Friday 23 July 2010

Your RFBAQ 'Smoke Signals' magazine is now online!

Your RFBAQ 'Smoke Signals' magazine is now online!

Friday 23 July 2010

Heavy Support Tanker Appliance

Construction has commenced on the 6 heavy support tankers to be built this year. These appliances are the first of 14 to be funded under the Governments “Supporting Our Heroes” election commitment. These new support appliances will be delivered by the end of July to be available to support brigade operations over the coming fire season.

Painted red and white and fully funded and maintained by QFRS Rural Operations these new heavy support appliances are constructed on a 14 tonne two wheel drive Isuzu FTR700 cab chassis that has seating for 3 crew with heat reflect curtains installed to provide crew burn-over protection. The body has a 6000 litre water tank and is fitted with a fixed diesel fire fighting water pump and hose reel for self protection and carries a 12,000 litre portable dam along with a transportable diesel water transfer pump. Other equipment includes a 2.2 kva portable generator and stem lighting to assist during night time activities as well as portable refrigeration and a shelter with folding table and chairs for a crew resting area during re-supply operations.

Each appliance will also carry a stock of replacement respirators, goggles, personal protection blankets and fire-fighting gloves as well as four additional drip torch fuel containers, two replacement drip torches and a range of fire hose and adaptors to support fire fighting operations.

Appliances will be strategically hosted by a brigade based upon a seasonal assessment of area and regional risk and on the capacity of the host brigade to crew and deploy the appliance when needed to support operations. The principal role of these appliances will be to support hazard mitigation and response activities when there is a need for a multiple brigade response. Identification of host brigades for the upcoming fire season is currently being finalised.

Thursday 16 July 2010

Your Association is seeking your input for additions and modifications to both PPE and equipment.

As the Association that represents Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers in Queensland, the RFBAQ is endeavouring to improve the safety and function of all of the equipment and clothing that is currently provided to volunteers within the Rural Fire Service.

In Pursuit of this, your Association is seeking your input for additions and modifications to both PPE and equipment.

A matter that is continuously raised by Volunteers is that the supply of one style of appliance in both the light, medium and heavy categories does not necessarily fulfil the diverse needs of Volunteers across Queensland.

Recently, at the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Association conference, appliances were supplied by the Victorian Country Fire Authority and the Australian Capital Territory Rural Fire Service to compliment the appliances on show by the NSW RFS. The vehicles on show stimulated a large amount of interest by both employed staff and Volunteers present from all States and Territories. This showed that brigade needs not only varied by state, but were as localised as from one side of the hill to the other.

The backbone of the QLD RFS fleet is the medium attack vehicle, and this appliance has had a marked change in both appearance and function within the last two years.

The RFBAQ is calling upon you to help in a number of design options that can be made available for all attack appliances, so local Volunteers can order an appliance, that best suits the local communities protection needs.

For example but without limiting to the current cab chassis supplied, (Isuzu 300) we are seeking both design and design suggestions from Volunteers. The RFBAQ will collate these suggestions into a number of needs analysis profiles that will then be made available for further comment and suggestion before presenting to Rural Operations with the recommended variations on the current appliance design.

The initial period for comment and suggestion will run until the last week in August 2010, so that the comments and suggestions will be tabled at out Annual General Meeting in Townsville on the 4th and 5th of September 2010.

All comments and suggestions are to be directed to;

E: equipment@rfbaq.org  

P: 07 5480 1351

F: 07 5481 1911

101A Mary Street, Gympie Q 4570

Tuesday 13 June 2010

Smoke Signals to get message out for Queensland’s Volunteer Firefighters

The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ) launched a new improved edition of its Smoke Signals magazine this week. The Association’s President and CEO made the announcement in a joint statement.

“Smoke Signals is an important publication for members of Queensland’s Volunteer Rural Fire Brigades and their communities,” explained Dick Irwin, RFBAQ CEO.

The Association is sending a pack of Smoke Signals magazines to each brigade secretary. “Brigade secretaries are volunteers, and they do a tremendous and very important job,” said the Association’s President, Max Rogers.

