LIFT-OUT: SOUVENIR - OUR SERVICE’S HISTORY BUSH FIREbulletinVOLUME 32 No.01 // 2010 THE JOURNAL OF THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE Fire whirl The startling Riverina fires

IN THIS ISSUE Gulaga Fire: Mountain comes under threat The Commissioner on ‘Catastrophic’ Hotspots program makes an impact

ADDITIONAL STORIES: NEW EMERGENCY ALERTS AUSTRALIA DAY AFSM RECIPIENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES NEW FIRE CONTROL CENTRES OPENED CONTENTS

04 18 30 36 44

01 FOREWORD 25 SOUVENIR LIFT OUT 25 Our Service’s story 02 IN FOCUS 26-28 The History of the Service: 1890 - 1969

04 INCIDENTS 30 GENERAL NEWS cont’d 04 Riverina Fires 30 Two new Fire Control Centres set the - Walla-Gerogery stage for future firefighting - Ournie-Tooma 33 Remembering Black Saturday 09 Londonderry: Houses under threat 10 Fire on the mountain becomes a blessing 34 Spotlight on Volunteers 13 Pregnant woman rescued 34 In Focus: Volunteers 36 The Grafton Strike Team: A volunteer’s perspective 14 GENERAL NEWS 38 Wollombi gets wise 14 Prepare. Act. Survive. Behind the scenes 40 The story of the Chifley/Lithgow hot fire trailer project 15 The Commissioner on ‘Catastrophic’ 42 Proud to turn 50 years: 16 Neighbourhood safer places Hazelbrook Brigade celebrates with a Gala Day and Dinner 16 Warnings to arrive via phone 44 Pilliga boasts a golden nozzle 46 Cadets bring relief from the drought 18 FEATURE 48 Training information for NSW RFS 18 HOTSPOTS: A collaborative approach members to fire management 50 Brigade in Profile: Bolwarra-Largs

22 GENERAL NEWS cont’d 22 Australian Fire Service Medal - Australia Day 2010

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Bush firebulletin // CONTENTS The views expressed in articles in the Bush Fire Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views or the policies of the NSW Rural Fire Service. foreword

nce again, I would like to thank all members across the State for their Ohard work during what has been a very busy time for the NSW RFS. The pre-season forecasts were for the most challenging bush fire season in recent years due to prevailing drought conditions and expected high temperatures. This prediction proved true, with around 50 Section 44 declarations and approximately 5,000 bush and grass fires reported.

Across the season, there was extensive damage to farmland, stock, farming equipment, fencing and the unfortunate loss of 24 properties. Our thoughts must go to those members on the land who have experienced losses, in what was already proving a difficult time due to the drought.

Tragically, the fire season also saw the death of National Parks ranger, Aaron Harber, who was killed in a helicopter crash near Dorrigo in December. A number of other serious injuries were also reported across the season, including a father and son who were defending their property from fire at Vittoria near Bathurst.

The 2009-10 bush fire season was the first since the Victorian bush fire tragedy, and the first using a new national framework of fire danger ratings, alert levels and community messaging. Such changes do not come without IN THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE some challenges, however, they have resulted in an improved way of communicating with the public and there has been much positive feedback from the community. WE VALUE In coming months, there will be reviews of these changes and the NSW RFS will be participating in these, building on the experiences of this fire season and working with other states and territories to determine if any changes are community and environment required. Later this year, there will also be further recommendations from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and the NSW RFS will review these support, friendship and camaraderie recommendations once handed down. In contrast to the hot and dry conditions in the lead-up to Christmas 2009, knowledge and learning this season has also seen our members involved in work supporting the State Emergency Service across NSW, dealing with flood and storm damage. Once integrity and trust again, the versatility of our members has been on display. In Autumn and Winter, there will again be an increased emphasis on hazard one team, many players and one purpose reduction across the State. I know in many areas, this work has already begun in earnest and I encourage all members to be involved in these activities and get to know their senior volunteer representatives on local Bush adaptability and resourcefulness Fire Management Committees so their opinions on this important work are heard. mutual respect I hope you enjoy this edition of the Bush Fire Bulletin.

Shane Fitzsimmons, AFSM NSW RFS Commissioner

BUSH FIREbulletin // FOREWORD 01 infocus Congratulations to the A.C.T.

management. He started out with the NSW RFS as a volunteer and has held many staff positions. For the past 11 years Mr Crosweller has been an Assistant Commissioner and member of the NSW RFS Executive.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons congratulated Mr Crosweller.

“Over the past 25 years, I have personally worked with Mark, so I do know the loss to the RFS that Marks’ move means.

Photo by Adam Hollingworth In January 2010 Assistant emergency service agencies “There is no doubt though Commissioner Mark Crosweller in the A.C.T. including A.C.T. that Mark is most deserving took up the role of A.C.T. Fire Brigade, A.C.T. Ambulance of this unique appointment Emergency Services Agency Service, A.C.T. Rural Fire and challenging opportunity. Commissioner, after 25 years Service and A.C.T. State Any selfishness I may have with the NSW RFS, most Emergency Service. concerning his loss, is clearly recently as Director of Strategic outweighed by knowing we will Services. Mark has extensive leadership remain friends and colleagues experience in both the in new capacities for many Mr Crosweller is now operational and strategic years to come.” responsible for a number of areas of fire and emergency

Welcome to the NSW RFS Terry Hill

In November 2009, Terry Hill was volunteers bring to our society,” appointed as Aboriginal Services he said, “Without volunteers Coordinator for the NSW RFS. there would be much suffering in It is the first time that ties with the world.” Indigenous communities will be a focus for the NSW Rural Fire Terry is looking forward to Service. assisting the development of partnerships between Aboriginal Mr Hill comes to us with a communities and Aboriginal 30-year-long history of working people and the NSW RFS, as with Aboriginal communities in well as developing resources NSW. He spent the past nine for staff and volunteers to better years with NSW Fire Brigades. understand history and culture of Aboriginal Australia. “I’ll be focussing on increasing Aboriginal volunteer rates and He plans to launch an online breaking down barriers to Aboriginal resources kit within participation,” he said. the first half of 2010. The kit will be a self-paced learning tool “I volunteer at my local sports focussed on cultural awareness. clubs myself, and I value what Photo by Jacqueline Murphy, Bush Fire Bulletin

02 BUSH FIREbulletin // IN FOCUS Premier visits NSW RFS Headquarters

Premier Keneally visited the NSW RFS Headquarters once again on 9 December at the announcement of the sad death of a National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) ranger during a firefighting operation in the Dorrigo region. An aircraft accident saw the 41-year-old ranger killed and the pilot seriously injured.

The Premier expressed her condolences to the man’s family, including his wife and two young children, his friends and colleagues. She was joined by the Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan and the Minister responsible for NPWS, Frank Sartor, NPWS Head Sally Barnes as well as our Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

Photo by Jeff Herbert, Newspix Before the press conference the Commissioner also briefed the Premier about the state of fires The NSW Premier Kristina SMS Emergency Alert, designed mobiles registered in areas burning in NSW. That day there Keneally visited the NSW Rural to let people know of bush directly under threat. The trial were around 110 fires burning Fire Service Headquarters on 5 fire, floods or other significant took place in December and the across NSW, with just under December, a day after becoming emergencies in their local area. system was used throughout the 2,000 firefighters deployed the NSW Premier. bush fire season. (See page 16 for (pictured left). Warnings will be given to people further information about this alert Ms Keneally launched the first via both voice message to landline system). live trial of the new telephone and phone and text messages to

New bush fire danger signs across NSW

Hundreds of new roadside Bush Fire Danger signs have been rolled out across the State in bush fire prone areas.

The new signs incorporate the new national Fire Danger Ratings of Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic which were introduced nationally this past bush fire season.

Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan and Member for Menai Alison Megarrity inspected the first of the 470 new signs with Menai Rural Fire Brigade Captain, Don Carter and Assistant Commissioner Dominic Lane and District Manger, Andrew Pinfold in November 2009. (right)

The signs continue to be installed on high visibility locations across NSW.

Photo by Anthony Clark, Media Services

BUSH FIREbulletin // IN FOCUS 03 Riverina FIRES

Photo courtesy of The Border Mail FIRE WHIRL The startling Riverina fires

Fires fanned by gale-force winds and 40-degree temperatures destroyed eleven homes in Gerogery and Ournie, in the State’s South West on 17 December 2009.

The Fire Danger Rating for Thursday 17 December 2009 was forecast to be Extreme with 37 degrees, 10 percent humidity and North-West winds of 45-60kph. Two fires absorbed Riverina firefighter’s attention that day. One in the Walla Walla-Gerogery area, 30km North of Albury and the other, 90kms to the East, near Tooma.

The town of Gerogery was engulfed by smoke, two firefighters were injured and five homes were destroyed. Eyewitnesses reported fire whirls with flames up to 30 metres high, as seen on the front cover of the Bush Fire Bulletin.

In the area between Ournie and Tooma, 11,500ha were scorched and six homes, two of which were primary residences, were destroyed.

By the end of the day, damage included 17,000ha scorched, (5,500ha in Gerogery and 11,500ha in Tooma), 26 sheds destroyed, hundreds of cattle and around 5,000 sheep dead, nearly 3,000 tonnes of hay and 150km of fence destroyed.

During these fires, the new emergency alert warning system was used for the first time to alert people in the areas under threat. (See page 16)

The following is an account of the two fires and their aftermath.

04 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS Riverina FIRES Walla Walla-Gerogery

Photo courtesy of The Border Mail

Thursday 17 December 2009 Morning Four fires are reported on Nail Can Hill in Albury. Lavington Brigade responds and quickly extinguishes the fire. At 1030hrs, due to increased winds, a request to cease harvesting is broadcast over the paging/ radio system and through media outlets. Afternoon A Triple Zero (000) call is received early in the afternoon at Albury Fire Control Centre, indicating Photo courtesy of The Border Mail that the Walla Walla Tip is on fire. Walla Walla Brigade, Gerogery and Glenellen Brigades respond There were now 40 crews than 20 per cent of his body and over the next hour further working the area. Residents while defending his property brigades respond from across and fire crews work diligently to at Gerogery. He is taken to the Hume Zone. protect the many small acreages Melbourne’s The Alfred Hospital along the Walla Walla-Gerogery where the prognosis is that he A text message is sent by the Road. Most property is safe will need specialist care for over NSW RFS (Albury FCC) to the but unfortunately one house is 12 months but will fully recover. local media shortly after and destroyed. Another firefighter, Tony Halpin this is followed up with an email from the Gerogery Brigade, also to the local media, warning of Eyewitnesses report dramatic loses his home in the fires. (See extreme fire conditions for the fire whirls up to 30 metres high photo above.) Walla-Gerogery Road area. This in the Gerogery area. Information is followed by broadcasts to air from the Albury Airport weather Evening on ABC, 2AY and StarFM radio station at 1446hrs, indicates that The Gerogery fire continues in a stations. About half an hour later the temperature is 39.3 degrees, South Easterly direction before a further email is sent to the 37 percent humidity, there are a South Westerly change causes media warning of extreme fire North West winds of 76kph, more havoc for firefighters. conditions in the Gerogery West gusting to 107kph. area. The wind turns to the West 1500hrs: A Section 44 Bush Fire South West, forcing the fire The rail line between Sydney Emergency is declared by the along the base of the Yambla and Melbourne is closed around Commissioner. Range to the North East. this time and rail services do not Although this prevents the fire resume until 2200hrs. The town of Gerogery comes from being pushed up into the under threat and four houses in range, the wind pushes the fire The Gerogery Captain Stuart the township are caught in the through viable cropping and Byrne, reports that the fire may flames. Deputy Captain of the pasture land and destroys crops, impact the Gerogery township. Gerogery Brigade, veterinarian hay and stock. Ian Byrne, suffers burns to more BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 05 Riverina FIRES

Photo courtesy of The Border Mail

crews are working on trees that by the Walla Walla Brigade remain alight. These crews from and the Greater Hume Shire. within Greater Hume and Wagga The Environmental Protection Wagga, work tirelessly to fell over Authority inspects the site and 150 burning or damaged trees concludes that the refuge in the over this period. tip will need to continue to burn before it is safe to douse and Country Energy crews are at work cover. in the area to re-establish power and to ensure the safety of power Thirty crews are working in lines in affected areas. the Gerogery area, assisting landholders with extinguishing Saturday 19 December 2009 trees and helping recovery efforts. In Gerogery township, Mop up operations are in full firefighters continue to improve swing. containment lines with back Photo courtesy of The Border Mail burning and mop-up operations. Hundreds of houses remain Two aircraft begin working with During the firefighting, other without power or phones as the Monday 21 December fire crews on containing the fire fires are reported on Nail Can Hill utility authority crews work on along the foothills of the Yambla and at Waterview West of Albury. restoring both. 1200hrs: The Section 44 is Range and assist with containing They are both extinguished revoked for the Greater Hume the head as it moves to the quickly by Lavington, Splitters Firefighters continue to local government areas. North East. Creek Rural Fire Brigades and douse trees still burning by NSW Fire Brigades. the roadsides, monitoring Support crews arrive from the the fireground for any hint of Riverina area (Wagga Wagga), outbreak. Tree felling crews are Friday 18 December 2009 PREVIOUS PAGE: Corowa and Berrigan and assist at work. local crews into the evening and TOP LEFT: Bucki Brigade members: The Gerogery fire has been Crew Leader Warren Dale with overnight. contained overnight and crews Farmers are kept busy counting Mathew Davidson, James Weston continue to work to strengthen the cost of dead livestock and and Wayne Parker Later that night, the fire is these containment lines. There is administering to those affected contained 8km North of no threat to homes or property by flames or smoke. This is a TOP RIGHT: Gerogery, East of the railway and crews continue to work in the difficult time for farmers as they Startling fire behaviour around line. area to fell burning trees and assist bury some of the animals they the township of Gerogery mid- afternoon on 17 December 2009 residents in mop up and recovery. have tended. Some smaller Although four houses are lost landholders find this particularly LOWER RIGHT: within the Gerogery township, Additional aircraft arrive and begin harrowing because the livestock Gerogery Brigade member Tony and one house is lost within working on the containment lines are pets. Six horses were taken Halpin. Exhausted after loosing the the farming community of Walla East of Gerogery. by the fire and several dogs and fight to save his home Walla, many other properties cats. are saved. During the day, Back burning operations take THIS PAGE: TOP: most of Gerogery’s homes had place along the Yambla Range All haystacks and shed fires have Jindera Brigade with their Cat 1 and crew come under threat as did many containment line and around the been extinguished, although dwellings on small acreage along Walla Walla Tip in case of wind smouldering rubble is observed the path of the fire. Firefighters LOWER LEFT: change or further storm activity. from the air. The day after: Specialist tree felling and residents have been able to More than 30 crews remain in crews from Greater Hume and save the majority. the area and specialist tree felling The Walla Walla Tip continues Wagga worked tirelessly to fell to burn and is being monitored over 150 burning or damaged trees 06 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS WHAT IS A FIRE WHIRL? A fire whirl, also known as a fire devil or fire tornado, is a rare phenomenon in which a fire, under certain conditions (depending on air temperature and currents) acquires a vertical vorticity and forms a whirl, or tornado-like vertically oriented rotating column of air. Fire whirls may be whirlwinds separated from the flames, either within the burn area or outside it, or a vortex of flame, itself.

