hon Robert McClelland MP, Attorney-General for Iftin orma on Federal Government Glenn Walker, Executive Director, Sharing for IC Systems/Chief Information Officer, Corporate Support Division Department of Community Safety, QLD Tim Costello, Chief Executive Officer e Emergency World Vision Australia Craig Lapsley, Fire Services Commissioner n Response & Department of Justice, VIC e Ian Stewart, Deputy Commissioner

r Queensland Police Recovery Campbell Darby, Director General f Emergency Management Australia Increasing operational Commissioner Lee Johnson

o Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

C n e c capacity and data Bruce Grady, Assistant Director General Emergency Management Queensland interoperability to enable Sue O’Rourke, Head of Disaster Mitigation and Severe Weather Warnings intelligent decision-making Bureau of Meteorology Hank Jongen, Portfolio General Manager Communication 27 and 28 July 2011, Centrelink Steven Jacoby, General Manager, Spatial Information Mercure, Brisbane Dept of Environment and Resource Management, QLD Carmel Flynn, Director, Emergency Management, Health and Human Services Gain insights into Department of Human Services, VIC Mathew Healey, Manager, information management Office of Security and Emergency Management and communication for rapid Department of Premier and Cabinet, TAS Andrew Gissing, Director Emergency Management and Communication response and recovery; Victoria State Emergency Service modifying operational Lew Short, Group Manager, Community Resilience Rural Fire Service, NSW processes to make better use Craig Evans, Executive Manager, Director, Response and Recovery of information; transferring Brisbane City Council Lance King, Coordinator, Emergency Management and disseminating information Latrobe City Council, VIC Greg Goebel, Executive Director Queensland and real-time data across Australian Red Cross Maurits van der Vlugt, Vice Chair, Emergency agencies; integrating and and Disaster Management Working Group utilising social media during Open Geospatial Consortium Andrew Terhorst, Senior Research Scientist an emergency. CSIRO ICT Centre Hugh Saalmans, GIS Development Manager Direct Insurance, IAG For a full program or to register Professor Bernard Pailthorpe, Chair of Computational Science & Dr Nicole Bordes, Senior Lecturer call 1300 316 882 or visit University of Queensland Steve Critchlow, Executive Director, www.emergencydatacomms.com Emergency Management Solutions Critchlow

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response

Completed Application forms with fees should be forwarded to the Division Registrar in the State where you normally reside. Further information may also be obtained by contacting your Division Registrar or General Registrar of the Institute at the following addresses:

NATIONAL COUNCIL QUEENSLAND The General Registrar The Registrar – QLD Division of Australian Institute of Australian Institute of Emergency Services (General Council) Emergency Services. PO Box 590 Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 14/159 Middle Head Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088 Email: [email protected] Ph: (02) 9968 1226 Email: [email protected] SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA National Web Site: www.aies.net.au AND NORTHERN TERRITORY The Registrar – SA Division of Australian Institute of Emergency AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Services. PO Box 10530 Adelaide Business Centre, SA 5000 The Registrar – ACT Division of Australian Institute of Email: [email protected], Emergency Services. PO Box 504, Civic Square ACT 2601 Email: [email protected] TASMANIA The Registrar – TAS Division of Australian Institute of NEW SOUTH WALES and NEW ZEALAND Emergency Services. PO Box 1 Lindisfarne, TAS 7015 The Registrar – NSW Division of Australian Institute of Email: [email protected] Emergency Services. PO Box K44, Haymarket NSW 1240 Email: [email protected] VICTORIA The Registrar – VIC Division of Australian Institute of Emergency Services. C/O 44 Webb St, Warrandyte, VIC 3113 Email: [email protected]