He emphasised their vital role within the volunteer brigade system, saying, “We are asking secretaries to distribute Smoke Signals to members of their brigade – and encourage them to pass it on to each other.”

“When brigade members and their families have read their copy of Smoke Signals, we encourage them to pass it on for their friends and neighbours to read. “We are also asking brigade members to put their copy of Smoke Signals in the community – in a café, hairdressing salon or doctor’s surgery – anywhere that people like to flick through a good magazine.”

The new Smoke Signals magazine has plenty to offer readers in the community, as well as brigade volunteers said Max Rogers: “It celebrates the rural lifestyle, and the important and voluntary role played by Queensland’s Rural Fire Brigades.” He paid tribute to the volunteers in the Rural Fire Brigades, saying, “These unpaid professionals are out there, fighting the good fight. “They are often the unsung heroes in our community and Smoke Signals throws a light on their good work. It strengthens the communications between rural brigades, sharing knowledge, stories and experiences.”

As well, the articles in Smoke Signals will help Queenslanders to understand how they can help prevent bushfires – and ways to support their Volunteer Rural Fire Brigades.

Not everyone can volunteer, but everyone can support their Rural Fire Brigades in one way or another – by becoming bushfire aware, making a donation, or buying RFBAQ lottery tickets or merchandise.

In the future, the RFBAQ plans to include a ‘Country Living Directory’ in Smoke Signals. Businesses will be able to advertise in the publication and, in the process, support Queensland’s Rural Fire Brigades, said CEO, Dick Irwin.

“We’re all in this together,” he said, “and advertising in Smoke Signals will provide a win-win for Queensland businesses and their Rural Fire Brigade volunteers.”

For more information on this news item, please contact:

Dick Irwin AFSM, CEO, Rural Fire Brigades Association, Queensland Inc.

P: +61 07 5480 1355 M: 0428 718 507 F: +61 07 5481 1911 E: ceo@rfbaq.org

Friday 2 June 2010

Congratulations!

Thursday 1 July 2010

"Advancing Bushfire Arson Prevention in Australia”

A new report: "Advancing Bushfire Arson Prevention in Australia" is now available for download from the website of the Monash Sustainability Institute, at http://www.monash.edu/research/sustainability-institute/bushfire-arson/arson_symposium.html  

The report is the outcome of a symposium on bushfire arson prevention, held jointly by the Australian Bushfire Arson Prevention Initiative and the Australian Institute of Criminology in Melbourne, 25-26 March 2010. The report contains a summary of each of the workshops and keynote presentations, as well as a synthesis of the major issues and recommendations. It provides a comprehensive and clear picture on the current state of bushfire arson prevention in Australia, and on the steps needed to advance it.

The Australian Bushfire Arson Prevention Initiative and the Australian Institute of Criminology will continue working towards addressing the recommendations from this report and towards ensuring that this issue does not fall off the agenda. We welcome any comments or feedback you have on the report and specific ideas about how to carry forward the recommendations.

Thursday 1 July 2010

Bushfire CRC Update

These are updates from the latest Bushfire CRC Workshop there is some great information here, just select the hyperlink and go. You will also be able to select back information as well. Knowledge is not a heavy burden to carry

Bushfire CRC – CEO Newsletter – Issue 33

This newsletter is also online with photos at: www.bushfirecrc.com/news/newsletters/issue3310.html

Main items include:

• Australia-US collaboration
• Governing Board moves
• Fresh success

Here are two research briefing papers from the Bushfire CRC.

• “Foehn Winds and Fire Danger Anomalies over South East Australia”
  
• “Wind terrain interaction and bushfire propagation over rugged terrain"

These Fire Notes are out of the High Fire Risk Project, from Dr Jason Sharples, Rick McRae, and Assoc Prof Rod Weber. This work was presented at the recent Fire in the High Country Forum, in Albury.

Wednesday 16th June 2010

Retired Queensland Emergency Services employee wins a car.

