· LNP Response – … it would be expected that such tools would be provided at least annually through the Government.

             · … would support a new approach to the way in which equipment such as first aid kits are supplied to RFSV’s.

             · LNP Response – … would support a move to provide training to one volunteer in each brigade in the use of chainsaws

             · LNP Response – … would support a move to provide training to one volunteer in each brigade in the use of chainsaws

             · LNP Response – … it would be irresponsible to promise the LNP would be able to deliver fully funded fire

             · LNP Response – … it would be irresponsible to promises that the LNP would deliver this proposal without knowing

             Do you believe that the cost of Rural Fire Brigade stations should also be fully funded by government?

             · LNP Response – Our commitment to frontline services will ensure that our rural fire volunteers are adequately

             resourced and supported.

 

8. For reasons of safety, all other Australian States have red/blue lights fitted to all fire appliances.

             Do you believe for safety reasons that Rural Fire Brigade appliances in Queensland should also be fitted with

             red/blue warning lights?

             · LNP Response – the LNP would support the transition to having rural fire vehicles fitted with blue and red flashing lights.

 

9. The PA&PW Committee found that the current funding structure supporting the volunteer arm of Queensland Fire and Rescue, to be inequitable and inadequate.

             Would you support the funding increases necessary to provide and

             maintain the equipment and training required for this essential service?

             · LNP Response – We are committed to revitalise frontline services will ensure that our rural fire volunteers are adequately

             resourced and supported.

             We are committed to providing as much support and funding as possible to the rural fire service, however given the

             budgetary constraints, this commitment is dependent on the true state of Labor’s economic mismanagement.

 

10. Do you believe that Volunteer Fire Brigades need to be supported and that Volunteer fire-fighters are entitled to the same level of support and health and safety as fully paid or casual firefighters?

             · LNP Response – the LNP fully supports the Volunteer fire-fighters and they should be afforded support and

             health and safety like any other volunteer.

 

11. Are you willing to assist the volunteer fire-fighters of Queensland, through the Rural Fire Brigades Association, by promoting a strong, independent and appropriately funded Rural Fire Service in Queensland?

              LNP Response – All of our LNP members, MPs and Candidates are committed to a strong,

             well presented and supported Rural Fire Service in Queensland.

             · … we are 100% committed to the Rural Fire Volunteer Service and will continue to support the association and the work it does.

The LNP response and covering letter are unabridged and available by clicking here to view LNP response

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Bligh Government Response to – ‘Does your local State MP support Volunteer Fire-fighters?’

This response is on behalf of all Queensland Labor MP’s.

1.         First Aid Training is currently provided at no cost to paid fire fighters and other emergency service workers in Queensland.

            Do you believe that this should also be provided at no cost to Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

         (2 funded certificates per brigade remains)

2.         First Aid kits are supplied and maintained at no cost to paid fire fighters within Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and to other emergency service workers.

            Do you believe that they should also be provided at no cost to Rural Fire Brigade volunteers?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

         (Olga Wilson Firefighter Trust has provided $100,000 towards funding for first aid kits and defibrillators)

3.        Training in the safe use of chainsaws, is provided at no cost to other emergency workers in Queensland.

            Do you believe this should also be provided at no cost to Rural Fire Brigade volunteers?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

4.        Essential safety equipment in the use of chainsaws is currently supplied at no cost to other emergency service workers in Queensland.

            Do you believe that should also be supplied at no cost to Rural Fire Brigade volunteers?

·          Bligh Government Response – blank (did not respond)

5.        Every other State in Australia fully funds the cost of fire appliances supplied to its volunteer fire services.

            Do you believe that like every other volunteer Rural Fire Service in Australia and equally with Queensland Fire & Rescue Service, that fire appliances supplied to Queensland volunteers should also be fully funded?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

6.        Every other Australian State fully funds the cost of tyres and fuel for fire appliances.

            Do you believe that like other States that our Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers should also have the cost of tyres and fuel fully funded?

·          >Bligh Government Response – blank (did not respond)

7.        Every other Australian State and even Queensland Fire & Rescue Service officers have their fire stations fully funded by government. Currently Queensland Volunteer fire fighters have to provide the majority of the supply and construction costs for fire stations.

            Do you believe that the cost of Rural Fire Brigade stations should also be fully funded by government?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

         (Brigades may also access a fire station construction grant of up to $10,000)

 

8.        For reasons of safety, all other Australian States have red/blue lights fitted to all fire appliances.

            Do you believe for safety reasons that Rural Fire Brigade appliances in Queensland should also be fitted with red/blue warning lights?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

         (Rural are not primary response vehicles)

 

9.        The PA&PW Committee found that the current funding structure supporting the volunteer arm of Queensland Fire and Rescue, to be inequitable and inadequate.

            Would you support the funding increases necessary to provide and maintain the equipment and training required for this essential service?

·          Bligh Government Response – blank (did not respond)

10.        Do you believe that Volunteer Fire Brigades need to be supported and that Volunteer fire-fighters are entitled to the same level of support and health and safety as fully paid or casual firefighters?

·          Bligh Government Response – blank (did not respond)

 

11.        Are you willing to assist the volunteer fire-fighters of Queensland, through the Rural Fire Brigades Association, by promoting a strong, independent and appropriately funded Rural Fire Service in Queensland?

·          Bligh Government Response – No

 

The Government response and covering letter are unabridged and available by clicking here to view ALP response

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Independent MPs respond to – ‘Does your local State MP support Volunteer Fire-fighters?’

Linked below are the responses from 3 of the Independent Members of Queensland Parliament; Liz Cunningham (Member for Gladstone), Rob Messenger (Member for Burnett) and Peter Wellington (Member for Nicklin).

The Association would like to thank the above Independents for their ongoing support of both Volunteer fire-fighters and Rural Fire Brigades.

The Queensland State election will be held on the 24th March 2012, and with the Flood Inquiry report being delivered the week before, now represents the best opportunity for Volunteers and Brigades to push for a better deal.

As further MP responses come in, the RFBAQ will continue to display them unabridged on our website.

 

Click on the links below to view MP Responses;

 -  Liz Cunningham response

 -  Peter Wellinton response

 -  Rob Messenger response

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

DIABETES – WH&S – URBAN EXPANSION

For Your Urgent Attention

Under the new Fit for Work requirement for QFRS, it has come to my attention that should a volunteer apply to join a brigade as an active member and that volunteer is a Type 1 Diabetic, i.e. Insulin dependent, then the active membership will or will most likely be rejected, in spite of the medical practitioner approving task capabilities required for the active role.

It is understood that this is a notifiable disorder for the obvious reasons, but applicants with Type 1 Diabetes are accepted into the Police Force and are currently active RFB Volunteers.

If you are a diabetic or have diabetics as active members of your brigade and they have been members for several years, it would be appreciated if you could provide supporting information to this affect to enable a suitable case to be prepared, for QFRS to reconsider this current area of rejection of membership involving diabetics.

I have had discussions with Diabetes Australia and they to wish to provide their support to ensure diabetics of all types are able to function and provide a valuable service within the community and the workforce without being discriminated against.

Both the President and myself will be meeting with the Commissioner QFRS and the new A/Commissioner Rural Operations in mid February, to discuss the new National Workplace Health & Safety requirements, plus the continuing Urban Boundary expansion which is occurring. This is having a negative impact on the Rural Fire Levy, which is currently collected willing by Local Government and received by some 400 Volunteer Fire Brigades across Queensland and in turn seriously impacting on the viability of the RFB Volunteers to continue to provide an effective service to their community.

Your urgent feedback on these major areas of concern will assist in the implementation of; appropriate and safe fit for work requirements, clarify for Officers and Volunteers the risks for them as individuals under the National WH&S standards and of course adequate and guaranteed funding arrangements for RFB Volunteers across Queensland, with an more equitable rewrite of the old 880.1 Policy & Procedure for Boundary Re-arrangements between Rural and Urban.

Regards

Dick Irwin AFSM

Cheif Executive Officer

 

Friday, 23 December 2011

Christmas wishes from RFBAQ Representatives and staff

The Representatives and staff of the Association wish all Volunteers and Rural Operations staff a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Stay Safe

Friday, 25 November 2011

Queensland Volunteer Fire-fighter dies on fire-ground

It is the saddest possible news that the Association is now passing on, and the thoughts of all of the Association Representatives and Staff are with the family and friends of Graham (Butch) Walker of Gillespie Station and a fire-fighter with Eastwood Rural Fire Brigade.

