24sevenOfficial magazine of the Government of Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services Issue 1, 2014 From the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner In 2013, we continued to make headway We have also made substantial progress In 2014, there is more work to do to in in our journey towards a better in the review of WA’s emergency services order to see continued success in our co-ordinated and effective emergency legislation and a Concept Paper leading operational efforts as well as our corporate services delivery model in WA. We set to the development of a single legislative environment. We have more to achieve ourselves an enormous challenge from instrument that will better support fire and this requires a concerted effort and the outset which involved changing our and emergency services personnel and commitment to maintaining our momentum way of doing things to create a more volunteers. The Concept Paper for the new throughout the year ahead. cohesive and focussed organisation. Emergency Services Act will be released for public comment in the coming weeks. Our business processes have a direct Kalamunda VFRS Captain Tony Moiler We have made great advances in impact on our internal efficiencies as well and Fire and Rescue Station Officer implementing Professional Development The Paper will outline the legislative options as our operational efforts so it is essential Jack Vanderklau face the camera. Pathways, an Integrated Planning and available to the government to address that we get these right. Having sound and Reporting System (IPRS), an All Hazard current operational issues and challenges, robust corporate systems in place will be a Information Management System (AHIMS) as well as the alternatives to modernising and the State Control, Command, the legislation to reflect current practice. A priority of key projects this year. Coordination and Information System significant theme in the Concept Paper will The need to deliver on operational priorities (C3IS) to name a few, but we need to be risk mitigation for all natural hazards, and Firefighters debut on small screen and maintain the high standards that we recognise it will take time to embed these there is a particular focus on bushfire fuel are becoming known for, whist driving systems as a new way of doing business. management and risk planning. I strongly encourage the fire and emergency services change, will continue to be a challenge in The benefits of the C3IS project community, combat and support agencies, 2014 but we have already demonstrated “People need to ensure they have are already being realised with the volunteers and DFES personnel to provide this is possible through an impressive body Career and volunteer firefighters who often prefer to stay out of the insurance, a proper survival plan, a development of a single manual that feedback on the Paper once it is released of work implemented to date. limelight recently found themselves front and centre of a new State generator and independent water consolidates existing documents, for comment. supply to defend their homes. doctrine and procedures for the State, What we plan to achieve this year will be Government campaign. Metropolitan and Regional Operations Lastly, but not least, 2013 saw the launch no mean feat given that seasonal hazards “They also need to keep a close Centres. WebEOC has also become of the State Government’s media campaign and incidents cause us to refocus our Leading the charge with Victoria Cross Bullsbrook Volunteer Fire Services watch on fire danger ratings.” the Department’s Incident Management on bushfire mitigation and pre-season energies at different times of the year. recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, they volunteer Alice Becklake, who System. preparation for bushfire. The need to However, the ability of all personnel to played a starring role in a series of was involved in the filming of the Fire and Emergency Services share responsibility for WA’s bushfire risk adapt to the challenges we face, operate television advertisements that were advertisement, said the experience Commissioner Wayne Gregson said These are important achievements and prepare for the bushfire season is strategically and work in collaboration with launched on the first day of summer. gave her an insight into multi-agency that DFES was doing everything it that will collectively streamline access the cornerstone of the “Are You Ready?” our stakeholders, will underpin our success bushfire response. could to help educate and safeguard to DFES’ corporate knowledge and campaign, which was launched on the first in 2014. The campaign asked one key question the community. standard operating procedures resulting day of summer. of Western Australians, “Are you “It was interesting to learn more about in enhanced operations and improved I would like to thank you all for your ready?” this bushfire season. how the Department of Parks and “DFES is working closely with career service delivery. The campaign messages are especially ongoing commitment to achieving Wildlife (DPaW) works, and the role and volunteer firefighters, DPaW, relevant as this bushfire season is proving our strategic vision of being a leading It focuses on the message that that Western Power has in bushfire Additionally, the establishment of the new Local Governments, Western Power to be as challenging and demanding as emergency services organisation and bushfire preparedness is a responsibility prevention. Belmont Simulation Centre will support expected, with significant operational efforts and other stakeholders to ensure look forward to working with the fire and shared by Government, emergency the introduction of pre-determined already seen this year particularly during the “I also made great friends with some arrangements are in place for another emergency services community in the year services, communities, neighbours trained teams at the State, regional and of the other volunteers involved in the long and challenging season,” Stoneville-Parkerville and Banjup bushfires. and individuals. incident level. Personnel who are currently ahead. shoot, so I was very glad to be a part Commissioner Gregson said. rostered for mobilisation within these Acknowledging our collective achievements Members of the community living in of it,” Alice said. teams will regularly participate in response and reflecting on our progress to date is an WAYNE GREGSON APM “Preparing for bushfire is a or near high risk bushfire areas are simulation exercises and assessment at important part of understanding and framing COMMISSIONER The television advertisement is being responsibility all Western Australians encouraged to be proactive and make the new Centre. our priorities for the year ahead. FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES complemented by an extensive print share and now we need the necessary preparations for the season. and online campaign. community to play their part to ensure everyone’s safety. Each of the State’s fire service agencies Emergency Services Minister Joe Contents are represented, including the Fire and Francis said while Western Australia’s Cover photo: Volunteer firefighters Magazine articles are welcome – please email Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, “We hope the community will heed at the Parkerville bushfire photographed 24seven Editor at DFES Media and Public Affairs: career and volunteer firefighters were our message and ‘get ready’ as part Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service better equipped and protected than General News .......................... 3 – 15 by Evan Collis. [email protected] of this campaign.” and Volunteer Fire Services. ever before, it was essential that people Managing Editor: Michelle Neil Stories should be up to 500 words in length Operational Incidents.............. 16 – 23 and submitted with accompanying images and living in high bushfire risk areas also did Editor: Kristine Smith The series of three television For further information on the campaign captions wherever possible. Digital photographs their bit to prepare for a fire emergency. Todd Cardy, advertisements began airing on Resources and Training .......... 24 – 37 Regular Contributors: are required at high resolution (300dpi) to ensure visit www.areyouready.wa.gov.au or Sunday 1 December 2013 and will Dana Jackson, Elena Kane, Lauren acceptable quality for printing. “Being prepared means more than contact Media and Public Affairs on Awards and Recognition ......... 38 – 45 Gardiner, Nic Hatherly, Bren McGurk be broadcast for the duration of the just clearing around your property,” For permission to use material in this publication, 9225 5955. and Ivana Oroz-Bootsma season. Mr Francis said. Youth .................................... 46 – 48 please contact the Editor on (08) 9395 9570. Design: Jemma Williams 24seven Issue 1, 2014 3 GENERAL NEWS SES volunteers outside Boulder Town Hall, one of the landmarks Family fun lit up in orange for WOW Day. “SES Week and WOW Day at open day are co-ordinated by DFES to publicly thank the SES for continuing to offer their time It was a dream outing for many children in the and put the needs of others crowd of more than 1,150 visitors to the DFES before their own.” Education and Heritage Centre Open Day. Not surprisingly, some of the most “Bayswater SES volunteer Ash Smith “It was also timely to promote bushfire popular activities included riding co-ordinated the program and he awareness and highlight the associated on shiny red vintage fire trucks and was ably assisted by career and publications developed by Community