Mr Dennis Jones of Caboolture, could hardly believe his luck when the Rural Fire Brigades Association rang to give him the news that he had won a new Mitsubishi Lancer.

Dennis, who was a long time employee of the Department of Emergency Services has been buying RFBAQ Art Union tickets since their inception; it is one way of supporting our Volunteer Firefighters.

“This is my first new car in over 25 years” Dennis said today.

The Ford Courier that Dennis was driving is being given to son Robert, who was also pleased with his fathers win.

The RFBAQ would like to congratulate Dennis on his great win and also extend their gratitude to the regular buyers of art union tickets. Buying these tickets help put out bush fires. Dennis was one of three lucky winners to collect their Mitsubishi Lancer Sedans from Action Mitsubishi in Gympie.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Volunteer Walkout Uniform - an overwhelming success

With an average of over 40 Volunteer Walkout Uniform applications arriving each day, the uniform that the RFBAQ is supplying to all Volunteers in the Queensland Rural Fire Service must be counted as an overwhelming success.

In the last month the RFBAQ have held information and product stands at the Roma Show, Agro Trend (Bundaberg), Exercise Capricornia (Emerald) and Farm Fest (Toowoomba). At these events, the Volunteer feedback has been that of both gratitude to the RFBAQ for supplying a uniform to all members; and disappointment that all Volunteers have not been recognised in this way for their contributions, sooner.

Since the uniform rollout at the Volunteer Summit in mid April (only a month and a half ago), over 1,560 applications for uniforms have been received from across the State. Due to the overwhelming response some sizes have been put on back order with an expected delivery date towards the end of June. (Note additional sizes have been added from XS to 6XL in shirts, including additional sizes in trousers)

When filling in your uniform application, it is important that you supply your Volunteer ID; this is so we ensure that the uniforms are distributed to Volunteers only.

Once you have your Volunteer ID, you can also use it to log onto the Volunteer Portal if you have not already done so.

All of the elected Representatives and the staff of the RFBAQ would again like to thankyou for the contribution that every Volunteer makes to their community to keep them fire aware and fire safe.

Note: if you have not yet received a copy of the Walkout Uniform application form, this is available from the Volunteer Tab / Volunteer News and Info of the RFBAQ website.

Thursday, 15th April 2010

GOOD NEWS FOR RURAL/BUSH FIRE BRIGADES

 After nearly 3 years of lobbying the Federal Government has approved Gift Recipient Status to Volunteer Rural/Bush Fire Brigades across Australia. The Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland and recently the AAVFBA the Australasian Body of Volunteer Fire Brigades Associations have requested the Australian Tax Office to have this important status returned to Volunteer Fire Brigades.

Friday, 9th April 2010

Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers! Click here to visit find out about our new GPS promotion, download the brochure, ‘Volunteer Contact Registration Form’ and more . .

Monday, 29th March 2010

"He who orders the equipment without permission pays for the equipment"

Process for ordering on the fire ground

The RFBAQ was asked by member of a Rural Fire Brigade in the South East Region, “what is the correct process for ordering plant or equipment under all situations on the fire ground?” (Dozers, Graders, Water Trucks ETC)

Currently there is no written formalised processes in place in the Rural Fire Service, although we have been informed in writing from Rural Operations, Kedron, that there is a need for a business rule, and that one is to be developed.

Rural Operations, Kedron suggest that:- “In the interim, brigades are encouraged to work through the Area Office with urgent contact being via Fire Com” as Area office staff may not be available or unreachable at the time.

As there is a level of uncertainty in relation to this process, the RFBAQ has enquired on behalf of a brigade, and here is the process as we understand it.

As the Officer in Charge or Incident Controller, you will have notified FireComm of your incident and the units that are present and that you are the Controller.

If you believe that there is a need for equipment, be it dozer, water truck, grader, ask FireComm to contact your Area Office, or if your Area Office is un-contactable, ask FireComm to contact the Rural Duty Officer.