Butch was tragically killed while undertaking a hazard reduction burn on a property near Blackall in the Central Region.

Friday, 25th of November will see a public memorial service held at 3pm for Butch at ‘Gillespie’ Station, which is 30klm east of Blackall.

Once again, the Association and all Volunteers would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Butch’s wife Peta and their children, Alex, Sheree and Troy.

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Servere Weather Season 2011-2012

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

STUDY CONTINUES ON THE CARCINOGENIC EFFECT OF SMOKE ON FIRE FIGHTERS.

The Rural fire Brigades Association will have major input into this study at a national level. Should any firefighters have any data or information that may assist in this research please contact Dick Irwin the details via ceo@rfbaq.org. 

 

Click on the following links to view reports;

- Monash University ‘Australasian Firefighters’ Health Study

- Monash University study update

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Telescopic Link Stick - Business Rule for Brigade Manual 2011

Following more than12 months of lobbying and negotiations, link sticks will again be available to Volunteer community fire brigades.

More than12 months ago Queensland Fire & Rescue Service requested the immediate collection of all link sticks in Queensland that were in the hands of Volunteer fire brigades, many of which had been supplied through a Rural Fire Brigades Association grant to benefit isolated communities.

This directive left many communities without the ability to make the area safe from the dangers of electrocution, which occurred during structural fires and at times when power lines are down due to pole collapse.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association has continued to apply pressure on the fire service to have this direction reversed. Don Alexander AFSM from Barcaldine, and Jon Bundy from Roma represented the Association on a committee called by Rural Operations to bring some sense back into the equation.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association is pleased, that from a situation where communities were left exposed due to a decision made by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, without consultation with Rural Operations District Inspectors, Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers, or the Association; a sensible outcome has now been achieved. Once more RFB Volunteers can defend their communities.

Rural Operations has asked the RFBAQ to widely disseminate this information, so that brigades and communities are aware that link sticks are again available and the requirements for the safe use of the equipment.

Click here to view the business rule

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Link sticks to be re-issued to applicable brigades

Following more than12 months of lobbying and negotiations, link sticks (low voltage de-energising poles) will again be available to Volunteer community fire brigades.

More than12 months ago Queensland Fire & Rescue Service requested the immediate collection of all link sticks in Queensland that were in the hands of Volunteer fire brigades, many of which had been supplied through a Rural Fire Brigades Association grant to benefit isolated communities.

This directive left many communities without the ability to make the area safe from the dangers of electrocution, which occurred during structural fires and at times when power lines are down due to pole collapse.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association have continued to apply pressure on the fire service to have this direction reversed. Don Alexander AFSM from Barcaldine, and Jon Bundy Roma represented the Association on a committee called by Rural Operations to bring some sense back into the equation.

The outcomes of this committee for the reintroduction of Link Sticks are as follows

 

·        Brigades must place a request for a Link Stick with their District Inspector.

·        Brigade must be in a remote area with the nearest  trained electrician more than15 minutes driving distance away, or  the brigade must have medium attack appliance or larger.

Once these requirements are satisfied:-

 

·        Rural Operations will supply a link stick.

·        Rural Operations will supply accredited training.

·        Rural Operations will supply tested (upgraded) link stick every 6 months.

·        Rural Operations will supply appropriate PPE.

·        Rural Operations will supply recertification every 12 months.

Rural Operations vehicles in areas where link sticks are in use by brigades will carry replacement link sticks to ‘swap out’ with brigades if necessary.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association is pleased, that from a situation where communities were left exposed due to a decision made by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, without consultation with Rural Operations District Inspectors, Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers, or the Association; A sensible outcome has now been achieved, once more RFB Volunteers can defend their communities.

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Yanmar diesel safety concerns measured

The RFBAQ in conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast measured the amount of force required to manually pull start the Yanmar diesels as retrofitted to light attacks. The same Yanmar diesel has been fitted to a number of QFRS I-Zone vehicles as operated by paid QFRS staff.

This query stems from a resolution passed at the Caboolture Group meeting for the Association to investigate the safety issues of the retro fit diesel. The Caboolture Group operates on the direction that ‘if your retrofit does not start mechanically, then the appliance is taken of the fireline’.

In much of Queensland this safety policy is impractical, as many brigades only have the 1 vehicle.

The RFBAQ contacted Yanmar Power Equipment head office in Melbourne on 01/09/2011 and was transferred through to the Queensland office. The Service department of Yanmar in Queensland stated that they did not have data on the amount of force required to manually start the engine.

The test undertaken at USC involved the Engineering and Sport and Exercise Science divisions measuring of the force required to manually pull start with the decompression lever engaged and also with the decompression lever disengaged.

 

With Decompression active	Without Decompression active
57.75kgs	123.72kgs
55.70kgs
43.84kgs
47.68kgs

 

The Association will approach the UFUQ to investigate the workplace health and safety requirements and responsibilities so that all fire-fighters, whether Volunteer or paid can operate safely on the fireground.

The Association would like to thank the University of the Sunshine Coast not only for their support in this investigation, but also for supplying Volunteer fire-fighters both from their student and faculty ranks.

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Disaster Communications

October 7, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Is there a risk involved when emergency services communicate warnings via social media?

What are the legal issues? If people expect to be able to access communications via twitter and facebook does that give rise to a legal obligation to do so? And what if people expect to communicate by these tools – what happens to the person who sends a text to 000 or a tweet to #ambulancensw but no-one comes? Do community expectations give rise to legal obligations and should they? And agencies must not make the mistake of thinking that online/social media is the solution. Many people will access information online but many will still require direct access (phone calls and door knocking) and information by more traditional means (in particular radio). Should emergency services move to the online world to meet expectations or put out publicity that if you want help you telephone 000 (not text that number) and listen to the radio?

There is no clear or definitive answer to these questions but we may expect them to be become significant legal issues.

Just recently the ACT Emergency Services Agency was criticised over its use of text and telephone warnings (you can read the official report here read the official report including sending text messages with spelling mistakes. (According to the report, the mistakes were due to spelling words phonetically, that is as they sound, so that the computer that was making the telephone calls to read the message). But it’s not that long ago Royal Commissions and post event inquiries were making calls to install radios into fire trucks and there is a recurring message in after action reviews to improve fire ground communication. Communication is always problematic and the technology, ranging from radios to social media, is new and imperfect (I received a text message the other day, 8 hours after it was sent and that was with no emergency). People may expect ‘instant communication’ but the reality is that, during high pressure emergencies, that is hard if not impossible to achieve. Again that raises the legal question of should, and how, are community expectations translated into legal obligations and duties?

Michael Eburn

7 October 2011

Friday, 7 October 2011

Rural Fire Brigades Association calls on Government to redirect the $18,000,000 QFRS budget surplus, back to supporting RFS Volunteers, Auxiliary and Urban Firefighters

As a listed stakeholder in the DCS Annual Report, the RFBAQ calls upon the department to re-invest the $18 million surplus back into the provision of frontline services and support.

With a serious fire season already hanging over Queensland communities, the Association would not accept to see this money moved to prop up other departments that have over-run budgets.

Out of the 1,400 brigades in Queensland, 76% receive no levy funding, and the Association is calling upon the Government to direct the Department to retain this money for the provision of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

“In the period to 30 June 2011, the department delivered its agreed services and realised an operating surplus of $19.27 million through prudent financial management. This surplus was achieved in a period of lower economic growth than experienced in previous years and a year which saw increased demand for services due to a period of prolonged natural disasters.

The surplus will be used as a funding source for capital acquisitions to enhance service delivery in the future. Strong financial management has allowed the department to invest in the modernisation and expansion of infrastructure across the state.”

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

3 ways that you as a Volunteer can affect change through your local member of parliament.

Dear brigade member

The RFBAQ has held 27 public meetings from the Gold Coast through to Roma and up to Cooktown and out to Mt Isa over the previous two months.

The level of Volunteer participation was very high with over 70 Volunteers attending the Wasp Creek RFB meeting that was held on a Tuesday night.

I am aware that not all brigade members in these areas were able to attend or even received a notification of the meetings with background information. When you receive this letter, please ask other members of your brigade if they have also received a letter, if not; please direct them to your Association on (07) 5480 1351 so that they can register their details or email volunteer@rfbaq.org

Support from Volunteers during the information meetings for change was almost overwhelming, with the majority of meeting attendees choosing Option 3, which calls for a return to a separate Rural Fire Service in Queensland and a return of a Rural Fires Act.

