thethe Winter 2017 volunteervolunteer firefire fighterfighter Volume 9 No.1 Official magazine ofSummer theSummer Volunteer Fire 2017/18Fighters 2019/20 Association Volume 11 No.2 Official magazine of the Volunteer Fire FightersVolume Association 9 No.2 Official magazine of the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association

S President’sS President’s Report S BelowraReport Station S Henty Opening MachineryS The Bushfire Field Day Cycle Revisited

IMAGE: Tenterfield 10 minutes after it started

S Sir Ivan Fire S Goin’ Bush Winter Driving Tips S Protecting my 4WD Assets S 2016 Fall Fires in the Appalachian Mountains

S The Story of a Really Top Bloke S Naradhan Gets a New Fire Station S Pilbara to Broome and Central Coast Beaches S Koalas & Catastrophic Fuel Loads

The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 Contents Volunteer Fire Fighters Contents VolunteerExecutive-Council Fire Fighters and President’s Report 2 Volunteer Fire Fighters Executive-CouncilRepresentatives and President’s Report 2 Executive-Council and SirPresident’s Ivan Fire Report 42 Executive-Council and President’s Report 2 Representatives2016/17 Update on RFS Volunteer abandoned 5 Representatives NSWSir Ivan Farmers Fire Association 84 2016/172019/20 Sir Ivan Fire 4 2016/17 BushfireCongratulationsNSW Farmers Cycle Association RevisitedGreg Green 798 Executive Council NSW Farmers Association 8 Congratulations Greg Green 9 Michael Executive (Mick) Holton Council – President LandlinePotatoCongratulations Point Remains Greg Grat eenGreat Risk 12119 Lawyers to fire fighters Congratulations Greg Green 9 Lawyers to fire fighters Brian Executive Williams – Vice Council President Potato Point Remains at Great Risk 11 Michael (Mick) Holton – President PotatoDoes the Point RFS R Valueemains its at V olunteersGreat Risk as Customers? 1112 Jeanette Holton – Treasurer Koalas & Catastrophic Fuel Loads 13 MichaelBrian Williams (Mick) Holton – Vice –President President Potato Point Remains at Great Risk 11 BrianGreg Williams Godde – –Vice Secretary President BrianJeanette Williams Holton – Vice – T reasurerPresident DoesFederal the Coalition RFS Value begins its V Decentralisationolunteers as Customers? Process 1312 JeanetteJon Russell Holton –– MediaTreasurer DeputyDoes the Premier RFS Value its Volunteers as Customers? 12 and victims of fire JeanetteGreg Godde Holton – Secretary– Treasurer 14 and victims of fire Graeme Jay Federal Coalition begins Decentralisation Process 13 GregJon Godde Russell – –Secretary Media UpsideFederal DownCoalition Country begins and Decentralisation the Problem with Process the RFS 1413 PeterJon Russell J. Cannon – Media OAM Federal Coalition begins Decentralisation Process 13 Jon GraemeRussell –Jay Media Potato Point 18 GraemeTony Ellis Jay Upside Down Country and the Problem with the RFS 14 PeterGraeme J. Cannon Jay OAM AngelUpside Flights Down Jarrod Country Roesler and the Problem with the RFS 1614 WeWe protect protect you,you, whilewhile you protect thethe communitycommunity PeterRobert J. Cannon Webb OAM Upside Down Country and the Problem with the RFS 14 Peter J.Tony Cannon Ellis OAM 20 Don Tarlington RoyAngel Butler Flights - NSW Jarrod Member Roesler for Barwon 16 RobertTony EllisWebb Goin’ Bush RobertNeil Crawley Webb Angel Flights Jarrod Roesler 16 DonRobert Tarlington Webb The Original Adventure Seekers 18 Rod Young BelowraGoin’ Bush Station Opening 22 DonNeil T Crawleyarlington Goin’ Bush NeilTim CrawleyCathles Goin’Winter Bush Driving Tips 20 NeilRod Crawley Young The Original Adventure Seekers 18 AndrewRod Y oungSholtz PROTECTIONPROTECTION || EXPERTISEEXPERTISE | PERSONALPERSONAL SERVICE SERVICE Goin’TownThe Bush Original in Featur Adventuree – Forbes Seekers NSW 252518 TimRod Cathles Young Winter Driving Tips 20 AndrewTim Cathles Sholtz TabletsWinter Driving– Take TTwoips and Call Me in the Morning! 2027 Andrew Sholtz DrivingTown in On Featur Marse – Forbes NSW 2625 ConsultantsAndrew Sholtz Touring Technique – Soldering and Crimping 29 5050 years years experience experience inin examiningexamining fires, causescauses ofof fire,fire, victims’ victims’ claims, claims, TabletsTown in –Featur Take eTwo – Forbes and Call NSW Me in the Morning! 2725 PilbaraTablets to – TBroomeake Two (Excerpt and Call from Me in4x4 the Adventures) Morning! 3227 Mr. Phil Cheney (Ret.) TabletsAustralian – T Explorerake Two –and Soldier Call Meof Fortune in the Morning! 2732 andand protection protection ofof fire-fightersfire-fighters in performingperforming theirtheir duties.duties. Consultants Touring Technique – Soldering and Crimping 29 – World RespectedConsultants Bush Fire Scientist – CSRIO. TownProject in 130Feature: – W eightCanowindra Matters 4834 AustralianTouring Technique Explorer –– SolderingSoldier of andFortune Crimping 3229 Mr.Mr. Phil Arthur Cheney Owens (Ret.) Australian Explorer – Soldier of Fortune 32 AR Conolly and Company provides independent, legal expertise –– World Former Respected FRNSWMr. Phil Bushfire Bush Cheney Fire Officer (Ret.)Scientist & RFS – CSRIO. FCO. Australian Explorer – Soldier of Fortune 32 AR Conolly and Company provides independent, legal expertise – World Respected Bush Fire Scientist – CSRIO. Protecting LearnProject how 130my to 4WD– 4wdWeight Assets from Matters a book 543634 Mr.– World Peter RespectedCochranMr. – ArthurFormerBush FireOwens NSW Scientist Shadow – CSRIO. Minister Project 130 – Weight Matters 34 toto protectprotect youyou and your organisation. – Former FRNSW Bushfire Officer & RFS FCO. – Former FRNSWfor Mr.Emergency BushfireArthur Owens Services. Officer & RFS FCO. Protecting my 4WD Assets 36 – Former FRNSW Bushfire Officer & RFS FCO. LiveProtecting and Learn my 4WD – The Assets Psychology of Survival 4136 Mr.Mr. David Peter PackhamCochran – (Ret)Former – WorldNSW Shadow Respected Minister Bush NSWProtecting Member my 4WDfor Murray Assets 5636 Mr. Peter CochranforFire Emergency Scientist – Former –Services.NSW CSIRO. Shadow Minister AdviceAdvice on on unresolved unresolved settlements,settlements, negotiating resolutionresolution of of disputes, disputes, Live and Learn – The Psychology of Survival 41 Mr.Mr. David Vic Jurskis Packhamfor (Ret)Emergency (Ret) – B.Sc. – WorldServices. (Forestry) Respected Australian Bush TheLive Fireand FighterLearn – The Psychology of Survival 4341 Mr. David Packham (Ret) – World Respected Bush RFSLive andVolunteers Learn –Hand The PsychologyTheir Medals of Back Survival 41 contractcontract issues, issues, insuranceinsurance claims,claims, for victims ofof firefire andand defendingdefending Mr.National David University, PackhamFire Scientist Vik (Ret) was – –Worlda CSIRO. Silviculturist Respected with Bush the 57 Native Forests Division of Forests New South Wales & The Fire Fighter 43 Mr. Vic JurskisFire (Ret) Scientist – B.Sc. – CSIRO.(Forestry) Australian InherentlyThe Fire Fighter Safe Systems 4443 claimsclaims against against firefightersfirefighters relating toto professionalprofessional conduct.conduct. hasNational written University, extensively Vik on was Forest a Silviculturist Management with Issues. the The Fire Fighter 43 NationalMr. Vic JurskisUniversity, (Ret) Vik – B.Sc.was a (Forestry)Silviculturist Australian with the NSW Farmers: An early start to bushfire season 58 NativeNationalMr. ForestsRoger University, Underwood Division Vik of was Forests(Ret) a Silviculturist– Former New South District with Wales &the & Inherently Safe Systems 44 has written extensively on Forest Management Issues. 2016Inherently Fall FiresSafe inSystems the Appalachian Mountains 4644 RegionalhasNative written Forests Forester extensively Division in WA onof & ForestsForestAuthor ManagementofNew numerous South Wales Issues.Books. & Inherently Safe Systems 44 has Mr.written Roger extensively Underwood on (Ret)Forest – ManagementFormer District Issues. & Mr.Professor Roger UnderwoodBill Gammage (Ret) AM – (Ret)Former – Academic District & More2016 thanFall Fires a tummy in the bug Appalachian Mountains 5946 RegionalHistorian,Mr. Roger Forester Adjunct Underwood in WAProfessor & (Ret)Author and – Formerof Senior numerous District Research Books. & The2016 Phantom Fall Fires Says’ in the Appalachian Mountains 4846 Fellow at the Humanities Research Centre of the 2016 Fall Fires in the Appalachian Mountains 46 RegionalProfessor Forester Bill Gammagein WA & Author AM (Ret) of numerous – Academic Books. Australian National University (ANU). The Phantom Says’ 48 Historian,Professor Adjunct Bill Gammage Professor AM and (Ret) Senior – Academic Research TheFire ServiceBasePhantom Camps Danger Says’ Meter 624948 Mr.Historian,Fellow Barry at Aitchison Adjunctthe Humanities ProfessorOAM – Researchone and of theSenior Centre high Research country’s of the The Phantom Says’ 48 Australian National University (ANU). FellowmostAustralian at experienced the Humanities National bushman ResearchUniversity and firefighters, Centre(ANU). of the Fire Service Danger Meter 49 former RFS FCO & Operations Officer. VFFA Membership Form 52 Mr. BarryAustralian Aitchison National OAM – oneUniversity of the (ANU).high country’s NSWFire Service Member Danger for Orange Meter 6449 most experienced bushman and firefighters, Mr. Barrymost experiencedAitchison OAM bushman – one of and the firefighters, high country’s VFFA Membership Form 52 mostformer experienced RFS FCO bushman & Operations and firefighters, Officer. VFFA Membership Form 52 formerRegional RFS FCO Representatives & Operations Officer. AngelVFFA MembershipFlight Form 6552

REGIONRegional EAST: RepresentativesREGION WEST: The Phantom Says’ John RegionalPeters RepresentativesBill Robinson The VFFA welcomes and encourages members to send 68 REGION EAST: REGIONBruce Richardson WEST: in any pictures, photos and articles of interest. REGIONDaryl Jordon EAST: The VFFA welcomes and encourages members to send PaulJohnREGION RogersPeters EAST: BillMarkREGION Rob Hoskinsonin WEST:son The VFFA welcomes and encourages members to send John Peters ThePlease VFFA email welcomes these to [email protected] and encourages members to send DarylJohnJim Crowther PetersJordon BruceRobertBill Rob Richardson Muttoninson in any pictures, photos and articles of interest. DarylAndrewPaul Rogers Jordon Scholz RobertBruceMark Hoskinson Richardson Webb in any pictures, photos and articles of interest. Paul Rogers Mark Hoskinson Please email these to [email protected] PaulJim Crowther Rogers MarkRobert Hoskinson Mutton Front Cover – Sir Ivan Fire, January 2017 – Image generously provided by Dean Sewell who is an Australian Jim Crowther Robert Mutton documentaryPlease photographer email having these won numerous to [email protected] prestigious awards. REGION SOUTH: AndrewJim Crowther Scholz REGIONRobert WebbMutton NORTH: PeterAndrew Cathles Scholz FrontViews Cover and –opinions Sir Ivan Fire, expressed January 2017in this – Image journal generously are not provided necessarily by Dean those Sewell of who the is Volunteer an Australian Fire Fighters FergusRobert WebbWalker Frontdocumentary Cover: photographer Tenterfield having 10 minutes won numerous after it started prestigious awards. REGION SOUTH: Association,Frontdocumentary Cover –photographer theSir Ivan editor, Fire, the Januaryhaving publisher won 2017 numerous –or Image printer. prestigiousgenerously It is not awards.provided for The by Volunteer Dean Sewell Fire who Fighters is an Australian Association or the MartinREGION Honner SOUTH: REGION NORTH: Doug Wild Viewspublisherdocumentary and to opinionsphotographer ensure thatexpressed having advertisements won in numerousthis journal published prestigious are notin awards.the necessarily journal comply those ofwith the all Volunteer aspects ofFire The Fighters Trade PeterMarkREGION HoranCathles SOUTH: REGION NORTH: Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the Volunteer Fire Fighters FergusMichael Walker Bowman Association,Practices Act the 1974. editor, the publisher or printer. It is not for The Volunteer Fire Fighters Association or the MartinPeterMichael Cathles Honner Lonergan Association,Views and opinions the editor, expressed the publisher in this or journalprinter. areIt is not fornecessarily The Volunteer those Fire of theFighters Volunteer Association Fire Fighters or the DougFergus Wild Walker Association,publisher to theensure editor, that the advertisements publisher or printer. published It is notin the for journalThe Volunteer comply Fire with Fighters all aspects Association of The orTrade the MarkMartinPeter HoranGowen Honner publisher to ensure that advertisements published in the journal comply with all aspects of The Trade MichaelDoug Wild Bowman PracticespublisherPublished toAct by ensure 1974.Emergency that advertisements Media published Pty Ltd in the journal comply with all aspects of The Trade MarkPeterMichael HoranW ebbLonergan Michael Lonergan Michael Bowman Practices1st Floor, 607Act 1974.Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. Direct all advertising enquiries to 1300 855 444. PeterMichaelJohn SmithGowen Lonergan Emergency Media Pty Ltd www.arconolly.com.au PublishedPrint Post approved:by Emergency 352524/00308 Media Pty Ltd Peter WGowenebb www.arconolly.com.au Published1st Floor, 607 by BourkeEmergency Street, Melbourne Media Vic Pty 3000. Ltd Direct all advertising enquiries to 1300 855 444. JohnPeter SmithWebb Level 29 Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000 Print1st Floor, Post 607approved: Bourke 352524/00308 Street, Melbourne Vic 3000. Direct all advertising enquiries to 1300 855 444. John Smith Level 29 Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000 Print Post approved: 352524/00308 T: 02 9333 3600 | F: 02 9333 3601 the volunteer fire fighter Winter 2017 Page 1 T: 02 9333 3600 | F: 02 9333 3601 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter theThe Volunteer volunteer FireFighter fire fighter Summer 2019 Winter 2017 Page 1 the volunteer fire fighter Winter 2017 Page 1 President’s Report PRESIDENT’S REPORT continued

that there is a large number of RFS staff and senior volunteers that register, it is misleading the people of NSW into believing that we support the key principles of the VFFA. Many of these supporters have a plethora of firefighters ready to put the ‘wet stuff on the red are being silenced by the RFS in fear that they could be pushed stuff’. out, lose their jobs, be bullied or harassed in some way for blowing the whistle or taking a stand. The following data was supplied by the RFS as part of a freedom of information request. It was reported to the VFFA that Most volunteers (VFFA members or not) are dedicated to their considerable pressure was applied to get these figures and it is local communities but sadly, many are walking away from the RFS expected that they may be conservative at best. as the bureaucracy continues to grow. 1. The total number of RFS volunteers who have completed RFS Volunteers and the Public are being misled all their training to legally allow them to attend a fire as at 21 December 2018 was 49,073. The RFS Empire has become too powerful and manipulative as 2. The total number of individual RFS members who attended a they push away the non-conformists from staff and volunteer fire in: ranks. They roll out a very influential media machine to hoodwink a. 2018 was 20,199 the public and control the fire related media messages to support b. 2017 was 21,884 their own agendas. c. 2016 was 20,462 d. 2015 was 19,027 The RFS Empire began to grow long before the current 3. The number of brigades, and identity of the brigades, where no Commissioner, Mr Shane Fitzsimmons took over. member attended a fire in each of the following years: a. In 2018, 180 Rural Fire Brigades (RFB) did not Andrew Clennell, Sydney Morning Herald - Thursday 3rd June attended an incident 1999, reported that the Rural Fire Service boss, Mr Phil Koperberg b. In 2017, 131 RFBs did not attend an incident "belongs in Hollywood" and has too much power over an outfit c. In 2016, 137 RFB's did not attend an incident, and that puts excessive focus on uniforms and rank and indulges in d. In 2015, 215 RFB's did not attend an incident A lot has happened since our last magazine edition and sadly, There are other cases where volunteers have been abandoned "show-pony tactics'. there has been a lot of inaction from the NSW Rural Fire Service because of legal proceedings and when looking for support with The VFFA informants from Head Office, many Districts and Ex (RFS). The RFS Commissioner, Mr Shane Fitzsimmons has failed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The article went on to say that “The disquiet has emerged with RFSA agree that the numbers of active volunteers would be closer to offer support to Volunteer Firefighter, Oliver Maruda. the perceived decentralisation of power caused by the Rural Fires to 18,500. If a volunteer is broken or is failing to function in a manner that Act 1997, which followed the deputy coroner's report on the 1994 Oliver was wrongly accused of speeding by another RFS member, suits the NSW RFS, they are tossed aside and thrown out like Sydney bush fires”. Even if we use the RFS information (above), the RFS is misleading Rick Jones. RFS Inspector George Sheppard set the NSW Police yesterday’s garbage. the people of NSW into believing that they have an army of 70,000 upon Oliver in a bizarre chain of legal events that should never Twenty years since that article and the RFS empire has become firefighters (volunteers) when we are lucky to have 20,000. have taken place. One consolation is that the RFS keeps your name in the register to such a beast that the politicians struggle to control it. prop up the claim of 70,000 volunteers. A Discrepancy of 50,000 On the 3rd of October 2018, District Court Judge Paul Conlan, Budgets are growing and the fires are getting worse whilst the cleared Oliver of any wrong doing, he was completely exonerated, Social Media Attacks RFS blames climate change at every turn without ever mentioning It is clear that the NSW RFS has misled the public to the tune of but left with a massive legal debt of over $100,000 to clear his fuel loads. 50,000. name. The recent attacks made against the VFFA are a clear indication that we have touched a raw nerve of the RFS hierarchy, and we Many reporters are too frightened to tackle the RFS because they With only 20,000 volunteers (at best) it is no wonder that we Can you believe that the RFS Commissioner said under oath at the will continue to expose the rot within the service even if it creates a will be cut off and excluded from major fire related information. struggle to get crews for campaign firefighting activities, and we Upper House Inquiry on September 18th 2017, “In the last seven few unpleasant social media attacks along the way. have to engage firefighters from interstate. or eight years since I have been commissioner, I am aware of five Media campaigns and advertising budgets are also used as a tool applications being received. All of those were supported in respect To those who state that “the VFFA does not speak for me”, I say to control the media. Volunteer Decline Cannot be disputed of ex gratia assistance.” that the VFFA has never claimed to represent all volunteers. But the tide is turning, there are many stories emerging that Volunteer numbers are in serious decline but the RFS rolls out the Sorry Commissioner, not ALL were supported. Oliver’s claims were We do represent volunteers who choose to join us, unlike the expose the troubles within. media campaigns and uses the good name of the volunteer to add ignored. Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) who gain members by way bricks to the Ivory Tower. of the opt-out system. Misleading Volunteer Numbers The 20th of October 2019 marks three years of inaction by Mr There is never a mention of volunteer decline by the RFS Fitzsimmons as the RFS Commissioner. We will help any volunteer who gets into hot water, even if they For many years now, the RFS has touted a 70,000 plus army of Commissioner as he uses clever tactics to report on the army of don’t have a long membership history with our association. volunteers. volunteers that respond to fires. Why would anyone sign up as a volunteer for the NSW RFS upon hearing Oliver’s story? I would also like to take this opportunity to formally acknowledge Whilst this figure may represent the numbers of names in a Continued on next page >>