THE INSTITUTE’s AIMS • Corporate members receive a bronze plaque free of charge and To provide a professional body for the study of the roles and can advertise on the AIES website, as well as provide articles for functions of Emergency Services and Emergency Management inclusion in the Institute’s journal. Organisations throughout Australia, and the promotion and advancement of professional standards in these and associated MEMBERSHIP services. Costs Nomination Fee: $20.00 THE INSTITUTE’S OBJECTIVES Annual Subscription: $50.00 • To raise the status and advance the interests of the profession Fellows: $60.00 of emergency management and counter disaster services Corporate Subscription: $250.00 administration. Note: Institute Fees may be tax deductible. • To represent generally the views and interests of the profession Classes and to promote a high standard of integrity and efficiency in the There are four classes of membership: skills of emergency and counter disaster administration. • Members • Fellows • Life Fellows • Corporate • To provide opportunities for association among members and There are five categories of affiliation with the Institute that students to promote and protect their mutual interest. may be offered to persons who do not meet the requirements • To facilitate full interchange of concepts and techniques for membership: amongst members. • Associate • Student Member • Retired Member • To bring to the notice of the public such matters that are • Honorary Member • Honorary Fellow deemed to be important for safety and protection of the community and to promote research and development of Eligibility emergency services generally. Applications for membership will be considered from persons • To establish a national organisation to foster international who are at least eighteen years of age and who: co-operation in counter-disaster services administration. • Are members of a permanent emergency service or • associated service, or THE INSTITUTE OFFERS • Are volunteer members of emergency or associated services. • An opportunity to be part of a progressive Australia-wide Admission as a member may be granted if in the opinion of Institute dedicated to the progression and recognition of the the General Council the applicant meets all other conditions of Emergency Service role in the community. membership and passes such examinations and/or other tests • An independent forum where you can be heard and your as may be required by General Council. opinions shared with other emergency service members. • A journal with information from institutes and other sources MEMBERS around the world in addition to the interchange of views between Our members come from Divisions in Australia, as well as access to the Institute website. • Ambulance Service • Community Services • Emergency • Reduced fees for members at Institute Seminars and Equipment Industry • Emergency Management Organisations Conferences and an information service supplied by • Fire Services • Health, Medical and Nursing Services • Mines professional experienced officers. Rescue • Police Service • Safety Officers • SES • Transport Services • A Certificate of Membership. • Volunteer Marine Rescue • Volunteer Rescue Associations • The opportunity to use the initials of the particular membership status after your name.

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 31 ai es conTACTs GENERAL ENQUIRIES Email: [email protected] The General Registrar 14/159 Middle Head Road MOSMAN NSW 2088

National Council President Email: [email protected] CONTACTS Alan Marshall, FAIES Phone: 0428 308 008 Vice President Email: [email protected] John Rice, FAIES Phone: 0488 204 043 General Secretary/National Registrar Email: [email protected] Robert Maul LFAIES, JP Phone: 02 9968 1226 0400 521 304

Australian Capital Territory Division President Email: [email protected] Scott Milne, ESM, MAIES Phone: 02 6267 5603 0400 332 780 Registrar Email: [email protected] PO Box 504 Phil Gaden MAIES C ciVIC SQUARE ACT 2601

New South Wales/New Zealand President Email: [email protected] Steve Anderson MAIES Phone: 0411 671 566 Registrar Email: [email protected] PO Box K44 David Hull MAIES Phone: 0411 853 798 HAYMARKET NSW 1240 Queensland President Email: [email protected] Michael Davis AM, FAIES Phone: 07 3247 8027 Registrar Email: [email protected] PO Box 590 Paul Kelly MAIES Phone: 0418 185 904 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006

South Australia/Western Australia/Northern Territory President Email: [email protected] Barry Presgrave OAM, JP, LFAIES Phone: 08 8178 0775 0412 066 657 Registrar Email: [email protected] PO Box 10530 Michelle Tink MAIES Phone: 0404 287 186 ADELAIDE BUSINESS CENTRE SA 5000

Tasmania President Email: [email protected] Iain Watson MAIES Phone: 0412 198 438 Registrar Email: [email protected] PO Box 1 Carol Armstrong L linDISFARNE TAS 7015

Victoria President Email: [email protected] Alan Marshall C.StJ, FAIES Phone: 0428 308 008 Registrar Email: [email protected] 44 Webb Street Alan Alder OAM, LFAIES Phone: 03 9844 3237 WARRANDYTE VIC 3113

National Emergency Response Journal Editor Email: [email protected] Kristi High Phone: 0407 366 466

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response 32 ADF’sra ext ordinary

athletes Pictured: Private Clint Vardy participating in the long jump at the Arafura Games.

he Australian Defence Force (ADF) participated in the Arafura Private Stephen Osborne (competing as part of the Australian Games and Paralympic Championships in Darwin in May. Paralympic Powerlifting Team not as part of the ADF Team) T In total the team, from the ADF Paralympic Sports Flight Sergeant Tony Benfer (swimming) Program, won two medals in the Arafura Games and three in Sergeant Michael Lyddiard (swimming). the Oceania Paralympic competition. The ADF Paralympic Sports Program is a clinical The team from the ADF Paralympic Sports Program included: rehabilitation program which uses adaptive sport to optimise Warrant Officer Class Two Dennis Ramsay (track and field) functional independence, physical fitness and promote Private Clint Vardy (swimming and track) positive self image and self-esteem. l

Winter2011 • National Emergency Response Quality Plumbing & Building Contractors Pty Ltd Ph: (08) 8944 6244

A Very Proud Supporter of the Emergency Service Volunteers for all the work they do throughout the community.