This graph is a collation of the Options that Volunteers have made by filing in and signing a form of choice. At the initial 2 venues the Volunteers stated that they wanted to be officially heard and required their choice to be recognised.

This led to the Option Form then being made available to all subsequent meetings.

As there will be a State election either later this year or early in the next, now represents the opportunity to promote the needs of Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers to members of parliament. This will allow all political parties the opportunity to draft policies which provides the appropriate financial and managerial support necessary to enable Rural Fire Volunteers to carry out their role of managing fire and providing assistance at other emergencies to over 93% of Queensland.

Attached to this letter is a paper outlining the 3 ways that you as a Volunteer can effect change through your local member of parliament, and on the reverse of that sheet there is a basic outline of a letter to your MP.

During the election campaign the RFBAQ will send out a list of survey questions to all Queensland state members of parliament, and their responses will be prominently shown on our website as will the lack of response of any MP.

Regards,

FIRE LINE is an update on that which directly affects the 34,000 Volunteer fire-fighters and support members and over 2,500 fire wardens in Queensland.

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Calliope RFBAQ Information Meeting – 15 September

Dear Rural Fire Brigade Secretaries and Brigade Members,

Further to the letter sent in July 2011 regarding the items on the RFBAQ website and the recent report tabled in parliament by the Public Accounts and Public Works Committee Report on - Management of Rural Fire Service in Queensland. The Association is pleased to advise you that we will be holding a RFBAQ Information Meeting in Calliope.

Monday, 12 September 2011

Appliance radios failing due to low voltage / Yanmar diesel safety concerns

The Caboolture Group meeting held Thursday evening at Rocksberg Moorina RFB was informed that appliance fitted with UHF and VHF radios have become un-operational due to low voltage.

The Group was informed by Area Office that radios may become un-operational when the vehicle battery is unable to supply more than 10 volts. It is recommended that operational appliances/vehicles should remain running at all times when beacons or warning lights are in operation. Failing to do this may deplete the voltage level of the appliances battery thus immobilising the appliance and also disabling the radio. There have been reports of this also occurring in Rural Operations vehicles.

The recommendation leave the engine of the appliance running at all times while operational.

With the retro-fitting of Yanmar diesels onto light attacks (and that these engines are wired into the main electrical system) the occurrence of radios becoming un-operational is also being reported. A further additional strain is being place on the appliance battery due to the load required for the starting of the retrofit engine.

In addition to this, the Association was asked to investigate the safety implications of having too manually start the Yanmar diesel motors coupled to the appliances pumping system.

It is believed that the manual start poses a number of safety concerns due to the force required to manually start the motor through to the hazard identified by the early release or incorrect use of the decompression lever.

In addition to this, other brigades are reporting that the Yanmar diesel is unable to be manually started by many members of their brigades.

The RFBAQ has sought the assistance of USQ to identify the force/effort required to manually start this equipment, because of concerns of possible injury. The RFBAQ recommends extreme caution and care, should it be necessary for a volunteer to manually start the pumping system.

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook

Attached is the 2011 Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook. Its major point is that large areas of Northern Australia face above-normal fire potential for the remainder of the 2011 fire season.

The Bushfire CRC publishes separate outlooks for Northern and Southern Australia (as well as New Zealand) for each fire season. The Northern Outlook is published first because the fire season in the North starts in the winter. The ,Southern Outlook will be published in about a month.

The attached Outlook was produced with the kind assistance of the fire and land management agencies of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

  Click here to see the Northern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook

It is published as a Fire Note and can also be found, with all previous fire notes, on our website at

Friday, 29 July 2011

The Future of the Rural Fire Service in Queensland

Dear Rural Fire Brigade Secretaries and Brigade Members,

Further to the letter we sent to you in June 2011 regarding the items on the RFBAQ website and the recent report tabled in parliament by the Public Accounts and Public Works Committee Report on - Management of Rural Fire Service in Queensland. This letter is to advise that we will be recommencing the RFBAQ Information Meetings held recently in the southern part of the State.

We have enclosed in this letter the comparisons with Rural Fire Services in other States and our share of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service budget. Included on the reverse side of this letter you will find the times and venues for the RFBAQ Information Meetings that we will be holding, starting in early August 2011. We will also be placing all details of the RFBAQ Information Meeting Itinerary on our website.

We encourage you to attend these meetings being held in the following Rural Fire Service areas of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Charters Towers, Innisfail and Cairns; followed by Cloncurry, Barcaldine and Emerald. Please contact your Association Representative or the Association office for further details of these meetings.

Regards,

27 July 2011

 

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Majority of meeting attendees choose Option 3

The RFBAQ has held 13 public meetings across the South East and South West Region, with two meetings to date held in North Coast Region. Attendance at theses meeting have been strong with over 70 Volunteers attending the meeting at Wasp Creek

Support from Volunteers at these information meetings calling for urgent change was overwhelming, with the majority of meeting attendees requesting Option 3; which calls for a return to a separate Rural Fire Service in Queensland and a return of a Rural Fires Act.

As there will be a State election either later this year or early in the next, presents the opportunity to promote the needs of Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers to members of parliament. This will allow all political parties the opportunity to draft policies which provides the appropriate financial and managerial support necessary to enable Rural Fire Volunteers to carry out their role of managing fire and providing assistance at other emergencies to over 93% of Queensland.

The RFBAQ will shortly begin another series of Information Meetings with the final dates and venues mailed to Volunteers when confirmed.

Below is a collation of the Options that Volunteers have made by filing and signing a form of choice. At the initial 2 venues the Volunteers stated that they wanted to be officially heard and required their choice to be recognised.

This led to the Option Form then being made available to all subsequent meetings.

Thursday, 23 June 2011

RFBAQ Road Show Itinerary

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Dear Rural Fire Brigade Secretaries and Brigade Members,

This letter and attachments are a follow up to earlier information sent out to Brigade Volunteers, items on the RFBAQ website and the recent report tabled in parliament by the Public Accounts and Public Works Committee Report on - Management of Rural Fire Service in Queensland.

From the formation of the one fire service model in Queensland, formally Queensland Fire and Rescue Authority and later Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, the volunteer arm of that service has not fared well either as a partner or collaboratively, in managing fire and other emergencies as laid down in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Act of 1990 and its amendments.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association over many years has been successful in introducing improved funding by Government, for necessary assistance to Queensland’s 34,000 volunteers who provide essential fire protection and support at other emergencies, to communities covering 93% of Queensland. Unfortunately Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers through QFRS and Rural Operations are receiving less and less of the essential support necessary to fulfil that role expected of them.

To that end with a State Government election likely later this year and with the release of the earlier mentioned PAC Report, the Association will be holding meetings across the State over the coming weeks and months, to provide information on a number of options to be presented to Government and the Opposition in an endeavour to address the major anomalies facing Queensland’s Volunteer Fire Service.

There are a number of attachments to this letter, including comparisons with Rural Fire Services in other States, our share of the Fire Service budget, the options and the way forward for Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers of the Rural Fire Service, thus ensuring the continued provision of an essential service to communities across Queensland.

We encourage you to attend these meetings being held in your area commencing with the Gold Coast, Ipswich and Gatton areas, followed by Toowoomba, Roma, Miles, Caboolture and Caloundra. Other areas of the State will be notified as soon as arrangements can be made, so please contact your Association Representative or the Association office for further details. The times and venues for the initial meetings are listed on the reverse of this document.

Regards

 

Click here to see the Future of the RFS in QLD options

Click here to see the RFS Comparison Chart

 

Friday, 17 June 2011

The Benefits For Volunteer Fire Fighters of a Once Fire Service Model

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Warning To Volunteers.

Should you sustain an injury while carrying out a recognised Brigade activity and you place a claim for support through WorkCover.

1. Under no circumstances should you accept a payout from work cover which could exclude you from future medical or financial support relating to that injury, without seeking personal legal and medical advice.

2. The injury may also exclude a Volunteer from being a Brigade member both support or operational and may have the same effect should you be participating in part time employment with Rural Operations.

The above circumstances have already affected Brigade Volunteers.

For further information contact the Chief Executive Officer on 07 5480 1355 or 0428 718 507

Tuesday 10 May 2011

National Volunteer Week 9 - 15 May

A quiet 2010 fire season which turned into a flood and cyclone season unprecedented for Queensland in decades, has dramatically exemplified that Queensland cannot survive without its Volunteers, who almost without issue place the good of their communities first.