2 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 3 NSW Farmers Association PRESIDENT’S REPORT continued LATEST UPDATE ON RFS VOLUNTEER Report by Sonia O’Keefe, Chair – NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Some of the worst fire conditions in New South Wales were When is the Right Time to Raise Concerns? Sonia O’Keefe around Dunedoo in 2017. The Sir Ivan fire burnt out more than Latest Update The prevention and management of It was felt that there was significant properties, develop this into a works plan, 55,000 hectares. A coronial inquiry is looking not just into the It is interesting to note that anyone (not just the VFFA) that raises bushfires in NSW continues to be a disengagement between the RFS staff submit to a meeting, revise following cause and origin of the fire, but how it was handled. Faith in the concerns about fire service failings after a big fire is accused of priority issue for the NSW Farmers controlling the deployment of resources feedback and then allocate further on the RFS Volunteer that was charged, managementAssociation. of fire Services has been shaken andand aslandholders Landline on the groundbeing insensitive fighting or inappropriate.resources to ensure that works are then cleared of any wrong doing, reporter,At our Annual Joanna Conference Wooburn indiscovered July there the numberthe of fire. volunteer It is absolutely understood that undertaken as per the plan. Each farmer firefighterswere three motions is dropping. passed resulting the RFS have a duty of carePaid tostaff ensure and politicians andhide property behind the operates good name independently, of the then totally abandoned by the RFS & particularly from the Sir Ivan Fire in February. The the safety of fire fighters,volunteer however, and due play to the “nowunder is nota plan the thattime” works card bestas a fortool their to by its Commissioner. poor communications and engagement situation. Theimpacts Landline from programthis devastating stated that event the are apparent rift between divert unwanted attention until the pressure is off and the dust has still being felt across the Coolah/Dunedoo there were situations where resources farmers and the RFS is one of the reasons crews say they're losing settled. Having raised this issue with the RFS, area, and those people impacted are could have better been allocated. This is the Association will continue to work volunteers. You’ll recall in our last edition we pointed out the plight of a young us. This statement by the Commissioner has set many Volunteers passionate that lessons should be learnt, an issue that the Association feels should to ensure that our representatives can and changes made, to ensure that be addressed outside ofJust fire seasonslike any other accidentcontribute or event and that participate puts people under at risk, a more the RFS Volunteer who as a DC at his local hazard reduction on talking, it puts every single RFS Volunteer at great risk now & until Inthese the eventsprogram, are Mike better Gorman prepared from for the and Kangaroo and Valley large Brigade scale events; sobest that time the to raise concernsworkable is ASAP, framework. why should we wait years for Sydney’s Northern Beaches in October 2016, was accused by a such times that the Commissioner clarify’s his mistake, Volunteers relationships and systems are in place, saidresponded their volunteer to in the numbers future. went from approximately 90 down to answers? The final motion calls for the RFS now “former” Group Officer of dangerous driving & then had the need to be very mindful of his statement & act with the greatest of and understood by everyone, prior to 55The and first he motion knows passed of other called brigades for the with similar problems. definition of asset protection to be NSW Police set upon him by a local RFS Inspector, all based on caution enroute to station. being needed in a critical situation. NSW Farmers Association to push We need our Volunteers,broadened let’s fromnot forgethuman livesthat… and houses the word of the now “former” Group Officer. Then five months for a Coronial Inquiry into the Sir Ivan Under the NSW Rural Fires Act volunteers The program confirmed that there is a big discrepancy between to include livestock. The Rural Fires Act later, the Volunteer was charged by NSW Police, he was then later Now considering the Police said afterwards; we weren’t Fire. A Coronial Inquiry will enable an and farmers have the ability to engage definition is quite broad, so we believe the people that are on the books as numbers and the people who With Kind Regards cleared of any wrong doing in Sydney’s District Court by Judge there, we didn’t see anything, no one was injured, we’re not extensive investigation into the causes with the RFS through participation on the it is critical that incident controllers and actually have a regular input into their local bush fire brigade. of, preparation for, response to, and Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC) RFS managers understand that what is Paul Conlan SC but not before he was left to deal with a huge interested… why then did the Police Officer charge the Volunteer impact of, the fire. Those affected have in each RFS zone. To fosterMichael better (Mick) Holton valuable to an individual varies in different legal bill of $105,339.20. with “Dangerous Driving” and five months after they didn’t see Therepeatedly Landline requested program the also opportunity interviewed Justin Barr,participation a former Group in these committees this year situations. While the loss of homes anything? the RFS held a number of workshops for Captainto have theirat Cumnock questions in heardthe state's and Central West. He has been with President - Volunteer Fireis Fighters always tragic,Association when a farmer loses The NSW Rural Fire Service & most particularly, the RFS answered in an open and transparent committee members. The NSW Farmers the RFS since he was 15. His old Brigade currently has around [email protected] and infrastructure, including Commissioner, should be ashamed for the way in which they have process. We also believe it is critical to Association has often been challenged in crops and pastures, they are also losing “The question that MUST be answered; why 60 members but fewer than 20 turn up. He says apathy is a big done everything to shirk their collective responsibilities towards this understand what recommendations from filling these representative positions. After their income and livelihood. Often, these did the Frenchs Forest Highway Patrol Snr. factor.the Wambalong Coronial Inquiry were attending a workshop, I have a better young man leaving him suffer for three years. assets have taken generations to build Constable charge the RFS Volunteer five implemented in the Castlereagh zone. understanding of why. up and cannot be replaced. A positive Farmer,The second Mitch motion Lee said related that tohe the is ready Rural for the nextIt is fire, important but he that Government outcome regarding this motion may be As we go to print, yes it’s now been three very long years since months after they (the Police) initially said won'tFire Service join the (RFS) RFS. management He said that ofthe the last thing he understandswould want tothe do unique situation that best achieved by better engagement this thoroughly decent young man has had his whole life left in they weren’t interested, they didn’t see it & isSir to Ivan go Fire,into theparticularly fire station the interactionand be told that he can'tfarmers do oftenanything. operate in; they do not before and during fires – the second tatters thanks to the NSW Rural Fire Service. with landowners and farmers during have paid staff that have the resources motion passed by the NSW Farmers no one was injured” the most intense period of the fire. to coordinate information across all Annual Conference. The RFS Commissioner made very big mistakes in stating; The An investigation of the Police actions should proceed by way of RFS did not charge the Volunteer. Wrong Commissioner, it was the LECC (Law Enforcement Conduct Commission). The Law your RFS Group Officer who made an unsubstantiated claim to Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) replaces the Police your Salaried Inspector who immediately assumed the Volunteer to Integrity Commission (PIC) and the Police Compliance Branch be guilty so he promptly called the NSW Police upon him & then, of the NSW Ombudsman with a single oversight body with two told the Volunteer to; sit on the grass, don’t move, the Police are clearly defined functions; detecting and investigating misconduct coming & they want to talk to you. Thank You X-press Kurrajong Heights and corruption, and overseeing complaints handling.

It was the RFS Commissioner’s Northern Beaches Inspector that Around August this year, the Northern Beaches Volunteer had his had effectively placed the Volunteer under “house arrest” at the fire LOCALS HELPING LOCALS case handed from the RFS Commissioner to a Case Manager station on Thursday October 20th 2016. of the Office of Justice to resolve. The Case Manager will work The Kurrajong Heights Brigade greatly appreciates the with the Volunteer to try & alleviate his massive personal debts And yes Commissioner, it was your former RFS Group Officer fundraising support helmet at their local IGA store and have incurred through fighting to clear his name of the unsubstantiated & his vehicle offsider that had lodged a written complaint to the been delighted with the response. The Kurrajong Heights claims labelled against him by the RFS which left him fighting a Brigade would like to thank their community for their Police….so please stop trying to hide from the ownership of this Dangerous Driving charge which comes with a fine of up to $3k & generous support and most particularly John Flanjak great mess. The Police just didn’t turn up, your staff called them a jail term of up to nine months. of IGA Kurrajong Heights. there & set them upon the Volunteer, your staff did it thus YOU The VFFA fully endorses this type of fundraising, as all own it. money donated goes directly to their local Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade. The RFS Commissioner also told the Volunteer that; you were not covered by Workers Compensation until you arrived at the station Photo: Kurrajong Heights IGA proprietor John Flanjak presents a full fundraising helmet to Kurrajong Heights Rural Fire Brigade members – & got into the tanker, this is an issue of such great concern that Deputy Captain, Andrew Jones (centre) and Jon Ingersole (right). even the former RFSA President, Mr. Ken Middleton agrees with Continued on next page >> the volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Page 9 4 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 5 LATEST UPDATE ON RFS VOLUNTEER continued BUSHFIRE CYCLE REVISITED

It’s very sad that as the Volunteer concerned has outlined, he no nothing more than a political / bouncing Ball - In political speak , it longer trusts the NSW RFS. doesn’t pass the pub test, anyone’s Pub. The Bushfire Cycle Revisited

The entire Community of this Volunteer’s brigade has given him Even Deputy Premier John Barilaro has failed, he said he would absolute 100% support the entire time & they have written to his help but ultimately did nothing. District Manager seeking a meeting to work out a way forward as the relationship of the Community & the Northern Beaches District It seems obvious that our elected political representatives these Office is completely broken. days are simply not interested in genuinely supporting Volunteers, you only have to look at what’s happening in Victoria. Liberal, Sadly, but not overly surprising, the District Manager chose not to National’s (same thing), the only time they seem to want to know meet with the Community, rather he pushed the Inspector involved us is whenever there’s a major bushfire break out & they all quickly forward as his representative to meet with the Community. turn up to share a Sausage Sandwich, a Coke, some selfies & a Talk about throwing the Inspector under the Bus! smile for all the cameras so they can have the Public believe that they’re actually there for the Volunteers. Government Support: Very sad indeed how the mainstream parties have all failed us.

It’s incredibly sad indeed that we can factually report this Lib/Nat If only you all knew how totally abandoned by the RFS this young Government is not interested in supporting our Volunteers at all, Volunteer has been, how much it has cost him both financially, so much so that this Association met with NSW Premier Gladys emotionally & personally, its impacted his wider family, his brigade, Berijiklian on May 11th 2017 to make her aware of the Northern his brigade’s local Community, everyone we’ve been able to sit Beaches Volunteer’s predicament. She said she was absolutely down with & explain by way of Court Transcripts, they’ve gone appalled at the treatment of Volunteers, yet she never did anything away in total disbelief. to bring it to a head, she has left the Volunteer to fend for himself. So many people in general, so many of our members have all As recent as October 31st, a resident of the Volunteer’s local asked us; how could this ever have been allowed to happen to a brigade Community wrote to the NSW Premier about the Volunteer, why did they do this to him? Volunteer’s plight however her Parliamentary Secretary wrote back stating; “Thank you for the information you’ve supplied, which has Itys simple, just ask Rick Jones & Inspector George Sheppard @ been forwarded to the Minister for Emergency Service as he is the Northern Beaches RFS whose actions led to the prosecution. best placed to consider your enquiry” Regardless, we will continue to fight for Justice for this young NE of the classic phenomena in the Australian bushfire But the wheel continues to revolve and we now reach Stage 4: If the Premier thinks that by referring this to David Elliot (again) is man & we will make you all aware when common sense has finally scene is "The Bushfire Cycle". It has been revolving to my complacency. The absence of bushfire disasters is, unfortunately, going to help the Volunteer, then the Volunteer will continue to be prevailed & the NSW Government comes good. Opersonal knowledge since 1961, but no doubt goes back self-defeating. People (especially the bean counters in Treasury much further in history. and the urban greens) start asking "Why are we spending so much money on bushfire management, especially on environment It looks like this: Stage 1: the disaster. There is a ghastly vandalism like fuel reduction burning, when there are no bushfire, lives are lost, humungous damage done. This is followed bushfires?" within months by Stage 2: the inquiry. This might even be a Royal Commission or a Coronial. Gradually the cycle moves to Stage 5: stupidity. The bushfire management system is allowed to erode, standards of Later comes the report, with multiple recommendations on how preparedness and mitigation fall away, bushfire authorities become another bushfire disaster can be prevented from occurring ever over-confident, believing that jazzy technology will counter all again. Stage 2 culminates when the government, with the full threats. glare of the media upon it, and public interest at a peak, accepts the findings and undertakes to implement the recommendations. The final stage of the cycle is now reached. There is a period of Premiers and Ministers make grave commitments, the public below-average rainfall (always known these days as "a drought"). service gets a serious jolt up it, funds become available and sound This coincides with high fuel levels in the bush, poorly prepared investments are made. communities and a fire management approach based on response rather than on preparation and damage mitigation. All of this results in Stage 3: the upgraded system. There is a great improvement to the standard of bushfire management. This, in turn, leads to a period of freedom from bushfire disasters. Continued on next page >>

6 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 7 BUSHFIRE CYCLE REVISITED continued BUSHFIRE CYCLE REVISITED continued

These are the people I have referred to in the past as "the “Is it possible to de-rail gatekeepers”.... they cannot prevent bushfires from starting, but the Bushfire Cycle, to put they can keep the really angry ones outside the gate. a spoke in its wheel, as it It is crucial that the gatekeepers regain the ground they have lost over the last 20-years, and then keep their nerve in the face of the were? We think so, indeed political counter-attacks from those rolling the Bushfire Cycle into the Stage 5 maw. Otherwise, as the old Scotsman used to say in this is our priority in The Dad's Army: "we're all doomed". Bushfire Front in WA.” Mr. Roger Underwood AM is Chairman of The Bushfire Front << Inc in Western Australia into suburbia, epitomises that old saying: "when it comes to public policy, stupidity nearly always wins". It is an approach that has not been thought-through, one whose inevitable outcome is the exact opposite of what is intended.

The wheel has now turned full circle. The scenario that plays out Nothing new about any of this. To the old hands of Australian Is it possible to de-rail the Bushfire Cycle, to put a spoke in is painfully familiar: multiple ignitions in hot, windy conditions. Fires bushfire management, all of this is painfully familiar. But what its wheel, as it were? We think so, indeed this is our priority in burning for days in heavy, dry fuels. Crown fires, long-distance is new, and even more depressing, is the view that the current The Bushfire Front in WA. The onset of apathy, the buckling of spotting. Evacuations. Towns burning. Firefighter’s overwhelmed bushfire threat is the result of global warming/climate change. This leadership and the hankering for the quick fix .... all of these and enormous damage done. In short, there is another disaster. notion is not only illogical and flies in the face of bushfire science can be counter-balanced by the stern resolve of professional The government, of course, immediately sets up an inquiry..... and and history, it is dangerous. Blaming bushfires on global warming land managers, powerfully supported by rural people, including so the bushfire cycle continues to revolve. gives everyone a way out, an excuse for failed land management. firefighters and bushfire scientists. If the climate is to blame, nobody, let alone any government, public In Western Australia at the moment we are in Stage 3. We had the officer or fire chief, can be held accountable. disasters in 2015 and 2016. We had an inquiry (by Euan Ferguson) which absolutely nailed it; the recommendations were accepted I could hardly believe my eyes when a group of well-known "fire 1858 Bells Line of Road, and significant changes to bushfire policy, management and chiefs" came out in the media recently calling for "action on Bilpin, NSW practices followed. Things are still not perfect, but they are hugely climate change" so as to minimise the bushfire threat in Australia. improved on where they were five years ago. Parks and Wildlife It was not clear what action they wanted, presumably a reduction are serious about fuels management, and our emergency services in Australia's emissions of CO2, nor did they explain how the Ph: 02 4567 8921 chiefs are promoting mitigation. lowering of the mean world temperature by two or three degrees would help to minimise fire outbreaks on bad days in national But Stage 4 is not far away, maybe another 3-5 years. A new parks and forests with long-unburnt fuels. campaign by environmentalists and academics has commenced At ʻPie in the Sky Roadhouse Bilpin, we with the aim of undermining the fuel reduction burning program, I regard this action by the "fire chiefs" as even more potentially make the best fresh homemade pies and the pillar of the current program. This campaign has no basis in damaging than that of the urban environmentalists and academics science, history or practical experience, but that does not seem to who oppose fuel reduction burning. It is all very well for Premiers other pastries you’ll ever eat. matter. They are targeting inner-city politicians who are vulnerable and Ministers to come out and blame bushfires on climate change to the preferences of green voters. To the weaker-kneed of this - we all know that they are just pandering to their constituency. But We serve a full range menu including pastries & we also species, getting elected takes priority over preventing bushfire "fire chiefs" surely should be making statements based on bushfire have the most amazing homemade apple pies and deserts damage. experience and with a view to providing community leadership and you’ll come across. effective bushfire management programs. From what I can see, Victoria, NSW, southern Qld and Tasmania EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY are all in Stage 5. The greens and green-bureaucrats are calling They have not just destroyed their own credibility but have • Gourmet Angus Steak Pies • Devonshire Teas the shots. Governments, land management agencies and damaged that of Australian firefighters and fire managers as a • The most amazing Apple Pies • Pastries • Superb Coffee emergency service chiefs have put their faith in suppression whole. Worse, they are trying to turn the attention of decision- • Soft Drinks • Milkshakes • Cakes & Slices (including water bombers) - a strategy which cannot prevent makers away from action to prevent today's bushfire threat damage by high-intensity fires, and is costing a fortune. The towards actions that might create some airy-fairy climate utopia, • Bacon & Egg Rolls • Sausage Rolls • Pasties current drought in eastern Australia, on top of years of failure decades hence. to undertake effective damage mitigation (especially fuels management), ensures another disaster is just around the corner. Blaming bushfires on climate change, and relying on water www.facebook.com/bilpinpies bombers to control high intensity fires burning out of heavy forests

8 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 9 MEET GRACIE, THE FLYING DOCTORAUSSIE GUIDE FEATURE DOG

Property market heats up for Spring

S WE’RE SEEING the end of cooler conditions looking to invest in the next 12 months. for firefighters, things are heating up across the property market. Canny investors know that the decrease in housing prices nationally over the past 20 months has created a buyer’s AThe warmer weather marks an early onset of the fire market. And with values enjoying an uptick, now could be season. However, spring has also seen a significant the time to take action, whether you’re looking for your next turnaround in the property market, with housing values home or an investment property. rising 0.8% nationally in August. For many of us though, time is something we don’t have It’s good news for home owners. But it’s even better news enough of. Especially fire fighters, who are gearing up for a for investors and upgraders, who can now take advantage tough season. The solution can be to partner with a home of record low interest rates combined with more affordable loan professional. property values. This is especially the case in Sydney and Melbourne, where values have fallen by 13.3% and 9.5% Leverage the industry insights of brokers respectively since their market peak. Aussie’s study confirmed that four in five seasoned Many regional areas, where values tend to be more homebuyers such as investors, believe a mortgage broker affordable, have outperformed metropolitan markets over makes getting a home loan easier. However, a mortgage the last five years. broker does more than streamline the loan application process. Regional NSW for example has seen values rise by 22.5% compared to 19.2% growth in Sydney. It’s a close call Aussie Brokers for instance, have access to property market between Melbourne and regional Victoria. Melbourne data. It’s an advantage that home buyers can leverage values have climbed 24.8% in the last five years – not too to pinpoint the ideal suburb – and even the individual far ahead of regional property price growth of 21%. property, that meets their goals.