A fire whirl can make the fire more dangerous as it encourages the fire to spot.

This photo was taken on 17 December, 2009 in the Gerogery area.

Photo courtesy of The Border Mail

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 07 Riverina FIRES Ournie-Tooma

Thursday 17 December 2009 Afternoon A Triple Zero (000) call is received reporting that there is a fire 15km East of Jingellic on the River Road in Tumbarumba District. Ournie Brigade responds immediately, followed by Jingellic and Lankeys Creek Rural Fire Brigades.

Tumbarumba Group Central, Tooma, Courabyra and all remaining Tumbarumba Rural Fire Brigades respond as crews become available.

Houses and other farm buildings Early evening internal fencing has been lost Thursday 24 December come under threat. Local and 14 sheds destroyed. warnings are issued to residents The wind drops dramatically in and near River Road. to 5kph and from the South. Country Energy has 60 staff in The cool change brings the Friday 18 December 2009 the field, replacing all 67 power Country Fire Authority (CFA) and temperature down to 30 degrees poles affected by the fires. All Department of Sustainability and and relative humidity rises to 35 Although 11mm of rain falls on high voltage and power to Environment (DSE) Strike Teams percent. Crews concentrate on the fireground overnight, the homes still standing is restored. from Victoria respond across the containment lines for the first fire remains uncontained on its State border to assist. time. Northern and Eastern edges. Monday 26 December Focus moves to the edge of the The fire jumps Welaregang Rd Late evening fire, North of Tooma village in the 1800hrs: The Section 44 Bush impacting on farming properties A light rain falls across the Bogandyra Nature Reserve and Fire Emergency is revoked to the East. fireground which does assist along private properties where for the Tumbarumba local firefighters, however the fire approximately 20 fire tankers government area. DSE and CFA aircraft are released remains uncontained. The and more than 60 firefighters from Victoria to assist Operations. temperature recorded at 2200hrs endeavour to strengthen control is 22 degrees and relative lines with the assistance of aircraft. ABOVE: 1700hrs: A Section 44 Bush Fire humidity is 76 percent. Properties impacted by the Ournie- Emergency is declared for the The fire stays North of the Tooma fire on Big Hill Flat Creek Road at Welaregang. Tumbarumba local government Thousands of hectares have Murray River along its Southern flank and West of Mannus Photos by Patrick Westwood, area. been burnt out between Ournie Community Planning and Tooma with significant loss Creek, and is contained to The fire comes close to Tooma of property. Six dwellings are mostly pasture. The Northern village and properties along confirmed as destroyed and flank of the fire extends into the Tooma-Khancoban Rd. Winds rural properties, dairy, beef and Bogandyera Nature Reserve and recorded at 90kph threaten to sheep farms at Tooma have is ultimately contained with the push the fire front across the been affected. One hundred and assistance of heavy plant and Tooma River. fifty kilometres of external and aircraft. 08 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS Ournie-Tooma

LONDondERRY: HOUSES UNDER THREAT

Photo by Nick Moir

Photo by Nick Moir Photo by Ben Shepherd, Media Services

Searing temperatures and strong aircraft, including an Air-Crane, winds on Thursday December 17 were active in the area. caused difficulty in extinguishing a fire in Londonderry, in Sydney’s As a precaution, the small West. number of students on holiday care at the St Paul’s Grammar Temperatures soared into the School, were taken home early 40s and blustery winds triggered by their parents. The school itself some dramatic developments in was actively protected by the Londonderry on the outskirts of school’s Category 8 tanker which Sydney. was crewed by two staff who are NSW RFS members. Another “That elevation in temperatures 12 staff and adult ex-students and gusty wind has really been also defended the property with problematic for firefighters,” fire hoses. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. NSW RFS helicopters also used the school’s dams for water A caravan and several sheds and its sports oval as a landing/ were lost during the fires which refuelling area. did threaten homes although no other property was lost. By mid-evening the fire activity had dropped off and a cool Two firefighters and a number change came through at about of residents were treated for midnight, further easing the a range of problems, including situation. dehydration, anxiety and smoke inhalation. The following week was spent shoring up containment The Londonderry fire broke out lines while milder conditions early in the day but the situation continued. worsened dramatically about 1430hrs. CENTRE RIGHT: Minister for People were asked to avoid the Emergency Services, Steve Whan, area with roads closed and about visited the fire affected areas on 18 330 firefighters and several December 2009. Photo by Ben Shepherd, Media Services

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 09 Mt Gulaga fire seen from offshore where a pod of about 60 Humpback whales were feeding off Narooma. Photo by Jon Poyner

10 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN BECOMES A BLESSING By Nadine Morton, Bush Fire Bulletin

Early in the 2009-10 fire season, the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley District on the south coast had a Section 44 Bush Fire Emergency declared in their area threatening the culturally significant Mount Gulaga.

The mountain had not experienced fire for 40 years and after an extremely dry Winter, the fuel loading was high. It set the community on edge.

The Yuin people of the Far South Coast area consider Mt Gulaga (also known as Mt Dromadery) as a place of ancestral origin and is especially sacred for women. The mountain is also home to some ecologically rare and distinctive vegetation communities that are sensitive to intense wildfire. Max Beukers of the Department of Environment, Climate Change 1800hrs: Community meeting NSW the fire was now contained and Water (DECCW) in Merimbula Thursday 27 August conducted by NSW RFS at and the immediate bush fire said the mountain has a remnant Central Tilba Town Hall with over threat to the local community of cool temperate rainforest on The fire moved uphill on Mt 170 people attending. has subsided. the very top. Gulaga towards Tilba and the Gulaga National Park. Mr Firefighting strategies were “We can presume that the Linehan said that the fire “took Monday 7 September discussed at the meetings and rainforest remnant has been off under a Westerly wind with residents had the opportunity there since the last Ice Age and high temperatures and relative The fire was now classified as a to place themselves on an if it goes up in a fire, it is lost humidity around ten percent, and Class 1 and was under control email register for updates to be forever.” by the time it came out to a road of National Parks with ongoing where firefighters might attempt emailed to them two or three involvement from the NSW times a day. So when a Forests NSW hazard containment, it was unsafe for RFS, in particular Tilba Rural Fire reduction accidently spread on them to do so.” Brigade. The town’s waterline 1900hrs: A Section 44 Bush Fire the Mount Gulaga in late August had been damaged during the Emergency was declared for the 2009, there was considerable The fire moved into an fire and local residents were now Eurobodalla and Bega Rural Fire concern in the local communities. untracked area of Mt Gulaga relying on tank water. District. Landowners at the base of the and headed towards the Wallaga mountain were nervous. Lake Aboriginal community. 1300hrs: The Section 44 Bush Around this time an Incident Saturday 29 August Fire Emergency was revoked for After the fire had been contained Management Team was formed the Eurobodalla and Bega Rural Forests NSW apologised for at the Eurobodalla Fire Control The fire was now wrapping Fire District. the fact that the fire spread Centre and the fire was declared around the mountain and had from their lands into the Gulaga as a Class 2. The fire then reached the top on the Western Tuesday 8 September/Friday 11 National Park. Martin Linehan, moved to the South East corner side. There was also intense fire September Operations Manager of Forests of the mountain and local NSW behaviour on the Southern side RFS crews responded to this with helicopters water bombing NSW, acknowledged that the Containment of fire continued. fire’s spread caused: “very area. to defend houses in the area. considerable stress and angst within the local community and Friday 28 August Sunday 30 August / Saturday 5 Saturday 12 September required a considerable effort September Very High Fire Danger Rating from large numbers of people to “Most of this area hasn’t been with temperatures over 30 manage it appropriately.” burnt since 1968…the terrain With pressure on the Northern degrees and increasing winds. consists of a lot of ridges and end, the fire started heading The Forests NSW hazard hills that aren’t easily accessed,” towards scattered rural dwellings reduction burn in Bodalla State Fire Mitigation Officer Greg in the Punkalla area. Traditional Sunday 13 September Forest West of Gulaga was Potts, Far South Coast Team said. firefighting commenced from Total Fire Ban declared. conducted in early July 2009. here with containment lines It had produced numerous re- The IMT was upgraded at this point. being constructed and back During a back burn being put in ignitions and outbreaks in the burning in place. area and the strong winds and 1400hrs: Community meeting place by ground and aerial crews, high temperatures on Thursday conducted by NSW RFS at Sunday 6 September the fire again spotted near 27 August created another flare Dingnams Creek Fire Station, Central Tilba leading to another Due to the efforts of the NSW up. The following is a detailed this community was the first in containment line needing to RFS, National Parks and Forests account of the incident. line in the fire’s path. be established. A new fire

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 11 Mount Gulaga: Why the mountain matters Mount Gulaga is a site of great spiritual significance to the local Yuin people and in May 2006 the NSW Government formally handed back Gulaga National Park ownership and management to the Aboriginal communities on the Far South Coast.

Mount Gulaga has been described by Aboriginal people as the place of ancestral origin for all Yuin people and the mountain itself is said to be the mother and is of deep significance for Aboriginal women.

Over 60 million years ago Mount Gulaga was an active volcano and its peak was some three kilometres high. Now it is less than ignited in Guerilla Bay and all 23 working to contain it. 1,000 metres high but still dominates the Tilba landscape. It can Eurobodalla brigades, supported be seen from almost everywhere in the region. by 10 brigades from Bega Valley Throughout this campaign there were on the fireground. were no injuries and no property It also has a unique environment. Max Beukers of the DECCW in losses, although there were some Merimbula said the mountain has a remnant of cool temperate Monday 14 September onwards damaged fences in the area. rainforest on the very top.

There were now no active fires The distinctive ecosystems “It is an isolated remnant of rainforest with pinkwood and within the containment lines on the mountain were not southern sassafras,” he said. “The mountain also has some rare so the NSW RFS conducted a substantially damaged and aerial heath among the rocky outcrops – zieria tuberculata– which is a number of small back burns in mapping after the fire indicated vulnerable species.” the area on non-native species. that less than one percent of the rainforest gullies on the Tilba Rural Fire Brigade was now mountain had been impacted by “There is lots of regrowth and been significantly compromised monitoring the situation and the fire. we have seen that the rainforest by this fire. investigating as required. gullies were not burned at all. “Now, six months later, the It seems that the fire came TOP AND LEFT: The Mt Gulaga fire covered a total of 3,060ha and at its mountain is recovering really right up to the cool temperate Damage kept to a minimum rainforest and stopped. It’s quite height had more than one hundred well,” said Max Beukers of the NSW RFS firefighters, 40 trucks DECCW in Merimbula who amazing.” The Mt Gulaga fire covered a and three helicopters along with 16 conducted the impact survey total of 3,060ha and at its height National Parks and 16 Forests NSW after the fire. The traditional owners of Mount crews working to contain it. had more than 100 NSW RFS Gulaga advised local forestry firefighters, 40 trucks and three staff that they do not believe Photos courtesy of helicopters along with 16 National the cultural and spiritual values The Narooma News Parks and 16 Forests NSW crews relevant to their people have

12 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS PREGNANT WOMAN RESCUED In early February, the Mullumbimby Brigade was called to rescue a woman in labour when she was stranded in her home by flooding.

The woman’s home in “The best bit was the directions Upper Wilsons Creek, near we got. They told us to follow Mullumbimby, was isolated the signs to the baby shower and when seven causeways between sure enough, there were signs the home and the local hospital all the way. She certainly got a were flooded. The area is thick shower!” with rainforest, bush and scrub and the roads are very narrow Grateful for the rescue, the and subject to flash flooding. woman in labour and her partner were surprisingly calm. Two hundred and fifty millimetres of rain fell overnight On the way back they drove and all the causeways flooded slowly through the floodwaters quickly. At the same time as with the woman in labour in the rain deluged the area, the the back seat, her partner and woman began labour. two ambulance officers. It took about an hour to travel the 15 “We are often called in to kilometre return journey from perform rescues or do food Mullumbimby – they were keen drops for people from Upper to avoid the bumps. Wilson’s Creek,” laughed Leah Ross, Senior Deputy Captain At Malcolm’s Crossing the from Mullumbimby Brigade, woman was transferred to a “But never a woman in labour waiting ambulance. before. We had a rather interesting debate on the way up “It is actually pretty tricky to get there about who wouldn’t be a nine-month pregnant woman delivering the baby!” out of a fire truck.” Leah said, “She had to come down face “I’ve had three (children) myself forward - so we all grabbed an but never delivered someone arm and a leg.” else’s.” “She was in her own little world,” Byron Shire State Emergency Leah said, “So we said good bye Service was alerted of the and good luck.” woman’s situation at 5am on Sunday 7 February and the Leah and Nev returned to the midwives at Mullumbimby station to find many requests Hospital were on standby. for interviews from the local newspapers and radio. The SES called for assistance from the Mullumbimby Brigade. “I guess it’s interesting because Firefighters Nev McLean and it’s not the usual,” Leah said, Leah Ross arrived in the 4WD “But I’m not used to this media Category One truck which was stuff!” capable of crossing the flooded causeway. The woman successfully delivered a baby boy two days “Nev and I have done this later at Mullumbimby Hospital. before,” Leah Ross said, ”The first two causeways are the worst ones. The trouble is you FROM TOP: Nev McLean testing don’t know what is underneath the waters before crossing in the the water. We put the truck into Mullumbimby Cat One. four wheel drive and with each Video footage courtesy of of us hanging our heads out the Peter Murray windows we drove through - like two emus driving along!”