The elected representatives of the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland and staff would like to acknowledge the superhuman efforts that all RFB Volunteers, including volunteers from other agencies, extended to communities across Queensland

Volunteering for many people is a very satisfying and rewarding opportunity to support their local communities and it is during this week that the RFBAQ suggest that Rural Fire Service Volunteers wear either your baseball cap, floppy hat, T-shirt or Walkout shirt as a way of showing your community that you are proud to be a member of the Queensland Rural Fire Service.

Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers are the backbone of a resilient community

Friday 29 April 2011

THE ????? OF A SINGLE FIRE SERVICE

The daily hearings from the current flood inquiry are encapsulating the continuing and growing disregard, fire service management has for the members of the Volunteer arm of the service. The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland (RFBAQ), the representative body of the States 34,000 rural fire brigade Volunteers and over 2,500 Volunteer fire wardens, has been confronting Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) management with this for many years, but the advice continues to fall on deaf ears.

The desire of management and the belief in the panaceas of a one fire service, totally ignores the different cultures, needs, and landscape, which sculpts the successes or failures of each of the crucial parts of these essential services within Queensland. No inquiry or inquest which inevitably follows each and every horrific fire trauma experienced in other states, has ever found the necessity to combine the separate parts of the fire service that exist in each of those states. In actual fact recommendations are to the contrary and yet there is this continued blinkered aspiration that combining water with wine will create the perfect cocktail.

2009 saw the Auditor General raise concerns about the failures they saw in the management structure of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, which encompasses and directs Rural Operations.

This was quickly followed by a parliamentary committee which called for submissions from Volunteers and other bodies, into the management and operational structure of Rural Operations. The response was overwhelming, which lead the committee to hold four separate hearings across the state, all of which was strongly attended by Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers who reconfirmed the generally poor relationship and understanding by QFRS management of the structure and needs of the Rural Fire Service and how they as Volunteers were managed under the Queensland Fire and Rescue structure. The findings and recommendations are yet to be released.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland has long advocated for a strong and distinct Rural Fire Service. That view has strengthened to a strong and independent Rural Fire Service with a management structure that fully understands, respects and provides for its Volunteers.

The Association over the coming weeks will be providing to you and to all parties of government, the ways this can and has to be achieved to ensure a healthy and effective Volunteer Rural Fire Service in Queensland.

Thursday 28 April 2011

Nominations open for RFBAQ General Election

2011 is an election year for your Association. This is your opportunity to nominate a volunteer (not necessarily from your Brigade) to represent Volunteer Firefighters, Support Personnel and Fire Wardens in your Inspectors district. There are 17 districts requiring elected representatives, with an additional support representative required for the Ipswich/Gold Coast area. All expenses incurred in fulfilling this important role are funded by the Association.

Nomination forms have been sent to all Brigade Secretaries, with nominations closing 31st May 2011. It is critical that all districts are represented on the Association. Download the guidelines and nomination form by clicking on the link provided.

Should you require additional information about the roles and responsibilities of an elected representative of the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland, contact the Chief Executive officer Dick Irwin on 54801355 or 0428718507

Friday 15 April 2011

Asbestos Awareness

As an extremely hazardous profession, firefighters and paramedics work in dangerous facilities daily, including burning and deteriorating structures. Despite the immediate risk of fire, facility collapse and crime, asbestos exposure poses another danger because of its past popularity as an insulator. Although relatively harmless when left undisturbed, firefighters and paramedics frequently enter older, poorly-maintained structures where this material likely resides in a damaged form, allowing it to be ingested and develop into cancer.

Find out more and keep safe by clicking on the following link.

http://www.mesotheliomaprognosis.org

http://www.pleuralmesothelioma.com/cancer/lung.php  

Wednesday 6 April 2011

MORE CHANGES TO THE MANUAL

Following the RFBAQ numerous requested alterations to the 2010 Brigade Manual, the following changes have now been implemented.

There were two requested changes to this section (a) that be expressed in plain English and (b) protection be afford to volunteers carrying out hazard reduction on their own properties.

Please reprint the PDF as the updated D1.3.1 for insertion in your Brigade Manual 2011-V0.02.

(a)    The wording places in simple terms the protection afforded a volunteer

(b)   Now provides protection for brigade personnel and equipment while carrying out hazard reduction activities on a Brigade volunteers property as long as it is an approved brigade activity.  (Previously stated that no protection was provided as it was not deemed as an approved brigade activity)

Wednesday 6 April 2011

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NEW STATIONS AND STATION IMPROVEMENTS

At the Associations meeting with Rural Operations Management in November 2010, the RFBAQ requested that additional funds be allocated to the construction of new stations and repairs to existing stations that had failed WPH&S Audits. An additional $500,000 was allocated for these buildings in January and was fully allocated by the beginning of February, highlighting the massive need for funding across the State. The RFBAQ again drew attention to these shortfalls at the RE&RM Meeting on the 19th February at Whyte Island.

We are pleased to announce that an additional $1.5million has now been allocated to this area.

Please contact your area office to access this additional funding as it too will disappear quickly.

The full day Volunteer Forum held Saturday showcased speakers who are considered leaders in the support of Volunteer fire-fighters in Australia and their presentations certainly personified that.

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Great turnout, Great speakers, for RFBAQ Volunteer Forum.

The RFBAQ General Meeting and Volunteer Forum was held at Clear Mountain in Brisbane Region last weekend, with your RFBAQ elected area representatives working through until 2230 on Friday night and then again from 0800 Sunday morning progressing items received from volunteers from across the State.

The full day Volunteer Forum held Saturday showcased speakers who are considered leaders in the support of Volunteer fire-fighters in Australia and their presentations certainly personified that.

The speakers were:- Phil Koperberg AFSM (Retired NSW RFS Commissioner and member of parliament), Euan Ferguson AFSM (Chief Officer CFA), Andrew Stark (Chief Officer ESA ACT), Gary Morgan AFSM (CEO Bushfire CRC). These speakers were ably supported by highly regarded rural fire brigade volunteers, Don Greenhalgh AFSM (Inaugural President RFBAQ and RFB member 40 yrs) and Mark Stoneman (Chairman North Queensland Dry Tropics, State Minister retired, 1st Officer and Fire warden).

At the conclusion of the presentations, an open forum was held where Volunteers could pose questions to the panel. The panel included Euan Ferguson, Andrew Stark which also consisted of Dick Irwin AFSM (CEO RFBAQ) and Max Rogers (President RFBAQ).

The value of the knowledge shared by these world-class speakers will be available to Rural Fire Brigades across the State via a DVD of the Volunteers Forum produced by the RFBAQ.

For a copy of the DVD for your Brigade, please email volunteer@rfbaq.org and place your order. We will mail this to you as they become available.

Link to free walkout uniform - http://www.mailmanportal.com/uploads/Guest/RFBAQ%20VolContactRegForm_LR_F2.pdf

Phil Koperberg AFSM

 

Tony Marks MC - The Panel - Gary Morgan, Max Rogers, Andrew Stark, Dick Irwin, Ewan Ferguson Mark Stoneman

 

Don Greenhalgh AFSM (Samford RFB)

 

 

Scott & Neil from Valdora / Yandina RFB

Monday 28 February 2011

ISUZU AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS GRANTHAM VOLUNTEERS FIREFIGHTERS

The Association President Max Rogers and the Ipswich Area Representative Geoff King, who is also a brigade member of Grantham, were present at the handover of an ISUZU MST 4X4 cab chassis and an Isuzu diesel powered 20KVA generator to Grantham RFB yesterday.

This is a generous and significant donation by ISUZU Australia to Grantham Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers and their community, as a sign of support, following the terrible tragedy sustained by Grantham.

The Rural Fire Brigades Association was also able to provide immediate and ongoing support to Grantham Rural Fire Brigade member Danny McGuire and his son following this tragic happening.

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2011/02/25/grantham-firefighters-get-new-truck-isuzu/

Monday 21 February 2011

Huge community support for local Volunteer Fire Brigades

Saturday night saw a huge turnout by the Gympie and districts residents to show support and thanks to the Volunteer firies who helped during the flood crisis and subsequent cleanup.