In Brisbane and Adelaide – both relatively affordable A broker can also guide you through the loan application markets, values have climbed 7.2% and 9.9% respectively process. That matters because the last two years have over the last five years. brought sweeping changes to regulations around lending, making it more important to talk to an expert. The upshot is that the property market has continued to deliver strong long term capital growth even in the in addition, lenders’ ‘stress tests’ have been relaxed in aftermath of a significant correction. recent months. This means borrowing capacities may have increased. As property research group CoreLogic notes, “For Buyers held back by lack of confidence prospective buyers looking to upgrade into a larger and/ or more expensive property it seems to be an opportune The current property market is dishing up healthy time.” opportunities through a combination of record low interest rates and lower property prices in many areas. Despite this, If you’ve been waiting for the “right” time to fulfil your goal a new study by Aussie has revealed that only one third of of buying an investment property, or if you’re looking to Australians are more confident about buying a property upgrade to your next home, that time may have come. than they were five years ago. Your Aussie Broker makes the loan process easy, and can David Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Aussie, explains provide valuable market insights to help you make the the confidence gap saying, “With affordability and market choice that’s right for you. Even better, your Aussie Broker’s volatility an ongoing issue over the past few years it’s no home loan service comes at no cost to you. surprise so many lack market confidence.” Make a free appointment today to discover how easy it can However, one group of buyers is bucking the trend. One be to take advantage of today’s buyer’s market. in two property investors are confident in the Australian housing market, a figure that jumps to 61% for those Simply visit aussie.com.au

10 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 11 LANDLINE KOALAS & CATASTROPHIC FUEL LOADS Koalas and Catastrophic

Fuel LoadsThe old burn offs are back, like those that once the Wulgurakaba or the canoe people lit before the nor easterly monsoon winds… By Dr. Christine Finlay Koalas and CatastrophicPhD Fuel in Bushfire Loads Management from UNSW, BA Hons in Disaster Management, JCUNQ, BA UNSW By Dr. Christine Finlay HILE national parks claim extinction is inevitable, PhD in Bushfire Management from UNSW, BA Hons in Disaster Management, JCUNQ, BA UNSW Magnetic Island’s koala colony of about 900 is safe LANDLINE as we know is a programme bringing news WWhile nationaland parks having claim babies! extinction The isisland’s inevitable, spring Magnetic burn offIsland’s was a from rural Australia to the nation. This multi-award winning miraclekoala colony for these of about gorgeous 900 is safe fluffies and having – not babies! one death The island’s or injury, spring just littleburn facesoff was peering a miracle happily for these from gorgeous their mother’s fluffies –pouches. not one death or show typically features stories, ranging across agri-politics injury, just little faces peering happily from their mother’s pouches. and economics, business and product innovation, animal and crop science, and regional infrastructure.

It was not far for the Wulgurukaba to swim or paddle to safety. On Sunday October 20th 2019, Landline ran a story on Firestorm: Before dredges dug a shipping channel, a sandbank extended to Shaken faith in fire management services. In thosewithin days a thefew island hundred was called metres Yuendemu, of the islandand according at low totide. WulgurukabaInstead legend,of the Wulgurukabathe monsoon winds with filled their the torches, sails of head this- huntersspring it was and cannibalsa national from park PNG helicopter and the Torres that Strait, adapted sailing the south old on fire-stick a human farming HIS STORY touched on a Coronial Inquiry into the Sir Ivan We know from RFS Head Office insiders that around two years hunting trip. Before the sails of enemy outriggers appeared on the ways to make the island safe. fire near Dunedoo in 2017, which is investigating its cause ago, a rough audit was carried out indicating that whilst the RFS horizon, the Wulgurukaba had paddled or swum to the mainland to disappear into the hinterland, to escape the expert hunters of humans. and how it was handled. Faith in the management of fires had around 72,000 names on its books, the number of actual T It was not far for the Wulgurukaba to swim or paddle to safety. Before The chopper dropped about 126 incendiary devices or “dragon’s by the RFS & how Volunteer numbers are dramatically dropping “active” members able to get on a tanker & fight a fire numbered dredgeseggs” dug along a shipping ridges channel, when a sandbankthere was extended little wind. to within It was a few done in were the key focus points of this story. around 18,500 & given an audit undertaken recently through a hundred metres of the island at low tide. several stages over about a month, starting at the northern end. Freedom of Information (GIPPA) by Landline, they came up with Instead of the Wulgurukaba with their torches, this spring it was a This was clearly the most accurate reporting we’ve witnessed on 20,000….so we were never far from the truth. This is not surprising as DNA developed over millennia hardwires our helicopter that adapted the old firestick farming methods to make the Thisnatives is notto survive surprising Indigenous as DNA burn developed offs. Animals over on millennia the ground hardwires scamper islandNo safe. one expected every egg to catch – but they did, as fuel loads a television programme involving RFS Volunteers in many years & ouraway natives and those to survive in treetops Indigenous above flaming burn offs.undergrowth Animals only on the have ground smoke The chopperhad not dropped been thoroughly about 126 incendiary reduced devices for about or “dragon’s eight years. eggs” The burn this association applauds the work of the two key journalists who It is a public disgrace to think that our RFS Commissioner can to contend with if they decide not to climb down and scamper away. scamper away and those in treetops above flaming undergrowth alongoff ridges was when textbook there wasperfect. little wind. Flames It was moved done in down several from stages mountain investigated the issues surrounding that fire in 2017 & the fallacy of spruik to the NSW Public that we have an “Army” of some 70,000 over about a month, starting at the northern end. onlyFirefighters have smoke often complain to contend that with koalas if theysound decide like screaming not to climb children down as ridges at a snail’s pace, keeping to the undergrowth and leaf litter. the continuous claims of us having 70,000 Volunteers, which we Volunteers when in fact, at best we only have around probably one of the most agonising deaths possible, takes them in bad fires. No one expected every egg to catch – but they did, as fuel loads had not and scamper away. all know we do not. 19,000. Animal rescue teams complain that where once they found maimed been thoroughly reduced for about eight years. The burn off was koalas and other animals, now fires burn so hot that established wildlife Firefighters easily extinguished the fire when it reached flat land Firefighterscolonies vanish often - vaporised complain into that puffballs koalas of screamsmoke, withlike nochildren trace. as where there is a population of about 3,000 permanent residents To hear a highly experienced brigade Captain explain how he was The lies must stop & what’s even worse is that each of the four badAnd withfires far inflict too few one burn of theoffs, southernmost agonising Australia’s deaths native possible. animals areAnimal textbookand hundreds perfect. Flames of holiday moved visitors down from in mountainhotels, ridgeshostels at a and snail’s bed and ashamed to be in the RFS on that Sunday….he said he & his crew Emergency Service Ministers we’ve had under this Liberal / pace, keeping to the undergrowth and leaf litter. rescuefacing just teams such complainagonising deathsthat where faces onceand our they citizens found calamity. maimed But, for breakfasts. had driven all day the previous day from the South Coast to get up National (same thing) Government, Mike Gallacher, Stuart Ayres, some spookily magical reason, the island seems to have saved itself. Firefighters easily extinguished the fire when it reached flat land where koalas and other animals, now fires burn so hot that established there is a population of about 3,000 permanent residents and hundreds there for the purposes of helping and now we were made to just Troy Grant & David Elliott, each of them knew the truth yet go wildlife colonies vanish - vaporised into puffballs of smoke, with no ofThere holiday was visitors lots in ofhotels, smoke; hostels but and nobed wildlife and breakfasts. casualties, and no sit & watch properties burn. along with the Commissioner & this great fallacy….it’s simply There was lots of smoke; but no wildlife casualties, and no property trace. property damage, trauma, injury or death. shameful. damage, trauma, injury or death. He sought answers from the RFS as to why he & his crew were And with far too few burn offs, southern Australia’s native animals ordered not to fight, he was told it came from Management. Major change in the leadership of the RFS must occur now if this are facing just such agonising deaths faces and our citizens organisation is to continue, failure to act will spell the death of calamity. But, for some spookily magical reason, the island seems The Captain said he & his crew were in as safe a location as could Volunteer Firefighting in NSW. to have saved itself. possibly be with the wind blowing the fire away from them and the Farmers were out there fighting the fire. https://www.abc.net.au/landline/firestorm:-shaken-faith-in- The old burn offs are back, like those that once the Wulgurakaba the-fire-management-services/11620450 or the canoe people lit before the nor easterly monsoon winds… This story identified the huge rift between Farmers & the RFS’s hierarchy, which has been developing over the years & has been In those days the island was called Yuendemu, and according instrumental in the RFS losing more Volunteers. to Wulgurukaba legend, the monsoon winds filled the sails of head-hunters and cannibals from PNG and the Torres Strait, Farmer, Mitch Lee, said he would never join the RFS for as he A visit yesterday to my favourite koala colony found five, including two sailing south on a human hunting trip. Before the sails of enemy A visit yesterday to my favourite koala colony found five, including said, if there was a fire here or at a friend’s place, the last thing babies, all happily dozing in the treetops in a balmy late afternoon outriggers appeared on the horizon, the Wulgurukaba had paddled breeze,two babies, blissfully all unaware happily of the dozing fate awaiting in the their treetops mainland in rellies. a balmy late I would want to do is to go into the Fire Station only to be told I or swum to the mainland to disappear into the hinterland, to afternoon breeze, blissfully unaware of the fate awaiting their can’t do anything. escape the expert hunters of humans. mainland rellies.

12 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 13 DEPUTY PREMIER continued DEPUTY PREMIER At the March 2019 NSW State Election, even as the Coalition Prior to the March 2011 State Election, Melinda Pavey (now suffered a 3.6 percent swing against it and his own party lost four Water Minister) held the role of Shadow Emergency Services & John Barilaro seats, John Barilaro was re-elected to the seat of Monaro. she knew her role better than anyone we’ve seen to date. We collectively didn’t agree on everything but no one can expect to Deputy Premier Given the NSW National’s website states; traditionally the Party have agreement on everything, we did have a healthy constructive represented graziers, farmers and rural voters. Today, the party working relationship with Melinda & that’s what we appreciated Member for Monaro stands for all regional communities – mums and dads, families, the most in her. Leader of the NSW National’s retired, small business operators, sea changers and tree changers, students, and anyone in between. She was smart, she knew her stuff, she knew the portfolio And does not support Volunteer Firefighters! incredibly well & she knew it by getting out & about meeting the It should have concluded with the words; but NOT Volunteer Volunteers right around NSW, she was liked by those she came Firefighters. into contact with but most importantly, she knew about the rot within the running of the Rural Fire Service & she was clearly It’s incredibly sad how we see our elected political representatives determined to clean it up…..but sadly once this Government came treat us these days. Like always, they promise you the world, to power on Saturday March 26th 2011, under Barry O’Farrell & they’ll kiss babies at shopping centres & if cameras are involved, Andrew Stoner, for whatever reasons, when O’Farrell announced they’ll turn up to the licking of a postage stamp, its absolute blah his new Ministry on Sunday April 3rd 2011, Melinda Pavey was blah blah yet come election day, once they’ve got your tick in the denied what was rightfully her well earnt role. box they’ll forget your name in a flash & ignore you forever more. Mike Gallacher MLC was given the Emergency Service’s role, it And that is exactly what John Barilaro, Deputy Premier of NSW & was piggy backed onto his role as Police Minister & at a meeting Leader of the NSW National’s has done to Volunteer Firefighters in his office at Governor Macquarie Tower @ 10am Monday in NSW. We have corresponded with him on numerous occasions September 5th 2011, Mike Gallagher told this association; but to no avail, our Association President did meet with John Barilaro a few years ago in his Sydney office along with the man “Gentlemen, I simply don’t have John Barilaro replaced, Troy Grant, however Troy Grant quickly tried the stand over tactics upon our President, he tried the big time for the role of Emergency Giovanni Domenic "John" Barilaro (born 14 November 1971, is the Tourism. Mike Baird rearranged his ministry following the 2015 bully boy attitude but our President wasn’t fazed in any way, in 18th Deputy Premier of New South Wales and currently the NSW state election and John Barilaro was sworn in as the Minister for Services but my staff are here fact, he wasn’t surprised at the attitude one iota because it’s what Leader of The Nationals since November 2016. Regional Development, the Minister for Skills, and the Minister for today to listen to your concerns & we’ve come to expect from the NSW Nationals except we would Small Business in the second Mike Baird government. note, from Melinda Pavey. do whatever they can for you” John Barilaro was born in Queanbeyan, after leaving school he worked on the factory floor of his family's business. On 15 November 2016, John Barilaro was elected unopposed – ultimately they did nothing. Before entering politics, he managed Ryleho, a business that as leader of the National Party in New South Wales, following manufactures energy efficient timber windows and doors. He’s the resignation of Troy Grant who himself as Deputy Premier did always been active in his local community; campaigning for a high absolutely nothing for Volunteer Firefighters, except turn up for school for the growing suburb of Jerrabomberra, helping to found self-indulgent camera moments. the Monaro Panthers Football Club (soccer; of course) a decade ago, and then serving eight years as Club President. Following the resignation of Mike Baird and the election of Gladys Berejiklian as Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party, John John Barilaro was elected as an independent Councillor of the Barilaro led The NSW National’s to form the Liberal-National Queanbeyan City Council in 2008 and served on the Council until coalition in the Berejiklian ministry that was sworn in on 23 January he ran for the National Party in the seat of Monaro at the 2011 2017. state election.

Prior to his election to the seat in 2011, John Barilaro was always answering his phone to us, nothing was ever an issue (why are we not surprised), and never did he ignore us. When we held meetings at Murrumbateman, he was ALWAYS available & did Image: Mike Gallacher, former MLC & Emergency Services Minister. attend.

He won the seat in March 2011 from incumbent Labor Minister, Steve Whan, with an 8.3 point swing to the NSW Nationals. Following the resignation of Andrew Stoner in October 2014, John Barilaro was appointed to the first Mike Baird ministry as the Minister for Small Business and the Minister for Regional Image: Deputy Premier John Barilaro & Premier Gladys Berijiklian Image: Melinda Pavey, former Shadow Emergency Services now Water Minister. Continued on next page >>

14 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 15 DEPUTY PREMIER continued continued DEPUTY PREMIER

As you would have all read throughout the last two editions of The brand you had Mr. Barilaro is now gone, the people of the this magazine, we have an RFS Volunteer Firefighter who was bush have woken, the wider NSW public have woken & Volunteer wrongly charged by Police on the direction of the RFS, the Firefighters have woken. In 2016, the Nat’s lost Orange, in 2019 allegation statement provided came from a now former RFS Group the Nat’s lost Barwon & Riverina….which seats will be next Mr. B? Officer, the Volunteer was charged, he spent four days in a local court, he then spent a full day in the Sydney District Court where On July 11th this year, we contacted John Barilaro’s electorate upon appeal, he was cleared of any wrong doing, completely office in Queanbeyan & asked one of his staffers if they could get exonerated of any wrong doing but left with a legal debt of John to please return our numerous calls to him, the young man $105,339.20 & continues to fight the RFS for compensation of his said he would have John contact us….but just as we expected, huge legal case. John Barilaro told our Association President Mick nothing. Holton that, this situation is simply appalling & after the election Yes Trundle’s famous I will intervene to help you....but you guessed it, John Barilaro This is just but one of the many varied reasons people right across doesn’t answer his phone anymore nor answer messages left. NSW have deserted the Nat’s, they simply don’t care anymore, it’s no longer about the people of the bush or the man on the ABBA Festival returns on Surprise Surprise Surprise land, he’s been forgotten, it’s simply about me me me & how they as mainstream politicians can speak the words we want to hear In June 2019 at the NSW National’s conference held in Lismore, (simply to shut us up), lap up the cameras for self-promotion, then John Barilaro stated; milk the fiscal tax payer funded cow as best they can. Saturday, May 2nd 2020

What’s even more disappointing about Mr. Barilaro is throughout “The title of Deputy Premier these most devastating bushfires impacting the Northern means I am subservient to Region, specifically the Mid North Coast, Mr. Barilaro has been spruiking that the “fuel” that’s on the floor of the National Parks, a Premier who is leader of the branches, the undergrowth and the leaves, has not been another party, which makes it adequately burnt back. difficult to assert our brand.” Really Mr. Barilaro?

You & your Government has known about all this since you collectively came to power in March 2011 & you’ve collectively ignored our calls.

On behalf of our members, we would like This is without question, the most fun filled weekend you’ll spend in probably, to thank Deputy Premier, most of your life time Mr. Giovanni Domenic "John" Barilaro, for his Come & support Trundle NSW & you’ll also be supporting the Trundle Rural Fire Brigade who total lack of consideration have been supporting this incredible event since it began. of the needs of our Volunteer Firefighters www.facebook.com/trundleabbafestival across NSW during his tenure as an MP of the State of NSW, especially Book tickets at: for the lack of care, the absence of consideration www.trundleabbafestival.com & compassion of the situation one RFS Image: John Barilaro, our NSW Deputy Premier Volunteer found himself in, no thanks of course to the hierarchy of the NSW Rural Fire Service’s upper Management. Oh how proud we Volunteers are to serve you…

16 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter 12 POTATO POINT POTATO POINT continued

danger when it hasn’t happened recently enough to us so that it’s singed into our memory.

Potato Point, a small isolated village in southern NSW, narrowly averted disaster in 1985 when a major bushfire was stopped by a grassland firebreak that stretched 500 metres from the village boundary. Since that time forest regrowth has completely overtaken the previous firebreak and grown to the very edge of the village.

Despite major efforts over the last 9 years to have National says, “Fire can be used for one of three outcomes. The first to Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) recognize the ever-present encourage native grasses to regenerate and produce new feed, threatening danger and to renew the protection we had before, the second to reduce scrub and fuel to prevent intense bushfires, they have refused. This protective firebreak is low cost and nothing and thirdly to promote biodiversity”. more and nothing less than we had before. It is not a new fire break but simply the restoration of what was there before. In fact, The overwhelming majority of bushfires start in national parks, NPWS have spent many times more money than a fire break state forests or other public land. The responsibility for fires would cost on stultifying and negative reports justifying their refusal caused or exacerbated by the fuel loads in these areas therefore to restore the fire break. rests with the owners of this land. Potato Point is While there have been some attempts at hazard reduction extremely vulnerable around Potato Point, efforts to date have been ineffective. to bushfires with Moreover, instead of an independent assessment to verify the Potato Point just one access road into the village could very well become a, which would be quickly cut in the event of fire.