If the Rural Duty Officer is un-contactable, FireComm will be able to source and order the equipment that is necessary.

Again the old adage, “He who orders the equipment without permission pays for the equipment”, is valid, as an Area Director or delegate will have this expense coming out of their Area or Regional budget. This is why it is critical that you notify FireComm immediately of your presence at an incident, as this will allow for more time in the notification of Area Office / Rural Duty Officer.

Again the RFBAQ would like to stress the necessity of following the process and of creating and maintaining good working relationships with all of the staff in your local Area and Regional Office.

Process Chart for requesting plant / equipment from the fire ground

Emails that have been received by the RFBAQ from Rural Operations in relation to this matter have been logged in the correspondence register of the Association.

FIRE LINE is an update on what directly affects the 36,000 Volunteer fire-fighters and support members and over 2,600 fire wardens in Queensland.

Thursday, 18th March 2010

Private car insurance on the fire-ground; are you covered?

The RFBAQ has been in contact with 4 large personal insurance companies in Queensland to ask as to whether Volunteers are covered when using their personal vehicles on the fire-ground as is outlined in the Brigade Manual D7.20.

These inquiries are in response to the RFBAQ attending a Stanley Rivers Group meeting where the 1st Officer of a brigade raised questions about personal vehicle insurance and the fire-ground. The Officers attending the meeting wished to know if they were covered driving and using their vehicles in a Volunteer capacity, would their vehicle be covered if using a slip on unit or trailer and also if the QFRS insurance coverage was capped at $10,000?

From the response that we have received from RACQ, AAMI, NRMA and Suncorp, it would appear that no one apart from the RFBAQ has ever formally asked these questions of the underwriters.

The question asked of each of these 4 large personal insurers was; would your companies comprehensive or third party fire and theft policies cover Volunteer fire-fighters driving their vehicles to the station, to the actual fire-ground and/or using the vehicle with a slip on unit or trailer as a frontline fire-fighting vehicle. In each instance we also informed the insurers that this was not for reward, and that the Volunteers were not being paid for their services.

The findings below are in no way given as advice, and policy holders should contact their relevant insurer.

NRMA has written to the RFBAQ stating - “I've had confirmation from our Motor Product team that we would under our comprehensive motor policy and our Third Party Fire & Theft policy cover a volunteer’s car if destroyed or damaged by fire while fulfilling volunteer duties.”

NRMA telephone number – 13 21 32

AAMI has also responded in writing to the RFBAQ – “……While AAMI will fairly consider any claim for fire, heat or smoke damage on an individual basis, we need to stress that the AAMI Policy does not cover instances where its driver has placed their car intentionally in a position where damage would be highly likely to occur. We would expect your AAMI-insured members to not utilise their vehicles as direct fire fighting appliances or similar ‘front-line’ fire fighting vehicles.

AAMI’s third party property damage car insurance policy operates on the same basis as above.”

AAMI telephone number - 13 22 44

RACQ informed the RFBAQ that it is their company policy not to release written general information of this nature, and recommends that all Volunteers who have motor policies with RACQ contact them to discuss the levels of cover that they are covered for under their individual policies.

RACQ telephone number – 13 19 05

Suncorp has, after the initial RFBAQ inquiry, rolled out an online training package to their motor vehicle insurance staff covering Volunteers who use their private vehicles on the fire-ground. Suncorp has also mailed out this information to customers who it knows are involved in Volunteer fire brigades. This was done prior to Suncorp sending the RFBAQ written confirmation of coverage for Volunteer fire-fighters.

“As a part of Suncorp’s commitment to the community, we will ensure our car insurance customers* continue to be covered when they are participating in volunteer fire fighting activities.

The insured vehicle is covered for fire damage that is a result of the customer driving to the scene, leaving their vehicle at the rural fire brigade depot, or anywhere else that is part of their volunteer activities.”

Suncorp telephone number – 13 11 55

Rural Operations in Kedron have let us know in writing that - “….I can confirm that volunteers are covered through insurance policies held by QFRS in the event that they do not have their own insurance. As outlined in the brigade business rule D7.20 our volunteers can make application through their Area Office and must include written quotes for repair or replacement. “

“…I do know that each claim is assessed on a case by case basis as with any insurance claim. Market value, again as with any insurance, is the starting point for any assessment of a claim.”

The QFRS insurer is Lumley General Insurance Limited as outlined in the Brigade Manual.

The RFBAQ again stresses that you should contact your insurer to confirm that the policy that you have meets your individual needs.

Emails that have been received by the RFBAQ from Insurers and Rural Operations in relation to this matter have been logged in the correspondence register of the Association.

Friday, 26th February 2010

Parliamentary Accounts Committee members and RFBAQ meet in Toowoomba

The weekend of the 19th to the 20th February, saw the RFBAQ General Meeting being held in Toowoomba. Elected Representatives from across the State gathered and carried matters forward that will improve conditions and recognition for Volunteer Fire-Fighters and Fire Wardens.

Friday night saw the Gowrie Little Plain Rural Fire Brigade provide a welcome and BBQ for the RFBAQ in the QCWA hall. Simultaneously with our arrival saw the Kingsthorpe medium attack responded to a kitchen fire in a nearby area. The Gowrie Little Plain Rurals were responded at the same time as a red truck to this call, and this really exemplifies how Volunteer fire-fighters are able to support the community as a whole.

Standing orders were suspended on Saturday to allow for the members of the Parliamentary Account Committee to speak to representatives of the RFBAQ, and deliver a presentation of the outline of the RFBAQ submission.

The Chair of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee, Mr Wayne Wendt MP, stated that the Committee would like to see submissions from all interested parties; and that the RFBAQ is the peak body for Volunteer fire-fighter representation in Queensland.

Submissions close Friday 19th March 2010 –

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/documents/PAPWC/other/DP%20Rural%20Fires.pdf

Mr Wendt also asked that submissions contain potential outcomes, and not just the isolation of perceived problems. The President and CEO of the RFBAQ fully endorsed Mr Wendt’s statement that submissions should, where possible, contain suggested improvements that would benefit not just Volunteer Fire-Fighters, but also the diverse communities that support them.

Saturday afternoon and evening saw standing orders resumed, and reports and summations given and general business introduced and carried. The RFBAQ during this time workshopped information received from the PAC, and will be delivering a comprehensive submission.

Sunday saw the meeting reconvene at the Masonic Lodge on Neil St, and this meeting was attended by local Volunteer fire-fighters and Group representatives.

The RFBAQ would like to thank all of the organisations and businesses that supported us while we were in Toowoomba, and especially the Volunteers and the Members and Research Staff from Parliament who gave of their time over the weekend.

The Annual General Meeting will be held in Townsville over the weekend of the 27, 28, 29 August 2010.

Wednesday, 3rd February 2010

Journey comes full cycle

Wednesday 3rd February saw the President of the RFBAQ, Max Rogers travel to Bribie Island to take delivery of a slip-on unit.

Gary Blanchard and the Bribie Auxiliaries kindly donated the un-used unit to the RFBAQ, who will recondition it and get it fully operational. It will then be sent out to a Western Queensland rural brigade, where it is greatly needed.

The RFBAQ is thankful to the Auxiliaries for their generosity and very proud to be able to facilitate the re-conditioning and re-homing of this much needed equipment.

If your brigade has a slip-on unit or speed loader that is not being used, please contact your Area Director as all equipment is the property of QFRS. Your Area Director can contact RFBAQ who will arrange for collection, re-conditioning and re-homing of the equipment.

In this way, the RFBAQ and QFRS are able to work together to ensure that fire fighting equipment reaches the brigades and communities who are most in need.

Tuesday, 19th January 2010

Blue Lights on Rural Appliances.

The RFBAQ strongly believes that Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers who respond to wildfire or road crash rescue on or alongside highways, motorways or major arterial roads should have the option of mounting both red and blue beacons to their appliances.

The switch activating the blue beacon would be separate to that already used for the red beacons, and would only be activated while needed.

The RFBAQ has been advocating for this change, and has been advised by the Commissioner QFRS that the Commissioner QPS is the only person who can grant written permission as per:

Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999;

(2) A vehicle, other than a police vehicle, must not be fitted with a blue light except with the written permission of the commissioner.

The RFBAQ has also had this reinforced in a letter dated 14/12/2009 from the QPS Commissioners Office where the Commissioner wrote:

“After careful consideration, I then resolved to support the Service’s present position that approval to use red and blue emergency lights will be granted only to primary response vehicles which respond to life and death situations, or situations where an accident is likely to cause death or serious injury to a person or persons.

As you may be aware, blue lights have traditionally been reserved for use by police vehicles; however, over time the use of blue lights have been extended to include Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Queensland Ambulance Service vehicles for use, in conjunction with red lights, to facilitate their travel in emergency first-response circumstances. Red and blue lights used together have proved effective in both day and night environments. Importantly, the community have become conditioned to the association of red and blue lighting with emergency first-response vehicles and the necessity to afford these vehicle priority travel.”

As previously stated, the RFBAQ strongly believes that the brigades who are exposed to unsafe workplaces alongside highways, motorways or major arterial roads should be able to activate a blue beacon; for as the Commissioner of Police wrote “situations where an accident is likely to cause death or serious injury to a person or persons.”

Rural Operations (QFRS) have a duty of care to all employees and Volunteers, and this duty of care extends to the provision of a safe workplace.

Now that Rural Operations have been informed by the Commissioner of Police that blue beacons have been identified as a way of preventing serious injury or death, then Rural Operations, under their collective duty of care, must make progress towards implementing this practice.

For many years now, stationary QPS vehicles have been used to ensure the safety of road workers on highways, motorways and major arterial roads. These QPS vehicles are not emergency first-response vehicles needing priority travel but are fulfilling the role of preventing situations where an accident is likely to cause death or serious injury to road workers.

The RFBAQ realises that in many instances, recognised breaches of duty of care are not addressed until an incident forces change; as has happened to road workers.

Bearing this in mind, the RFBAQ recommends that any Rural Fire Brigade in Queensland who believes that red beacons are not providing the highest level of safety for Volunteer fire-fighters and who have need to respond to incidents on highways, motorways or major arterial roads, move to replace one red beacon cover with an opaque (white) beacon cover or add another beacon to the bar above the cab of your appliance. We recommend that this extra beacon be operated on a separate switch, and to add an opaque (white) beacon cover until Rural Operations (QFRS) again make representation to the Police Commissioner outlining the need for blue beacons and of the duty of care that QFRS has as an organisation not just to Urban, Auxiliary and Rural Operations staff; but also to Volunteers.

The RFBAQ believe that all Rural Fire Brigade vehicles are classified as emergency vehicles and therefore come under the exempt vehicle section of the legislation.

An emergency vehicle description is outlined in the Schedule 4 Dictionary of the “Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999”

This means that it is lawful for these vehicles to have and use both red and white beacons as outlined in Division 19, section 104 of the same Regulation.

Below is the complete: Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999;

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TrantOpRUVSSR99.pdf  

Friday, 22nd January 2010

Father of Volunteer fire-fighter wins a car.

Nigel Kemp, 2nd Officer and secretary of Bli Bli & Districts Rural Fire Brigade was in New South Wales on a strike team when he heard that his father Bryan had won a car in the RFBAQ art union.

Mr Kemp senior has been looking to replace his 17 year old car, and being able to have a new Kia Rio hatch for the New Year allowed the graceful retirement of the faithful old Subaru.

Friday, 29th January 2010

Midsummer’s Eve Charity Ball Yeppoon Benefits Rural Fire Brigades - Saturday 13 Feb 2010.

To raise funds for Rural Fire Brigades phone 1800 676 701 and book your tickets today!

For more information visit http://www.dalrose.com.au/pages/Bookings.php.

Friday, 18th December 2009

The Queensland Parliament is requesting submissions into “Management of Rural Fire Services in Queensland”

The RFBAQ will be making submissions to the Public Accounts and Public Works Committee, who are accepting submissions up until Friday 19^th March 2010.

We encourage everyone to make themselves heard on this issue, whether you are an individual Volunteer, Brigade, Group, RFS Staff or concerned Queenslander. We at the RFBAQ would also value you telling us what you believe, so that your feedback can add to our submission.

The main considerations for the committee are:

_ Is the current model of Rural Fire Brigades suitable?

_ Is the existing funding model, including resource allocation, appropriate?

_ What effect is urban encroachment within brigade areas having on Rural Fire Brigades?

_ How can the increasing demands on Rural Fire Brigades be managed effectively?

_ Are the accountability mechanisms currently in place appropriate?

_ What should be the role of Fire Wardens within the Rural Fire services model?

_ Are there any other relevant matters

Below is the link to the Parliamentary Committee:

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/documents/PAPWC/other/DP%20Rural%20Fires.pdf

Saturday, 5th December 2009

International Volunteer Day

The RFBAQ would like to thank all Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers for the enormous effort that they have contributed across the whole year.

With flooding and storms in the beginning of the year, ongoing training, and a very busy fire-season, Volunteer Firies and their families have been put under a great strain. And it is important that all of your commitment and courage be recorded.

The RFBAQ profoundly appreciates all of the unpaid hours and effort that you all have put in throughout the year, and unless it rains soon, the effort that you will continue to give for the rest of this fire season. You truly are the Unpaid Professionals, and we look forward to representing you into 2010.

Stay Safe from all of the Representatives and Staff of the RFBAQ

http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/html/s02_article/default.asp?nav_top_id=55&nav_cat_id=208

Saturday, 21st November 2009

On Saturday morning a jovial crowd gathered at the Black Mountain RFB Station, west of Cooroy, for the official shed opening and awards presentations. Harry Kirk, First Officer of the Black Mountain RFB, made several presentations to thank local individuals and businesses who had generously donated funds or products toward the construction and furbishment of the outstanding new shed. The brigade has been going strongly since it was formed in 1995, and has light and medium attack vehicles.

Gary Seaman, Inspector for Caloundra Area, Rural Operations, officially handed over the keys of the new dual cab Isuzu to Kureelpa RFB. This appliance has already been deployed on strike teams a number of times. The Kureelpa fireys are thrilled with the performance and fit-out of their new truck and were happy to show it off to everyone on the day.

Harry Baxter, First Officer of the recently merged Ilkley and Districts RFB (formerly Tanawha RFB), was awarded the National Medal in recognition of being an active member of the RFB for at least 15 years. Harry has worked tirelessly for many years at Tanawha RFB, doing much of the behind the scenes work required to keep the brigade running smoothly.

A number of fireys from Ilkley and Districts RFB were there on the day to see Harry receive his medal as was his son Allan, who is Lieutenant of the Buderim Auxiliaries. Harry was also a long serving RFBAQ Rep and Treasurer of the RFBAQ.

Brian Choveaux, one of the founding members of the former Tanawha RFB, was awarded the Queensland Fire and Rescue Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for at least 20 years service.

Sunday, 15th November 2009

Last Sunday saw the annual Golden Bell Firies Family fun day at Poona. The competition for the Golden Bell from Poona RFB, River Heads RFB, Tinana RFB and Toogoom RFB was hard fought and good natured. Poona RFB has held the Bell for 3 out of the 5 years and had high hopes to retain it again this year. Races were for barrel roll, team knapsack and case 1 and case 4. The winners of the Golden Bell for 2009 was River Heads RFB, which was a composite crew with a Nikenbah RFB member roped in to make up the numbers.

Thanks to all from Poona RFB, SES, Santa and the Volunteer Coastguard for putting on an excellent day with live music and kids games.