With the RFBAQ information and recruitment stand was a Nissan patrol 41 unit from Veteran RFB, a Isuzu 51 from Wolvi RFB and an Isuzu 61 from Gympie South RFB with a number of 1st Officers and Volunteers to help the public understand who we are, what we do and that they can do it too. The Isuzu 61 was responded to a grassfire that was threatening a structure on the way to the Relief Concert, yet arrived in good time to meet a potential new recruit and ‘response driver.’

All money raised from the charity auction and from rattling the bucket and from the stall holder contributions will go to local Rural Fire Brigades.

The Association would like to thank The Gympie Times, Gympie Regional Council, Mary Street businesses, the people of the Gympie region and most of all the Volunteer firies for making what was a most enjoyable evening.

 

"Possible driver training discussion with the --------?"

Friday 11 February 2011

Gympie Regional Council says “Thankyou Rurals”

After the recent flooding and then cleanup, a meeting of business owners and the Gympie Regional Council has decided to hold a charity concert and flood relief appeal with the proceeds being donated to local Rural Fire Brigades via the RFBAQ.

Saturday 19th February will see Jamie Dunn and Agro, Jess Fox, the Duke Wilde Band and many more at Nelson Reserve starting at 6.30pm.

The Association and a number of Rural Fire appliances and Volunteers will also be present looking for new recruits for brigades.

The recent events that have severely impacted Queensland have bought out thousands of people who have never Volunteered before, and a percentage of these people will be interested in continuing to support their communities through some sort of Volunteer organisation.

If your brigade or group would like Association support for a recruit or awareness raising activity, then please do not hesitate to contact us at the RFBAQ and we will endeavour to support your activity.

Once again, a big thankyou to the Gympie business community and the Gympie Regional Council and we look forward to seeing as many Volunteers in PPE or Uniform as can make it on Saturday February 19th.

Flood Relief poster attached.      Gympie Time Flood Relief Appeal - Family Night Out

Wednesday 2 February 2011

Association support to Brigade Volunteers in need.

With Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi due to impact the Queensland coast tomorrow evening, the thoughts of all of the Association Representatives and Staff are with the Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers and their families in North and Far North Queensland.

If you, as a Rural Fire Brigade Volunteer find yourself in need of support, or become aware of a brigade member who is impacted by this cyclone, please do not hesitate to contact your Association for support.

As your elected Association Representatives may be un-contactable, please direct all immediate requests for support to Dick Irwin AFSM, CEO of the RFBAQ on 0428 718 507 / ceo@rfbaq.org, or Justin Choveaux, on 0428 218 507/ dceo@rfbaq.org.

The recent severe flooding across Queensland has shown that Rural Fire Brigades are able to activate to not only support their immediate communities, but are able to project that support across Group, Area and Regional boundaries, to help fellow Queenslanders. With 4wd appliances, pumps, chainsaws and an established radio communication network, which could be tested in a big blow. The Rural Fire Service in Queensland has shown itself to be a Volunteer organisation that truly covers 100% of the state.

Good Luck.

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.

Tuesday 18 January 2011

QUEENSLAND VOLUNTEER FLOOD APPEAL

  

The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland has opened its flood appeal to support volunteers affected by the disastrous floods which has impacted on more than 75% of Queensland. This appeal is designed to provide financial support to volunteers who have lost family and possessions during one of Queensland’s worst flood disasters.
Donate Now

Many communities of Queensland have been dramatically affected by this devastation and our volunteers are a part of that community. The Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland will ensure that the funds collected will be utilised exclusively to provide help and support for those volunteers affected. The Association is not subjected to the normal rigors of bureaucracy, enabling us to eliminate the frustrations of red-tape, placing funds directly and quickly.

Unfortunately these floods have taken the lives of three family members of a Brigade volunteer, leaving a seven year old boy without his mother, brother and sister. Another volunteer was also tragically killed whilst returning home to his family. The monies received from the Association’s Volunteer Flood Appeal would directly assist these families as they start to rebuild their lives.

You can give your support to these tragic situations by donating generously to the Volunteer Flood Appeal. Donations can be made at any bank (please include your phone number so we can issue a tax deductible receipt to you).

The bank account details are as follows:

Branch: ANZ Gympie
Account name: Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland
BSB: 014-585       Account number: 394 452 228

You can also donate online by clicking on the link https://www.rfbaq.org/donate-to-rfbaq-flood-appeal.aspx

Thanking you in expectation of your generous support during this tragic and difficult time, that will continue to impact on the lives of many Queensland families for years to come.

Dick Irwin AFSM
CEO Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland

Thursday 23 December 2010

Volunteer feedback BRIGADES or SERVICE

On Friday 3rd December, the RFBAQ started asking the question –

‘Should the wording on the back of the PPE jacket be changed to Rural Fire Service from Rural Fire Brigade?’

The Association has received responses from Volunteers from over 145 Rural Fire Brigades across the state; these responses have been from all brigade classes and from all areas from Bamaga RFB to Bedourie RFB down to Currumbin Valley RFB on the NSW border.

Some of the responses were very colourful, and many were informative with definitions of Brigade and Service and the Latin roots. There were also over a dozen responses of members who are happy to go with the majority vote.

We would like to thank those brigades who canvassed their Volunteers at meetings or by email / telephone. If you did not receive an email, please contact the RFBAQ so that we can register your details.

(Link there now http://www.mailmanportal.com/uploads/Guest/RFBAQ%20VolContactRegForm_LR_F2.pdf)

In the next round of questionnaires, members who have chosen to be contacted by mail will receive their information in the post.

One of the most prevalent sentiments on responses, no matter which way the vote went, was that it is nice to finally be asked what the Volunteer wants.

The tally as at 23/12/2010 is Rural Fire Brigade by 25%.

The Representatives and the Staff of the Association would like to thank the Volunteers across Queensland for their support throughout 2010, and we look forward to a very busy year in 2011.

From all the staff at RFBAQ please keep safe over the Christmas, New Year period.

“Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers; the backbone of a resilient community”

Cartoon courtesy of Jeff the artist and The Gympie Times

A recently published cartoon in a local paper

Tuesday 21 December 2010

For more information click here http://www.cellarmasterscommunity.com.au/rfbaq/

Friday 10 December 2010

RFBAQ – Rural Operations State Consultative Committee Meeting

Saturday 20th November saw Association Representatives from across Queensland meet with Rural Operations to discuss the RFBAQ supplied agenda below:-

   

 

 

 

AGENDA

TIME	AGENDA ITEM	DISCUSSION LEADER
9:00am – 9:30am	Welcome & Introduction Organisational Highlights/Future Directions – QFRS Rural Ops	Steve Rothwell
9:30am – 9:45am	Organisational Highlights/Future Directions – RFBAQ	Dick Irwin
9:45am – 10:15am	Ops Doc / Brigade Manual	Dick Irwin
10:15am	MORNING TEA (15 mins)
10:30am – 12:15pm	Ops Doc / Brigade Manual continued WH&S Fitness for continued Duty	Dick Irwin John Bartholomew
12:15pm	LUNCH (45 mins)
1:00pm – 1:30pm	Rural Research & Training RFBAQ Response & Questions	Steve Crouch Dick Irwin
1:30 pm – 2:30pm	Equipment -                      PPE Jacket & Trousers -                      Diesel Pumps & Retrofit Appliances / Retro Fitting Pumps	Dick Irwin / Justin Choveaux Invited Guest Speaker Rob Walker
	Safety & Welfare -                      Smoke Masks -                      Red & Blue Beacons -                      Fire Blanket -                      Hose Reels & Power Reels -                      Workcover	Dick Irwin / Justin Choveaux Don Alexander
	Equipment -                      Appliance Maintenance & Servicing/Stations -                      Vehicle Design	Dick Irwin / Max Rogers
2:30pm – 3:00pm	Discussion: Groups, their current and future role within the RFS RFBAQ Response	Bernie Trembath Dick Irwin
3:00pm	AFTERNOON TEA (15 mins)
3:15pm – 4:00pm	Discussion: Fire Warden Review – Overview of workshops & Group Questions Fire Warden – RFBAQ Input & Recommendations	Paul Adcock Dick Irwin
4:00pm	CLOSE (DEPART FOR FLIGHTS)	Steve Rothwell / Max Rogers

 

  