One of the world’s Flaming Hell most respected fire experts, former head of the CSIRO’s UR WILD Australian bushland is a magnificent natural bushfire research effectiveness of hazard reduction, self-assessment results in an feature. Many of us have chosen to live close to nature unit and one of all too convenient report up the management chain to say, “… Oenjoying the peace and tranquility and walking forest trails. the pioneers of that burn was completely successful, and we did a great job…”. It both fascinates and enthralls us with its natural beauty and prescribed burning, Experienced locals know that this is not the case and the bushfire appealing ruggedness. It’s a magnificent part of the Australian Phil Chaney, has dangers remain high and growing. landscape admired by us all. reviewed the Potato Yes-Minister inactions and bureaucratic obfuscation with heat. It was a miracle that our Tuggeranong Valley home on top of Point landscape opportunistic blame sheeted to “climate change” and But. In hot and dry conditions, our fuel-laden forests can turn a hill backing a reserve was spared. The flaming hell split left and and in particular its vulnerability to bushfires. He concluded that “unprecedented” weather do nothing to address the issues and into a deadly and unstoppable killer. In NSW so far this bushfire right and roared past us. hazard-reduction is vital to reduce the intensity of flames. His are no substitute for the required and methodical prescribed season, 4 people have died and more than 400 homes have been perceptive observations also noted that, “… if you own the fuel burning. destroyed in some 56 bushfires. I subsequently volunteered as a member of the ACT Government’s you own the fire…”. Canberra Bushfire Recovery Appeal Board to raise funds for the Politicians and bureaucrats are quick to take action after a bushfire Much of this impact can be dramatically reduced by adopting people affected by the fire. Millions was raised in a nationwide Fuel loads over eight tonnes a hectare are considered a fire but seem determined to find any excuse for avoiding pro-active relatively simple and low-cost fire mitigation efforts. This requires appeal and every dollar was distributed to those in need without hazard. A fourfold increase in ground fuel loads results in a defensive measures when they are needed - now. a plan and action to protect our properties and loved ones before a cent spent on costs or overheads. The Coroner’s Report on thirteen fold increase in the heat generated by fire. In the forests disaster strikes. Allowing combustible material to grow close to the Canberra Bushfire was critical of the lack of hazard reduction surrounding Potato Point fuel loads have been measured in excess Gary Green. homes is inviting disaster. If a fire can be fueled by the trees and conducted in the many years before the fire. These comments of 40 tonnes a hectare. This is 5 times the amount considered a vegetation on our properties and potentially cause harm to our are repeated ad nauseum in almost every inquiry after a bushfire “fire hazard”. These fuel loads continue to build up in the absence * Potato Point is a village in the Eurobodalla Shire lying on the neighbor’s, we have a community responsibility to do all you can has caused loss of life and destruction of property. A willful lack of serious hazard reduction or prescribed burning to reduce their south coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is connected by to reduce these dangers. of preparation that increases the fire dangers runs through many volume. road to the town of Bodalla, and surrounded by the Eurobodalla communities. Aboriginal communities have a long history of understanding National Park. The Yuin are considered to be the traditional owners I witnessed the 2003 Canberra bushfires and have never felt so the benefits of managing fire. Australian National University of the region. much fear about the roaring power of flames, burning embers and We have a tendency to ignore or underestimate the bushfire professor Bill Gammage, an expert of traditional Aboriginal burning

18 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 19 Glossodia Rural Fire Brigade Glossodia Rural Fire Brigade Graeme Jay – Life Membership Graeme Jay – Life Membership Report by John Peters – Captain Report by John Peters – Captain Glossodia brigade was founded in 1941, it was then within the Colo Shire Council LGA. Colo Shire Council merged with Windsor Glossodia brigade was founded in 1941, it was then within the Municipal Council in 1981 later forming the Hawkesbury Shire Colo Shire Council LGA. Colo Shire Council merged with Windsor Council, status was granted in 1989 to form the Hawkesbury Municipal Council in 1981 later forming the Hawkesbury Shire City Council. Until the merger with Hawkesbury City Council, Council, status was granted in 1989 to form the Hawkesbury Glossodia brigade was the first RFS (bushfire Brigade) brigade in City Council. Until the merger with Hawkesbury City Council, the Colo shire LGA. Glossodia brigade was the first RFS (bushfire Brigade) brigade in Glossodiathe Colo shire is part LGA. of the Hawkesbury Fire District which has 22 RFS brigades and support brigades. At our last brigade AGM we Glossodia is part of the Hawkesbury Fire District which has 22 voted to elect Mr. Graeme Jay the honour of a Life Membership RFS brigades and support brigades. At our last brigade AGM we of the brigade. voted to elect Mr. Graeme Jay the honour of a Life Membership L to R – John Peters (newly elected Captain, Graeme Jay (outgoing Captain & Graemeof the brigade. has been a part of our brigade SMT and since he joined now DC) & SDC Paul Crick. the Brigade he obtained the rank of Captain of our Brigade, L to R – John Peters (newly elected Captain, Graeme Jay (outgoing Captain & Graeme has been a part of our brigade SMT and since he joined he also holds the qualifications as a Group leader, Graeme now DC) & SDC Paul Crick. the Brigade he obtained the rank of Captain of our Brigade, Graeme also played a vital role in having our current station and was part of our team that was instrumental in having our extended so that the brigade could carry out its new role within he also holds the qualifications as a Group leader, Graeme Graeme also played a vital role in having our current station brigade Status changed to V2 (CABA), which was met with strict the Hawkesbury as a V2 brigade. and was part of our team that was instrumental in having our extended so that the brigade could carry out its new role within opposition from the District Office but after a battle, we were brigade Status changed to V2 (CABA), which was met with strict the Hawkesbury as a V2 brigade. eventually given the classification of V2 and have been very active We all wish to thank Graeme for his years of commitment to the opposition from the District Office but after a battle, we were within the Hawkesbury district suppling crews for structural fire role of Captain & his leadership within the brigade & we couldn’t eventually given the classification of V2 and have been very active We all wish to thank Graeme for his years of commitment to the support. be happier in bestowing the honour of Life Membership of the within the Hawkesbury district suppling crews for structural fire role of Captain & his leadership within the brigade & we couldn’t CONGRATULATIONSsupport. GREG GREEN continued be happier in bestowing the honour of Life Membership of the Weeds in the System ROY BUTLER - NSW MEMBER FOR BARWON GregBEYOND has held OUR the positionPATCHES of Brigade was the Incident Controller. Greg ensured Training Officer on various occasions. safety of the crew through his leadership and, as such, Greg and the crew have IGreg turn was59 this instrumental year and this in the makes building me oneof of the younger I once rang Homebush and politely asked for some information been decorated with the Commissioner’s membersextensions of on my the Brigade. Bargo FireI joined Station a real after Bush Fire Brigade at age regarding radios. I was put through to a person who was less Unit Citation for Bravery. Roy Butler 17the because Brigade workedit was not tirelessly a fanfare to event.move I do thank the RFS for than forthcoming. Two days later in passing with one of my local somethe station better to equipment its present over location the years, in Avon but the overbearingGreg’s been white awarded theRFS NSW inspectors, Rural I was told that my local RFS office was contacted Dam RoadMURRUMBATEMAN on 25 February 1984. Fire Service 15 & 25 year Service Badge, shirt part they can keep. and told that I was not to contact him asking for this information. NSW Member for Barwon further in 2003 Greg was involved with Greg isMURRUMBATEMAN currently leading the brigade This officer is a “Weed” in the system. Ithrough attend coursesthe forecast where change I can andto a amnew bemused atthe how ACT busy fires the and received the ACT Fire On the whole, most paid officers try to do their best but the “headlocation shed” once is. again. The current RFS leadership doesMedal. promote what it amount of rubbish that spews from Sydney, threatens to stands for, “Restriction of Freedom of Speech” Many paid officers The community involvement of Greg is Greg holds the National Medaloverwhelm and athem. This flood of demand will eventually cause a who strive to provide the best they can, know this for a fact. not restricted to the Rural Fire Service. further 2 bars for over 35“bush years drain”of service (seen as a loss of paid staff with deep knowledge and is also a recipient of the AFSM. MostGreg ofhas NSW also governmentpreviously been departments active with have been put through of fire behaviour in their respective districts, respected for their the local SES Rescue, Army Reserve and the turmoil of decentralisation in the past. Why notClearly move an the outstanding RFS recipientfirefighting for theabilities on many levels). The worse of this is that as was a trained member of the coalmines HQ into the middle of NSW? “You can’t do that!”awarding They’ll say, of, Wollondilly Citizenthe best of of the our “bush” will be lost in the upcoming holocaust (see rescue. “where would my kids go to school, it’s so far fromYear Sydney...” Award on Australia DayCFA 2017Management – we Vic 2009). Barton Highway, Murrumbateman – Just 30km from Canberra SomeThe Bargo members Brigade travel crew for was days involved to get to in the middleextend of NSW our heartyjust congratulationsWeeds – growto quickly, use vital resources, produce little of value a major MVA in April 1997 at whichBarton Greg Highway, MurrumbatemanPhone: 02 6227 – Just5802 30km from Canberra to attend a course, if we were decentralised we couldGreg. go to OUR and are hard to eradicate. These weeds have spread through http://www.murrumbatemancountryinn.com.au headquarters. Phone: 02 6227the 5802service replacing the respected FCO’s and other officers who http://www.murrumbatemancountryinn.com.au This time last year, I was knee deep in the election campaign for to our farmers, communities, and businesses since week one have left in disgust. Three questions:The VFFA greatly appreciates the support shown to our Association, its membership and the the seat of Barwon. A hard slog over many months that saw me in Parliament. I won’t stop until we see real support for our Perhaps a move of the RFS to a central rural location may 1. How many of the “70,000” of us have beenVolunteer to Firefighters of its local Community. visit every town and community (bar three) in the largest electorate communities. The VFFA greatly appreciates the support shown to our Association, its membership and the HQ at Homebush? eradicate some of the weeds before it’s too late. in NSW. We highly recommend thatVolunteer whenever Firefighters passing ofby its their local way, Community. please call in and enjoy the local 2. Was it a good experience? Note: This association has removed the authors name & brigade Alongside calling for increased drought support, I have been hospitalityWe highly they’verecommend become that so whenever well known passing for Motel by their Accommodation, way, please call Great in and Food enjoy & Beverage! the local 3. Did you feel like you intruded and weren’t welcome? to avoid placing that person in harm’s way! It’s a true honour that the people of Barwon placed their trust in highlighting issues with health care in regional NSW. Shockingly in hospitality they’ve become so well known for Motel Accommodation, Great Food & Beverage! me and voted me into NSW Parliament. People often ask me why the far west of the Barwon electorate people can expect to live six I decided to run for Barwon. It is a good question I watched jobs and a half years less than people do in Sydney. Twenty years ago disappear from our community; I saw shopfronts close and the people in the far west lived two years longer than people in the the volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Page 15 population decline. The only opportunity I saw to change things city. the volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Page 15 When your travelling OUTBACK was to be an unrestricted voice in Parliament. Celebrating 40 Years of Broadcasting With the high level of monitoring the health system is under you Whenin this your great travelling State ofOUTBACK NSW, This year I have been standing up and fighting for the future of have to ask – how has this been allowed to happen? What has the Wheninmake this your great sure travelling youState tune OUTBACKof NSW, in to Barwon communities – sending a message to Government that Government been doing? inmake this great sure Stateyou tune of NSW, in to western NSW is no longer going to accept neglect and the pulling Outback Radio 2WEB of services and funding from our communities. In Barwon, there are hospitals that cannot deliver basic services Outbackmake sure Radio you tune 2WEB in to PIE IN THE SKY Roadhouse & Café like setting a fracture or performing minor surgeries so people You’llOutback here the bestRadio music 2WEB selection 1858 BELLS LINE OF ROAD, BILPIN. NSW At present, there is no greater issue affecting the lives of everyone are put in ambulances and sent to hospitals hours away. For too includingYou’ll here the the latest best and music greatest selection hits PIE IN THEwww.pieintheskybilpin.com SKY Roadhouse & Café who lives in the long people in Barwon have put up with this poor service, but I’m 1858 BELLS LINE OF ROAD, BILPIN NSW plus Weather updates and all the latest west and far calling time on it. You’llincluding hear the the latest best and music greatest selection hits At ‘Pie in the Sky Roadhouse Bilpin, we make fresh homemade pies and other pastries. We serve a full range west of this State I’m pushing for a healthcare system in the west that delivers for plusNews,including Weather make the updates sure latest 585AM & and greatest allis securedthe hits latest At ‘Pie in the Sky Roadhouse Bilpin, we make fresh menu including pastries and beef burgers. We also have than the than our communities, patients, carers and families because at the end homemade pies and other pastries. We serve a full range News,plus makeWeatheron your sure updates Radio 585AM Dial. & is all secured the some delicious homemade apple pies and deserts. this devastating of the day it’s people's lives we are talking about. I do not accept menu including pastries and beef burgers. We also have latest News, make sure 585AM is drought. that poor health outcomes are the price people must pay for living on your Radio Dial. someOPEN delicious 7 DAYS. homemade EAT IN apple OR TAKEAWAY.pies and deserts. secured on your Radio Dial in the country. The Government cannot continue to put regional OPEN• Classic 7 DAYS.healthy French EAT styleIN OR butter TAKEAWAY. puff pastry The drought came health care in the too hard basket. – no trans fats! • Classic healthy French style butter puff pastry off the farm many • All hand made on premises with natural ingredients & fresh premium– no meat trans – nothing fats! processed! months ago, I’ll continue raising the issues impacting people in the Barwon • All hand made on premises with natural ingredients its affecting our electorate, and continue the fight for better in 2020. & fresh premiumOur range meat includes:– nothing processed! • Gourmet Angus Steak Pies • Angus Steak Burgers communities and Our range includes: • Angus Beef Burgers • Apple Pies businesses at a From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy • Gourmet Angus Steak Pies • Angus Steak Burgers We also serve: level never seen New Year! • Angus Beef Burgers • Apple Pies • Devonshire Teas • Apple Pies • Pastries • Superb Coffee before. Along • Soft Drinks •We Milkshakes also serve: • Cakes & Slices with my Shooters To all our Volunteers across the State – thank you for your • Devonshire• Bacon Teas & Egg • Apple Rolls •Pies Sausage • Pastries Rolls •• SuperbPasties Coffee Fishers and dedication to our communities, stay safe out there and look out for • Soft Drinks • Milkshakes • Cakes & Slices Long-time• Bacon Supporters & Egg Rolls of • NSW Sausage Volunteer Rolls • Pasties Firefighters Farmers colleagues, your mates. Or you can listen in anywhere I have been calling via the TuneIn App Long-time Supporters of NSW Volunteer Firefighters for direct support Roy Page 10 Winter 2017 the volunteer fire fighter

Page 46 Summer 2017/18 the volunteer fire fighter 20 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 21 BELOWRA STATION OPENING BELOWRA STATION OPENING continued

Brigades with members drawn from the farming community, Ewan spoke on behalf of the Brigade and thanked all who Belowra Nurses, Educators, Naval Officer, Business Owners, Cartographer attended and those who had assisted with the Station planning &Radiographer. The common factor is that they come together to and construction. serve the Community and assist those around them. Station Opening Belowra Brigade over many years has been able to respond At the end of the Opening and Presentations a sumptuous to many small fires caused by lightning strikes or campfires in Luncheon was enjoyed by all present after being prepared by the rugged terrain, and contain or extinguish them long before they hardworking members of the Eurobodalla Catering Brigade. Saturday August 3rd, 2019 became unmanageable and threatened the highly populated The Volunteer Fire Fighters Association congratulate Belowra coastal villages to the east. The earliest assistance they could on the opening of their new Station and also the NSWRFS & expect would take a minimum of 40 minutes to arrive and their Eurobodalla Shire for providing this great facility to a remote early attack often meant fires with a catastrophic potential were Brigade who carry on the determination and qualities that were dealt with quickly and without having to commit a huge amount of instrumental in the formation of the NSW Bush Fire Brigades so resources. long ago.

Image: Former Chief Supt Ken Hall, Captain Ewan Thomson, Asst. Comm. Peter McKechnie & J. Cullen FCO Bega Valley.

Image: Some of the large crowd attending the opening Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner McKechnie officiated New Station – It’s so good to see the words at the Station Opening and presented Service Medals and Awards to Belowra members and other members of Eurobodalla Shire Image: L L. to R: Cr Phil Constable, F/F & Brigade Brigades. He was assisted by former Chief Supt. Ken Hall (at the Secretary, Sue-Ellen Misfeld, Cr James Thomson & Asst. “for our community” Comm. Peter McKechnie. time, Region South Manager), Eurobodalla Shire Councilors Phil still in use, since it disappeared from most RFS letterheads and signage. Constable & James Thomson & Bega Valley Manager J. Cullen.

Assistant Commissioner Peter ELOWRA RURAL FIRE BRIGADE was one of the meandering through mountainous areas of Forestry & National McKechnie congratulated first Brigades formed in the Eurobodalla Shire. The Parks before descending into the open grazing land of the Valley. the members for the service grand opening of their first ever “official” Station was There are 12 or so homesteads in the 6000+ha brigade area and they have given and continue Bwidely attended and supported by people from far and wide and to the west is the escarpment climbing up to Cooma, Captains to give to the community included fellow volunteers, dignitaries and members of the public. Flat and Braidwood. Telephone is available but the power grid and acknowledged does not extend further than Nerrigundah which is also the closest individual Belowra members There have been two ‘un-official’ stations in the past, one of which Brigade backup and is some 40 minutes response time from the achievements. Captain for many years was a bay in the present Captains Machinery Shed Valley. Ewan Thomson it was noted and more recently a one bay Station designed, funded and built by had served for 50 years as members. There is no township nor are there any public buildings and the Captain and had been a Valley was first settled by those seeking pastures suitable for member for a total of 61 years The beautiful and remote Belowra Valley on the headwaters of the running sheep and cattle. Other than a few smallholdings these with his wife Kaye clocking up Tuross River is situated about one hour west of Bodalla and the pursuits remain to this day. 40 years as a crew member Princes Highway. It is accessed from the East through the old Gold and admin office holder. Image: On left, Brigade F/F Kay Thomson. Mining Town of Nerrigundah. The road consists mainly of fire trails The members at Belowra are as diverse as many larger coastal Image: Brigade Captain of 50 years, Mr. Ewan Thomson, addressing Continued on next page >> dignitaries and visitors along with District Manager J. Cullen

22 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 23 BELOWRA STATION OPENING continued

Image: On left, Snr. Dep Capt. David (Joe) Byard Image: On left, F/F Robbie Broomham

Image: On left, Brigade F/F Chris Roberts Image: Captain Ewan Thomson & Ass.Commissioner Peter McKechnie unveil the Station Plaque

Image: On Left, Brigade F/F Val Byard Image: Award Recipients from Belowra & other Eurobodalla Brigades

24 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter 25 DRIVING ON MARS continued Goin’ Bush

SandDriving Driving on Mars and Summer Fun Report by Vic Widman By Vic Widman of Great Divide Tours