Two paramedics from Ambulance NSW accompanied them up into the hills.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 13 Prepare. Act. Survive. Behind the scenes at the television commercial filming Photos by Anthony Clark and Brendan Doyle, Media Services

The Prepare. Act. Survive. national Severe, Extreme northern Sydney. It targeted The campaign also coincided media campaign was one of and Catastrophic Fire Danger people living in or travelling with the launch of a new web- the important ways the NSW Ratings and new bush fire through bush fire prone areas. based program to help residents RFS informed the general public alert messages as well as assess their homes in terms of about changes to the Fire Danger encouraging everyone to prepare You see here photos from the bush fire danger. This Bush Fire Ratings this past bush fire a Bush Fire Survival Plan. two days of shooting that took Household Assessment Tool season. place in locations around Sydney is available on the NSW RFS The campaign featured actor prior to the launch of the bush website: The media campaign focussed Peter Phelps along with several fire season. http://bfhat.rfs.nsw.gov.au/. on announcing the new NSW RFS brigades from

14 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS ON ‘CATASTROPHIC’

In January 2010 there was some public debate about the new Fire Danger Ratings, the new system of community warnings and, in particular, the use of the word ‘catastrophic’ in relation to fire danger. Internal Communications Officer, Keiran Smith asked NSW RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons about his response to the debate and what the next steps might be.

The following is a transcript of to the need to be stronger and Commissioner: Fire is a very real threat and the the conversation which was first clearer about the exposure to Well in NSW we have now damage and destruction is very published as a podcast available risk for communities and the had six occasions where the real. on the NSW RFS intranet and need for decisive action. forecast conditions were such MyRFS. that we saw ratings tip into 100 Keiran Smith: A group of leaders came plus category and that triggered And what are the next steps in NSW RFS Internal together to collaborate and Catastrophic Fire Danger the process? Communications Officer, develop these new Fire Danger Ratings. Keiran Smith: Ratings. And it wasn’t just the Commissioner: Shane, there has been some fire services. We had media We have seen a very measured, outlets (commercial and ABC) This new system has only been publicity about the new Fire a very sensible and very practical in place since 1 October 2009. Danger Ratings and community and other communication response from those communities authorities. We had scientists in This is our first fire season warnings, what is your response affected. But our message too, where we have applied this to this? fire behaviour, we had scientists has been very measured, very in structures and dwellings, new nationally consistent simple and clear and that is: methodology. That in itself is NSW RFS Commissioner and we had experts from the plan your activities on days of on meteorology departments a monumental leap forward Shane Fitzsimmons Catastrophic ratings to avoid being and unprecedented in terms of who know the science behind in bush fire prone areas. My response is that less than 12 the modelling of Fire Danger national collaboration. Clearly we months ago, on 7 February 2009, will seek to modify and adjust Ratings, not to mention experts We backed that advice up Australia experienced its worst in human behaviour. messaging in concert with the ever bush fire tragedy resulting by doing things like closing Fire Danger Ratings. bushwalking and access into in 173 people losing their lives, It is a fact that ‘catastrophic’ is a literally thousands of homes National Parks to avoid people We have already made some confronting and emotive word. being unnecessarily at risk. were completely destroyed, not But the reality is, and research adjustments to our systems to mention those significantly across this country and in other based on the experience of the damaged, and community We worked with the farming first few months. There will be parts of the world shows, way communities to encourage more infrastructure was razed to the too many people living in bush a national review to seek to ground. sensible arrangements regarding learn the lessons and make any fire prone areas are complacent harvesting. For example, moving about their risk. They have done necessary adjustments to the As would be expected, there harvesting to late evening or system according to what we little planning or preparation overnight or early morning. was a need to learn from the about what they would do in the consider appropriate and indeed enormity of this tragedy. It was event of a fire. what our colleagues from across for this reason that the new Fire So we have seen a very the country bring to the table. Danger Ratings, community measured considered and So we had to emphasise a new sensible reaction from information and alert levels have message: Prepare. Act. Survive. In my mind there can be no been developed. It is part of a communities. We certainly denial that we are better off as well as encouraging people to haven’t seen panic, confusion measured, national response prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan. today than we ever have been. focusing on learning from that and all those other phrases used If we do need to ‘debug’ and The new Fire Danger Ratings in the public debate. tragedy and informing the simply show the potential for fire modify a few things, well we are community. always open to that. That is part on any given day so people can I think it is also important that make better decisions. of our culture and that is part Much of the recent debate we cast our mind back to the of our policy implementation. weeks preceding Christmas, has centred on the semantics Keiran Smith: We will look forward to the of the word ‘catastrophic’. We when on the 17 December, with review in April and I am sure need to keep in mind this is How do you believe communities Fire Danger Ratings at Severe, any adjustments made will a national collaborative effort have reacted on days of Extreme or indeed tipping into only better what is already a to do something meaningful Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings Catastrophic, many people lost monumental improvement in Fire in response to the tragedy in during this past fire season? their homes and individuals were Danger Ratings and community Victoria. The interim findings of What response have you seen severely burnt. messaging. the Royal Commission pointed from those communities?

BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 15 and achieve the life safety “The website will be updated requirements. as new sites are confirmed and it is a credit to the NSW The Neighbourhood Safer Place Rural Fire Service given that is really a back up plan for those these recommendations from NEIGHBOURHOOD who live in bush fire prone areas. the Victorian Bushfires Royal This back up plan should be Commission were only delivered SAFER PLACES implemented when: on August 17. • the Bush Fire Survival Plan has The first Neighbourhood Safer defend their home but then find failed; or “People living in bush fire prone Places (NSP) were announced this is too dangerous in the fire • the fire event exceeds your areas should make sure they are in late 2009. Currently, the NSW conditions,” Mr Whan said. capacity to protect your home; aware of any Neighbourhood Rural Fire Service have identified or Safer Places in their community more than 700 NSP across the Reducing the impact of bush fires • the Fire Danger Rating is and note it in their Bush Fire State. is a shared responsibility between categorised as Catastrophic and Survival Plan,” Mr Whan said. government, emergency service you do not have sufficient time NSW Emergency Services organisations and the community. to relocate to your designated While many NSP have been Minister Steve Whan said the As such, it is vital that people safer location (e.g. family or already identified across NSW, Neighbourhood Safer Places are who live in bush fire prone friends property, shopping there are still more to go. an additional safety measure for areas are aware of nearby NSP centres, clear open space areas The identification process will bush fire prone communities locations and prepare a Bush Fire etc) prior the onset of fire. be ongoing and brigades are and praised the NSW Rural Survival Plan. encouraged to look around their Fire Service for quick work in Last minute relocations are the local area to determine if any identifying so many NSP. What is a Neighbourhood Safer greatest danger for those living suitable locations exist. Not all Place? in bush fire prone areas. NSP aim towns will be able to provide for The concept of the Neighbourhood to provide a local place of shelter a NSP. In these circumstances Safer Places evolved out of the Neighbourhood Safer Places that can be readily accessible other measures will need to be Royal Commission into the tragic by the surrounding community considered. Victorian bush fires in February provide a higher level of protection to human life from and reduce long distance travel 2009. The Royal Commission’s while a bush fire is impacting on Interim Report, released in the effects of a bush fire. The Signs being distributed designated building or open the area. However, they are not a August 2009, recommended the substitute for having a Bush Fire identification of Neighbourhood space is capable of withstanding Signage will be provided to the passage of a bush fire and is Survival Plan and a well designed identify Neighbourhood Safer Safer Places for use by the and prepared property. community during a bush fire a place of last resort. Places to the local community. emergency. The space around a Locations in NSW The NSW Rural Fire Service have “Neighbourhood Safer Places Neighbourhood Safer Place recently obtained 1,000 NSP are a place of last resort where and its distance from bush The locations of the signs which will be distributed people can go at short notice fire hazards is key. Designated Neighbourhood Safer Places are across NSW in the first half if a major fire threatens, or if NSP are surrounded by large available on the NSW Rural Fire of 2010 and erected with the they had decided to stay and asset protection zones in order Service website assistance of local councils. to provide passive protection www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Warnings to arrive via phone In December 2009, a new In December, following tool was introduced to provide comprehensive public trials in communities with information Victoria, the Emergency Alert during bush fires. system was made available for use by NSW emergency Emergency Alert is a national services. telephone warning system, available to emergency services The Emergency Alert system is such as the NSW RFS, which an addition to the suite of tools can be used to send alerts to already used by the NSW RFS, affected areas. The Emergency including media, doorknocks, NSW Alert system was used in NSW RFS website, 1800 Bush Fire twice in the past bush fire season Information Line and community in NSW. meetings. The new system does not replace any of these, instead The Emergency Alert system can it will supplement them, by giving deliver text messages to people emergency services another in a designated area, based option to deliver information to a map. The system will then website, 1800 number and the on their mobile phone billing affected communities. identify the landlines in the area media, to ensure timely and address. The system can also and mobile telephones with a consistent information. deliver recorded messages to The decision to use the billing address in that area. landlines based on the address Emergency Alert system is made While telephone-based warnings of the phone connection. by an Incident Controller (IC), Messages are then created, are a valuable addition to the in consultation with NSW RFS up to 140 characters for text ways that information can be The system was established in State Operations. Before using messages and 180 characters for delivered to the community, it’s response to a call in April 2009 Emergency Alert, the IC and fixed line services. For landlines, important that people do not rely by the Council of Australian State Operations will consider the messages are converted solely on receiving a message on Governments (COAG), with the the nature and size of the threat, by a text-to-speech engine. The their telephone. Residents must Federal Government allocating what information has already system can deliver up to 300 still be prepared and monitor a $15 million to deliver the system. been developed and the weight mobile phone text messages range of sources of information At a national level, Victoria led of the firefighting response. every second and 1,000 voice including local radio, the NSW the development of the system, messages to landlines. At the RFS website and 1800 679 737 with a view of having the system Once a decision has been made same time, the information number to stay up-to-date with in place for the 2009-10 bush fire to activate the system, the contained in the message is emergency situations. season. area to receive the message delivered via the NSW RFS is electronically overlayed on 16 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS VERY LARGE AIRTANKER ARRIVES IN VICTORIA

The first operational trial of the speed is approximately 150 knots. very large airtanker took place in CEO of the Bushfire CRC, Gary Victoria this bush fire season. Morgan said the trial will assess the effectiveness of the VLAT in The VLAT was based at the Australian conditions. Avalon Airport in Victoria from December 2009 and was “We need to know what this available for operational use until aircraft can do and what it can’t a range of payloads (water, aerial drop can be properly March 2010. do in Australian conditions. This retardant). To date, this class of assessed,” he said. type of aircraft has not been aircraft has not been tested in all It is the first trial of the large used for firefighting in Australia of these conditions. Leased by the National Aerial water-bombing plane in Australia. and is quite different to anything Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and The Bushfire CRC will evaluate in the current fleet of aircraft and “The Bushfire CRC will bring its funded by the Victorian State the operational trial and will helicopters. broad expertise to the trial of this Government, the DC-10 was the prepare a series of reports on very large aircraft and will share largest aircraft ever to be used in the airtanker by mid 2010. It is important that we take the outcomes with firefighting aerial firefighting in Australia. the time to fully understand its agencies around Australia and The airtanker has the capacity capabilities and its limitations internationally,” said Mr Morgan. NSW RFS Aviation and Specialist to drop approximately 45,000 under Australian conditions,” he Equipment Manager, Maryanne litres of water or 42,000 litres of said. The Bushfire CRC researchers Carmichael welcomed the trial fire retardant - up to five times are from the CSIRO and from being held in Victoria. the amount of the high-volume The airtanker can be used to Australian firefighting agencies, helicopters such as Elvis and build retardant lines in remote who will work closely with “We will be involved in the trials Isabelle. Its volume is 15 times areas and to provide fire the U.S. aircraft crews. An and carefully watching how the amount of our largest fixed- suppression on the flanks of S76 helicopter from Canada the VLAT performs in Victoria,” wing bombers. bush fires. accompanied the researchers in she said,” the capabilities of their task. these aircraft need to be tested The plane can land, refuel, reload There has also been extensive under Australian conditions and and be ready to take-off again trialling in non-operational “This helicopter is a vital part of the opportunities provided by in approximately 30 minutes, situations in landscapes unique the trial because it has the speed the trial in Victoria will assist depending on circumstances. It to Australia such as dense and responsiveness to keep pace in determining its operational is likely to have a minimum flying eucalyptus forest, grass fuels, with the DC-10 and it is equipped effectiveness.” altitude of 300ft and its minimum flat terrain, hilly terrain and with with all the necessary monitoring equipment to ensure that each BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 17 FEATURE HOTSPOTS: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO

FIRE MANAGEMENTBy Lana Andrews, NSW RFS Planning Officer (Hotspots)