Friday, 6th November 2009

This week has seen a lot of media coverage about Command and Control changes by QFRS, affecting Permanent Fire Fighters, Auxiliary Fire Fighters and Rural Fire Fighters.  These changes define who will take charge of an incident in both Rural and Urban areas of the State.

As the Association the represents 36,000 bushfire specialists in Queensland, the RFBAQ has compiled a number of media stories under our News Page.

Link there now…. http://www.rfbaq.org/press-releases-and-resources.aspx

Sunday, 1st November 2009

Sunday, 1st of November saw Dick Irwin AFSM, CEO of the RFBAQ and Ian Rickuss MP, Member for Lockyer meet a large number of Brigade Representatives at the Old Tallegalla School in the Ipswich District Area.

30th October 2009

The fire season in Queensland has been extremely busy so far this year, with no let up in sight. Volunteer Fire-Fighters have responded to thousands of callouts across the State with a number of large fires still burning. The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland would like to thank all Volunteer Fire-Fighters and support personnel deployed on strike teams and responding to so many local incidents. The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland is here to support you, and if you have any queries or concerns about deployment or equipment, then please contact us so that we can support you. We would also like to extend a big thankyou to all employers and organisations that support Volunteers while they are away from their paid positions being unpaid professional fire-fighters. Stay safe for the rest of what could be a very busy year.

Department of Defence Wide Bay Training

A major hazard reduction exercise was carried out during early July at the Department of Defence Wide Bay Training are when approximately 2000 hectares was successfully burnt and cleared of hazardous material. The operation was carried out by members from 8 Rural Fire Brigades and involved personnel from Forest Products Queensland, SES and Main Roads as well as defence officers. The exercise was an excellent example of inter-agency co-operation and a great opportunity for Brigades to work with other brigades. I congratulate all who took part and advise that other agencies involved have conveyed to me how impressed they were with the ability and professionalism displayed by Rural Fire Brigade volunteers. Well done all.

Contact details needed from Bundaberg District Brigade members

I would ask Brigades to please email me with their contact details. As your representative, I from time to time need to contact you with information and require Brigade responses and feedback for any changes affecting future and current directions of our Rural Fire Brigades and Volunteers. Email contacts are the quickest way to be able to achieve this. If your Brigade does not have email, I can post information your Brigades; my contact with our volunteers is paramount for me to be able to truly represent you.

Contact details needed from Mackay Area Brigade members

Feedback on many of the changes that are proposed or in the system for brigades is regularly required. To give accurate and worthwhile feedback in representing all the diverse locations of brigades and their member’s needs, it is most important for contact numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses to be available to the Rural Fire Brigade Association. I encourage everyone in our area to forward these to me as soon as possible so I can keep in touch.

Monday, 16th March 2009

New Developments

Dick Irwin, CEO of RFBAQ has recently collaborated with Direct Marketing Software (DMS) to develop a new state-of-the-art website for the organisation. The new website uses modern e-commerce technology developed specifically by DMS, and allows for a variety of new features and capabilities. Its functionality will improve over the coming months, and will facilitate a more user-friendly environment for members and supporters to access important information about fire prevention and safety.

DMS strongly supports charities in the not-for-profit sector, and has developed systems for many of Australia’s largest fundraisers, including Mission Australia, The Endeavour Foundation, and Surf Life Saving Foundation.

Thank you again for your continued support. Without the generous help of the Australian public, RFBAQ would not be as strong as it is today.

Linton Coronial Inquest

The CFA and DNRE have developed a modified set of 'Hierarchy of Controls' relating to firefighting and wildfire to assist all those working in the area towards improving the understanding of the application of occupational health & safety management.

Volunteer Death & Disability Fund

The members of your association and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, are working to put together a new Death & Disability Fund for rural fire brigade volunteers.

Firefighter loses house to fire

Thursday 22nd December 2005 was not a good day for Ralph Fuller, 4th Officer with 5 years experience in the Bloomfield Rural Fire Brigade. Ralph was fighting a fire which had been burning in the local area.