TheHave beach you andever Australia thought gowhat hand it might in hand and overlanguage summer towe describe all Nothing teaches you more than real hands on recovery, that’s seembe like to gravitateto drive on towards Mars? theor maybe coast. theThere are manythis beachesout of Earth in for sure. But! Any recovery is dangerous and when it’s mixed AustraliaMoon? that Well, you I agree, can legally it’s probably (with the isn't correct a permitexperience. in the glove with sand and an incoming tide it can get deadly. Sadly, many box)thought take yourtrain 4wdrivethat most onto, people but willof allhave. the various types of 4wd people have been seriously injured and have died as a result of a recovery gone wrong on one of Australia’s beautiful beaches. terrainBut if thatyou weever can did encounter, wonder what sand the is the most unforgiving.The biggest battle How quickly can a fun loving time at the beach turn into an Getconditions it wrong mightand you be getlike stuckin a totally almost alien immediately. with this trip was absolute tragedy? environment, I think I've found a place getting there. Iceland I take 4wd tagalong tours up to Stockton Beach just north of on Earth where you can experience it - is a long long way So here are a few tips to help make your family beach adventure NewcastleIceland! every couple of months and without failfrom we endAustralia! up As memorable for all the right reasons. helping some poor bugger bogged to the door sills.a minimumNot one you are said we risked our 4wdrives' paint being ofLast my customersJune I was I luckyshould enough add as to they be are there to lookinglearn the at 30+ hours Arctic Trucks is like another vehicle In geographical terms, Iceland is a stripped from the doors! We took their appropriategiven the opportunity sand driving to skills experience and follow first my adviceof totravel, the letter. mostly sitting Permits not get dark at all. Waking at 3 am and manufacturer in Iceland and Europe. relatively new country. Australia on the advice. Buthand it’s theusually driving some conditions young fella that who might thinks he knowscramped it all or in aeconomy class on long haul looking out my hotel window to see the They take standard style 4wdrives such other hand has been around a lot longer, youngbe considered family out closefor their to anfirst out day of of this beach four wheelingplane flights. but with I've done Getthat youronce permit, now and just because you see a 4wd on a beach doesn’t sun shining was pretty weird. as Hilux, Navara, Prado etc and perform hence why we really don't have mountains There are numerous hot springs, geysers, noworld knowledge experience. of how In tofact, actually I even drive drove on the beach.never again will I try to getmean to theyou other can go there too, inquire from local councils or all manner of serious modifications to and have a lot of sandy deserts, it’s all boiling mud pools and stinking gases down a valley that the first Moon landing side of the world in one nationalcontinuous park travel offices or even the local Visitor Centre, spend the Whilst assisting these people, my customers relish in the idea I had taken a group of Aussies over to them including the fitting of 38-44 inch been weathered away. But in Iceland the scattered around this volatile landscape. astronauts visited to simulate what the regime. small amount of money for the permit and have peace of mind. of watching what has to be done to get the poor hapless and Ignorance isn’t an option experiencethese days, a so 12 do day your 4wd homework tour around and wheels and tyres (the tyres are specially country is still growing. Active volcanoes But the overwhelming sight was the environment might be like on the Moon seriously bogged individual going again. get your permit in advance.Iceland, (how else did you think I could manufactured for them in China) they abound (the last eruption was 10 years presence of lots and lots of waterfalls. way back in the 1960's. Iceland is a small island about the size of afford this - things are very expensive extend drive shafts, cut body work, ago). The island sits astride two tectonic With so much snow melt occurring in Tasmania just below the Arctic Circle north in Iceland, as everything is flown in). To change gear ratios, add on board plates which just happen to be pulling in Summer, water just cascades off every My four wheel drive touring company, of Norway and England. For 8 months add to this adventure we had contracted compressors with self inflating tyres etc the opposite direction, so Iceland is being mountain top, every valley runs with water, Great Divide Tours, has been exploring of the year it lives up to its name and a company known as Arctic Trucks to etc. About 25% of the vehicles driving stretched apart. We stood looking down and the numerous jagged cliff faces that Australia for 30 years now and in recent is basically snowed under. My visit was supply the self drive vehicles and a local around Iceland are 4wdrives sitting on into the gaping chasm caused by the line these valleys simply overflow with times we have ventured further afield to in June which is of course the northern tour guide. You may have seen the Arctic giant wheels. When you remember that pulling apart of the Island, you can't do waterfalls. You will possibly adopt the places such as New Zealand, Namibia hemispheres summer. Trucks on an episode of Top Gear when for the most part of the year the island that in too many places! comment of "not another waterfall!”. and Botswana. Each of these locations those crazy presenters drove these red is under metres of snow, you begin to hold their own attraction either via As a result, the first uncanny situation that 4wdrives on giant wheels up a glacier. understand why this is commonplace. Because Iceland is made up of many However, despite the many highlights of dramatic scenery or roaming wild beasts. I had to become accustomed to was the volcanoes, and is such a young country, this trip, the one that stood out for me The scenery on our New Zealand tour is total lack of darkness. Being in Iceland on Well, that wasn't just for the TV show, they Even though our trip was smack in the the landscape is about as hostile as it can was driving on a glacier! As you approach hard to beat, but now that I have driven 20 June (the shortest daylight hours here really do have 4wdrives on giant wheels middle of the year, some of our planned get. Hence the reference to driving on the glacier over the giant boulders that around and over Iceland, a whole new list in Australia) meant the sun only set below and really do drive over glaciers. I know roads were still under snow. In one spot Mars. We drove down valleys filled with it has previously scrunched up and spat of superlatives is needed from the English the horizon for 34 minutes! Yep, it did because that is exactly what we did! we drove along a snow ploughed road volcanic ash, which is fine if it's a calm out, the overwhelming size of this giant with the ice and snow towering above the day, but when the wind blows, the ash lifts sheet of ice is awe inspiring. The lifted roof of the raised Hilux either side of it. (As and fills the atmosphere. On one such day red Hilux looked miniscule in this location. a foot note to this, I had a second group we met another group of drivers coming Incredibly, our guide advised us to drop do this exact same trip 3 weeks later and up the valley and they strongly advised us tyre pressure on the giant 38's to just 4 all that snow in that part of the country to turn back as high winds were whipping psi! had melted). up so much ash and black sand that they Continued on next page >>

the26 volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighterPage 17 The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 27 DRIVING ON MARS continued DRIVING ON MARS continued

Engage low range and both front and rear diff locks and away we went. What an amazing experience!

We drove for about 2 kilometres up the face of the glacier often in half a metre of deep snow. This led us to an ice cave carved into the glacier where we donned water proof clothing, cleats on our water proof over boots and beanies and gloves to then walk for a kilometre under the glacier. That was pretty cool!

Iceland was an amazing experience and only one more thing could have made it better, seeing the northern lights, but with 24 hrs of sunlight, that was never going to happen. So, you guessed it, I plan to return in 2020 a little later in the year so I can have some dark skies at night which might reveal the beautiful blue/green light show while we drive across a landscape similar to Mars or the Moon. You can see all the details on this trip at www.4wd. net.au

Vic Widman is the owner of Great Divide Tours based in Sydney where he provides 4wd tagalong tours all over the world and 4wd training to nationally recognised levels at his purpose built 4wd training facility near Braidwood, NSW. www.4wd.net.au

More photos on next page >>

28 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 29 DRIVING ON MARS continued

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30 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter 31

VFFA - PC040 Subs deals-FP.indd 177 2/10/19 10:30 am TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

PILBARAto

BROOME(the back way)

PAT AND HIS BOYS TAKE A SLIGHTLY RANDOM ROUTE FROM PILBARA TO BROOME via Carawine Gorge. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAT CALLINAN

MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 33 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

In the words of Lang Hancock … “In November 1952, I was flying down south with my wife Hope, and we left a bit later than usual and by the time we got over the Hamersley Ranges, the clouds had formed and the ceiling got lower and lower. I got into the Turner River, knowing full well if I followed it through I would come out into the Ashburton. On going The view of Hammersley Ranges through a gorge in the Turner River, I noticed that the walls looked from Mt Nameless isn’t half bad... to me to be solid iron and was particularly alerted by the rusty- looking colour of it; it showed to me to be oxidised iron.” Eighty Mile Beach was a cool spot, if a One of the reasons I travel is for the love of colours. Nature’s colour palette is infinitely more diverse and little crowded interesting than anything a mere human could dream up. And few 4X4 journeys could offer more colour at times diversity than a journey from the rich ochre reds of the Pilbara to the white sands of Eighty Mile Beach to the sunsets of Broome. And don’t get me started on those turquoise coastal waters … it’s like turning up the saturation in Photoshop to eleventeen; the only difference being that this time, the colours aren’t fake. This little adventure begins in a region pioneered by the Hancock family around Western Australia’s Tom Price, the Hamersley Ranges. Flying over the region in the 1950s, it became apparent to Lang Hancock that both the colours and the formations meant that something special was happening at ground level. And while there is plenty of evidence of open-cut mining now (just take a drive up Mt Nameless), many of the special scenic features have been preserved.

The access track up to Mt Nameless sits just a few kilometres outside of Tom Price, and it’s a superb start to this 4X4 journey. The wide red track winds its way up the mountain, promising better and better views the further you go. It’s not overly challenging and could be tackled in high range, I although low range (or Hill Descent Control) is an advantage when descending. On arrival at the summit of what is Western Australia’s second-highest peak, the views are breathtaking. Look one way and you’ll see the ragged spines of the Hamersley Ranges; look the other and you’ll spy open-cut examples of what is thought to be the world’s largest iron ore deposit. The population of Tom Price sits at around 2,500, and as a result the shopping for supplies is easy. So we stocked up at Coles with all the essentials before pointing the Amarok bonnets towards Karijini National Park. I had been here before, but my boys Bill and Gus had not – so I couldn’t wait for them to explore this natural wonderland. And hey, what Aussie boy doesn’t like to swim and jump off rocks? We drove straight to Hancock Gorge to start exploring. After a short walk, we were soon descending galvanised steel ladders onto the floor of the gorge. Away from the sun, it was cooler down here … and we were soon skirting the side of the shallow waterway and jumping on stepping stones. But you can only do that for so long before you have to commit to walking through the waterhole. The frigid water came up to my thigh, which was exhilarating; but not in a good way. Further along, we clambered along skinny rock ledges to avoid the deeper sections of pools. Then, rounding the corner which is shaped like an amphitheatre, the Spiderwalk began. With a creek running between your legs, you’re forced to clamber like a spider, spreading your hands and feet out on the walls. It’s loads of fun, and quite slippery. Then you delve deeper into the darkening gorge and pop out at Kermit’s Pool.

34 MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter MR4X4.COM.AUMR4X4.COM.AU • PAT •CALLINAN’S 21 • PAT 4X4CALLINAN’S ADVENTURES 4X4 ADVENTURES 35 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

2

At the end of this little track 3 1 on Warawagine Station, sits a glacier rock slide. Must have been a heavy frost that morning. O Keeping the batteries 2topped-up with a little help from Redarc. Can we call it a panel van now?! Staircase to the Moon, 1 3 Cape Keraudren Style Cape Keraudren sits 4 at the southern end of Eighty Mile Beach. As you can see, caravanners just hate the place... We stayed there for half an hour as the boys jumped, splashed and pushed each other in time and time again. You’ve gotta love kids – the water was freezing, and they couldn’t have cared less. 4 The gorge continues on and looks even more spectacular – but from here on in, it’s abseiling only. Incidentally, be sure to pack your wet shoes on this walk … because you will get wet. And keep an eye on the weather forecast as there is no fast way out of the gorge, and flash floods have taken lives down here. That evening we camped at the Karijini Eco Retreat. It’s a well-run campground that even has a bar and casual restaurant, but we opted to cook for ourselves back at camp. Barbeques are supplied, so we took full advantage of the amenities (including the hot showers). There are loads more things to see in Karijini, and I would recommend you staying at least five days; but our schedule kept us moving. So it was off to Newman, and then up to Carawine Gorge. If you say it fast, it sounds short. It’s not. It was one of those legs that I underestimated, and we ended up camping by the side of the track around 20 kilometres south of Nullagine.

MR4X4.COM.AUMR4X4.COM.AU • •PAT PAT CALLINAN’S CALLINAN’S 4X4 4X4 ADVENTURES ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES 22 • • 37 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

I had been here before, BUT MY BOYS BILL AND GUS HAD NOT – SO I COULDN’T WAIT FOR THEM TO EXPLORE THIS NATURAL WONDERLAND. AND HEY, WHAT AUSSIE BOY DOESN’T LIKE TO SWIM AND JUMP OFF ROCKS?

MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES wonder 38 The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 39 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

Nature’s colour palette is infinitely more diverse and This is remote country and we didn’t see a single interesting than anything car go past that afternoon or evening; and there was plentiful firewood. And of course, the stars were out a mere human in force that night, given the lack of light pollution. After Nullagine we turned onto the cheerfully could dream up. named ‘Skull Springs Road’ for the last 150 kilometres into Carawine Gorge. The roads out in these parts vary quite a lot. Some are in fantastic condition (thanks to the mining dollars in the region), while others have been forgotten. Either way, it’s all high-range 4X4 territory, with interesting rock formations along the way. Carawine Gorge is a welcome oasis, formed over millennia by erosion from the Oakover River. The gorge itself sits on private property, and the Warawagine Station owners have generously allowed free access. Camping opportunities here are plentiful and the birdlife is outstanding. We took to the water in our tinnie to explore up the river – marvelling at the sheer red rock walls that towered above. The boys managed to catch a few fish on the handline too, which was a blast. The river sand can be soft and boggy though, so be sure to lower your tyre pressures if you choose to go exploring.

MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES 40 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 41 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME 2

But sure enough, The people we met had planned to stop in here for a day or two, but opted to stay much longer. The lack of crowds creates a perfect setting AT THE END OF A 500-METRE-LONG and there is ample room to explore – both on land, and on the wet stuff. YOU CLIMB OUT OF On our way out from Carawine, I spotted a sign that remarked about ‘glacier rock slides’. Huh? Let’s get this straight. Other than the gorge, TRACK, YOUR CAR TO FIND this is some of the most arid country in Australia. Spinifex as far as the eye can see, and just up the track is Australia’s hottest town – Marble Bar. But sure enough, at the end of a 500-metre-long track, you climb out of your car to find marks on the rock that could only have been ON THE MARKS ROCK caused by the immense pressure of a massive glacier. Proof that, yet THAT COULD HAVE ONLY BEEN again, the Outback will always dish up something unexpected. By now, we were in need of a shower and something icy-cold to drink. So after rolling out the swags in the Marble Bar caravan park, we sidled BY THE over to the Iron Clad Hotel. We played a few games of ping pong, and CAUSED were entertained by the pub’s pooch. Winning. IMMENSE PRESSURE EIGHTY MILE BEACH OF A MASSIVE GLACIER

Mt Nameless site, just a few kilometres away from Tom Price

MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU • PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES 42 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 43 TRAVEL: PILBARA TO BROOME

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r Bay ALT a t L r o P Mangrove n q Napier Range d Ac C s e s Roa ce R The Bench s v a k r s Bay a t d e . w e 36 L L v L H a i R 4 M Lenn M 3 a ard R L e Derby y  R. 'Glenroy' p L e L L ad a 119 y F p R b The o M C t . ib rr 36 G Rocks R e 'Mornington' N a Derby - s T-Bone A t R arr - 110 Sa N a ie Range C Tent Island t n ng Bay e dy G e m L E 'Lansdowne' o t C k p o t S

r 318 t 1 125 S d A  B A t Oscar Range Bunuba a Ro a n e 'Willare Gre 'Blina' d n at y P - L w L t Bridge ig an o C d Turquoise e e s

t  i o k Roadhouse' n . 7 t C s d 'Roebuck Plains k wn Bay r G 24  o R L Roadhouse' Northern D a 11 Camballin si l Gr  s Y Exmouth Gulf an Fo Broome D t R  Indian Ocean Roebuck L a a L e Pilgonaman m n  L o ld g M p e p o Bay K Deep P ier t The next day, we jumped on a tour of the Comet u Highway. But we did opt to drive onto the famous 80 r t Ningaloo i v e a F Hull Range Hope D i 'Laurel Downs' l Reef t t l Cape Range e o z t Mount e r RubibiIsland w o r Gold Mine, which was particularlyFitzroy interesting.Pierre AlthoughR M Mile Beach, at the access next to the caravan park. The NationalIndian Park Ocean ns y t a p a r Pilgonaman Community R ier Noonkanbah Crossing A1 204m ga oad a m D t n re Indian Ocean Bay Storage t D ow  'Quanbun' g t Ac ns even more interesting was to discover that the ‘Marble’L e sand here is stunning. So is the water colour. Although ce R s ss t S o tank Ro . t t u a p i

 d Sandy t a s R C . 'Kalyeeda' 'Noonkanbah' h rk a Gooniyandi Bay K they refer to in the name ‘Marble Bar’ri was, well, ae R I must admit that its popularity (and the traffic) did turn  'Dampier s 315 E t  m R . Storage tank Downs' t m a t an ng Osprey Nyikina S a u e a t s e mistake. While the rock formationin at the river llooks to me off a little. The park was bursting at the seams; Bay M t G C R Hig Mangala e k a hwa  y or t n ge g t Ra e

be marble, it’s actually a jasper bar.ng Bummer. But I do and with loads of cars and quad bikes roaring up the d Rest Bay es a t t t o S t R h  Yardie y 329 love the fact there’s no talk ofo rchanging the name. How beach, it was a bit of a disappointment. Hey, I don’t a e R  w ang Gorge h Karajarri e g 'Nita Downs' d i very Australian. “She’ll be apples maate! Just imagine like crowds unless I’m at a 4X4 show. You can’t help a Nyangumarta-Karajarri H People (Area A) o M  ill R yit nge 'Exmouth (Yawinya) t Karajarri Indigenous Ra Gulf' reprintin’ all those maps. Why bother?” Ha ha. but think that if there were more access points to the w " ThalanyjiProtected Area n Karajarri r After a short stretch of bitumen, we took the smooth beach, this would be a more pleasant experience. Ningaloo e k h e rt People (Area B) Reef e o r G N

 gravel Goldsworthy Road out towards the coast. Near I’d have loved to have visited Broome in the 1950s Carbaddaman C Eightye Mile Beach t g A1 Pass. n G ales Bay Giralia a Bay the Pardoo Roadhouse, we jumped on the gravel and ’60s before it was ‘discovered’, but despite its th Defence  R 'Sandfire u N  Roadhouse' o o h Reserve g t s e Ngarla & Ngarla s  e i m u L cc Pub again to discover the beautiful Cape Keraudren – a popularity it’s still a worthwhile dot on your itinerary. d x o A lic r G E R

a (Determination Area A)  52 Sandalwoodc Y i IndianLefroy Ocean l L t b Acc caravanners’ dream camp. The location alone is fantastic Just don’t bank on getting into a caravan park without Bay 43 59 Peninsulau ess eat P w Gr L o Nyangumarta People L 'Pardoo N Roadhouse' here, with the pretty cape being flanked by two beaches. a prior booking. We were there in peak season, - t (Part A) ALT

 39 K Nyangumarta Warrarn Great Sandy Desert 96 Route Indian Ocean 57

49 On the south side, there is even a boat ramp. On the and discovered that many parks were booked four 11 N Ngurrara Port Hedland  51 L 9 Indigenous Protected Area Bunsen 19 L K o go t 7 L L 1 6 Part A Ch. ela t 30 A 6 21 L 19 Warlu Jilajaa Jumu p t L 12 'Goldsworthy'  i Norwegian L  Nyangumarta P ut

o north side, the beach is long and white and you get toRo e months in advance. On top of that, free camps were ch  er

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m L r Searipple Pass. i 4 R 

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 o T va y t L  L o te v p" a 42 L Creek (abandoned) ad ng g g L  e s We got lucky here, with a full moon and a greatn a silver lining – our accommodation was around 12 5 N 'Ningaloo' u r I Ac u ni n in o r a - L 'Bullara' s c es m an Can 9 L " 40  a 'Giralia' C

t r n y A 15 igh R l a t 12 t H 49 w e 4 c b  L y h way L i a t 56 l r N 16 c e r

hw in 'Lalla . n ta ig a s g i e l W t aloo R l example of the legendary ‘Staircase to the Moon’. This the corner from Matso’s Brewery – which produces t H e s Ningaloo Rookh' 24 s a Bu 149 10 st oa L i L 68 C Jane Bay M s R 64 L C v rke Reef 124 a a 5 k e R L 26 r r n t r C t . e e d 

g t R v 135 L o Marble occurs when the moonlight reflects off the water, to one of my favourite drops in all of Australia. Try the a u  e l a i g b 4 L w o R o u t e w d 8 Gregory Range a L R n Mungaroona i Bar Ri S p Carawine Gorge R t a o o 40 n R L l H s  L h L 103 H Range Nature Marble Bar25 M il o 'Fortescue a e ls a i

a g 21 o r a R g reveal what looks toP eberciivall a white staircase all the way Mango Beer … I know, sounds weird, but it’s a great 78 o d h l l Roadhouse' C Reserve r e Mary Anne Pass. o L b in ad i L 26 L T w Lakes 39

34 g e

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le la Y 2 fe Yandeyarra y Camp Curlewis k Boat Yandee l r u L L 21 L

(abandoned) N 80 up to the moon. Next morning, one of the local ’roos way to end a hot day. Plus, my neighbour in the villa Pass.  L t R 17 s L Millstream Chichester R 50 o . e 35 a s t i B d

s v L L a 19 National Park a 32

P W e L Vigilant Pass. F e r r y e r 72(which had been hand-reared) paid us a visit in return showered us with free freshly-cooked Derby mud v r 24 L ngro L w L 2 89 L Ma L L 53 34 47 2 Onslow t Pannawonica urne 3

2 bo 9 6 L e

 t e o 24 g  R Yandeyarra t p L 22

65 T M 6  n for bribes. Bread was the currency. crabs, so there was a significant upside to our town L 52 5L 55 17 121 R Ashburton h o roona L K Black Range a t 87 L Munga Ran 16 L L a m - ge o 12 5 r 'Kanjenjie' ALT - L d R L 

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o P i t k N  l o 

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O 1 r la W 16 L A  i 90 R We met many lovely long-term campersL S here, stay! t e c W L n e  50 L 5 56

 L 5 d s i Nullagine 23  l t n 6 75 o R C L ri 54 a t g L w 76 e Sp 2 36 g a

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l u Exmouth n R R R I S w e and it was easy to see why they stay. Great fishing And what better way to end a journey than with a

 o . A . n 62 o C  R a H  d M a m a L y E 94 33 R L 7 C S L 43 A R 41 E R R oa T  s o . E R Chabjuwardoo d s 49  a and crabbing, great beaches and beautiful sunsets. Cable Beach sunset: Those colours never get old.

h d Ni a i L 9 Exmouth Gulf d L L 2 b S 10 e o v L Rout 52 u L   t L 25 'Mulga Bay n R a 35 Martu & r D 8 L C E Y g

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o a L A N  L p Ngurrara L

 l p There’s currently a 28-day cap on your stay at this Just drive your rig out onto the beach, and watch the Ningaloo G 90 100 n . o R

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Puutu Kunti Kurrama People 81 'Auski Roadhouse' l a Road B location, but the locals are lobbying32 to make it crowds and the camels go by. Nope, the colours did not 81 39 36 10 . g . w

 o w L 132 L l R h T & Pinikura People & Guruma Karijini n o L L 104 g e L i Karajini NP l g ll Karlamilyi ing 55 Naanyatjarra Carbaddaman 'Yanrey' L 55 b a n a H nn 106 L L  t 'Duck Creek' National Park r K o d Wooroconda p longer.a disappoint on this 4X4 journey; nor did the company. R T L u National Park G

Pass. d D Cree The M a R C (abandoned) 34 R

uc k A Drive Cardabia un 35 3 l a ALT a j  Thalanyji k N i ina 55 ry G M in 85 a 97 o 'Nanutarra B E L ij Lagoon L 3 L o r Pass. Five - L a L 185 a 107 24 e Kiwirrkurra Indigenous R r 'Mount u ke 21 st 31 B tt o e k R d i t Roadhouse' re K 95 K a o  C A L o a From here on in, the miles were mowed down a lot I’ll be back up here again for sure, to experience the 'Giralia' Metawandy l d A Mile Bay y R 6 R ou 170 ge a 23 Bruce' ill F l 26 L o o

L 75 e da o L H r k Protected Area R t k h N Bateman t a Yandi 29 33 e C

t 78 t a C 33 L K Tom 7 13 ex Giralia L 7 s c iw n R Nyinmy u r c i u L Bay t 21 o r t o o t 48 Price Parnngurr faster thanks to the bitumenL of the Great NorthernKiwirrkurra extraordinary. a i u

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54 L y Range Nature People Part A r i 'Winning' Bay L Bay H L S N C 199 l R k 54 u M i Jigalong Aboriginal 108 gh L a . w 19 Reserve T a r l y i ha m Paraburdoo pht ia 16 1 A1 t R O Range L ALT A 133 Heritage Site G .

Highway, Sealed Featured Trip Highway, Unsealed, Road National Park Arterial, Sub-Arterial Sealed Arterial,Sub-Arterial,Unsealed Other Parks Local Road, Sealed ° HemaExplorer Local Road unsealed Track 0 10 20 App available on km www.hemamaps.com Android and iOS

MR4X4.COM.AU PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES MR4X4.COM.AU PAT CALLINAN’S 4X4 ADVENTURES 44 • Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 • 45 YOUR PERFECT HOME YOUR PERFECT VIEW YOUR PEACE OF MIND

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48 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter 49 TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA

CanowindraA BREATH OF FRESH COUNTRY AIR

48 Image credit: Destination NSW 49 TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA continued TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA continued

ANOWINDRA (pronounced; the succeeding owner, Thomas Iceley) and his associates made two further visits Canown-Dra) is a historic named the property "Canoundra". Collits to the town. A monument to Ben Hall, on township located between owned other significant tracts of land in the site of Robinson's inn, the Travellers' COrange and Cowra in the central west the area, together with a store and the Rest, was erected in 1951, but evidently, of New South Wales, Australia, in first hotel. A settlement slowly grew, and further research has indicated that the Cabonne Shire. Canowindra is situated as early as 1844 the village (now referred events recorded here happened at the inn on the Belubula River. The curving main to as "Canowindra") was the site of a on the other side of the river. street, Gaskill Street, is partly an urban government pound. conservation area. At the 2016 census, Today the main street, Gaskill Street, has Canowindra and the surrounding area A post office opened at Canowindra in an old-world air, with its kerbside veranda had a population of 2,258. The name of 1847 with mail coming from Carcoar, but posts lining the dog-leg course of what the town is derived from an Aboriginal the village was handicapped as part of was once a bullock team track. A total of language (Wiradjuri) word meaning 'a a main route to the lower Lachlan, first 34 buildings and features in the town and home or 'camping place' by the lack of a bridge and later by the environs are listed in the New South Wales construction of the railway to Orange. State Heritage Register including 17 in or Prior to the arrival of Europeans to The first bridge across the Belubula River adjacent to Gaskill Street. Australia, the area now known as at Canowindra was opened on 28 July Canowindra was occupied for tens of 1875. It was replaced by the Waddell thousands of years by a people known as Bridge in May 1901, and by the current the Wiradjuri. These "people of the three John Grant Bridge in 1997. rivers" were hunters and gatherers who exploited the resources available in the In October 1863, Ben Hall's gang rivers and the lands, particularly the river took over the village for three days flats. and entertained the whole population, as well as EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT some stray travellers,

all herded into the Image: Destination NSW / Winemaker checking the production of Pig In The The first land grant of 640 acres to a inn. An account of the House wine at Windowrie Wines, Canowindra. European in the area was to James incident was reported in Collits by Governor Ralph Darling in the Bathurst Times, also 1829 as a reward for "pointing out a quoted in the Maitland line of road from Mt. York to Bathurst". Mercury. According to Image: Destination NSW Subsequently Collits' father, Pierce, was newspaper reports in / Barrels of Pig In The granted land adjacent to the original grant. November 1863 and June House wine in production There is some evidence that James (or 1864, it appears that Hall at Windowrie Wines, Canowindra.

Image: Noel Butcher / Hot air balloons launching in Canowindra at sunrise for the Image: Destination NSW / Food and wine available from Image: Destination NSW / Hot air balloons flying over central NSW Continued on next page >> 2015 International Balloon Challenge. taste Canowindra’s onsite restaurant. during the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.

50 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 51 TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA continued TOWN IN FEATURE: CANOWINDRA continued

balloonists and spectators from local, with pilots from Japan, US, Russia, Brazil Image: Destination national and international locations in a and the UK competing. NSW / Children celebration of Central West hospitality and enjoying a visit to the Age of goodwill. PLACES TO EAT Fishes Museum, Canowindra. Canowindra International Balloon Canowindra has plenty of great old Pubs, Challenge is the largest ballooning event the Services Club, the Golf Club, the best in Australia and takes place in Canowindra part is the food is great, nothing like a ACCOMMODATION every April. In 2010, the Canowindra good country Steak & the refreshments Challenge created a local balloon event are cold. There’s “Delice Coffee” & the Quality accommodation that has since grown to where the Garden of Roses Café, in Canowindra you can be found in event now attracts pilots and balloons won’t starve. Canowindra. from around the globe to build upon You can start with: the principles of Marti's Fiesta, bringing Goin Bush highly recommends you businesses together to support a week- making a visit to the NSW Central West Image: Destination NSW / Exterior view of the Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra. • The Riverview Motel long event of ballooning competitions and Town of Canowindra soon, why not make SPORT AND RECREATION At the oval there are well maintained as an RV Friendly Town™. It provides located at No. 3 Tilga Street where you’ll skill-based activities. a visit over Christmas to a real country fitness stations, basketball courts and excellent facilities for caravaners and enjoy a quality night’s sleep, excellent well town filled with real country people that A number of sports clubs provide facilities skateboarding facilities. campers & includes low cost camp sites, equipped rooms & yes, unlike others, they The use of location-enabled (GPS), will say G’day & make you feel welcomed and organised competitions. Such sports it’s just a walk across the road to easily still do a great Aussie breakfast delivered point-of-view camera technologies was like never before. Get out of the big city, include Rugby league (men and women's A nine hole golf course is supported by a access the retail area, access to water to your Room, the hospitality is superb. combined with live-to-web broadcasts via get out & enjoy yourself even for just a playing as Canowindra Tigers), Rugby registered club. and a free user friendly waste dump point an online streaming platform for viewers weekend, you won’t wanna go home that union (Canowindra Pythons), Cricket is also available. • The Old Vic Inn, a comfortable 3 star to share in the spectacle and to join in the we guarantee & besides, you’ll be making (Canowindra Sixers), Tennis, Lawn Bowls, Cabonne Council owns and operates the Hotel in Gaskill Street where you’ll find event virtually and for free. a huge contribution towards supporting Squash, Golf and Swimming. For younger swimming pool which is open from late Highly recommended. great food & country hospitality. Rural NSW through this terrible drought. age groups there is a pony club which spring to mid-autumn. A balloon glow is held as part of the event meets fortnightly at the showground and a WINERIES • Belubula Ballooning - cosy country along with a local food and wine market Canowindra….put in in your “Must See” Little Athletics centre which participates in RV FRIENDLY TOWN accommodation provides air-conditioned based on the 100-mile principle where diary the Central Tablelands zone. Canowindra is considered to be part of accommodations with a terrace and free the products must be made or produced Since 2016, Canowindra has been the Cowra wine region, which is a sub- Wi-Fi. The farm stay has 1 bedroom, 1 within 100 miles of Canowindra. The The town has a council maintained sports recognised by the Campervan and area of the Central Ranges wine zone. bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, last Sunday of the event also features a oval with floodlighting, Tom Clyburn Oval. Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) There are eight wineries centred on the fully equipped kitchen & a patio with key grab where pilots test their skill in an Image: Destination NSW / Hot air balloons flying over town, some of which offer cellar door sales. mountain views. central NSW in the Canowindra International Balloon attempt to grab a large key from the top Challenge. #newsouthwales Image: Destination NSW / Grapes on the vine at Rosnay Organic vineyard and orchards in Canowindra.Challenge. of a 10 m pole. • Montrose House @ 71 Gaskill Street – two room comfortable rooms for Bed This event coincides with & Breakfast with a luxurious bathroom & food and wine events complimentary breakfast at the Deli-Lama which brings participation Café just a few doors down. from the greater Cabonne and surrounding districts BALLOONING during April each yearCanowindra also Canowindra is also popularly known as hosted the Australian the Balloon Capital of Australia. National Balloon Championships in 2011, In April 1988 an endorsed bicentennial 2013 (awarded silver at activity, "Canowindra 88 Bicentennial the NSW State Tourism Balloon Championships" was held in the Awards in the Festivals town. and Events category) and 2014, creating a From 1995[49] to 2005, an event known larger, more competitive as Marti's Balloon Fiesta was held in event. Canowindra. Funded in large part by Frank Hackett-Jones, it was primarily In 2014, the event a fun event designed to bring together went fully international

52 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 53 Goin’ Bush

Learn how to 4wd from a book

By Vic Widman of Great Divide Tours

SandUR VERY OWN Driving correspondent, Vic Widman, and has just Summervarious types of 4wd systemsFun that have now flooded the market. finished revising a book he originally wrote way back in Vic has even shared some of his innermost secrets on how to Report by Vic Widman O2001. When approached by the CSIRO to write a book on drive a 4wd off road. The book is a must for anyone who drives a how to operate a 4wd vehicle, Vic thought the prospect of having 4wdrive either as part of their work application or recreationally. Theenough beach to and say Australia on the subject go hand would in hand hardly and qualify over summerfor a book. we all Nothing teaches you more than real hands on recovery, that’s seemHowever, to gravitate back in towards 2001 and the after coast. 55,000 There words, are many Vic’s beaches book 4WD in forAvailable sure. But! for $39.95Any recovery plus postage is dangerous from the and CSIRO when it’sor directlymixed from AustraliaDriving Skillsthat you became can legally the go (with to manual the correct for those permit new in theto 4wdriving glove withthe authorsand and himself, an incoming Vic Widman, tide it viacan email get deadly.at [email protected] Sadly, many box)and take those your teaching 4wdrive it. onto, but of all the various types of 4wd people have been seriously injured and have died as a result of a recovery gone wrong on one of Australia’s beautiful beaches. terrain that we can encounter, sand is the most unforgiving. How quickly can a fun loving time at the beach turn into an GetThings it wrong has andchanged you get considerably stuck almost in the immediately. 4wd world absolute tragedy? since the early 2000’s and this year Vic convinced I take 4wd tagalong tours up to Stockton Beach just north of the CSIRO that it was time to re-write his book. With So here are a few tips to help make your family beach adventure NewcastleVic Widman every now couple being of considered months and one without of Australia’s fail we end up memorable for all the right reasons. helpingleading some 4wd poortrainers bugger and havingbogged established to the door the sills. much Not one ofapplauded my customers 4wd Itraining should centreadd as near they Braidwoodare there to in learn the appropriateNSW, he saw sand the driving opportunity skills and to notfollow only my bring advice all to the letter. Permits Butthe it’s data usually in his some book young up to datefella whobut addressthinks he the knows ever it all or a youngdemanding family outrequirements for their first of daynationally of beach recognised four wheeling 4wd but with Get your permit, just because you see a 4wd on a beach doesn’t nocompetencies knowledge of that how corporate to actually clients drive demand.on the beach. mean you can go there too, inquire from local councils or national park offices or even the local Visitor Centre, spend the Whilst assisting these people, my customers relish in the idea Released in December 2019, the 2nd Edition of 4WD small amount of money for the permit and have peace of mind. of watching what has to be done to get the poor hapless and Ignorance isn’t an option these days, so do your homework and Driving skills has grown in size with over 63,000 seriously bogged individual going again. get your permit in advance. words of wisdom from this guru in the 4wd world. The book is now in full colour with some of Vic’s fantastic photography which has been featured in the VFFA magazine for the past 4 years. The new book is aimed at both Mum’s and Dad’s and the corporate client.

It’s easy reading style, in no fuss English language (Vic says if you have to grab a dictionary to look up a word, the author is missing the target audience) combined with the dot point summaries at the end of every chapter make this book easy going. Vic has also aimed the book at those that present nationally recognised training, he has made sure it has addressed all the required elements found in the various competencies that are available to the 4wd industry.

The book can be used for both Basic and Advanced levels of four wheel drive application, it also covers the many and varied 4wd recovery techniques and equipment that is available and carefully describes the

the54 volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighterPage 17 The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 55 NSW MEMBER FOR MURRAY RFS VOLUNTEERS HAND THEIR MEDALS BACK

Helen DaltonHelen Dalton NSW MemberNSW for MurrayMember for Murray It’s so incredibly sad when RFS Volunteers start handing their Medals Back

OR ALL THE MISTREATMENTS of Volunteers by RFS health, clearly not helped by the actions of the RFS & it’s so called

Salaried Officers that we continue to hear of, now we are Investigators. I’ve always been a proud supporter of Volunteer Fire Fighters. I’ve always been a proud supporter of Volunteer Fire Fighters. The first step in fixing our water problems is to have some Ffacing the lowest of lows when more & more, our fellow RFS One thing I’m fighting for at the moment is better watertransparency management on in who the state owns…. Jobsit. We and know there are politicians, Volunteers are for a range of similar reasons, handing back their As we are discovering, morale across NSW is poor & Volunteers lives are at stake in our small rural towns. One thing I’m fighting for at the moment is better water foreign governments, Sydney traders etc. who own water – and National, Long Service and their Australian Fire Service Medals are deserting & let’s not forget, whilst we know they have 70,000 management in the state….JobsThe and company lives ,are Sun at Rice stake, recently in our sacked small 32 workersmanipulate last month inthe Leeton water and trade Deniliquin. – but it’s impossible to identify them. (AFSM). names on their books, the real figures are more like 18,000 rural towns. That’s 130 jobs lost over the past 12 months, due to lack of water allocation. This is the according to head office insiders. That brings us to the issue equivalent of 33,000 lost jobs in Sydney, given theFurthermore, respective populations. the current online NSW Water Register prevents Recently at our AGM, we heard the story of one long serving RFS where one member contacted us to say his FCO was coming to The company, Sun Rice, recentlyThis sacked is killing 32 our workers towns. last month people from searching for the water entitlements of companies Volunteer who is so upset at having had their family members visit to go over the current ACTIVE status of his brigade, as per in Leeton and Deniliquin. That’s The130 NSW jobs Water lost overMinister the, Melindapast 12 Pavey , she couldand save individuals. further job losses with the stroke accused by the RFS, so deeply angered & feeling completely Head Office’s list. The first person’s name he saw had apparently months, due to lack of water allocation.of a pen. A This few simpleis the ruleequivalent changes wouldof lift Murray River farmer water allocations from 0 let down by the organisation of which their whole life has been been dead for ten years; he said. The next was a woman that had per cent to 40 per cent. 33,000 lost jobs in Sydney, given the respective populations. This I’m introducing a bill to parliament to end the secrecy surrounding devoted, they felt they could no longer bare to accept the AFSM & left to have a baby, the baby is now in High School he told us & on For one, the Government could return so-called “voluntary contributions” to farmers. is killing our towns. water ownership in NSW. as such, have handed it back. it went to the point that he felt there were more dead people on Irrigators gave up a fixed percentage of their water entitlements in 2002, during wet times. In the ACTIVE brigade list than there were people alive. the current drought, Government should return this “stolen” water to farmers. The NSW Water Minister, Melinda Pavey, she could save further What on earth has this organisation come to? job losses with the stroke of a pen.Secondly, A few natural simple wa terrule losses, changes like evaporation and seepage, are currently subtracted from farmers’ productive water allocations. This makes no sense. This water loss should be netted It’s become a real mess & is anyone doing would lift Murray River farmer water allocations from 0 per cent to off the environment – to increase farmers’ allocation. Volunteers created this organisation over one hundred years ago, anything about it? 40 per cent. I also believe there is a need to declare a state of emergency, to force Government agencies to it was once fun to be a part of it but now sadly under our current transport water to dry towns. leader, the fun has gone. Look if you treat people poorly, they’ll walk…..treat them with For one, the Government couldWe return also needso-called to lift the“voluntary secrecy over who owns our river water. respect, fairness & make them know they are appreciated, they’ll contributions” to farmers. So many incredibly decent community minded people that give walk on hot coals for you. so much of themselves in order to keep everyone around them Irrigators gave up a fixed percentage of their water entitlements 1 safe, yet are faced with endless situations of total stupidity that Considering our Commissioner is on an almighty salary of $420k in 2002, during wet times. In the current drought, Government ultimately affects them within. The mental health issues forming per annum to “Support Us”, we now believe its high time our should return this “stolen” water to farmers. among the wider membership of the NSW RFS should be deeply My Bill will: Commissioner pulled up stumps & moved on. He’s been there far concerning to our NSW Premier. too long, his ideas & his actions are stale and done with an added Secondly, natural water losses, like evaporation and seepage, are 1) Force NSW politicians to declare their water interests on our degree of arrogance & he won’t dare communicate with anyone currently subtracted from farmers’ productive water allocations. To think that so many RFS Volunteers are being accused of conflict of interest form. that doesn’t want to sing from his song book. This makes no sense. This water loss should be netted off the actions, which lead them to being suspended, then investigated 2) Change the online water register to allow people to search for environment – to increase farmers’ allocation. by the RFS’s “Kangaroo Court Investigators” over a lengthy water holdings of people and companies. He’s supposed to be there for us, we’re not there for him & we period of time only to be declared innocent of any wrong doing & need fresh leadership at the top now to completely revitalise the I also believe there is a need to declare a state of emergency, to basically told; Look let’s forget it, can we just move on. RFS before it’s too late. force Government agencies to transport water to dry towns. I’ll keep you updated on the progress of my Bill and fight for better water policy in the next edition. In one case, it affected the Volunteer so badly that the We also need to lift the secrecy over who owns our river water. Commissioner even visited his home to pay him $200.00 for the Wishing all RFS Volunteers & their families a very Merry Christmas, Premier Berijiklian, two GIPAA applications (Government Information Public Access a Happy 2020 & please stay safe where ever your fire calls take When I was elected, I was shocked to learn I didn’t have to Act 2009) that the Volunteer had paid for in order to get the truth are you listening you. declare my water entitlements in the conflict of interest form they behind the allegations labelled upon the Volunteer. The Volunteer & do you care at all? make MPs sign. I have to declare land, property, jobs and shares. is no longer contributing to the service due sadly to deteriorating But not water. Helen