ABOVE: A new collaborative approach to land managers, fire-ecology very enthusiastic about the Field day discussions at managing fire for biodiversity is scientists and natural resource Hotspots program. Toonumbar in June 2009. taking off in parts of NSW. managers in a practical approach Photo by K. McShea to learning about managing fire “I think Hotspots is probably TOP RIGHT: The Hotspots Fire Project was for biodiversity. one of the most interesting Field Day Three: Landholders established five years ago programs of its kind,” he said, and agencies preparing for and is based on best available The Hotspots Fire Project “I can’t think of a better way to a planned burn at Drake, science combining biodiversity works closely with University inform people about this critical September 2009. concerns with fire management of Wollongong’s Centre for issue of understanding fire and Photo by Lana Andrews knowledge. Environmental Risk Management understanding the needs of our CENTRE LEFT: of Bushfires and well regarded native plant and animals with Hotspots planned burn at NSW RFS Community Safety regional fire ecologists. Prior to regard to fire.” Toonumbar in June 2009. Officer in the Manning Team, each workshop, these groups Photo by K.McShea Terry Kitching was instrumental produce fire and vegetation The Hotspots program is hosted CENTRE RIGHT: in delivering the Hotspots literature reviews of the local by The Nature Conservation Senior volunteers assist program across northern NSW. area. These scientific reports Council and is delivered by NSW with exercises in the field at form the underpinnings of RFS, Forests NSW, National Toonumbar in June 2009. “One of the biggest benefits is Hotspots’ educational materials. Parks, CMA representatives and Photo by K. McShea the huge change in attitude that The science is not only independent facilitators. The you see in the participants from translated into landholder friendly NSW RFS is a key project partner the beginning to the end of the products but it also provides providing staff, volunteers and program,” he said, “You can see realistic management options for resources to the program. a tangible improvement in the landholders to apply on their own relationship between agency properties. So far, the program has been staff and private landholders.” operating in the Northern Rivers, Professor Ross Bradstock, Southern Rivers, Hawkesbury Over three field days, Centre for Environmental Risk Nepean and Central West landholders join fire authorities, Management of Bushfires, is Catchment Management Areas

18 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE - HOTSPOTS (CMAs) of NSW and is funded which are managed for grazing, a local hall, where agency staff Field Day Two by the NSW Government’s conservation and other gave presentations and engaged Environmental Trust and the enterprises and often borders landholders in discussions. Four months later, agency staff Commonwealth’s Natural national parks or state forests. and volunteer brigade members Disaster Mitigation Program. Afterwards landholders started joined the Hotspots participants It was the Drake landholders their fire management plans and for a second field day. The NSW Drake: A Hotspots Case Study who requested that the began collecting data. RFS members assisted with Hotspots program come to planning and provided advice their area. The training field days A visit from local ecologist on possible strategies for fire were held between November management. 2008 and September 2009. Following the first field day, a local ecologist visited each Issues raised included a lack of Field Day One participant’s property to identify understanding about operational vegetation types and any plants fire management issues, The NSW RFS, National Parks or animals of particular interest. fragmentation of land ownership, and Wildlife Service, Forests Landholders gained a better lack of suitable equipment to NSW, Richmond Landcare understanding of the native prepare for and manage fire Services met with an ecologist vegetation on their property and and completion of regulatory Drake, a small rural community and local landholders. were able to set the standard requirements before burning. in Northern NSW has recently They spent a day discussing for their fire management plan. been the subject of a successful issues such as risk planning, “I have been around the country Hotspots program. Drake is legislation, the fire history of Landholders began discussing all my life and have experienced located on the Bruxner Highway the local area, the protection of their fire management plans with bush fire,” one participant said, approximately 50km East of threatened species, vegetation their neighbours and started to “My father always kept fuel low Tenterfield with a long history types and their response to fire build a picture of regional land around the property. Attending in timber and mining. Private and fire regimes and habitat. and fire management issues for Hotspots has confirmed many property in the area is typically The day also included visits to a the area. of my views in relation to small to medium landholdings number of field sites and time in fire management. We will be

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE - HOTSPOTS 19 FEATURE

taking what we have learnt from patterns, site preparation and and basic skills they need to Hotspots achievements to date Hotspots to future meetings burn planning. Landholders implement a controlled burn with with our neighbours.” shared their own experiences and the appropriate preparations and Across NSW over 400 private assisted in some site preparation resources.” landholders and 110 public land Landholders recorded on-ground prior to the planned burn. managers have participated actions they would implement Gaining confidence in 49 field days conducted for each management unit on A briefing was conducted by in the Hotspots Fire Project. their properties. Over one third the local Drake Brigade, senior Overwhelmingly, landholders at Approximately 120 map-based fire of landholders in the Drake group NSW RFS volunteers trained Drake felt that the information management plans for individual included some planned burning in Hotspots and NSW Forests and experience provided through freehold properties have been in their fire management plans. and National Parks Wildlife staff. Hotspots was practical, useful developed and these plans cover For this reason the NSW RFS Staff from all these organisations and provided information from a a total of over 80,000ha. The staff decided Drake would be worked together to undertake variety of perspectives. majority is native vegetation. eligible for a third field day, when the burn and some of the a prescribed burn would be Hotspots participants, who were After the Drake program, the local The Hotspots team has implemented. also members of Drake Brigade, landholders commented that they also produced a unique set formed part of the crew. had a better understanding of of science-based materials Choosing a suitable site for a burn fire behaviour, fire history as well addressing fire management After the burn was conducted as a better understanding of the in each CMA region, including A suitable site was chosen to landholders reviewed the day bush. Using a practical on-the- six in-depth, regionally-specific host this third field day. The local and were given the opportunity ground approach, the Hotspots literature reviews. Hotspots has ecologist prepared a short report to ask questions and discuss the field days gave landholders more also developed comprehensive on the site which included a site burn process. They also walked confidence. delivery guides, a training description and assessment, over the site after it was declared framework and case studies for dominant species, fire history safe and the local ecologist In early 2010, Drake landholders each participating CMA. and ecological objectives for the discussed possible vegetation were already implementing burn. The local Community Safety responses after the fire. actions from their fire The Hotspots Fire Project program Officer then wrote a burn plan management plans including has also created an improved based on the site assessment. Members of the Drake Brigade site preparation for burning, fuel understanding of obligations are happy to be involved in management around key assets under the Rural Fires Act 1997 and Field Day Three Hotspots. A volunteer of six and meetings with neighbours relevant approval processes and years, Mick Schultz, said: to discuss future actions. As a permits for landowners. Brigades result of the Hotspots program have reported that after the In September 2009 the third “Brigade members would rather field day and the prescribed at Drake, further monitoring of program the connections made volunteer a few hours assisting the field day site will be done have led to new volunteers joining burn was held. The morning with a planned burn, than spend was spent walking through by the landowner, ecologist and the NSW RFS. days chasing a wildfire,” he said, NSW RFS to examine ecological the chosen site. Participants “Hotspots has been a great discussed weather, topography, responses of vegetation and fuel opportunity for the brigade to loads. fuels, plant and animal response give landholders the confidence to fire, risk assessment, lighting

20 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE - HOTSPOTS Hotspots Fire Project Partners

The overall higher awareness of Environment, Climate The Hotspots Fire Project TOP LEFT: of the science and knowledge Change and Water initiative) to is proud to work with the Toonumbar landholders observe a of fire behaviour has resulted deliver the program with two following partners: Nature planned burn in June 2009. Photo in more properties being Aboriginal Land Councils in the Conservation Council, NSW by K.McShea prepared for fire, an increase Northern and Southern Rivers Rural Fire Service, Department TOP RIGHT: in notifications, a decrease in and the Northern Rivers CMA of Environment Climate Change Drake landholders discuss post escaped burns and a general has provided funding to deliver and Water (Parks and Wildlife fire response with the local increase in effective fuel the Hotspots program to a Group), Forests NSW, NSW ecologist in September 2009. management. landholder group in the Northern Farmers Association, Local Photo by Lana Andrews Tablelands area. Government Shires Association, CENTRE LEFT: Hotspots into the future NSW Catchment Management Drake landholders observe a For any enquiries regarding Authorities, University of planned burn in September 2009. Photo by Lana Andrews The Hotspots Fire Project team Hotspots contact Lana Wollongong and the SEQ Fire is in negotiation with several Andrews on 8741 5555 or email and Biodiversity Consortium. CENTRE RIGHT: new project partners as the [email protected] or visit Drake landholders discuss fire program gains momentum. www.hotspotsfireproject.org.au management with public land Funding has been sourced from managers in September 2009 Land Alive (a NSW Department

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE - HOTSPOTS 21 AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL: AUSTRALIA DAY 2010

On Australia Day 2010, Group Captain Ian Smith Deputy Captain Col Dowling Group Captain Neville Roberts seven members of the NSW Rural Fire Service Group Captain Ian Smith has Deputy Captain Dowling has Group Captain Roberts were given the Australian been tireless in his dedication offered 45 years of selfless has been a member of the to the NSW Rural Fire Service devotion to duty, quiet Euromedah Rural Fire Brigade Fire Service Medal. for over 44 years and he contribution and dedicated for approximately 40 years. He Congratulations to seven continues to give an outstanding commitment to the NSW Rural was appointed Group Captain in outstanding members of commitment to the Service. Ian Fire Service. He officially joined 1995 and has been a very active joined the Yerrinbool Brigade in the Bunglegumbie Brigade in member in this role. the Service. 1965. 1963 and was elected Captain the same year. In his role as Group Captain, After many years as Senior he has overseen training, Deputy Captain, in 1992 he was Col has held significant firefighting, communications, appointed a Group Captain, a positions in the Service every hazard reduction, volunteer position he holds today. He has year ever since joining. One input and the modernisation of been President at Yerrinbool of his contributions has been equipment. He alone drove all Brigade for 10 years and Vice to organise Open Days at parties to modernise the aged President for five years. Burrabadine Station - long before and mainly petrol-fuelled fleet it became common practice in to become an all diesel-fuelled As a trainer for the the NSW RFS. Countless social, fleet. Wingecarribee District, he has training and fund raising events actively encouraged training have been organised by Col over He has been a very strong among volunteers. He has the years. advocate for the training of attended several out-of-area the brigades in the rural and incidents and has been a Raising and donating funds to remote areas of Narromine. He Divisional Commander during build the Burrabadine station, has been a pillar of support for several major incidents. lending a hand to brigade the Fire Control Officers and members in trouble and staff of the Orana Team, often He brings a vast firefighting encouraging junior members staffing the Fire Control Centre knowledge and experience to the into the brigade, are all part during incidents, taking and Deputy Group Captains who he of Col Dowling’s outstanding receiving Triple Zero (000) calls has mentored over the years. contribution. and providing wise counsel to management on volunteer As a trainer at the Dubbo Fire issues. Control Centre, Col brings creativity to his training, He is also a leader within the continually developing better Narromine community and this ways of demonstrating his topics year was named the Narromine of interest. Citizen of the Year.

22 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL: AUSTRALIA DAY 2010

Group Captain Lance Howley Superintendent Angelo Baldo Captain Gregory Green Captain Rick Parish

Group Captain Lance Howley Superintendent Baldo joined Captain Greg Green joined the Captain Rick Parish joined the joined the Weimby Rural Fire the Glenorie Rural Fire Brigade NSW Rural Fire Service in 1977 Bringelly Rural Fire Brigade in Brigade, situated in the Balranald as a volunteer in September and he is currently the Bargo 1981 and he quickly became Shire in February 1974. In 1975 1978. He soon held the position Brigade Captain, a position he actively involved in all aspects he was elected to the position of of Deputy Captain and was has held since 1992. of the brigade, responding to Deputy Captain. recognised as someone willing incidents on a regular basis. to be involved in every aspect of Captain Green has attended During his fourteen years as the Service. numerous major incidents within On gaining his Rural Fire Deputy Captain, he was involved the Wollondilly District and also Instructor Qualifications in in attending many incidents and His career as a salaried staff twenty four out-of-area bush fire 1992 he spent a considerable provided strong leadership to his member commenced when he emergencies. For three of these period of time instructing on fellow brigade members. In 1989 was appointed as the Deputy deployments he was the Group zone training courses. In 2004 he was elected to the position of Fire Control Officer and later Fire Leader. Captain Parish and the brigade Group Captain for the Group of Control Officer at Campbelltown. helped build a ‘Firewise’ trailer Balranald Brigades, a position he One of his outstanding career He was a founding member of including a smoke house (for still actively holds today. achievements was the Mutual the Wollondilly Remote Area ‘get down and go’ education Aid Agreement between the Fire Team. One highlight of this and training) and a ‘hoses and Group Captain Howley NSW Rural Fire Service and the team was a 12 kilometre fire trail ladders’ game. continually strives to ensure NSW Fire Brigades in 1996. His made by 40 members in one day his members have the best efforts helped turn around a during a fire. He and his dedicated support possible conditions, equipment strained inter-agency relationship crew now travel all over the and information. He is an in that area. Captain Green is a strong zone to school fetes and other experienced pilot and was even enforcer of fireground safety and community events, educating known to fly over bush fires In October 2002 he was is well regarded amongst his the public on fire awareness. so that his members on the appointed as the Fire Control peers and subordinates. fireground have the latest, most Officer at Hornsby. On numerous In 2007 he coordinated the first accurate information. occasions since, his leadership There have been a few occasions community-based ten week qualities have been recognised when he has attended an Cadet Course in the zone and He consults widely with his by his appointments as Section incident and has either taken went to give a very successful brigade members and holds 44 Incident Controller. He was control or been given control school based program. Captain their safety and welfare as one of the key members of due to his knowledge of bush Parish also provided assistance paramount. Lance Howley’s 35 the Executive of the Rural Fire fire behaviour and his ability in the inaugural National Cadet years of distinguished service to Employee’s Association and as to remain calm during crisis Championships held in Penrith the NSW Rural Fire Service and such was able to contribute to a situations. in 2007. to the communities in Western smooth transition from Local to NSW have made him an State Government employment inspiration to all who meet him. for District staff in 2000. Since that time he has been an active member of the Executive of the Rural Fire Service Association and is currently Manager of State Mitigation Services for the Service.

BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 23 SAFETY ALERT USING FUEL CONTAINERS SAFELY

A recent incident resulting in serious personal injury to a Service member, has highlighted the need to reinforce the correct procedures for using approved fuel containers in a safe way.

• Fuel containers must be placed on the ground with the container opening facing away from the operator. All fuel containers should be treated as if pressurised

• Prior to opening, Service members must ensure that they are positioned behind, and not leaning over the container, and wearing the correct PPE when engaged in refuelling activities

• Containers should be opened by initially ‘cracking’ the cap which is designed to safely vent pressurised vapours away from the operator. In the event that a container is significantly pressurised a resultant surge in fuel will be directed safely away from the member

• The fuel container must be earthed while re-filling; by placing it on the ground you may prevent serious injury to not only yourself but those around you.

© State of New South Wales through the NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE 2010 Bush Fire Bulletin Souvenir Liftout 2010 REMEMBERING BLACK SATURDAY

Our Service’s story

A history and research project is underway in the NSW Some of the artwork from the project is previewed in this RFS. Volunteers and staff have been contributing stories edition of the Bush Fire Bulletin. Public displays, photos photos and personal memories of the Service. State and information boards will initially be on show in the Library, State Records, local council records, committee NSW RFS Headquarters building – which is host to many minutes, newspaper articles and other archival resources public events, school and community group visits and are all being used to unfold this rich and rewarding history. Service ceremonies - but will also appear throughout the State over time. In the following pages you will find a brief Building on existing publications, including ‘50 Years of Fire history of key legislative milestones for the NSW RFS and in NSW’ published in 2000, the project aims to build real a mural depicting the years 1890-1969. awareness of who and what the NSW RFS is and how it has evolved. Particular attention is being paid to the unique Keep watching upcoming editions of the Bush Fire Bulletin for the volunteering history and heritage of the Service. next instalment of our Service’s story. Bush Fire Bulletin Souvenir Liftout 2010 The history of the Service 1890-1969 The NSW Rural Fire Service is now the By the beginning of the 20th century, in world’s largest volunteer firefighting response to particularly serious fires, organisation. The geographic area of the NSW State Government formalised NSW is 800,630 square kilometres, which control of fire prevention which led to the is approximately 10.4 percent of the formation of the first formal brigade at Australian land mass. The NSW Rural Fire Berrigan in the State’s south. According Service has jurisdiction over 99 percent of to the Berrigan Advocate newspaper, the State land area now, but it had humble the brigade was formerly recorded in beginnings. During the 19th century, November 1900 at a meeting at the Royal coordinated firefighting was almost non- Hotel on the Murray River. It is the first existent, with many landowners forced to official record of a formal bush fire brigade defend their own properties. in NSW. Bush Fire Bulletin Souvenir Liftout 2010

The first significant public display of firefighting equipment, posters, 1890-1912 pamphlets, prevention techniques, including interviews with landholders was held at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney in 1940. Fires in New South Wales Bush fires have always been an integral part of the NSW Around this time the Bush Fire Fighting Fund was established. environment, occurring with regular frequency as a result of lightning Local government could purchase equipment for their volunteer strikes. Indigenous Australians used fire to their own advantage brigades from this fund. using fires as a tool for hunting, farming and regeneration of the environment. The character of the bush was altered when European settlers began planting crops and grazing stock. In this changing landscape, planned and unplanned fires led to devastating loss of life 1950-1969 and property. Organised fire prevention Firefighting and legislation The move towards organised local firefighting got a boost with the Bush Fires Act 1949 (No 31) which gave greater powers to councils The first mention of fire in legislation was in the 1867 Municipalities in relation to bush fire prevention, control and suppression. The Act which identified the legally constituted Municipalities. Section Bush Fire Committee established through this Act was to provide 153 of this Act noted that: “The Council of any Municipality may advice, coordinate the work of the volunteer firefighting groups as from time to time make by-laws for preventing and extinguishing well as provide community education. A report issued by the Bush fires.” Fire Committee in 1950 listed 1,378 bush fire brigades with an average membership of 20 and total personnel of over 26,000. The 1884 Fire Brigades Act (No 3) constitutes the second mention of ‘Fire Prevention and Control’ in legislation. This Act determined The bush fire brigades of NSW have gone on to become a powerful such operations to be formally organised through State Government volunteer force who have dealt with the majority of significant (NSW Fire Brigades). Twelve years later, in 1896, the first volunteer disasters in NSW since World War Two. bush fire brigade was established in Berrigan and was formally recorded in November 1900. In the 1901 census the population, In 1952 a specialist radio subcommittee was set up to recommend exclusive of Aborigines and Maoris, in New South Wales totalled appropriate radios for use in firefighting and to allocate frequencies. 1,354,846. In 1958 the first Fire Prevention Association was established. The As the new century began, two further Acts of Parliament, namely Association was concerned with developing firebreak systems the 1901 Careless Use of Fires Act (revised 1906, 1912, 1930) and other means of preventing fires on vacant Crown Land. The and the 1906 Local Government Act were passed to ensure that Association was allocated funds under a Treasury Appropriation for brigades could be formed through local councils. the purpose of developing firebreak systems.

The first residential school for volunteer firefighters was also established in Heathcote Scout Hall in 1959 at an estimated cost 1919-1949 of £250. The training lasted for one week and was conducted Local management of rural fires annually thereafter. The training was aimed at developing personal As the century unfolded, and the fires continued, more judgement rather than laying down rules of procedure. responsibility was put onto each local government area to manage the firefighting response. Devastating fires in the 1950s and 1960s Midway through the century, extremely hot temperatures The Local Government Act 1919 covered the use and misuse and winds brought difficult conditions. In the 1951-52 season, of fire and prevention of fires escaping from property fires raged through forest north of Newcastle as well as through boundaries and spreading out of control which enabled the forests on the South Coast. In 1951, 370,000ha burnt in a single local management of firefighting in rural areas. This was further fire event in the Pilliga. At the end of the season, about four enabled when the Careless Use of Fires Act (1912) was amended million hectares of land in the eastern and central zones had been to become the Bush Fires Act of 1930. The Act enabled local burnt. councils to appoint bush fire officers. The next significant fire season occurred in 1957 where bush fires A central advisory body driven by gale force winds encircled Sydney and destroyed houses, Although efforts were underway to enable the local management shops, schools, churches and a hospital. Worst affected was the of resources and firefighting response, the NSW Government saw Blue Mountains area where the town of Leura was devastated. advantages in centralising certain planning roles associated with Temperatures were above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and hundreds of bush fire management. firefighters were deployed. At least 600 people were left homeless. Fires also burnt out half a block in the main street of Wentworth In 1937 the Bush Fire Advisory Committee was established at Falls, where 25 homes were destroyed. Other fires causing severe a conference held at the Chief Secretary’s Department. It was a damage that season occurred in Lithgow, Woy Woy, Gosford, committee of seven key decision makers. This committee included Narrabeen, Dee Why, Condobolin and Armidale. These fires led the Chief Clerk of the Department of Works & Local Government, to the overhaul of the Bush Fires Act 1949 and the creation of the the Chief Officer of the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW, and position of Chief Coordinator of Bush Firefighting who could operate representatives of the Police Department, the Forestry Commission, across local government boundaries. the Graziers’ Association, the Rangers’ League, and the Education Department. Representatives from the Rural Bank of NSW, the In the 1964-65 season fires raged in the Snowy Mountains, Shires Association and the Soil Conservation Service attended later Southern Tablelands and outer metropolitan areas of Sydney. meetings. The Bush Fire Advisory Committee had no statutory The Chatsbury/Bungonia fire covered 250,000ha and destroyed powers. the village of Wingello. Three lives were lost. In March 1965, the Tumut Valley fire burnt 80,000ha. Three years later during the The Bush Fires Act 1968-69 seasons, major fires in Wollongong destroyed 33 homes, five other buildings and devastated rainforest. During that same The Second World War (1939-45) brought with it increased season, fires in the lower Blue Mountains were fanned by 100kph Federal Government wartime security regulations. In 1942 winds destroying 123 buildings. Three lives were lost. The end of regulations to coordinate access of fire brigades to all areas the decade saw a savage fire in Roto, east of Ivanhoe which burnt for the purposes of protecting and vacating properties was 280,000ha over a three week period. empowered under the National Security Act. This enabled local authorities to coordinate the securing and protection of premises. These regulations and the powers they facilitated were to become the Bush Fires Act 1949. F L I R E A R S

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Coffs Harbour District

The new Mid North Coast Fire Control Centre was officially opened on Sunday 1 November, 2009 by Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, Mr Phil Koperberg and Assistant Commissioner Keith Harrap, representing the NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

The Coffs Harbour Fire Control Centre was built at a cost of $2.7 million and is the third NSW RFS Standard Design Fire Control Centre to be built in the past 12 months. The building will be used primarily by the NSW Rural Fire Service to control operations and administration for the Mid North Coast Team area. It is also the Primary Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the area. Since the opening, the building has been used as an EOC during the November floods which affected Coffs Harbour and it functioned “The old FCC is a small building a better work environment ABOVE: Unveiling of the plaque and Official Opening of the Mid well in this capacity. of less than 24 squares with nine for the staff and provides a staff working from the building,“ comfortable training centre for North Coast Team Fire Control said Paul Norton, Coffs Harbour the volunteers.” Centre, Coffs Harbour. (L–R): Supt The opening of the new Fire Paul Norton, Mid North Coast Team Control Centre sees the NSW Manager, “There was no room for Manager, Assistant Commissioner RFS moving from a smaller and extended operations, no proper The building is also being used by Keith Harrap, Parliamentary older building close to the Coffs training/planning facilities, no meal other local Emergency Services Secretary for Emergency Services, Harbour CBD, to a large open room and one toilet. Basically the to conduct meetings and training. Mr Phil Koperberg, MP, Mr Keith space near the local airport. building was too small for large The five bay shed incorporates Rhoades, Coffs Harbour City fire or emergency operations.” the PPE (personal protective Council Mayor. Photo by Trinity The location will make the Hook coordination of aerial operations equipment) and equipment store easier and the bigger space “The new structure is a much and allows for the Mid North means the NSW RFS operations larger space, with training, Coast Team to easily store vehicles can be handled with ease. planning and dual operational when required. capability, “ he said, “ It offers

30 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Two new Fire Control Centres set the stage for

By Mark Sugden, Community Safety Officer, future firefighting Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai. Photo by Peter Marshall

Photo by Mark Sugden Photo by Mark Sugden

A Fire Control Centre is a regional hub for fire operations. There are 49 Fire Control Centres in NSW. Two new Fire Control Centres were commissioned in 2009 and were both officially launched in November 2009 - one on the outskirts of Sydney and the second on the Mid North Coast. Hornsby/ Ku-ring-gai District

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai MP Judy Hopwood and Mayors conference/meeting rooms, incorporates features to ensure District proudly opened its Nick Berman(Hornsby) and Ian and a large training room with natural light to all open spaces. new Fire Control Centre on 7 Cross (Ku-ring-gai). the capacity to seat up to a 100 Cross ventilation is achieved November 2009 with Minister people, as well as specialised via glass louvre system to the for Emergency Services, Steve The day after the official opening, areas for Incident Management south facade and opening glass/ Whan, officiating at the opening. NSW RFS staff and volunteers Team (IMT) roles such as aluminium framed windows to hosted a community Open Day planning, the Public Liaison Unit, all other facades. This is one of “The centre is a significant boost inviting members of the public logistics and operations. the first NSW RFS Fire Control for volunteers in the Hornsby/ to see the new facility. Over Centres to incorporate eco- Ku-ring-gai area, who will benefit 150 residents enjoyed guided Renewable energy generators friendly infrastructure. from the advanced training tours and took the opportunity and operational facilities in this to talk to NSW RFS members Some of the noteworthy features outstanding design,” the Minister about their fire-related concerns of the building are a wind said. and ways that they can better turbine and solar photovoltaic prepare for the upcoming fire TOP: The new Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai (PV) system. These renewable Fire Control Centre is built on the At a cost of $4.3 million this new season. energy generators will produce Fire Control Centre provides site of the old Berowra toll gates 31,000kwh of electricity per year on the F3 a specialised major incident The new Fire Control Centre is (enough to power four average command centre to better built on the old Berowra toll gate households) and will save 33 CENTRE LEFT: The photovoltaic coordinate bush fire emergency site and it provides a coordination cells on the roof of the Hornsby/Ku- tonnes of greenhouse gas annually. ring-gai Fire Control Centre resources within the Hornsby and point for the day to day activities The Centre also incorporates water Ku-ring-gai local government areas. and operations of the NSW RFS harvesting tanks to reduce the CENTRE RIGHT: The official launch and all agencies involved in bush demand for mains water. was attended by Minister for Local volunteers were fire suppression and mitigation. Emergency Services, Steve Whan, joined at the official launch Mayors Nick Berman (Hornsby) The building is a north-south and Ian Cross (Ku-ring-gai) and by Commissioner Shane The facilities include the orientation to allow penetration Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons Fitzsimmons, Leader of the administration office which can of the northerly sun and Opposition, Barry O’Farrell, State seat up to 17 staff members, BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 31

REMEMBERING BLACK SATURDAY

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW Inside the Firestorm ABC Documentaries

Inside the Firestorm is “the catastrophe seen through the eyes of those who were there.”

This documentary traces the to show the path of the fires 24 hours of Black Saturday in a and its many unexpected simple timeline format. It binds characteristics. Through together personal accounts of watching the documentary the survival with an overview of the predicament of the people in massive fires that roared through those areas becomes real and country Victoria on that day. understandable.