Attendees from Rural Operations: Steve Rothwell, Assistant Commissioner, Rural Operations Paul Adcock, Director, Rural Operations Bernie Trembath, Regional Manager, Rural Operations Steve Crouch, Director, Rural Research and Training Kerrie Purcell, Director, Rural Volunteering and Suport Sondra Lewis, Executive Officer, Rural Operations Amie Cawood, Executive Assistant, Rural Operations Attendees from QFRS: Rob Walker, Manager Operational Support John Bartholomew, Executive Manager WH&S and Wellness Unit

Attendees from RFBAQ: Max Rogers, State President, Maryborough Area Rep Brian Needham, Innisfail Area Rep. Geoffrey King, Ipswich Area Rep. Rob Holzberger, Toowoomba Area Rep. Dominic Jackson, (acting) Cloncurry Area Rep. Clive McWhir, Mackay Area Rep. John Thomson, Cairns Peninsular Area Rep. Ian Pike, Caloundra Area Rep. Graham Luck, Rockhampton Area Rep. Jon Bundy, Roma Area Rep. Les Bateman, (proxy) Caboolture Area Rep. Les Gane, (proxy) Bundaberg Area Rep. Geoff Wrigley, (proxy) Miles Area Rep. Dick Irwin, CEO RFBAQ Justin Choveaux D-CEO, RFBAQ Nolly Griffiths, Executive Assistant, RFBAQ   Apologies:- Don Alexander, Barcaldine Area Rep. (Flooded in)

The Association presented a list of the 5 committee categories that Volunteers, Brigades and Representatives have supplied to the Association over the last 4 months of consultation and submissions.

All of the emails, faxes and letters were collated, and the items that were most prevalent and the items that were of a direct impact to Volunteer safety were presented on Saturday.

There are three new manuals being developed at present, and the Association is requiring Rural Operations to involve Volunteers and the Association in the development of the Group, Primary Producer and Fire Warden Manuals.

Below is listed the items brought forward within each category, and the required time that changes/improvements need to be made.

One immediate decision that was reached after the Association commenced contacting Stewart & Heaton (manufacturers of wild land fire fighting clothing) in April 2010 was that new orders of the coat will incorporate a full size right hand breast pocket that has a Velcro pocket flap to allow the safe use of a radio in the coat with radio mic loops on both sides above the pockets. In addition to this the Velcro on the lower coat pockets will be swapped from male to female, so that the female Velcro on the sleeve no longer gets caught.

On the trousers, the Velcro on the back pockets will be replaced with studs, as the Association received many emails from Volunteers who have dropped their wallets.

As there are still quantities of the existing pattern of PPC in stores, Volunteers may not see the distribution of the new pattern until well into next year.

Thanks to all the Volunteers and Brigades who supplied suggestions and items for us to take to this meeting, we look forward to your continued input and support so that your Association can work towards community fire brigades that are resilient whatever the emergency.

Friday 3 December 2010

Amendments and required changes to 2010 Brigade Manual.

The RFBAQ has received numerous queries and complaints regarding the contents of the recently released 2010 Brigade Manual. The Association took these items to the Consultative Meeting held with the Rural Operations on the 20th November 2010. Below is a list of the required changes or amendments to the manual.

Rural Operations, in rewriting the new manual did not consult with Volunteers or the Association before releasing some fundamental changes to the way that Volunteer Brigades operate, and the result of this is that some sections of the new manual are at best confusing, and in a couple of instances some of the amended sections will heavily impact on Brigades both financially and in the way that they protect their communities.

The 2010 Brigade Manual does have some positive outcomes for Brigades, such as the two following sections:-

C 4.3 First Aid Training, ‘QFRS will pay for two members per brigade to be trained in first aid.’

D 5.3.1Communications Equipment, ‘QFRS provides radios at no cost to brigades… Brigades that are financially capable may be asked to purchase their own radios…

The current replacement program and supply of radios is aimed at addressing the current five (5) priorities;

Ensure there are two (2) portable radios per appliance and 1 for the First Officer;

Replace all 100 channel VHF mobile radios with 1000 channel radios;

Dual fit UHF and VHF radios in all appliances;

Replace all 100 channel portables with 1000 channel portable radios;

One (1) UHF portable to all Brigades.

The Association is aware that there is a Primary Producer Manual, Group Manual and Fire Warden Manual currently under construction. The RFBAQ requires direct involvement and input of Volunteers and the Association in the creation of these manuals. This will ensure all documentation produced delivers the best outcomes for Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers and the Community.

Should members of your brigade have additional concerns relating to these or other sections in the 2010 Brigade Manual, please contact the Association or email:- ceo@rfbaq.org

FIRE LINE is an update on what directly affects the 34,000 +Volunteer fire-fighters and support members and over 2,600 fire wardens in Queensland.

 

Friday 3 December 2010

Rural Operations would like Volunteer feedback via RFBAQ.

Rural Operations have asked the RFBAQ to gauge Volunteer opinion on whether the wording on the back of the Wildland PPE coat should be changed.

Current wording on the back of the jacket is “Rural Fire Brigade” (as below)

The suggestion from Rural Operations is that the wording be changed to “Rural Fire Service” which would be the same as the wording on the T-shirt (as below)

Brigades also print T-Shirts, and below are 2 that also use “Rural Fire Brigade”

 

The RFBAQ has been assured that this choice is up to the Volunteers, so please state your preference.

Please email your response or suggestions to – equipment@rfbaq.org by 20th December 2010.

Friday 3 December 2010

Art Union Winners receiving a car for Christmas.

Today saw the drawing of the Art Union winners who will each receive a Kia Rio 5 door hatchback.

The 4 car winners will all be notified today by phone as well as in writing. Their support for Volunteer fire-fighters and the Association has provided them a win that will give them a Christmas to remember.

The RFBAQ will also be notifying each of the 200 winners of the home and car fire safety packs.

The Association would again like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters across Queensland who purchase RFBAQ ART Union tickets.

Signed,

Tuesday 23 November 2010

3 Training Guides and Information paper for Volunteer firefighters.

Attached please find links to three training guides that relate to rural firefighters kindly supplied by Mr. John Robertson as well as an information paper ‘The Burning Question’ written by Mr. Graham Smith.

Your Association is looking to collate and freely make available these training guides to Volunteers and rural fire brigades.

If you have training guides that you believe may benefit other Volunteers, and you are the owner of the material, please email it to equipment@rfbaq.org

*Please note that these guides are not made accessible to replace any existing training, yet as an additional source of information.

Links attached below

Friday 19 November 2010

Code 2, UFU & RFBAQ meet with mutual concerns for Rural and Urban Operations

Wednesday 10 November 2010

New catalogue of products with special Volunteers discount page

With Christmas fast approaching, Brigade Secretaries, Fire Wardens and 1st Officers will be receiving the new catalogue of RFBAQ products this week. This is complemented by an insert in this weeks Queensland Country Life.

There are two different catalogues that are being distributed, one for Rural Fire Brigade Friends & Community and the other is for Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers.

Volunteers are entitled to special discounts and can order online by accessing the Volunteer Discounts page. https://www.rfbaq.org/volunteer-login.aspx

There are many new items available for sale such as bath/beach towels, coffee mugs, muscle shirts and deck chairs, and to complement these there are extra items available to Volunteers that are not for the general public. Belts are a new addition so check with staff when you phone in.

It is through sales of these items that the Association can fund itself and fund grant applications for brigades. The Queensland Government, unlike any other State or Territory in Australia does not fund the Association that is the voice of the Volunteer, so supporting the RFBAQ Art Union or buying our quality products really does help put out bushfires.

If you have any questions or would like some more information, or for ordering over the telephone, we have a dedicated information line operating during business hours 1800 72 32 72.

Thursday 21 October 2010

Unusual weather conditions prompts Fire Danger Period cancellation

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services The Honourable Neil Roberts

Unusually heavy rainfall combined with an early start to the storm and cyclone season has prompted the cancellation of the Queensland Fire Danger Period from this Friday.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said after two months of the declaration, the main threat of fire season had passed.

“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) declared the Fire Danger Period on August 29 following last year’s horror fire season which saw thousands of bushfires devastate parts of the state,” he said.

“Thankfully this year we have had a reduced fire threat; the vegetation is far less dry and the drought index is much more favourable. Those factors, combined with the current La Nina weather pattern bringing wetter conditions, have led to the QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson declaring that the Fire Danger Period is no longer required.”

Minister Roberts said the Fire Danger Period was intended to remain in place until January 2, 2011 or until the enhanced threat of bushfire had passed and that the public had adhered to fire restrictions very well.