56 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 57 NSW FARMERS THE CURIOUS STORY OF RUDOLF DIESEL continued An early start for fire-fighting is in short in February 2017. By the time of supply. The dry conditions, publication the Coroner will have made His nightshirt was folded neatlyto onthe the BushThe Fire Manilla Standardstrong winds reported and thatabove he recommendations. NSW Farmers looks bed, and his watch was resting on the had lost a lot of money, and was facing average temperatures have forward to working with the NSW Rural bedside table. Interesting, hisSeason coat and – a financialreal ruin. However, Diesel was sitting Fire Service to inform implementation of hat were found (also neatlyand placed) ongoingon the on some veryresulted powerful in technologymultiple, and in afterdeck (the open deck at the back of and was in thesome throes cases, of introducing catastrophic it these recommendations. the ship). challenge worldwide. Cue,fires conspiracy that are testing theories us Garry Grant … none of whichall. Ithave is at beentimes really difficult Effective management of fires begins a To this day, the true story of what NSW Farmers Rural substantiated.to focus on managing an long time before a fire starts. Effective happened to him that night hasn’t been Affairs Committee Chair approaching fire to protect management relies on clear, effective and confirmed. That hasn’t stopped many That boat ride was taking Diesel to theories beingS I WRITE sprouted, I am mindvery conscious you. A keyEngland, farm assetsto meet rather a company than control called the consistent communication. This doesn’t body wasof found the ongoing drifting impactat sea 10that days the fire.Consolidated But these Diesel are decisions Manufacturing. that have This had happen in the midst of a fire. It must laterA (whichdrought couldn’t conditions be identified are having because on tocompany be made. built In powerplantssome situations, for stationary they have begin in the weeks, months and years landholdersit was so decomposed, and fire fighters and was alike. returned beenand diesel the only applications. decisions possible under before to build trust and understanding. back to the ocean). Items that were such challenging conditions. All involved in fire management – be they taken from the body were later confirmed Keep in mind that 1913 was the year On behalf of the NSW Farmers’ employees or volunteers. Trust in critical by his son to belong to Rudolf Diesel – before war broke out across Europe Stock has been lost, but the community incident decisions, when there is little time Associationindicating that I acknowledge the body was the probably ongoing in between Allied and Central Powers; always gathers round to lend a helping to explain is only achieved through local andfact selflesshim. commitment of the RFS France, the British Empire (and many Volunteers and the Fire Service, hand.others) The versus fire-fighting Germany andcommunity the Astro- communication, understanding ideas, DepartmentWas it suicide, of Primaryor was heIndustries, murdered? and transcendsHungarian Empire.local boundaries Of course, – whenthe we and trusting in local knowledge. That is It was revealed later that despite his German army wouldn’t want such abilities Local Land Services staff, who have come are called, we respond. As a volunteer what landholders, as volunteer firefighters inventions and patents, Diesel was in a lot to be handed over to the enemy. All of a from across the State to fight the fires firefighter myself, it was difficult to read bring to an active fire situation. Our aim is of debt at the time … which could have sudden, maleficence doesn’t sound too reports that calls for assistance apparently always to deliver the best outcome. stilldriven burning him to across suicide. northern NSW and far out of the question … support those affected. It has been a very went unanswered. Such reporting was This is Diesel’s 1897 engine early and intense start of the fire season. inconsistent with the response coming NSW Farmers– on display members in Munich, will continue Germany. from the south, to fires in northern NSW to be available to work with the RFS – Image credit: Chris Thomas The fires that have burnt across Busby’s and Queensland. Nevertheless, it is before, during and after – to manage Flat,Article Drake, courtesy Long of Pat CallinanGully and 4X4 BeesAdventures Nest – www.mr4x4.com.auunderstandable that many volunteers bushfires. have impacted many families and farm have commitments, exacerbated by businesses, resulting in the loss of large drought, that limit capacity for firefighting numbers of animals as well as grazing deployments over several days. NSW Farmers Association land. This is a challenging situation for all involved. Over recent months the NSW Coroner Report by Sonia O’Keefe, has held public hearings into the Sir Chair – NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee The drought conditions mean that water Ivan Doherty Road Fire in Leadville Sonia O’Keefe

The prevention and management of It was felt that there was significant properties, develop this into a works plan, bushfires in NSW continues to be a disengagement between the RFS staff submit to a meeting, revise following priority issue for the NSW Farmers controlling the deployment of resources feedback and then allocate further Association. and landholders on the ground fighting resources to ensure that works are At our Annual Conference in July there the fire. It is absolutely understood that undertaken as per the plan. Each farmer were three motions passed resulting the RFS have a duty of care to ensure and property operates independently, from the Sir Ivan Fire in February. The the safety of fire fighters, however, due to under a plan that works best for their impacts from this devastating event are poor communications and engagement situation. still being felt across the Coolah/Dunedoo there were situations where resources Having raised this issue with the RFS, area, and those people impacted are could have better been allocated. This is the Association will continue to work passionate that lessons should be learnt, an issue that the Association feels should to ensure that our representatives can and changes made, to ensure that be addressed outside of fire seasons contribute and participate under a more these events are better prepared for and and large scale events; so that the workable framework. relationships and systems are in place, responded to in the future. The final motion calls for the RFS Are your Membership Details up to date? and understood by everyone, prior to The first motion passed called for the definition of asset protection to be being needed in a critical situation. NSW Farmers Association to push broadened from human lives and houses Quite often we move House, we change Email addresses or Phone numbersfor a Coronial and Inquiry into the Sir Ivan Under the NSW Rural Fires Act volunteers to include livestock. The Rural Fires Act we struggle to think of everything and everyone to notify of those changes.Fire. A Coronial Inquiry will enable an and farmers have the ability to engage definition is quite broad, so we believe extensive investigation into the causes with the RFS through participation on the it is critical that incident controllers and Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC) The last thing we want is that you miss out on getting your Volunteer Firefighterof, preparation for, response to, and RFS managers understand that what is impact of, the fire. Those affected have in each RFS zone. To foster better valuable to an individual varies in different Magazine and emailed Newsletters….and sadly some are. repeatedly requested the opportunity participation in these committees this year situations. While the loss of homes to have their questions heard and the RFS held a number of workshops for is always tragic, when a farmer loses Please send us any updated contact details to our Membership Officeranswered at: in an open and transparent committee members. The NSW Farmers livestock and infrastructure, including process. We also believe it is critical to Association has often been challenged in crops and pastures, they are also losing [email protected] understand what recommendations from filling these representative positions. After their income and livelihood. Often, these the Wambalong Coronial Inquiry were attending a workshop, I have a better assets have taken generations to build implemented in the Castlereagh zone. understanding of why. 58 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 up and cannot be replaced. A positive 59 The second motion related to the Rural It is important that Government outcome regarding this motion may be Fire Service (RFS) management of the understands the unique situation that best achieved by better engagement the volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Page 31 Sir Ivan Fire, particularly the interaction farmers often operate in; they do not before and during fires – the second with landowners and farmers during have paid staff that have the resources motion passed by the NSW Farmers the most intense period of the fire. to coordinate information across all Annual Conference.

Thank You X-press Kurrajong Heights LOCALS HELPING LOCALS

The Kurrajong Heights Brigade greatly appreciates the fundraising support helmet at their local IGA store and have been delighted with the response. The Kurrajong Heights Brigade would like to thank their community for their generous support and most particularly John Flanjak of IGA Kurrajong Heights.

The VFFA fully endorses this type of fundraising, as all money donated goes directly to their local Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade.

Photo: Kurrajong Heights IGA proprietor John Flanjak presents a full fundraising helmet to Kurrajong Heights Rural Fire Brigade members – Deputy Captain, Andrew Jones (centre) and Jon Ingersole (right).

the volunteer fire fighter Summer 2017/18 Page 9 MORE THAN A TUMMY BUG MORE THAN A TUMMY BUG continued More than a tummy bug… When seven-year-old Kody Bridge complained of stomach pains for over a week, his mum Toni knew there was something seriously wrong.

Kody had a stomach ache for days when his mum Toni took him When they arrived in Newcastle around 40 minutes later, Kody to the hospital and local GP. was relaxed and happy for the doctors to help him with a procedure that flushed out his bowel. Thankfully he didn’t require “It’s probably just a viral infection,” the doctor said. surgery, but he stayed in hospital under observation for a week.

But the pain didn’t go away and he started to have other Kody’s dad Dan and sisters Mikaela, 14, and Bridie, 13, drove symptoms including a fever, diarrhea and vomiting. down to Newcastle to support him in his recovery and then take the family back on the six-hour drive home. “He was crying in pain and he wasn’t eating or drinking, so I knew something wasn’t right,” Toni said. When they got home Kody decided to hold a fundraising event to thank the Royal Flying Doctor Service for their help. Desperate to get help, Toni drove him for an hour from their farm “This is the second time the Flying Doctor has helped our family,” near Ogunbil, in North West NSW, to the hospital in Tamworth. Toni said. “They took my daughter Bridie to hospital when she was attacked by a dog nine years ago and needed surgery and a At the hospital a scan showed Kody had a serious condition partial facial reconstruction.” known as intussusception of the bowel and he needed help urgently. “Many people don’t know this service exists, or truly understand its vital importance for rural and remote communities.” When this happens one portion of the bowel slides into the next, like the pieces of a telescope. It causes intense abdominal pain With the help of the Dungowan Public School P & C (Parents and and the intestine can swell and bleed, cutting off the blood supply Citizens) and the Dungowan Hall Committee, Kody held a movie and causing part of the bowel to die. night and fundraiser in the local community hall. Although it is most common in infants, it is still rare and Kody is one of the few young children to be diagnosed with it. With a school of just 20 pupils and a community doing it tough in the drought, they were thrilled to have around 60 people attend With paediatric care unavailable at Tamworth Hospital, he had to and raise $224 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. be flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for specialist care. When visiting Dubbo in December, Kody presented the cheque and a handmade thank you card to Royal Flying Doctor Service “It was Kody’s first time in an airplane, and I’m not good at flying, South Eastern Section Board Member Terry Clark. but the doctors were so good. They made sure “We can’t thank the Flying Doctor enough—we are forever grateful Kody stayed calm and relaxed through the whole flight,” Toni said. for your help in our time of need,” Toni said.

60 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 61 THE BASE CAMPS

STRONGER TOGETHER Image: RFS Base Camp - the Big White Tents If the Base Camps are so good, why don’t the staff stay in them?