While the media coverage was The documentary is riveting. so overwhelming and hardly any There is something so engaging Australian could have missed it, about such dramatic and I for one was not clear about the unprecedented fire events mixed passage of the fires, how they with the genuine shock and awe that still reverberates in the faces of those who were there. MESSAGE “We see the movement of the fires, how quickly and Behind all the stories, and woven FROM THE COMMISSIONER how unexpectedly they into many of them, is the death moved...” of ordinary Australian men and women. In this way it is a heart- February 7 2010 marked the first anniversary of the Victorian Black breaker. Saturday Fires. moved and how it happened that they could catch so many people Watch this documentary in order On that day, some of you may have watched the documentary unawares. to learn from the Black Saturday aired on ABC Television, titled Inside the Firestorm. The program fires, in order to pay homage covered a number of aspects of that terrible day, including the very Writer and producer Jacob to those who survived, in order personal stories as told by survivors recounting their experiences, Hickey said: to honour those who died and in order to fully appreciate the losses and memories of the day. While many stories were simply The single most important aim of nature of the Australian fire tragic and heartbreaking, there were also stories of considered this documentary was to convey landscape. action, bravery and survival. what it was really like Inside the Firestorm. The survivors were The program also featured amateur video footage which was the only people who knew. And How to view this documentary filmed on the day of the fires, showing the visual experience of so over an intense research period of several months, we Inside the Firestorm the intensity of fire behaviour and associated conditions but also including commentary from those operating the camera about what visited the worst hit areas and ABC Documentaries they were seeing, feeling and thinking at the time. talked for many hours to those Available online at the ABC TV good enough to welcome us in. Documentaries website http://www.abc.net.au/tv/geo/ I know some of you watched the program and would agree that it This documentary really helps documentaries/interactive/ was indeed emotional. It is also most compelling viewing and a create the narrative of the day. firestorm/. We see the movement of the fitting testament to the communities affected. fires, how quickly and how A number of copies are available I would like to encourage all members, who didn’t get the chance to unexpectedly they moved and through the NSW RFS library. Or how these fires and these it can be purchased at the ABC see it, to take the time and watch this program. weather conditions were Shop. $19.95 unlike any other. Computer generated graphics and Review by Jacqueline Murphy, Regards maps are used throughout Bush Fire Bulletin Shane Fitzsimmons, NSW RFS Commissioner

BUSH FIREbulletin // DOCUMENTARIES 33 infocus:volunteers

Courage looks like this

On Sunday 18 October 2009, dressed in yellows and driving a Cat 1 tanker, with three TOP: (L-R): Lesley Woods (Elvina Bay of my fellow Warringah/Pittwater RFS female members on board, we arrived at Manly Brigade), Heather Martin (Coal and Wharf for a morning tea in support of breast cancer survivors. Candle Brigade), Christine Mitchell (Communications and Mackeral Beach), “ The Mini Field of Women is a national event held for breast cancer survivors. Among Claire Dunstan (Coal and Candle Brigade) the crowd of survivors was the recently diagnosed Mayor of Manly, Jean Hay AM. We too are all breast cancer survivors. Three of us have been diagnosed with the disease Photos courtesy of Heather Martin within the past 12 months. That means we have undergone surgery recently and are

continuing with treatment.

As we travelled to Manly in the Coal and Candle Brigade’s Cat 1, we got to talking. We realised that between the four of us, we had in excess of 100 years of service with the NSW RFS. We also all shared an appreciation for the support and concern shown to us by our many fellow firefighters over our cancer journeys. “

Our day at Manly was full of laughter - and some tears. We were encouraged to hear the many stories others had to tell and we came away very humbled as our own journey with cancer continues. Heather Martin, Coal and Candle Brigade

34 BUSH FIREbulletin // IN FOCUS:Volunteers VALE: Michael Roper

A quick response Forty-one-year-old Inspector Michael had to stand down as an officer from (Mick) Roper devoted over 27 years of his beloved Terrey Hills Brigade and his life to the NSW Rural Fire Service. move to Warialda. The Terrey Hills Wyndham Brigade has recently considerably Brigade honoured Mick’s contribution He was active both as a volunteer by making him a Life Member. reduced their response times thanks to an and staff member in the Warringah/ increase in the pager coverage footprint. Pittwater and Namoi Gwydir Districts. Mick also pursued his love affair with aviation, obtaining many qualifications Bega Fire Control Centre have been working He unofficially joined the Forestville and making a significant contribution to remove black spots in the radio coverage Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade (now to this specialised section. Mick also in their area and it has benefitted Wyndham Davidson Rural Fire Brigade) in 1982 served as both a volunteer and staff Brigade. at only 14 years of age and continued member at many significant ‘out of to provide a dedicated service to the area’ commitments. NSW RFS until his death in early After an electrical storm in the Far South September 2009. Mick received his 15 year National Coast on 16 January 2010, the Wyndham Medal and Bush Fire Council Long crew responded to a lightning strike on private Mick became an official member of Service Award in 2000 and this year property. On-duty members Deputy Captain the Brigade in 1984 and successfully received the 20 year NSW Rural Fire Damian Wister, Mick Donohue and Greg completed his Basic Firefighter, Service Long Service Medal. Crew Leader, Rural Fire Driver, was Saarinen responded in extra quick time - 15 one of the first do to CABA course Mick had a melanoma on his leg which minutes from the call to the incident. in the Shire, First Aid, Advanced was detected approximately nine years Resuscitation and Tree Felling. He was ago. He endured several operations Using a live reel the crew foamed and blacked a Chainsaw Instructor and seldom and chemotherapy, however, in 2008 out the area and the lightning strike was missed a course. Mick had many a the disease spread to the lymph quickly contained to five square metres. The good weekend in the Watagans and glands in the groin. He did go through loved anything to do with chainsaws. further treatment but the cancer crew returned to the shed, after assuring the He would pride himself on how good spread to other areas. local residents that the lightning strike was his scarf cuts and back cuts were. extinguished and no further strikes were In July 2009, the Warringah/Pittwater located, just over two hours after the initial call. Mick was appointed a Deputy Captain RFS Welfare Fund organised a benefit from the late 1980s, a rank he held in Mick’s honour to raise funds both The homeowners had previously lost a house until January 2004. Mick’s duty crews for his treatment and the long term to a lightning strike so they were especially were always well attended and often assistance of his wife Alina and two- included a BBQ, down some fire trail year-old daughter, Brooke. Over 300 anxious when lightning struck again. But they in some of the most beautiful areas in people turned up to celebrate with weren’t the only ones grateful for the quick Sydney. their colleague Mick. response from the Wyndham Brigade. As the photo shows, the farm’s four-legged residents In January 2004 Michael was Mick died only two months later in were glad to see Deputy Captain Damian appointed Deputy Fire Control Officer, September 2009. Wister and his crew. Community Safety in Cunningham (later to be Namoi/Gwydir) which By Daryl O’Pray, Captain, Wyndham Brigade includes Narrabri, Moree Plains and Photo by David Jenkins, courtesy Photo by Jodie Dickenson Gwydir. This appointment meant he of Digital Masters Australasia

BUSH FIREbulletin // IN FOCUS:Volunteers 35 The Grafton Strike Team:

support from staff. Throughout a volunteer’s the week in Grafton, the catering and camaraderie in the base camp was astounding. While crews were recuperating in camp, an perspective onsite engineer was doing a fine By Leigh Pilkington, Senior Deputy Captain, Avoca Beach Brigade job of looking after the appliances with full field services being conducted each evening.

One thing that made this Strike Team stand out, was a new (to me) approach to transporting firefighters to and from the fire ground – helicopter!

On the second day of our deployment our crew headed to the Blue Flat fire south west of Grafton. After a three-hour drive the IMT (Incident Management Team) made the decision to leave the appliances at the fireground and fly crews back to Grafton. Replacement crews were also brought out at the same time. It gave all members the rare opportunity to get an aerial perspective of the fire. The quick helicopter ride also meant that firefighters were able to recover far more effectively. It was a great reward after a strenuous day.

After two weeks of assistance, the Gosford crews and appliances were ready to return to the Central Coast. In another strategic move designed to battle fatigue and minimise risks, fresh crews were flown to Grafton to drive the tanker and personnel carrier back to the Coast. At the end of our last shift there was nothing more universally satisfying than not having to drive an appliance all the way back to Gosford.

For the entire two weeks in Grafton, I was struck by the general feeling of respect and ABOVE: It appears that a Strike Team is learn. As a result, I believe we all friendship among the crews Joshua Hall, Senior Deputy Captain not always just about firefighting, left Grafton as better firefighters. on the fireground. While there of Brisbane Waters Brigade, arrives it can also be about what you were several members that on the fireground for his final day learn about your own skills and Leaving Gosford in the were open to learning new of deployment. the skills of your team-mates late afternoon on Monday skills and techniques, this Photo by Leigh Pilkington from your own district. 19 October, the crew was was easily complemented OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: The base transported to Sydney airport by other members who camp at the Grafton Hockey Centre This was certainly my experience after picking up another bunch of were eager to teach and be was faultless with clean rooms, at a recent two week Strike willing bodies in Hornsby. After taught. It was heartening great food and enough hot water Team deployment in the Grafton a short wait, over 30 firefighters for me to see members with for all region. Last October, firefighters from the Central Coast and years of experience impart from the Gosford District Sydney flew to Grafton where their knowledge to others in a joined others from all over the we were met by departing crews mutually respectful manner. State to assist Grafton crews who gave a short and snappy in containing, mopping up and brief on what to expect before There are several things that will patrolling fires that had been boarding their flight home after a bring members back to Strike active in the area for an extended long week of hard work. Teams. The self-satisfaction of period of time. For some on helping out is enough for some; this crew it was a first or second After being transported to the the genuine gratitude that is Strike Team, and for others it Grafton Hockey Centre we were expressed by locals and graciously was the most recent in a long greeted with very clean and accepted by the crew is another; history of heading to other areas hospitable quarters. Much to our for others, the feeling of being to help out. Common across satisfaction we discovered that part of something greater than all members, however, was a there was more than enough hot yourself is immense and reward willingness and enthusiasm to water, great catering and good enough to return again.

36 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS CENTRE LEFT: (L-R) Bruce Sharples, CENTRE RIGHT: The movement BELOW LEFT: By alternating LOWER RIGHT: Faced with a Tracy McDermott, Leigh Pilkington, of firefighters in helicopters gave days, Joshua Hall, left, and Leigh three-hour drive back to camp, the Tony Garland and Joshua Hall – many members a new perspective Pilkington shared the load of helicopters presented a welcome you do get time to stop and smell of air operations and a greater crew leading which gave both an reprieve for tired firefighters the roses, no matter how smoky understanding of the process opportunity to further develop Photos by Tony Garland, Brisbane they may be different skills Waters Brigade and Leigh Pilkington, Avoca Beach Brigade

BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 37 Wollombi gets wise By Glenn O’Rourke, Deputy Captain and Community Engagement Officer, Wollombi Brigade

Community Engagement

Engaging with the community to local brigade to help them learn invitations and letterbox drops Prepare. Act. Survive. is a very about how to prepare. throughout the Valley. challenging task, however, in the Wollombi Valley, located in the Wollombi Valley responds to Prepare. Act. Survive. set the Lower Hunter, great progress is theme for the presentation with being made. community concern the following topics covered via a combination of slide and video To respond to this need, The Wollombi community content: an integrated program of comprises a combination • New Fire Danger Ratings and Community Engagement of permanent residents, as alert levels activities was developed, well as a significant number • how fires behave targeting the communities in of ‘weekenders’ who have • preparing a Bush Fire Survival the Burralong and Wollombi sought out the Valley for its rich Plan Valleys. The local brigades held natural beauty and access to • how to prepare yourself and Open Day Firewise displays surrounding national parks, forest property for bush fire and presentations, a Firewise and wilderness areas. • how to make the leave early, or Information Display at the stay and defend decision Wollombi Community Market A large proportion of this • what to do in the event of fire Day and two Community community have never Firewise Meetings. experienced bush fire. With the Information on the history of tragedy of Black Saturday in fire in the Wollombi Valley and Promotion for the program Victoria last year, along with the the events and findings arising included advertisements in the forecast of a long, hot bush fire from the Black Saturday fires in local community newspapers season, many Wollombi residents Victoria were also addressed. and on the community website, have a heightened level of Each meeting concluded with as well as posters, email concern and are looking to their questions and a discussion about the fire season ahead.

38 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS A significant rise in community “a very beneficial meeting for us knowledge and understanding to attend. Thanks for hosting” “very professional and Attendee feedback demonstrates comprehensive presentation” the power of successful community engagement. Buoyed by this positive Following both Community feedback from participants Firewise Meetings attendees who are spreading the word were asked to assess their level about the value of the Firewise of knowledge and understanding meetings, an ongoing program about how to prepare for bush of community engagement fire. They were asked to compare activities is planned for 2010. their own level of knowledge and understanding before and after The challenge continues the presentation. While these initiatives have The number of people who been acknowledged as a categorised themselves as great success in helping local having a ‘high level of knowledge communities to understand the and understanding’ rose risk of bush fire it is only the first significantly after the meetings. step in achieving longer term success - that of a truly Firewise Burralong Valley Community community. Firewise meeting: 30% before the Firewise meeting The challenge of actively 85% after the Firewise meeting engaging with our communities (refer Figure 1) continues with our focus on reinforcing the Firewise message so as to achieve tangible Wollombi Valley Community changes in behaviour. Firewise meeting: 16% before the Firewise meeting A copy of the Community 84% after the Firewise meeting Firewise presentation can be (refer Figure 2) viewed on the Wollombi Valley Community Website ‘Wollombi In addition, locals also positively Valley Online’ – at LEFT: Glenn O’Rourke, Deputy acknowledged the value of http://wollombi.nsw.au/firewise. Captain and Community attending the presentation: Engagement Officer, Wollombi Special thanks also to Inspectors Brigade. Photo by Peter Firminger “very informative and really Brian Milsom and Glenn Byrnes emphasised the take home TOP: Leanne Bell Deputy Captain, Lower Hunter for their support Wollombi RFB and Chairman Lower message of decisiveness and and participation in the program. Hunter Community Engagement safest option = leaving early!” Committee. Photo by Peter “very well prepared – good Firminger information”

BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 39 The story of the Chifley/Lithgow Hot Fire Trailer Project Story and photos by Mick Holland, Learning and Development Officer, Chifley Zone/Lithgow Team

Interesting and realistic training After conducting a feasibility Emergency Volunteer Support fire and hydraulic pressure loss in the brigades is a good way report I came to the conclusion Fund grant. After that we got measuring equipment. to get new members and keep that the best and the most some of the local trainers together them interested. But for this we feasible solution was to take and put together a wish list of My main aim was to give the need the right facilities and aids. the facility to the members and props for the mobile training unit. local volunteers something to not the other way round. We Then we found a builder for the make their training more realistic In my role as Learning and needed a mobile training unit. trailer that could licence the gas and interesting, this in turn should Development Officer in the fitting and after many visits to the help the brigades kick-start Chifley Zone/Lithgow Team my We have found that if brigade builder we had our base unit. their training regimes and keep main question to myself was: members can train in their own members enthusiastic. Maybe where would we put a facility area and at a time that suits Customising the unit was the job even attract a few new members. to service three council areas, them best, we achieve higher of a local volunteer to apply his knowing that members are not numbers and better results on knowledge of training and skills We used The Lakes Team keen to travel for an hour each training days. to complete the project. The unit Brigade Training Handbook as way for a two hour training is fitted with LPG gas props, such a resource so that the trailer session? The next step was to find some as a car, mock gas cylinder and can be used to conduct training money to fund the project and fire pans. It also has a hydrant for anywhere and by any brigade. for this we used the National shipping standpipes, electric pole

40 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS BURNING TONIGHT By Nadine Morton, Bush Fire Bulletin

Photo by Nadine Morton

Eglinton Brigade tried out the accidents they attend each year. new hot fire training unit late in Crews paired up to approach 2009. the burning car and were taught correct extinguishing methods As Senior deputy Captain of by Deputy Captain Mark Bennett. the most active brigade in the Long-time brigade member district, Greg Ingersole was Mark took the newer members quick to take up the opportunity through the car fire scenario to train Eglinton’s 34 active that many had never dealt with members with this new unit. before.