“We did see a high level of acceptance of the restrictive measures that were in place under the fire danger period which included the requirement to have a permit for most outdoor fires,” he said.

“I thank Queenslanders for doing their part during this time to keep our state largely unaffected by bushfire.”

QFRS Acting Assistant Commissioner of Rural Operations Paul Adcock said the success of the Fire Danger Period had been encouraging.

“This was the first year we implemented a fire danger period and the community support has given the QFRS confidence to consider making this standard practice in years to come to further reduce bushfire risk,” he said.

Mr Adcock said while the main threat for bushfire had passed it was important that residents remain prepared for the possibility of bushfire.

“While much of the state is quite wet at the moment there are still some areas that could experience fire and it is important to remember that we are still technically in the fire season,” he said.

“Preparing for bushfire takes months if it is done properly and there are still steps we can all take to make sure we are ready for the weeks to come as well as next season.

“I urge anyone who hasn’t already done so to visit the rural fire website and download a bushfire survival plan so that you and your family will know what to do if you are faced with a bushfire.”

More information on bushfire preparation can be found at: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister's office - (07) 3239 0199 or 0419 786 114; DCS Media - (07) 3247 8186

Monday 11 October 2010

Bushfire CRC Update!

 

 

As the RFBAQ is a contributing participant with the Bushfire CRC we receive regular updates of research and findings, the following is one of those.

Each year the Bushfire CRC gets together with the Bureau of Meteorology and fire and land use managers from each Australian state and territory and looks at the fire potential for the coming fire season.

The resulting fire note from the latest consultations can be downloaded by selecting the following link - Fire Note 67.

The fire note is also available from our website at http://www.bushfirecrc.com/publications/downloads/Seasonal-1010_outlook-firenote67_lowres.pdf

A media release about the publication of the fire note can be found at http://www.bushfirecrc.com/news/downloads/Seasonal-media-October-10-PDF.pdf

And an HTML version of the fire note is at http://www.bushfirecrc.com/news/releases/bushfire_outlook2010.html

Thursday 23 September 2010

Bushfire CRC Updates!

 

 

The Bushfire CRC has today published Fire Note 66, Fire dynamics in mallee-heath

by Dr Miguel Cruz of CSIRO Ecosystem, Canberra

All editions of Fire Update (brief summaries) and Fire Note (detailed outcomes of Bushfire CRC research) are available for download on the Bushfire CRC website: http://www.bushfirecrc.com/publications/index.html

 

 

Bushfire CRC News

September 2010 Newsletter

The full newsletter with more details on each item is online at; www.bushfirecrc.com/news/newsletters/issue3510.html

Darwin on show

With more than 900 people at the Darwin Convention Centre this month, the Bushfire CRC/AFAC Annual Conference again lived up to its reputation as the biggest fire, emergency services and land management event of the year.

The Bushfire CRC website is currently being overhauled to include all the details of the new research program so the best place to find presentations, posters, videos and photos from the conference at this point is on the Knowledge Web at; http://knowledgeweb.afac.com.au/Window_on_the_Conference

Special Recognition

At the annual conference awards to recognise outstanding endeavour in the fire and emergency services sector and research were presented to a number of individuals and agencies. The Bushfire CRC Special Recognition Award was given to Professor John Handmer.

Prof Handmer of RMIT University is a Principal Scientific Adviser at the Bushfire CRC. He was a leading researcher and adviser to the Bushfire CRC Research Taskforce immediately after the Black Saturday fires. During the subsequent Royal Commission, Prof Handmer was an expert witness and was requested by the Royal Commission to conduct several in-depth analyses that directly contributed to the final deliberations.

Diary Note – Stakeholder Council AGM

This important meeting will be hosted by the University of Sydney at Australian Technology Park, on Tuesday 9 November. Each Bushfire CRC partner is invited to send a representative to attend. The all-day meeting will include an overview of the current and planned activities of the Bushfire CRC with plenty of opportunity for discussion and involvement by those who attend. This meeting incorporates the Annual General Meeting. More details will follow in a separate email.

The Governing Board of the Bushfire CRC will meet the day before, on Monday 8 November, at the University of Sydney.

Diary Note – Research Advisory Forum

The next Research Advisory Forum will be held at the University of South Australia in Adelaide on Thursday 25 November. More details will follow shortly.

Fire forecast

The annual southern Seasonal Bushfire Assessment Workshop was held in Melbourne in late August, hosted by the Bushfire CRC. In conjunction with the northern workshop held earlier in Darwin, this workshop allows fire and weather specialists from each of the jurisdictions to collectively consider the latest climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology alongside the input from their regional managers to distil consistent regional outlooks for the coming fire seasons. The Outlook report will be released shortly.

Large Tanker Report

A Bushfire CRC evaluation of the DC-10 air tanker in Victoria last bushfire season was presented by lead researcher Matt Plucinski of CSIRO at the annual conference in Darwin this month. The day before, the Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Gavin Jennings, released the report and issued a media release: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/11805.html

The final report is on the front page of the Bushfire CRC website at www.bushfirecrc.com

New Students

A new cohort of postgraduate research students is now engaged in new research at the Bushfire CRC. The initial 10 students, based in universities around Australia and New Zealand, have begun their research projects into areas linked to the Bushfire CRC extension research program.

Opportunities are still available for more research scholarships and we are expecting more to commence with us shortly. More than 30 students from the 2003-2010 research program have completed their studies with a few more submitting their thesis in coming months.

Early warning system

The Victorian State Government recently launched a fire prediction and early warning system based on Bushfire CRC research that will deliver detailed information on the spread of fires to help protect communities in the event of a bushfire.

The Premier Mr John Brumby outlined details of the digital mapping system that integrates the existing FireWeb system with the Bushfire CRC’s computer mapping and fire simulation system called Phoenix RapidFire, has been trialled for the past 12 months and will become a key tool in Victoria’s firefighting effort in the upcoming bushfire season. The Phoenix RapidFire system was developed by Bushfire CRC researcher Dr Kevin Tolhurst from the University of Melbourne.

Research matters

From Richard Thornton, Research Director

This is an exciting time for the Bushfire CRC with the beginnings of a new research program and new students coming on board. I know that many of you have committed substantial work in getting us to this point, and finally we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and I thank you all for this. Personally for me this is a major step forward in the evolution of the Bushfire CRC we have successfully reshaped and redesigned our research agenda, while bringing along the existing partners and building on this to make our total number of partners now to around 40: a clear endorsement of the critical role the Bushfire CRC plays in the sector. (More Research Matters online)

Research Utilisation matters

From Noreen Krusel, Manager Research Utilisation

The experience of the first seven year program of the Bushfire CRC has provided an opportunity to create, develop and implement a range of mechanisms and tools to support research utilisation. Now, with the three year extension to the program, there is an opportunity to leverage from and build on this work and also to ensure it is valid for other research engagement opportunities.

So, we intend to conduct a survey of all end user agencies of the Bushfire CRC. We will contact all Stakeholder Council Representatives to co-ordinate this survey, which will be conducted over the next couple of months and reported on early in 2011. (More Research Utilisation Matters online)

Communication Matters

From David Bruce, Communications Manager

Standby for changes to the Bushfire CRC website. The site is undergoing a thorough overhaul to feature the new research program and well as retain all the research outputs of the last seven years. With more than 800 links to research outputs (reports, journal articles, presentations, posters) it is proving quite a challenge to make all this content readily accessible online. The new website will include a revamped online and email monthly newsletter Fire Update.

New Bushfire CRC templates for slide and poster presentations for the new research program were seen at the annual conference in Darwin. The templates can now be used by any researcher or partner organisation presenting Bushfire CRC research in any forum. (More Communication Matters online).

Tuesday 21 September 2010

RFBAQ needs your Volunteer input to take to Kedron

 

The Association in mid July called on Volunteers to provide input for additions and modifications to both PPE and equipment.

The responses you supplied were collated and presented to the RFBAQ General Meeting held in Townsville in September. From these responses, the Association will carry forward your equipment related needs as a Rural Fire Brigade Volunteer, to Rural Operations in Kedron for amendment or change.

In furtherance to this, the Association in Townsville voted for the re-instatement of 5 working committees and we are now calling for your input into the below areas:

• Safety & Welfare
• Training
• Fire Warden
• Operations Doctrine
• Equipment (incl. appliances, PPE & PPC)

The Representative of the RFBAQ will meet with Rural Operations management on the 20th of November to present the required change, collated from the findings of the 5 committees for actioning;

Previously, committee participants were drawn from the RFBAQ and RFS staff that worked on vehicle design, safety and welfare, as well as Operations Doctrine and Training. The committee system that had operated well was disbanded by Rural Operations over 7 years ago.