E LAST RAN an article about this issue in December 2014 The other issue, which sticks heavily in the craw of so many & seems some things simply haven’t changed. Volunteers is that RFS Salaried staff still all get single room Hotel W / Motel accommodation & so if the “Big White Tent” is so dam With the sudden burst of bushfires breaking out in September, comfortable, as its recently been promoted, why then aren’t the we found many Volunteers being directed to stay in Base Camps salaried staff in there as well? whilst some managed to get Motel accommodation. It’s been noted that whilst FRNSW, NP&WS & RFS staff all get Feedback to us from the Motel accommodated was; Excellent. Hotel or Motel accommodation, the Volunteers get what’s left; we we’re told which is clearly why so many won’t go. Feedback to us from the Base Camp accommodated was; some said ok, majority said Last time for me. Considering RFS Volunteers are exactly that, Volunteers, they should get first priority & not the other way around. We do acknowledge the genuine efforts of the RFS Mitigation Staff We are Stronger Together when we We are Stronger Together when We are Stronger Together when we We are Stronger Together when involved in establishing the base camps to get the best levels of Funny how recently when the RFS found Volunteers hesitant to speak as one to bring positive change you join one of our 100+ branches speak as one to bring positive change you join one of our 100+ branches comfort possible for our Volo’s. Once the word is given to establish go away, someone all of a sudden popped up on their Facebook on the environment, biosecurity, water, and get access to the farmers, on the environment, biosecurity, water, and get access to the farmers, a camp, it takes three days to build it we’re told & it’s quite often page declaring the Big White Tents as; Comfy, air-conditioned economics, crops, animals, trade and governments and stakeholders who economics, crops, animals, trade and governments and stakeholders who done in very hot uncomfortable conditions so we do know that sleeping quarters, toilet blocks, laundry, hot showers, plenty of rural affairs. make decisions. rural affairs. make decisions. there is a lot of genuine effort put in to making it happen. food and 24hour supervision and support….what a contrast to those days where we simply caught some sleep on or under the We are Stronger Together when you get We are Stronger Together when We are Stronger Together when you get We are Stronger Together when We do know that the base camp team are genuinely working hard trucks; he said. easy access to farming experts, labour you join the vibrant NSW Farmers easy access to farming experts, labour you join the vibrant NSW Farmers to cover all the little things that make it as comfortable as can be advice and education on the latest network, which is shaping rural advice and education on the latest network, which is shaping rural for everyone, but the stark reality is, it’s still a Big White Tent with Comfy; he says? and no doubt the next night he went back to his research and innovation to boost profits communities and strengthening the research and innovation to boost profits communities and strengthening the uncomfortable hammocks all lined up with a bunch of varied aged 4 Star Motel Room. and sustainability. industry with no-nonsense advice. and sustainability. industry with no-nonsense advice. guys all belching, burping, sneezing, snoring & other assorted wondrous sounds emitting. Oh well, if this is the way the RFS wants to go, then one can only assume that it’s going to be a very long hot & at times, Of late the RFS have been sending out an attached poster relating embarrassing summer. JOIN ONLINE TODAY to fatigue, well sleeping in a tent is hardly quality sleep & for some, JOIN ONLINE TODAY it would add to fatigue. www.nswfarmers.org.au 62 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 59 For further information contact: Angel Flight Australia Toll free: 1300 726 567 Phone: 07 3620 8300 Fax: 07 3852 6646 NSW MEMBER FOR ORANGE For furtherFor informationfurther information contact: contact: ANGEL FLIGHT Postal: PO Box Angel421, FortitudeFlight Australia Valley, QLD, 4006 For further Angelinformation Flight contact: Australia Toll free: 1300 726 567 Angel Flight Australia Toll free: 1300 726 567 Phil Donato Phone: 07 3620 8300 Since 2003 Angel Flight has been assistingToll free:with 1300 the 726 567 Meanwhile, in Melbourne, volunteer and professional pilot NSW Member for Orange Fax: 07 Phone:3852 6646 07 3620 8300 transportation of country Australians whoPhone: deal 07 3620with 8300 the Shaun Aisen who has been flying as a volunteer with Angel Postal: PO Box 421, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006 triple trouble of bad health, poor financeFax: and 07 3852 dauntingFax: 6646 07 3852 6646 Flight since 2004, completed his 1000th flight for the charity distances. Postal: PO BoxPostal: 421, FortitudePO Box 421,Valley,this Fortitude QLD, week! 4006 Valley, QLD, 4006 Since 2003 Angel Flight has been assisting with the Meanwhile, in Melbourne, volunteer and professional pilot transportation of country Australians who deal with the Shaun Aisen who has been flying as a volunteer with Angel Inverell local KurtSince requires 2003 Angel travel Flight assistance has been assisting to Newcastle with the to WhenMeanwhile, not flying in Melbourne, for Angel volunteerFlight, Shaun and professional delivers cargopilot as triple trouble of bad health, poor finance and daunting Flight since 2004, completed his 1000th flight for the charity visit a heart SpecialisttransportationSinceSince 2003 2003 that Angel is Angelof unfortunatelyFlight country hasFlight beenAustralians has assisting not been whoavailable with assistingdeal the withtransportation in the with diverse the Shaun as 2004, Aisen stage completed who equipmentMeanwhile, has been his 1000th flying for in well flightas Melbourne, a - volunteerknownfor the charity celebrities with volunteer this Angel week! to and the professional pilot distances. this week! his home town.tripleof transportation Withcountry trouble no Australians direct of bad commercial health,whoof country deal poor with finance flightstheAustralians triple and fromtrouble daunting who of bad deal relocation withFlight the since of 2004,largeShaun completed animals. Aisen his He 1000thwho gives has flightmuch been for of the flyinghis charity free as timea volunteer with Angel health, poor finance and daunting distances. When not flying for Angel Flight, Shaun delivers cargo as diverse distances.Inverell local Kurt requires travel assistance to Newcastle to thisWhen week! not flying for Angel Flight, Shaun delivers cargo as triple trouble of bad health,Inverell poor to finance and assistingdauntingas Angel stage equipmentFlightFlight both since for inwell-known the2004, air completed celebritiesand also toby the hisspeaking relocation 1000th atof flight for the charity visit a heart Specialist that is unfortunately not available in diverse as stage equipment for well-known celebrities to the Inverelldistances. local local Kurt Kurt requires requires travel travel assistanceNewcastle assistance to KurtNewcastleto Newcastle to visit toevents When forlarge not the flyinganimals. charity. thisfor He Angel week! gives Flight, much Shaunof his freedelivers time assistingcargo as Angel Flight his home town. With no direct commercial flights from relocation of large animals. He gives much of his free time visita heart a heart Specialist Specialist that is that unfortunately is unfortunately not available not available in his home in diverseboth as stagein the equipmentair and also forby speakingwell-known at events celebrities for the to charity. the would haveInverell to face to assisting Angel Flight both in the air and also by speaking at histown.Inverell home With town. nolocal direct With Kurt commercial no requires direct commercialflights travel from assistanceInverellflights tofrom Newcastle to ItNewcastle was relocation an Aisen to of largefamilyWhen animals. affair not Heflyingas givesShaun formuch’s father, Angelof his free Flight,Les timeAisen, Shaun delivers cargo as more thanKurtNewcastle a 6would hours have Kurt to eventsIt was for an the Aisen charity. family affair as Shaun’s father, Les Aisen, joined visit a heart Specialist that is unfortunatelyInverell to not joined availableassisting Shaun in Angel on thisFlightdiverse milestone both as in thestage flight.air andequipment alsoLes by whospeaking for is alsowell at a- known celebrities to the drive eachface wouldway more to have than to a face Shaun on this milestone flight. Les who is also a volunteer driver Newcastle Kurt volunteereventsIt was fordriver an the Aisen charity. who family assists affair with as Shaun transporting’s father, Les AngelAisen, Flight his home town. With no direct commercial6more hours than drive a eachflights 6 hours fromwho assistsrelocation with transporting of largeAngel Flight animals. passengers He fromgives the much of his free time attend wouldhis have to face joined Shaun on this milestone flight. Les who is also a waydrive to eachattendInverell way his topassengers toIt was airport an fromAisen to medical family theassisting airport affair centres as Angel to inShaun themedical City’Flights father, has centres alsoboth Les hit Aisen,in his in the ownthe air specialCity and also by speaking at appointments!moreappointments! than With a 6 hours volunteermilestone driver this weekwho assistscompletely with his transporting 350th volunteer Angel drive Flight for Angel attend Newcastlehis has joinedalso Kurt hit Shaun his onown thisevents special milestone for milestone the flight. charity. Les this who week is also completely a the assistancedrive each of way to passengersFlight! from the airport to medical centres in the City who aren’t familiar with my journey, in we have a duty of care towards our emergency service workers, appointments! With volunteer driver who assists with transporting Angel Flight OR THOSE attendWith the his assistance would his have 350th tohas face volunteeralso hit his own drive special for Angelmilestone Flight! this week completely November 2016 I was elected as State Member for the running a 12-month trial of the 40km limit. However, they failed Angel Flightthe’s assistance of passengers from It the was airport an Aisento medical family centres affair in the as City Shaun ’s father, Les Aisen, appointments!of Angel Flight’s With hisAngel 350th Flight volunteer CEO Marjorie drive for Pagani Angel saidFlight! Shaun has contributed Orange electorate when the Nationals member left the seat to provide sufficient public awareness of the campaign, as they Inverell Local Kurt pictured with Driver Lance (Left) more thanAngelhas a Flight 6also hours hit CEO his ownMarjorie special Paganimilestone said this Shaun week completely has F wonderfulwonderful Angel Flight volunteers’s significantlyjoined in making Shaun Angel onFlight this missions milestone possible. flight. Shaun is Les who is also a the assistance of to pursue a career in federal politics. I believe the reason why I was said they would, which contributed substantially to this important and VolunteerInverell pilot Ian Local (Right) Kurt pictured with Driver Lance (Left) Kurtwonderful is abledrive to get each contributed his way Angel350thAngel to Flight volunteersignificantly Flight’s CEO driveMarjorie forin AngelPaganimaking Flight! said Angel Shaun Flight has missions and Volunteer pilot Ian (Right)volunteers Angel Kurt Flight is’ s re-elected earlier this year, into this role that was once considered initiative’s failure. contributed significantlyvolunteer in driver making who Angel assists Flight missionswith transporting Angel Flight Image:Inverell Inverell Local KurtLocal pictured Kurt pictured with Driver with Lance Driver (Left) Lance Newcastlevolunteersattend in Kurtjust is his most active a “Nationals safe seat”, is that I have treated my role not as a able to get Newcastle in just over one hour via lightwonderful aircraft! possible.Angel FlightShaun CEO is Marjorie Pagani said Shaun has (Left)able and Volunteertoand get Volunteer Newcastle pilot Ianpilot (Right). Ian in(Right) just over oneover hour one via hour light via aircraft! light possible.pilot, flying Shaun passengersthe is from the airport to medical centres in the City career choice, but as a way to facilitate positive change in our Now, the limit of 40km/hr near emergency service vehicles and volunteers appointments!Kurt is Angelcontributed Flight With’s mostsignificantly in making Angel Flight missions This makes a massiveThis makes difference a massive to differencehis life as to it hisaircraft!means life as This thatit meansmakes that a Angelmagnificent Flight’s hasmost also hit his own special milestone this week completely regional area. personnel on roads only applies to zones of 80kms or less. able to get Newcastle in just over one hour via light aircraft! possible. Shaun is massive difference to his life as it means that he is nowthe able assistance toactive activepilot, Turbopropof pilot,flying (jetflying the the It’s a shame the Government did not properly implement this he is now able to hespend is now more able to time spend withmore his time family with andhis family focus and focus his 350th volunteer drive for Angel Flight! Thisspend makes more atime massive with hisdifference family and to focus his life on ashis it health.means that Angel powered)Flight’s most TBM That change has included being a genuine voice for the Orange initiative, including a comprehensive public awareness campaign. on his health. Angel magnificentFlight’smagnificent on his health. he is now able to spend more time with his family and focus active850. pilot, flying the electorate. I stand for our farmers, and have pressured the I understand that this regulation was not universally popular, but Inverell Local Kurt pictured with Driver Lance (Left) Turboprop (jetAngel Flight CEO Marjorie Pagani said Shaun has onDuring hisDuring health.the thecourse course of Kurt’s of Kurt trips’s tripsto Newcastle to Newcastle he has he becomewonderful has Turboprop magnificent (jet government to provide urgent financial support until they finally I will always fight to protect those who are risking life and limb toDuring the course of Kurtand’s trips Volunteer to Newcastle pilot Ian (Right) he has powered) TBM 850. verybecome good friends very goodwith two friends of Angel with Flight's two of volunteers,Angel Flight'svolunteers Driver powered) Turboprop KurtShe isTBM said (jet 850. Angel contributed significantly in making Angel Flight missions yielded. I stand for our vulnerable, and have fought hard for the protect us, even if it’s a minor inconvenience for some. become very goodDuring friends the course with of twoKurt’ sof trips Angel to Newcastle Flight's he has Lancevolunteers, from Warner Driver Bay Lance and Pilot from Ian Warner from Lennox Bay and Head Pilot (pictured Ian from powered) SheFlight said TBM wasAngel 850.apossible. Flight Shaun Shaun and Les is Aisen en route to Orbost much-needed palliative care services which have now been becomeable to very get good Newcastle friends with in twojust of over Angel one Flight's hour via light aircraft! Image: Shaun and Les Aisen en route to Orbost volunteers, Driverabove.). Lance He has from told Warner Bay and Pilot Ian from She saidwas not-for-profitAngel a not -Flightfor-profit Shaun and Les Aisen en route to Orbost delivered to our community. I will keep working hard to represent our community, and I thank Lennox Head volunteers,AngelThis Flight makes thatDriver ahaving massiveLance from difference Warner Bay andto hisPilot life Ian asfrom it meansShe said charitythat Angel which FlightAngel Shaun Flight and’ sLes most Aisen en route to Orbost those who have provided me with their feedback and ongoing Lennox Head (pictured above.). was a notcharity-for which-profit would not exist if it was not for pilots who not Lennoxa friendly Head face great was a wouldnot-for not-profit existactive if it was pilot, not forflying pilots whothe not only volunteer their I stand for our nurses, and still to this day fight for fair nurse-to- support. I will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure our heHe is has now told able Angel to spend more time with his familycharity andonly which focus volunteer would their not time exist and if itskills was but not also for their pilots aircraft who to not (pictured above.).(picturedyou at the above.).airport or charitytime which and would skills but not also exist their if it aircraft was not to forhelp pilots rural whoand regional not patient ratios in New South Wales. I stand for our small business community gets its fair share and in the coming year, as 2020 onFlight his thathealth. having a help rural andmagnificent regional Australians attend medical specialists He has told AngelHeafter has your told appoint- Angel onlyonly volunteer volunteerAustralians their their attend timetime medical andand skills specialistsskills but butalso otherwise alsotheir their aircraft unavailable aircraft to to owners and local contractors, who keep our economy strong and approaches, I have no intention of getting too comfortable! friendly face great otherwise unavailableTurboprop to them, (jet and also integral to the Flightments thatmakes having such a a helphelp rural ruralto and them, and regional andregional also integralAustralians to the attend successattend medical of themedical charityspecialists specialists are the should always be the first port of call for Government tenders. I Flight that havingDuring a the course of Kurt’s trips to Newcastle he hassuccess of the charity are the selfless drivers, who often face differenceyou at whenthe airport you or otherwiseselfless unavailable drivers, towho them, often faceand alsolong integralhours in topeak-hour the city traffic, stand for the everyday people of our community who have every As the year comes to an end, while it’s easy to focus on the things friendly face great otherwise unavailablepowered) to them, TBM and 850. also integral to the friendly face greatarebecome aftertravelling your veryfor appoint- health good friends with two of Angel Flight's long to hours get the in passengers peak-hour safelycity traffic, to the medical to get theappointments passengers without right to be heard and represented. And of course, I stand for our that are going wrong in the world, it’s nice to take a moment you at the airport or success of the charity are the selfless drivers, who often face you at the airportrelatedments or reasons. makes such a successsafely ofstress, the to thecostcharity medical Sheor inconvenience. aresaid appointments the Angel selfless Flight without drivers, stress, who cost often or face emergency workers–those who risk life and limb to keep the rest to think of what’s going right. People such as yourselves, who aftervolunteers, your appoint- Driver Lance from Warner Bay and Pilotlong Ian hours from in peak-hour city traffic, to get theShaun passengers and Les Aisen en route to Orbost inconvenience. of us safe. give generously of your most precious resource – your time – in after your appoint-difference when you Image: Kurt pictured with his family from Newcastle.longsafely hours to inthe peak medical-hour appointments city traffic, without to getstress, the cost passengers or mentsLennox makes Head such a Kurt pictured with his family from Newcastle With the assistancewas a notof our-for 1000+-profit active volunteer pilots and order to keep others safe, is something to be acknowledged and are travelling for ments makes suchdifference a when you safelyinconvenience. toWith drivers,the the medical assistance Angel charity Flight appointments of has ourwhich completed 1000+ would active without over not volunteer47,000 exist stress, flight ifpilots itcost andwas and 45,000or not for pilots who not During the course of the current year, I met with emergency appreciated. (picturedhealth related above.). Kurt pictured with his family from Newcastle difference whenare‘Volunteers travellingyou for don’t get paid, inconvenience.drivers,drives Angel to assist Flight people has justcompleted like Kurt. over 47,000 flight and services workers after they experienced many incidents of Hereasons. has told Angel With the assistanceonly of ourvolunteer 1000+ active their volunteer time and pilots skills and but also their aircraft to health relatedKurt pictured with his family from Newcastle 45,000 drives to assist people just like Kurt. collisions and near misses, many of them being in 100km/hr On that note, I would like to take a moment to wish you all a are travelling fornot because they’re worthless, drivers, Angel Flight has completed over 47,000 flight and Flight that having a With theIf assistance you think thathelp of you ourrural may 1000+ andbenefit regionalactive from Angel volunteer Australians Flight’s servicepilots attend orand medical specialists zones. I pressured the government for 40km/hr speed limits Happy Christmas. Please stay safe during this time, as we know reasons. 45,000If you drives think to that assist you people may benefit just like from Kurt. Angel Flight’s service health related but because they’re priceless.” drivers, Angelknow of Flight someoneotherwise has who completed may unavailable require over assistance, 47,000to them, please flight and contact alsoand the integral to the around the flashing lights in order to keep our emergency workers you are still working hard to protect others. On behalf of our entire friendly‘Volunteers face don great’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, or know of someone who may require assistance, please – Sherry Anderson’ If you officethink thaton 07 you 3620 may 8300. benefit Alternatively, from Angel you Flight(or the’s serviceperson requiring safe, as those working so hard for others surely have a right to community, I’d like to say thank you. reasons. youbut atbecause the airport they’re priceless.or ” – Sherry Anderson’ 45,000contact drivesassistance) the to officeassist successcan visit peopleon a 07ofmedical 3620the just charityprofessional8300. like Alternatively,Kurt. are and the have selfless themyou (or register drivers, who often face their own safety being a priority. ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, or know of someone who may require assistance, please thevia person the website requiringlong or hourscontact assistance) inthe peak office can visit- hourto discuss.a medical city traffic, to get the passengers butMeanwhile,after because your in they Melbourne, appoint-’re priceless. volunteer” – Sherry and professional Anderson’ pilot ShaunIf you contact think the that office you mayon 07 benefit3620 8300. from Alternatively, Angel Flight you’ s(or service Cheers, professional and have them register via the website or The Government bowed to my pressure and my insistence that Phil Aisenments who makes has been such flying a as a volunteer with Angel Flight since the person requiringsafely assistance) to the canmedical visit a medicalappointments without stress, cost or ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, or knowcontact of someone the office who to discuss. may require assistance, please professional and inconvenience.have them register via the website or but because theydifference’re priceless. when” – Sherry you Anderson’ contact the office on 07 3620 8300. Alternatively, you (or 64 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer Kurt2019 pictured with his family fromcontact Newcastle the office to discuss. 65 are travelling for the person requiringWith assistance) the assistance can visit of aour medical 1000+ active volunteer pilots and health related professional and havedrivers, them Angel register Flight via has the completedwebsite or over 47,000 flight and reasons. contact the office45,000 to discuss. drives to assist people just like Kurt.

If you think that you may benefit from Angel Flight’s service ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, or know of someone who may require assistance, please but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson’ contact the office on 07 3620 8300. Alternatively, you (or the person requiring assistance) can visit a medical professional and have them register via the website or contact the office to discuss. MENTAL HEALTH OF VOLUNTEERS BAL FZ Bushfire Shutters

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1300 85 0979 | www.sonnenschutz.com.au 66 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter [email protected] 61 Looking after volunteer firefighters’ The Phantom Says’ mental health Thank you! Looking after your mental health in your It is such a pleasure to read the terms of reference for role as a volunteer firefighter may not First of all, congratulationsPortfolio Committee all the Volunteers No. 4that – Legalhave AffairsIt’s an incredible inquiry intojuggling and act report when theon service has spent the last 3 to 4 months fighting fires across the 70,000 members and the same people keep going be something you think about often. emergency services agencies. state. We all agree that some significant rain is required above and beyond day in day out. However, the nature of your work means Where to find more information across the state. Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination has been a major concern of mine in the RFS and you’re likely to be regularly exposed to We have to sort out our membership, we need to tell Beyond Blue Whilst there it’shas good been to no see significant that it will befires addressed in Sydney through over submissionsthose at the to Firethis inquiry.Control I hopeCentre that and ultimately, RFS distressing situations and potentially all the Volunteers that have been subjected to or witnessed any bullying, harassment or beyondblue.org.au this time, we have had to wait for the ‘official’ start to the Headquarters, that there can’t be 70,000 members traumatic events, which may impact your fire season discriminationon October 1 providefor the aannual submission “do you without have feara thatas wethey can’t will suffer find any the repercussions numbers to fromadequately rest our mental health. Learn more about anxiety, depression plan” advertisementsspeaking openlyto appear and on honestly TV. about this abhorrentmates culture and within brigades the RFS. with all these supposed numbers and suicide prevention, or talk through of volunteers. your concerns with our Support Service. Let’s hope that the recommendations of this inquiry are not swept under the Government’s The levels of anxiety, depression and suicide Who actually has a plan? Is this campaign really working? among police, emergency services and fire and Our trained mental health professionals carpet and that any or all recommendations are considered and acted upon without fear or Do we have any facts or figures on the success of this I’ve heard of brigades with 100 members on the books rescue workers is too high and growing. will listen, provide information, advice and or any otherfavour ‘community from the education’ public servants campaigns that need across to protect but their only own 10-15 jobs. regularly turn out. But when these active brief counselling, and point you in the right the state? ordinary members sit at meetings and try to adjust the In 2014, Beyond Blue established the Police direction so you can seek further support. Stories of bullying, harassment and discriminationroll, have they been can’t around because for years ‘old and mate’ it’s paysup to his subs so he and Emergency Services Program to promote As our matesus areas volunteers out there todoing let this their inquiry second, know third,of actual mustexamples remain and on subject the books those and who the bully membership us list. the mental health of police, emergency services 1300 224 636 or fourth deploymentto finally face in the music.north ofThis the type state, of behaviour who is is not tolerated and it is expected that we and fire and rescue workers to reduce their Email or chat to us online at covering theseas volunteersmembers job?should We be salute able tothe perform effort of our my jobs Sowithout whilst certain the current people Government making our livesMinisters and MP’s go risk of suicide. The program is for current and beyondblue.org.au/getsupport mates doingmiserable. their brigades proud, as it’s a hard slog in out and turn a snag on a BBQ whilst patting members former/retired workers, volunteers and their some very dangerous conditions. Thank you. on the back in front of the media, do they really care? families. As part of this program, Beyond @beyondblue THIS HAS TO STOP, put in a submission if you know or have seen something. Blue has undertaken the National Mental Health So whilst we volunteer to go to fires, we have to look Is there adequate funding for newer trucks and better and Wellbeing Study of Police and Emergency @beyondblue at our own sacrificesThe inquiry tois alsoextinguish looking intomany the fires. relocation Loss ofof RFSequipment. Headquarters. Is it acceptable The soils of forHomebush the replacement age of Services. This study has established important income, lossBay of annual may have leave been or takingturned specialfor HQ 2.0leave but and this doestrucks not tohelp go the from Rural 15 into Rural25 years Fire Service.of age? It appears that national baseline measures and provides strong @beyondblueofficial in most cases,Arguments very supportive that RFS bosses. HQ can We only feel be for in thoseSydney arethe nonsense true cost as of the keeping SES are the based fleet in reasonably modern is evidence about the issues affecting the mental company/beyondblue that want toWollongong help but cannot without get any away problems. as they have to playing second fiddle to the planes and helicopters that health of police, fire and rescue, ambulance and help keep many business’s going. the RFS buys. emergency services and the best ways to provide If the Government or even the Ministry for Emergency Service was serious, they may have support. Head to Health This year andpooled after funds several and created recent an years Emergency of earlier Services Obviously, Department it is in more the one beneficial building forinstead a politician to stand in fire seasons,of refurbishingit has surely a building taken ina Wollongongtoll on work for life, the SESfront costings of millions $$$millions, of dollars’ a new worth HQ of for pretty Fire aircraft, rather In addition, Beyond Blue provides a range of headtohealth.gov.au supports and resources for police, ambulance and relationshipsRescue and the NSW finances. at Greenacre costing $$$millions andthan potentially 100’s of anew new fire HQ trucksat Lidcombe needed for to the attend incidents Head to Health can help you find free fire and rescue workers to take action to manage RFS costing $$$millions. each year. and low-cost, trusted online and phone But who helps? Some brigades are going to calls day their own mental health and support colleagues mental health resources. after day, someSo at brigades the end areof the struggling day, if we to can get stop crews bullying, to harassmentAircraft cannot and dodiscrimination the whole injob the without RFS, the crews on they may be concerned about. If you feel you are go away, someget amembers management won’t team go away that wants at this to time listen of to allthe the ground. Volunteers and a new HQ that meets struggling in your role as a firefighter or just with Donate online: year as summerthe needs hasn’t of hit the and organisation again this in year an area it will that be will help the community, and not just the staff, life in general – or if you are concerned about beyondblue.org.au/donations the worst firethen season and only ever. then can we all be happy. Keep up the good work in these trying conditions and someone else – you are not alone. Contact us and stay safe. we’ll point you in the right direction for further © Beyond Blue Ltd. BEY/1608 support.

beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636

68 Summer 2019 The Volunteer FireFighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 63 Page 48 Winter 2017 the volunteer fire fighter Volunteer Fire Fighters Association YOU CAN FIREFIGHTERS MUTUAL BANK Membership Application BANK All memberships are free of charge ON US Can a bank be responsible?

You’ve swapped your disposable plastic water bottles for a A socially responsible bank would also have to show refillable bottle and have ditched the dingy grey single-use independent verification of any claims. grocery bags for more durable, reusable options. All Firefighters Mutual Bank1 mortgages and deposits are But, have you thought about swapping your bank accounts? certified as responsible investments by the Responsible Just as it’s becoming less socially acceptable to bring your Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)2. RIAA is the peak groceries home in single use plastic bags, it’s no longer enough body representing responsible and ethical investors across for banks to simply be a place where you keep your money. Australia and New Zealand.

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1 Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees and current volunteers of a fire and/or emergency service or family members of members of the Bank.

Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees and current volunteers of a fire and/or emergency service or 2 Retail mortgages and deposits have been certified by RIAA according to the strict operational and dis¬closure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program. family members of members of the Bank.See www.responsibleinvestment.org Firefighters Mutual Bank foris adetails. division The ofResponsible Teachers Investment Mutual Bank Certification Limited Program ABN 30does 087 not 650constitute 459 financialAFSL/Australian product advice. Credit Neither Licence the Certification238981. Symbol nor RIAA rec¬ommends to 01323-BRA-FMB-0918-VolunteerFirefighterMag-A4any person that any financial product is a suitable investment or that returns are guaranteed. Appropriate professional advice should be sought prior to making an investment decision. RIAA does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.

3 Before you decide on any of our products or services, we strongly recommend that you read both the Conditions of use Accounts and access and Fees and charges booklets. You can find these online at our website or ask at any of our offices. We have not considered your objectives, financial situation or needs. For further information call 1800 800 225 or go to fmbank.com.au 01323-BRA-FMB-0918-VFMag-Ad-210x297-1-2.indd 1 19/09/2018 10:18:25 AM 70Page 48 Summer 2017/18Summer the 2019 volunteer The Volunteer fire FireFighter fighter The Volunteer FireFighter Summer 2019 CERTIFIED RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT HOME LOANS AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Build your wealth with a bank that does good

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Membership is open to citizens or permanent residents of Australia who are current or retired employees and current volunteers of a fire and/or emergency service or family members of members of the Bank. 1. The Responsible Investment Certification Program does not constitute financial product advice. Neither the Certification Symbol nor RIAA recommends to any person that any financial product is a suitable investment or that returns are guaranteed. Appropriate professional advice should be sought prior to making an investment decision. RIAA does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence. Firefighters Mutual Bank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981 | 01579-BRA-FMB-1019-RIAA-VFAA-Mag-A4

01579-BRA-FMB-1019-RIAA-VFAA-Mag-Ad-A4-210x297mm-3-1.indd 1 30/09/2019 3:32:52 PM