Three different scenarios were The brigade has recently had an organised to put the members influx of new BF graduates and through their paces: a gas bottle other members who have yet fire, a car fire and an electrical completed their VF qualifications fire on a telegraph pole. With the and this was a great opportunity brigade split between the three for them to learn new skills. training stations there was a lot to do. Eglinton Brigade is the only CABA qualified brigade in Photo by Haley Billinghurst Greg Ingersole ran the gas Bathurst Regional District bottle training scenario and had so many members took the members running the ‘five man opportunity to wear their fog attack’ to both cool the gas CABA sets through the car fire bottle and protect the members scenario. approaching it. Working in teams of five, the members took turns The last scenario on the training in approaching the gas bottle night was an electrical fire atop safely and then turning it off to an electric pole. Deputy Captain prevent further hazards. Brett Taylor took members through learning how to deal “Team work is essential in this with an electrical fire and the situation and members need to hazards to be aware of. think about where their hoses are placed to enable a quick exit The hot fire training unit provided if need be,” Mr Ingersole said. Eglinton Brigade members with realistic and interesting scenarios Car fire training is also a part of that will further aid their brigade the new mobile hot fire training in being able to provide effective unit and was important for and efficient responses to similar Eglinton members due to the situations in their area. Nadine Morton, Eglinton Brigade member, after her high number of motor vehicle training session. Photo by Haley Billinghurst

BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 41 Proud to turn 50 years Hazelbrook Brigade celebrates with a Gala Day and Dinner Story and photos by Mat Hunter, Senior Deputy Captain, Hazelbrook Brigade and member of Anniversary Committee

The lead up to the anniversary was compiled. Bill Hewson, working bees in and around was hectic to say the least. our longest serving member the brigade shed were fast and Brigade members were well of 50 years (see right), was furious. The retaining wall was into constructing a new retaining consulted and he put together a finished. Even the sky lights in wall in the front garden, while comprehensive list of members the tanker bays were scrubbed. another group were making final and addresses. A letter was sent On the eve of the event when decisions about table decorations. out to all known members asking preparations were finally finished for details of anyone they may and even the table decorations A huge amount of time from know of who should be invited were complete, I, for one, have TOP: Gala Day at Hazelbrook a vast number of people went as well. never seen the shed look so Brigade’s 50th Anniversary – local, into organising the Hazelbrook clean. I was proud to be part of Jimmy Carr performing Brigade’s 50th Gala Day and The 11 April was declared as the such a great event. Dinner. day for the celebrations - not TOP RIGHT: Hazelbrook Gala Day only an anniversary dinner but The morning of 11 April did not UPPER RIGHT: Captain Tony Jarrett To start with, an accurate list of also a community celebration start as planned. It had rained receiving the commemorative past and present members had during the day. It was around this during the night and we had quite plaque from Inspector Jack Tolhurst to be compiled. time that things started to get a few out door activities planned. interesting. Luckily there were Lady Luck was on our side, LOWER RIGHT: During the course This was probably the hardest many current brigade members however, and the rain held off until of the Gala Dinner there were a part as we had a large number willing to get involved and lend a late in the day. number of guest speakers but Terry of members come and go over hand. With 100 past and present Boyd contributed from his seat, throwing in his two cents worth. a 50 year period. Trying not to members plus Blue Mountains It was a fantastic day with many Very funny! forget anyone was incredibly District staff confirmed to attend, local businesses showing their difficult and the committee the 11th was shaping up to be a wares as well as a huge array of went to great lengths to include day and a night to remember. local entertainment. There was everyone. Minutes of the everything from a bagpipe band previous meetings were sorted The days leading up to 11 April to solo performers. A drama and a rough list of members were fine and warm and the group managed to draw brigade

42 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS members into the performance. of the 70s and Alan Catt the It was a sight for sore eyes and a 90s and Tony Jarrett the current real hit! times. Terry Boyd could not help himself and had to throw his The evening came around very own two cents worth in as well. quickly and unfortunately so did Very funny! the rain. The dinner was being held in the tanker bays but the Throughout the course of the pre-dinner drinks and awards night a video diary was recording were planned for the open air some very funny stories from forecourt surrounded by the the past and present members. tankers (including a 1940’s Blitz I have not seen the footage but tanker that Hazelbrook members I cannot wait. It was great to get had restored to its shining glory). these stories on video, for these are all part of the history of our As past and present members brigade. arrived for the dinner, I was absolutely caught up in the The current brigade premises stories that were being told by were built largely by the then the older members. Wow, how current members as well as the easy we have it these days with fantastic support and donations all the equipment, not only on the from the local community. This ground, but also in the air. Not to was celebrated on the night mention the support staff behind by the unveiling of a plaque the scenes. I have to take my hat dedicated to all those that off to the firefighters of old - how participated in the construction the times have changed! of ‘The Shed’ in the 1970s.

The celebrations kicked off Finally an anniversary cake that officially with the presentation of had been made by one of our a 50 Year Long Service Award to current members, Linda Dvorak our oldest member Bill Hewson was officially cut by Bill Hewson and a Certificate of Appreciation and Mitchell Grimes. They to John Howard. Inspector Jack represent our oldest member Tolhurst (now retired) spoke at 95 and one of the youngest of the good old days in the members at 16 years of age. Blue Mountains and he also presented a commemorative That concluded the official plaque celebrating the proceedings of the night but Anniversary of the Brigade to our that was certainly not the end current Captain Tony Jarrett. of the night. It was not until after midnight that the tankers The dinner was prepared and were put back into their bays cooked by a local café owner and and tables and chairs packed Blue Mountains councillor, David away. Now after many months of Clarke. The food was fantastic and planning and preparation, stress plentiful. Complaints? I think not! and worry, it was time to sleep and come back later to do the During the course of the dinner washing up. there were a number of guest speakers. Jack Stevens spoke

VALE: Bill Hewson

Bill Hewson passed away on Saturday 30 January, 2010. Bill was 95 years old and Hazelbrook’s oldest and longest serving member. Bill was a very active and passionate member and kept a keen eye on what was happening within the brigade right up to the last few months.

As one of the founding members of Hazelbrook Brigade he was an important part of the 50th Anniversary providing ideas and guidance throughout. A man of integrity, Bill Hewson was one of the reasons why the Inspector Jack Tolhurst (now retired) Bill Hewson and Mitchell Grimes cutting the Hazelbrook Brigade has such a presenting Bill Hewson his 50 Year Anniversary cake – the oldest member (at 95) great reputation within the Blue Service Medal and Certificate and one of the youngest Mountains’ community today. BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 43 PILLIGA BOASTS A

GBy PeterO Miller,LDE Castlereagh Group NOfficer I PhotosNO by Mervyn ZZLESutherland and Jan Miller

The extreme fire prone country get to know each other before (Forests NSW) of the Pilliga in western NSW, any fire starts. It is fairly unique • map reading and GPS has spawned a tradition called as we all need to work together (Forests NSW) the Golden Nozzle. over a very large area,” he said. • Radio Communications (NSW RFS and DECCW) Since 2005 the three local The Pilliga is an area of about fire agencies in the area of 400,000 hectares of scrub Crews broke into four groups Baradine – National Parks stretching from Narrabri to comprising members from each (Department of Environment, Coonabarabran and west of agency and then headed off to Climate Change and Water), Boggabri to Baradine. It is view the equipment and have its Forests NSW (Department of extremely fire prone country. capabilities explained. Primary Industries) and NSW When a fire sweeps through the RFS – come together for a day of scrubland, the villages such as The crews then enjoyed a competition, training and some Bugaldie, Gwabegar, Kenebri and country style morning tea. A good country food. John Whittall, Pilliga on the edge of the Pilliga special thanks to Wendy Pickette Area Manager for the National come under threat. and Jan Miller from NSW RFS for Parks conceived of the idea four their scones cakes and slices. years ago. This year’s event was organised by Gary Miller (Forests NSW), After smoko, participants “It came about because we are John Whittall (DECCW) and were required to drive through often coming together to fight myself, Peter Miller, Castlereagh parts of the Pilliga to three fires in the Pilliga. The agencies Zone Group Officer. different locations given by and the private landowners grid references. Once found, involved really need to be able to The day began with a brief each crew was given a task to work together in harmony.” introduction from each agency complete - drafting water from a explaining what resources dam to refill there own tank, lay “The Golden Nozzle is an would be available. Each agency a foam blanket suitable to back opportunity to get together, have presented a talk: burn from and identify landmarks information forums, meet the • property protection (NSW RFS) given compass bearings only. personnel in each agency and • proper blacking out of fires

44 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS The drive was 20 kilometres and the crew member outside The safest crew was Jim and Mike Fratturo from the in length and had to be done the vehicle directed the driver via Coulton, James Grant, Megan Castlereagh Zone. quickly and safely - without radio. This proved more than a Young and Daniel Lowrie from speeding and without GPS. The little challenging for many of the the NSW RFS who won the accuracy of their map-reading crews - with a lot of good laughs Chris Lord Memorial prize for determined how quickly their and some very flat witches hats their good work. Each of the FAR LEFT: Gary Miller, Forests NSW, tasks were completed. to boot. prize winners received meal presenting a talk on blacking out vouchers for one of the local LEFT: Graham Bunyan, NSW RFS, Then it was back to the staging The last task of the day was to hotels, which were donated by explaining the finer points of the area for lunch with lots of talk on use of water jet from a nozzle DECCW. appliances how the morning transpired. to move an empty foam drum CENTRE LEFT: NSW RFS winners about eight metres between two The encouragement award, of the encouragement award, The afternoon consisted of four posts about a metre apart, re- donated by Baradine Rural Gwabegar Brigade. tasks inside the old racetrack at stow equipment and crew then Supplies, went to the Front Row (L-R): Polly Montgomery, Baradine. Task 1 was to drive to a drive 20 metres to the finish line. NSW RFS crew of Bruce Bruce McConnaughty, Brett Worrell live fire, extinguish and construct McConnaughty, Peter Johnson, Back Row: (L-R) Aaron Edwards, a rake hoe trail around the burnt Golden Nozzle Awards Polly Montgomery, Brett Worrell Peter Johnston area. Penalties were incurred for and Aaron Edwards from the CENTRE RIGHT: Forests NSW crew incorrect procedures and unsafe Paul Nies and Rebecca Cass Gwabegar Brigade. member commencing spot fire extinguishment work practices. Task 2 was to from DECCW received the use a chainsaw to cut a log, Perpetual Golden Nozzle Trophy A special thanks to Christine TOP LEFT: National Parks crew observing all safety procedures. for the crew that had the least Walton from Coonabarabran for extinguishing a (simulated) spot fire amount of penalties. staffing the radios during the TOP RIGHT: Stuart Green NSW Task 3 caused a few laughs. day assisted by Gail Meyers RFS, with two National Parks Participants had to manoeuvre The winners of the tanker from Gilgandra. Thanks also personnel at the property their appliance through witch’s section went to Tim Allen, Lee to Captains Andrew Young, protection talk hats guided by a crew member Howard and Justin Harris from Ronald Nash and Steven from outside the vehicle. Trouble Forests NSW. Walton, Group Officer Graham was, the driver was blindfolded Bunyan, Inspectors Stuart Green

BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 45 CADETS By Jacqueline Murphy, Bush Fire Bulletin Cadets bring relief from the drought

ABOVE: The unassuming town of Ivanhoe has a population Ivanhoe Central Ivanhoe may be one of of only 350 residents so School Cadets 2009 the most isolated towns in there are very few activities Back: NSW, but the Ivanhoe NSW for the youth. Learning and Bill Britt RFS cadet program is going Development Officer from the Adrian Whitaker (Cadet Captain) strong. Far West Zone, Inspector Bill Peter McKenzie Britt said that the NSW RFS Mark McKenzie Erin Mildenhall Just before Christmas 2009, Cadet program is being well Teacher: David Stedman a group of 11 cadets and their received by both by the young Brandon Pointon teacher made the long journey and their parents. Front: to the NSW RFS Headquarters Trelayne Highnam to receive their graduation “Ivanhoe and much of the rest Mackenzie Highnam (Cadet certificates. The young people of the Far Western NSW area, Deputy Captain) ranged from 11 to 16 years of is suffering a severe drought NSW RFS Commissioner age. For some in the group it which has devastated the Shane Fitzsimmons was their first trip to Sydney. district for nearly a decade,” he Kiaya Clark said, “Families of the area have Kanene Highnam “The memory cards on their found it hard to remain socially (Cadet Deputy Captain) Emily Mildenhall cameras were already full by active and it is especially so for Corey Hughes the time they got here,” the the youth. It is difficult to access Photo by Shane Culbert Commissioner laughed, “and programs that will develop they hadn’t even seen the city skills which help take them into of Sydney yet!” adult life.