The Association is requiring the reestablishment of these committees.

The initial period for comment and suggestion will run until the last week in October 2010, to enable collation and additional follow up prior to the meeting.

All comments and suggestions are to be directed to;

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 9 September 2010

Vale: 2nd Officer Kortney Watts - Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade

The funeral service of 2nd Officer Kortney Watts - Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade, will held Monday 13 September 2010 commencing 1100hrs at the Nanango Returned Services League, 26 Henry Street, Nanango Qld.

All Brigade Volunteers are requested to assemble at the South Nanango Rural Fire Station at 1000hrs.

The funeral procession will leave Bucket Park at 1030hrs for the RSL Hall.

To honour this firefighter, volunteers are asked to wear if possible, their Walk Out Uniform or Yellows.

Following the service all are asked to attend a gathering at the Blackbutt Golf Club, Bowman Road Blackbutt.

 

 

 

The RFBAQ is collecting donations in support, and all monies will be passed directly to the family.

To Donate click on the RFBAQ website https://www.rfbaq.org/make-a-donation.aspx this will take you directly to the Donate page. When you are entering your details, please enter the name Kortney into the Company Name section (this will allow us to correctly direct the donations).

Dick Irwin AFSM

Chief Executive Officer

Monday 6 September 2010

RFBAQ Annual General Meeting and State Conference in Townsville 3, 4, 5 Sept 2010

Last weekend saw the elected Representatives of the RFBAQ meet in Townsville for their Annual General Meeting and State Conference, with the conference officially opened by Cr. Trevor Roberts of the Townsville City Council. Cr Roberts acknowledged and delivered high praise on the Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers for their skills and 24/7 commitment in providing a safer Queensland.

Volunteers from Townsville brigades attended the conference held on Saturday and were able to hear speakers such as Jim O’Brien the Director of Marketing and Communications from James Cook University, speak about how Volunteers can deal effectively with the media.

Jim Besgrove, 1st Officer of Rangewood RFB, spoke about the agreement that his brigade has with the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment and how his brigade has financed their heavy attack vehicle, which carries over 6,000 litres of water and is used as an area support appliance.

Paul Cauchi from Toobanna RFB, provided a history from his experiences of fire fighting and cane burning in the Ingham area, and of the changing face of rural fire brigades from self help to a community support services.

In addition to these speakers, Supt. Ken Beasley, Northern Region Manager; Insp. Gavin Fryer, Charters Towers / Cloncurry Area Director and Insp. Tony Hazel, Townsville Area Director also spoke about the direction that they and Rural Operations are undertaking to support Volunteers in their region.

CEO Dick Irwin, President Max Rogers, D-CEO Justin Choveaux and Director of Marketing Suzanne Pollock, provided reports and presentations during the day, highlighting the progress that the Association has made in the last 12 months, including the planning, projects and direction the Association will be taking over the next year.

A large number of brigades from the Townsville Area were represented on Saturday, and all RFBAQ Representatives would like to extend their thanks to the Volunteers for their participation and support.

The next General Meeting and Conference of the Association, will be held in the Brisbane Region on Saturday 19th March 2011, with a venue to be decided. Tony Marks RFBAQ Caboolture Area Representative, will be the conference organiser for that weekend.

The Association encourages the attendance and participation of Brigade Volunteers’ at its meetings across the State.

 

     

 

      

From left - Ken Beasley, Graham Luck and Geoff King                                              From left - Brian Needham and Paul Cauchi

Monday 23 August 2010

Prenzlau RFB Station Opening

Sunday 15th August saw the official opening of Prenzlau Rural Fire Brigades new station.

In 1983 Prenzlau, like many other brigades had 1 x 900 litre tank, a pump and a length of hose, total value $480. Now the brigade has 3 medium appliances, a 3 bay station with training room and incident control room on 10 acres of council land.

Geoff King, RFBAQ Representative for the Ipswich Area, Wayne Wendt MP, Paul Adcock Acting AC Rural Operations and Craig Smith A/Regional Manager also attended the opening that was officiated by Kaye Healing A/Area Director Ipswich.

David Wandel, 1st Officer of Prenzlau RFB since 1997 cut the ribbon with Wayne Wendt MP.

The RFBAQ are pleased to have been able to supply a grant towards the shed construction plus a grant towards the station fit-out.

The station is a tribute to the tenacity and commitment of the members of the brigade and the local community, who acknowledges the protection the brigade provides in times of emergency.

Friday 13 August 2010

Bushfire Arson Attached are two research briefing notes from the Bushfire CRC.

• Bushfire Arson – what do we know now? This Fire Note summarises the main outputs of the bushfire arson project. Researchers at the Australian Institute of Criminology have completed a range of studies including a review of patterns of bushfire arson and a review of arson prevention practices.
• Lessons from the research. Last year, the pre-conference seminar “Fire, Fuels and Weather” at the annual Bushfire CRC and AFAC conference was filmed and the presenters were interviewed on their subject matter. Produced with the assistance of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, the DVDs are now available as a resource for fire managers. In a separate project, Bushfire CRC research on fires in the forests of Western Australia and its broader implications has been summarised in a DVD “Fire in the Landscape”. More details on how to obtain these DVDs is in the attached Fire Update and at www.bushfirecrc.com/publications/guides.html  

Friday 6 August 2010

Big rollout for Golden Bell fire-fighter competition at Poona.

Sandy Straits RFB (formerly Poona RFB) again hosted the 4th annual Golden Bell fire-fighter competition on Saturday.

Crews competed in knapsack, barrel roll and collar dam events, with the 1st place going to Takura RFB, who received an RFBAQ 4.3” GPS and 3 large rechargeable torches and runners up being Sandy Straits RFB who received 3 medium rechargeable torches.

Being used for the 1st time was a 12,000 litre collar dam that was funded by an RFBAQ grant for Hervey Bay Group. This grant also included a 1,000 channel vhf radio.

There was also a junior fire-fighter competition that was a mini barrel roll, rides on little squirt, activities for the kids, SES BBQ followed by a visit from Santa.

The afternoon was caped off by the band and a number of participants camped overnight in Poona.

Sandy Straits RFB has also recently completed the fit-out of their training room that was again funded by an RFBAQ grant for $9,000.

 

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!

1 Brisbane	Christopher Archibald	Narangba RFB
2 Central	Judith Douce	Coowonga RFB
3 Far North	Stewart Bong	Battle Creek RFB
4 North Coast	Clayton Buckenham	Black Mountain RFB
5 Northern	Romana German	Waterfall RFB
6 South East	Peter Foy	Mount Campbell RFB
7 South West	Robert Kuhn	Clifton RFB

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 16 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 15 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.

The RFBAQ in this time have and will continue to receive donations on behalf of individual brigades, ensuring the community had the ongoing ability to receive a tax deductible benefit when donating support to Volunteer Rural/Bush Fire Brigades.

This is great news for Volunteer Brigades; the RFBAQ and the AAVFBA will continue to negotiate to ensure the best process is implemented and with the best outcome for Volunteers.

This link will take you to the release.

http://www.ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/Content/00236973.htm

Friday 9 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 29 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.

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 18 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.

Our customers who carry out this outstanding community service deserve to be recognised and to have peace of mind knowing that their insurance will be there to protect them.

*Note this applies only to vehicles insured under comprehensive cover or third party, fire and theft cover.

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 26 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 3 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 19 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;

Division 19 - 104

(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 22 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 29 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 18 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 5 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 21 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.

Justin Choveaux, Deputy CEO of the RFBAQ and Second Officer of Ilkley and Districts RFB was also awarded the Queensland Fire and Rescue Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for at least 20 years service.

 

Sunday 15 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 6 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 1 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.

Matters that arose out of this meeting will be brought forward to the Minister for Emergency Services which includes Rural Fire Brigades, the Hon. Neil Roberts MP by representatives from the meeting, hopefully within the next couple of weeks.

Another positive move was that a delegation from a number of Ipswich Area Groups and the RFBAQ will work through a long list of issues that exemplify that Rural Volunteers are not second class citizens, but are Unpaid Professional Fire-Fighters and who are the Bushfire Specialists.

    

Friday 30 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 Brigades 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.