Commissioner Shane “The cadet program is Fitzsimmons represented engaging the youth of the the Minister for Emergency town and provides stability Services at the ceremony and focus on developing where the students were skills such as leadership, presented with their participation, responsibility graduation certificates and and community respect.” David Stedman, their teacher, was awarded his competency The 2009 cadet program at for Bush Firefighter Certificate. the Ivanhoe Central School

46 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS was held between April and November. In all, there are 35-40 kids in the school so the program was opened to all students who were eligible to become Junior Members of the NSW RFS including students from Years 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Inspector Britt said the Ivanhoe cadet program is having a positive impact on the whole district. In fact the Shire Council recently recognised the success and importance of the program for the town of Ivanhoe. Central Darling Shire have named the Cadet Captain Adrian Whitaker as the Central Darling Junior Citizen of the Year Award for Ivanhoe.

“This is the first time the program has been offered in the Far West Team area,” Inspector Britt said, “Due to the success at Ivanhoe, the program will be Inspector Britt said. “We were TOP CENTRE: Packing up after offered to other remote schools well looked after by the NSW assessment at Wilcannia and Menindee.” RFS and especially by our bus driver John, who drove us TOP RIGHT: Ivanhoe Cadet, Peter McKenzie setting up for Village The graduation ceremony in anywhere without question training. Photos by Bill Britt Sydney provided the perfect and provided our passes to the opportunity for the students to museum. MIDDLE CENTRE: Working with spend the last few days of the other emergency services school year celebrating their “A special mention and achievements both academically appreciation must go to Amy LOWER CENTRE: Nozzle training and as cadets. Blackwood and Paul Fowler who made the trip a great success CENTRE RIGHT: Cadet Captain, Arian Whitaker receiving his “It was great to see the cadets by arranging flights, food and graduation certificate from the enjoy their trip to the Maritime transport for the trip and Region NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Museum and into Sydney and West Office for providing the Fitzsimmons. Photo by Shane have a look around the harbour,” accommodation.” Culbert

BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 47 Training Information for NSW RFS Members By Matt Reeves, Learning and Development Officer

Each year the NSW RFS offers A number of professional members the opportunity to development and re-accreditation attend training programs. workshops are also scheduled for 2010. These workshops are While most training in the NSW aimed at existing instructors or RFS is undertaken at brigade and members with specialist skills. D/T/Z level, some programs are centralised, as they are specialist Such programs are the Breathing courses or are delivered by Apparatus Instructors Workshops external organisations such as which are being held in April TAFE. (Nowra) and July (Cessnock) and are designed to up-skill current The 2010 Training Information instructors by providing higher Book (TIB) and training calendar level knowledge and skills. (available on MyRFS and in hard copy) lists all the training Another exciting program is the programs that the NSW RFS series of Fire Line Leadership delivers, the methods of delivery programs. Facilitated by a U.S.- and other important information based training organisation, such as which qualifications senior operational members have you may have to have prior to the opportunity to revise, learn attending a particular course. and apply critical leadership skills in a unique learning environment. An example of training programs that are delivered outside All members, new or of your D/T/Z is Rural Fire experienced are encouraged to Instructor and Assessor, Aviation look at the Training Information Specialist courses, Community Book on-line or obtain a copy Engagement programs and from your D/T/Z office and see leadership programs such as what training programs are Leadership and Team Skills and offered, the dates and locations Fire Line Leadership. and other information in relation to training in the NSW RFS. Some of these programs offer national accreditation and can See page 45 for the 2010 contribute towards Certificate II, calendar of training programs. III, IV and Diploma qualifications.

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48 BUSH FIREbulletin // TRAINING BOOKLET NSW RFS State Training Programs Calendar 2010 Month Program/ Workshop Training

th th Location March Sat 6 - Sun 7 - Community Safety Facilitator (CSF). Region North Tue 16th - Wed 17th - Advanced Dip. Management Workshop 1. Orange Tue 16th - Thur 18th - Air Base Manager (ABM). Dubbo Tue 16th - Thur 18th - TAA Certificate IV Upgrade. Homebush Thur 18th - Sun 21st - Leadership and Team Skills (LDR). Coffs Harbour Sat 20th - Sun 21st - Aviation Radio Operator (ARO) and Air Base Operator Glenn Innes (ABO). Re-certification. Thur 25th - Sun 28th - Leadership and Team Skills (LDR). Katoomba

th th April Fri 9 - Sun 11 - Breathing Apparatus Instructors Professional Development. Nowra Tue 13th - Wed14th - Advanced Dip. Management Workshop 2. Orange Thur 15th - Sun 18th - Monitor Brigade Safety (SAF). Coffs Harbour Mon 19th – Fri 23rd - Command, Control and Communications Workshop (CCC). Sutherland Thur 29th – Mon 3rd - Fireline Leadership Course 1 (FLL). Batemans Bay

th th May Thur 6 - Sun 9 - Monitor Brigade Safety (SAF). Katoomba Thur 6th - Mon10th - Fireline Leadership Course 2 (FLL). Coffs Harbour Tue 11th - Wed 12th - Advanced Dip Management Workshop 3 Orange Tue 18th - Wed 19th - Planning for Bushfire Protection Workshop (PBfP). TBA Tue 18th - Sat 22nd - Air Observer (AOB). Mudgee Thur 20th - 24th - Fireline Leadership Course 3 (FLL) Yanco Sat 22nd - Breathing Apparatus Technician Recertification (BAT). Hornsby Thur 27th - Mon 31st - Fireline Leadership Course 4 (FLL). Yanco Mon 31st - Fri 4th - Command, Control and Communications Workshop (CCC). Sutherland

th th June Fri 4 - Sun 6 - Aviation Radio Operator (ARO) and Air Base Operator (ABO). Tamworth Sat 5th - Sun 6th - Community Safety Facilitator (CSF). Region North Tue 8th - Wed 9th - Advanced Dip Management Workshop 4. Orange Sat 26th - Sun 27th - Breathing Apparatus Technician (BAT). Port Stephens

nd th July Fri 2 - Mon 5 - Aviation Radio Operator (ARO) and Air Base Operator (ABO). Forbes Sat 3rd - Sun 4th - Breathing Apparatus Technician (BAT). Baulkham Hills Tues 6th - Sun 7th - Advanced Dip Management Workshop 5. Orange Fri 16th - Sun 18th - Breathing Apparatus Instructors Professional Development. Cessnock Mon 19th - Fri 23rd - Command, Control and Communications Workshop (CCC). Sutherland Sat 24th - Sun 25th - Aviation Radio Operator (ARO) and Air Base Operator Crookwell (ABO) Re-certification. Sat 24th - Sun 25th - Community Liaison Officer (CLO). Canobolas Sat 24th - Sun 25th - Community Safety Facilitator (CSF). Region North

rd August Tue 3 - Wed 4th - Advanced Dip Management Workshop 6. Orange Mon 16th - Wed 18th - Air Base Manager (ABM). Dubbo

th th September Mon 13 - Fri 17 - Command, Control and Communications Workshop. (CCC) Sutherland Tue 14th - Wed 15th - Planning for Bushfire Protection Workshop (PBfP). TBA

th th October Sat 9 - Sun 10 - Community Safety Facilitator (CSF). Region South

Note: Nominations for training programs and workshops close four weeks prior to the commencement date Further information on each program can be found in the 2010 Training Information Book (TIB) All nominations should be through your D/T/Z Learning and Development Officer or Manager/ Supervisor

Members can view this calendar on MyRFS. Log in and use the 2010 State Training Courses tab at the top of the home page.

BUSH FIREbulletin // TRAINING BOOKLET 49 BRIGADE IN PROFILE Name of Brigade: Bolwarra-Largs Year brigade formed: 1968 Current Captain: Brian Worboys Current President: Peter Henderson D/T/Z: Hunter Zone, Region East

Can you give us a brief history of the brigade?

Bolwarra and Largs are two suburbs of the city of Maitland, which is situated in the Lower Hunter Valley of NSW. Bolwarra- Largs Rural Fire Brigade was formed at a public meeting on 3 December 1968 after a fire which seriously threatened the village of Largs.

The brigade currently has 31 active members and four junior members. Two of the original founding members are still active to this day. Some of the 31 active members, including four juniors and two of the Over its 40 year life, the brigade’s original founding members, make up the Bolwarra-Largs Brigade today equipment has changed dramatically. In 1968 Bolwarra- Largs was proud of its 300 September 2008. Highlights occasional weekend training. days. One event, which is keenly gallon trailer tanker stored in a of the celebrations include the During these sessions members anticipated by the Bolwarra and local shed. We now have three presentation of Long Service are trained in the following areas: Largs community, is the annual tankers which are stored in a Medals by the Assistant radio communications, nozzles “Christmas Santa Run”, during four bay shed complete with Commissioner Rob Rogers and and equipment, emergency drill, which brigade members and a well equipped meeting and Mayor of Maitland, Alderman pumping and drafting, electrical Santa drive around the local training room. Peter Blackmore. fires, dangerous goods, motor streets on the fire tankers and vehicle accidents, mapping and hand out lollies to the children. What are some unique parts of What type of area do you GPS, vehicle maintenance and your brigade’s history? cover? (e.g. farm/urban/ structure fires. The annual NSW RFS Open Day bushland) is another major community The brigade has always been self- What are some unique skills event. During recent years, sufficient, having funded and built Bolwarra-Largs covers an area and features of your brigade? the Open Day has had a large the station ourselves. The building that is predominantly farm increase in attendance. We make occurred in four stages between land but includes some urban The brigade crews and maintains it an enjoyable day for the local 1978 and 2003. All construction development and bushland. one of the Lower Hunter Zones community with such activities work with exception of bricklaying Cat 13 bulk water tankers. as the ‘target knock down’ by was completed by members. As What types of incidents does Brigade members regularly travel the kids with knapsacks and with many brigades, for the first your brigade attend? to out-of-area incidents and the interactive fire blanket 20 years Bolwarra-Largs also built Section 44 activities. We also demonstration. our own tankers. The brigade attends incidents have a resident social group, involving bush fires, grass fires, known as the Mindaribba Bird Any final thoughts or Being geographically centred motor vehicle accidents, hay Watchers, who hold regular comments you would like to in the Lower Hunter Zone, the shed fires and structural fires. social outings to boost the add? brigade training room is used We also assist the SES when brigade’s funds. regularly. It has the capacity to required such as during the We would like to acknowledge be used as a local control centre floods in June 2007. We attend What are some unique the continued support of if the need arises. hazard reduction burns during features of your community? Maitland City Council, the the off-season or as required. Bolwarra-Largs community and Bolwarra-Largs Brigade has The brigade receives enormous the commitment of past and had some unique fund raising What vehicles do you have? support from the local present brigade members who schemes such as a three year community of Bolwarra and all make this brigade what it is contract to clean and detail The Bolwarra-Largs Rural Fire Largs through various fund today. one large company’s fleet of 15 Brigade has a Cat 1, Cat 7 and raising activates including the vehicles on a weekly basis. Cat 13 bulk water tanker. Largs Village Ball. Written by Brian Worboys and Bob Shorten What are some recent What type of training do you What community events does milestones the brigade has conduct and how do you go your brigade participate in? achieved? about doing this? The brigade participates in Bolwarra-Largs celebrated The brigade conducts regular various community events its 40th anniversary in monthly training sessions and including school fetes and field 50 BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS TOP: Today the brigade is proud of their four bay shed and two tankers plus a bulk water carrier

CENTRE LEFT: Founding members, See and Bruce Dark, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the brigade in September 2008

CENTRE LOWER LEFT: One of the highlights of the year was the presentation of Long Service Medals by Assistant Commissioner Rob Rogers (far right) in September 2008

CENTRE RIGHT: When the new tanker arrived in 1968 the brigade members could not have been happier

RIGHT: The NSW RFS Open Day is a popular community event for the people of Bolwarra and Largs

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LIFT-OUT: SOUVENIR - OUR SERVICE’S HISTORY BUSH FIREbulletinVOLUME 32 No.01 // 2010 Pack Includes: production & Advertising THE JOURNAL OF THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE • BL500V (Pre-Programmed to RFS channels) carillon graphic communications Fire whirl The startling Riverina fires • Single Bay Rapid Charger Advertising, Design & Artwork: Steve Byers: 02 9906 2444 // [email protected] • Heavy Duty Speaker Mike • AC Power Adaptor BUSH FIRE BULLETIN IN THIS ISSUE Gulaga Fire: Mountain • DC Power Adaptor Advertising Rates & Specifications comes under threat The Commissioner on ‘Catastrophic’ Hotspots program • 2X 1800 mAH Battery pack Note: All rates are based on per issue. Popular sizes shown here only. makes an impact

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Cover Photo Courtesy of The Border Mail. A fire whirl near Gerogery in December 2009. Production/Advertising Coordinator Steve Byers Graphic Design/Art Production Steve Byers - Carillon Graphics Publisher NSW Rural Fire Service Produced Corporate Communications Editor Jacqueline Murphy ISSN: 1033-7598 rfs.nsw.gov.au www. Web: Email: [email protected] Fax: 02 9737 0171 Tel: 02 8741 5555 Tel: Granville NSW 2142 Locked Bag 17 Lidcombe NSW 2141 15 Carter Street NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE