Autumn Edition

Clifftop rescue
PLUS: New youth page
 Lead story: Bogong rescue Feature: Wulgulmerang - the road back News: Forrest Sawmill Fire

Patron
The Governor, John Landy
AC. MBE

Chairman
Len Foster, LLB. BA. BEd

Chief Executive Officer

Neil Bibby
8 10 22
Executive Manager,
Public Affairs
Darren Grevis-James

Publications Manager
Contents
Anthony Spargo COLUMNS GENERAL NEWS
a.spargo@cfa.vic.gov.au 3 CEO - Neil Bibby 22 Forrest Sawmill fire
Writers 4 Chief Officer - Russell Rees 23 New uniforms trialled
Peter Philp 24 Rally off to Firey start
Jodie Guest
5 Board Report - Len Foster
Ian Major 25 Latest Challenge graduates
Alex Twomey 26 Incident Spotlight
LEAD STORY
PO Box 701 27 Environment
6-9 Bogong truck rescue
Mt.Waverley Vic 3149
Alex Twomey reports
Telephone: 9262 8300 CFA IN FOCUS
Facsimile: 9262 8352
24 CFA logo explained
cfapromotions@cfa.vic.gov.au FEATURE
25 Marketing or sponsorship?
Distribution enquiries 10-11 Wulgulmerang fights back
FIRS RMS Project Officer Peter Philp reports
Marianne Jopling OUR PEOPLE
1800 62 88 44
30 Gordon Honour Board
AROUND THE CFA
Design by Arena Graphics 31 Sebastopol Auxillary
9809 2073 12 Safety story
32 Recruitment
13 Maps Online
Print by 33 A salute to Gavin Maguire
Hannanprint Victoria 14 Quirk & Smirk
34 YOUTH FOCUS: Jenny Gehring
9213 3111
15 Review
35 In Profile
Deadline for next edition:
01 June 2004 36 Letters
Please note for print quality we can IN BRIEF 37 Wordback
only accept original photos or digital
photos in the format 300 dpi at 16-17 In brief 38-39 Smoko
100% (actual size to be used).
Articles reflect the personal opinion
of the author and not necessarily
that of CFA. Editors have the right
to refuse and edit articles.
MEMBERLINK COMMUNITY CHEST
Photographs are sent at the sender’s
risk and the CFA cannot accept
18-21 The benefits 40 IGA update
responsibility for loss or damage,
however all photographs will be
returned to sender.

C FA AT A G L A N C E
CFA Members Approx. 60,000 Boats: 1

Brigades 1,240 CFA is responsible for: 2.5 million

(including 1 million Melbourne residents) people
Total vehicles:
(fire trucks, support vehicles, etc) 2,664 150,182 square kms land

This week in our cover story: Aerial appliances: 7 980,000 homes

ALEX TWOMEY reveals an amazing
rescue story, on how CFA helped
save one man’s life after his truck
drove off a cliff on the road to
Falls Creek. 2 Brigade Magazine
Cover picture: courtesy of
Mt Beauty CFA.
CEO’s COLUMN – NEIL BIBBY Autumn edition

Review will shape future Championships

A
n injury recently at Mildura again demonstrated the need to look at the
future of the current mode of the annual fire brigade Championships. As we
are nearing the end of the season, it is timely that I mention where the
future lies with these historic and traditional events.
But before I do, let me say that during my recent attendance at Mildura, I was yet
again left with a deep understanding of the great opportunities they provide for
meeting volunteers and discussing all matters concerning CFA.
The networking that goes on between volunteers is so beneficial to CFA and
reflects the strong bonding and camaraderie within the organisation - it is a true
family affair.
With that said and in consultation and working closely with the volunteer
associations, we intend to review the current mode of the Championships and how
we can best improve them for the years ahead.
This review will hopefully address a number of matters around the way the
Championships are conducted and address attendance levels, relevancy to fire
“We recognise the fighting training and importantly, safety issues.
There is no doubt that the number of brigades competing and general attendance
importance of the at the Championships has declined in recent years, with the exception of the
junior Championships.

Championships” It is encouraging to see the juniors hold their own in attendance, as they are
clearly the future of our organisation.
It is recognized that the Championship events can build on and improve the basic
skills involved in firefighting, however, some urban events do not reflect the use of
modern day appliances.
Whilst competition training and higher levels of fitness help us to be better
firefighters and great camaraderie is engendered at State Championships, we need
to examine the inclusion of events more relevant to today's firefighting techniques.
The issue is not “will the Championships survive”, but rather in “what form” they
will be organised and assured for the future.
Safety is of course our paramount concern and our obligations under occupational
health and safety requirements mean that this is high on the agenda for the review.
Brigades will have plenty of opportunity to comment and discuss options through
their Associations.
One possible opportunity I see for future Championships is to deliver more skill
enhancement programs and forums for volunteers in an even greater effort to
totally inform them of everything happening in the organisation.
In the meantime, congratulations to all those brigades that have competed this year
and good luck to those competing in the rural championships in Bairnsdale in April.

Neill Bibby

Chief Executive Officer

Brigade Magazine 3
CHIEF OFFICER’S COLUMN – RUSSELL REES Autumn edition

C
ommunity education is not something CFA neither does exclusively during
the Summer Fire Season nor is it something properly understood from one
quick radio or TV grab.
And good community education must result in people understanding what to do
so that they can work in partnership with CFA. Too often we as firefighters think
only about response actions and not the bigger picture.
As we all know emergencies are not restricted to a particular season. As we enter
the Winter Fire Season, the community must be equally as vigilant because the
risk is more sinister than in summer.
Therefore our community education must always be in place throughout the year
so that the community can adopt a ‘multi-hazard approach’ to safety.
Great credit must be given to those involved in the set up and operations of the
Bushfire Information Line which was a successful proactive initiative to keep the
community aware of bushfires. Winter demands different, but equally as
effective, mechanisms.
It is important to make certain that our ‘fire plan’ promotions are always
“The CFA firefighter achievable and easily understood. Sometimes the quick media grab over simplifies
the message. An example of this is CFA’s advice about ‘staying and defending

of today is not property or leaving early’. We understand the message but how well do we
translate that to the community?
When a community reaches the understanding that it does have a role to play,
the rider of a big only then can it become a truly effective partner with the fire service.
A well-informed community quickly realises that fire prevention is not the sole
red chariot.” domain of technical experts in the fire brigade, but a shared responsibility. Local
residents should exercise the most effective protection.
This is when the community starts to think and behave in harmony with
its firefighters.
Doing the person-to-person stuff, whether it is at a meeting or when dad brings the
kids into the station to see the red truck, will not only help convince the
community about the importance of fire safety, but also equip people to carry it
out if they are threatened.
The CFA firefighter of today is not the rider of a big red chariot. One could argue
that whenever we have to send out the truck, things have gone seriously wrong
with our community communication.
A competent fire safe community was beautifully illustrated last year in Geelong
when eight-year-old Kisha Hutchinson went to the aid of her younger brother who
had set himself alight at their home. Kisha saved her brother from more serious
burns when she got him to ‘stop, drop and roll’ - resulting from a visit to her
school by CFA firefighters.
(See page 14 for Kisha’s story.)
Let us use every opportunity to reinforce the message that prevention is always
better than cure.

Russell Rees

Director of Operations/Chief Officer

4 Brigade Magazine
BOARD REPORT – with LEN FOSTER Autumn edition

Charity Status

A
dvocacy over three years has headed off the threat to CFA tax benefits and
donations to brigades. As I reported to you in the October Brigade, the Board
gave the go ahead for CFA to put its submission to the Board of Taxation.
In addition I had meetings with a senior advisor to the Federal Treasurer Peter
Costello and a Deputy Commissioner of Taxation. Also a wider campaign was led
by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) on behalf of member agencies
and emergency service volunteers. As a result CFA will have recognition as a
charitable organisation for the purpose of tax deductibility for donations received
and various GST benefits under the Income Taxation Assessment Act.
Fire Stations
The Board considered a report on the design and use of CFA’s future fire stations.
The report advised that CFA now gets good value for money under the present
methods of designing and constructing fire stations. It identified areas where CFA
can improve the processes used in design and maintenance. The Board has set out
guidance for the Executive Management Team:

“Integration of • A fire station is a powerful symbol of CFA as an active, essential part of the
local community;
• Integration of volunteers and career staff is to be encouraged across CFA;
volunteers and • CFA fire stations are to continue to be available for community activities
associated with supporting and strengthening CFA’s volunteer culture.

career staff is to Private Equipment

“Mutual cooperation” and a Code of Practice are proposed for CFA management of
be encouraged private equipment at fires. Following the Board’s consideration, CFA is talking with
interested parties including the Victorian Farmers Federation, Victorian Workcover
Authority and Department of Primary Industries. The use of private equipment was
across CFA” raised in investigations of the fatal fires at Linton and Rockbank.
Fire Refuges
The Board reviewed various recommendations on CFA policy on fire refuges and
community education. CFA is working with the Office of the Emergency Services
Commissioner (OESC) on a State Government draft policy and practice guide. Also
CFA has been working locally with councils and community groups on preparation,
options and safe actions for residents during wildfire.
CFA Act
A complete rewrite of the Country Fire Authority Act is underway. The Board has
appointed a Steering Committee to identify the changes. The task will take
two years.
Workshop
A combined Board-Executive Management Team workshop has given us a clearer
definition of CFA’s growing role as an emergency management agency; a preview of
CFA’s future structure; and ways to achieve the full integration of CFA people and
the organisation structure under the Board’s priority of One CFA.

Len Foster

Chairman
Brigade Magazine 5
 Autumn edition

Teamwork saves the day in…

Bogong truck triumph

A routine bike ride for two brothers on Bogong High Plains Road turned into a full scale emergency after they leaned
over an edge and noticed a trail of destruction. ALEX TWOMEY reports on a tricky rescue that saved one man’s life.

A
line marking truck is heading in the direction of Falls Creek,
along the Bogong High Plains Road when the driver loses
control. It disappears down the side of the mountain, rolling
many times, leaving a trail of debris behind it. It comes to rest
130m below the road on a 70deg slope, a fallen log and two giant
boulders preventing it from falling any further. Luckily the driver
lies underneath the truck, which rests on the log 3-4m above him.
The cabin itself is completely smashed. As the driver lies there, with
a fractured clavicle and scapular, a fractured C4 (spine), broken ribs,
a deflated lung, internal bleeding and a fractured femur, he could
hear a beeping sound coming from the cabin reminding him that he
left his keys in the car.
Two brothers are out on an early morning ride when they discover
some paint and equipment strewn across the road. It’s obvious that
it had fallen off the back of a truck, so they stop and move it to the
side of the road. By chance they look over the edge of the road and
notice a trail of destruction. It looks like an accident but they can’t
see a vehicle. They try yelling out and a voice responds. With
difficulty they clamber down and find the driver in a bad way. One
heads off to raise the alarm while the other comforts the driver.
Its now just past seven in the morning and the day is heating up
quickly. Mt. Beauty CFA Captain Craig Brown arrives at the
accident scene and sends 1st Lieutenant Steven Barbour and
Firefighter Paul Macklan down the slope to see what needs to be
done. From the roadside he can’t even see the truck, instead there
RESCUE: It was all hands on deck after a truck drove off a cliff on the way to Falls Creek.
is just destruction. Later Macklan describes the scene as “looking
CFA and other emergency services worked as a team to save a Geelong man’s life.
like a bomb has exploded, there was debris hanging 20 feet high in
trees.” him that the most obvious route risks dislodging logs and rocks onto
By now MICA-Paramedic Ian Martin has arrived and made his way the patient. Eventually he manages to drop the ropes 70m down the
down the slope to the patient. Mt. Beauty CFA begins to clear rocks slope and then redirect them to the patient.
from above the patient. If any of these large rocks become dislodged Using the ropes it is now possible to pass equipment down to those
they could hit those below or worse unsettle the truck, which doesn’t below. Martin, a paramedic for 28 years, is busily trying to stabilize
appear at all stable. the patient. Macklan begins to work on the truck. A couple of props
Mt. Beauty CFA road rescue arrives along with brigades from Falls secure it as it hangs like a canopy above the patient.
Creek and Tawonga. Barbour and Macklan join Martin down at the An air ambulance arrives carrying two paramedics. The slope is so
patient. Upon seeing the crushed cabin Barbour remarks, “I hope steep that the idea of dragging the patient up on a litter is considered
there’s nobody in there.” It’s lucky that there isn’t although there is to be extremely difficult. An idea is considered that the tray of the
serious concern that the truck could pivot forward onto the patient. truck is used as a platform and the helicopter will then winch the
Back up at the roadside Mt. Beauty 2nd Lieutenant Robert O’Connor patient out. After a quick check the pilot decides that nearby
is beginning to set up for a rope rescue. The downside for him is powerlines make it far too dangerous. The helicopter lands by
that he can’t even see the truck and the guys working below inform the roadside. Story continued Page 8

6 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

“There is no way that it would have

gone as smoothly as it did if we hadn’t
done the right training.”
Mt Beauty CFA 2nd Lieutenant Robert O’Connor

Brigade Magazine 7
By now there are about 30 people working at the accident site. The
two paramedics from the air ambulance are already wearing
harnesses, so they are simply attached to the ropes and sent down
to the patient.
It takes an hour for the paramedics to prepare the patient for
removal.
The patient is then placed on a spine board and then onto a litter.
Fourteen people are at roadside pulling on the ropes, while six carry
the litter. It is slow going. The mountainside is so steep its almost
impossible to lift the litter. The ground is also so uneven and
covered in rocks and logs that Macklan describes it as “a bloody
nightmare.”
The journey up the slope is stop start.
The litter is moved a few feet, then lifted over a log or rock. Then
all the litter bearers have to reposition themselves before it can be
Autumn edition
Training pays off
F
or Mt. Beauty CFA road rescue, this was by far the hardest
rescue they had ever done. “We’ve used the ropes before, in
earlier rescues,” said O’Connor, “but it’s been a case of, yes
the ropes made it easier but it would have been possible to do it
without them. In this one you couldn’t have done it without
the ropes.”
CFA training played a vital role in the rescue. “There is no way
that it would have gone as smoothly as it did,” O’Connor said, “if
we hadn’t done the right training.” The brigade also trained with
Falls Creek and Tawonga brigades on a regular basis. “The support
we got from Falls Creek and Tawonga was invaluable,” said Brown.
The result was that the patient is expected to recover with no long
term or permanent disability. “The father came up to look at the
accident site a few weeks later,” Brown said, “he couldn’t believe
we got him up.”
The brigade also received praise from Martin, the paramedic, who
wrote in to the local paper expressing his appreciation of their
efforts. “The helipilot was also rapt with the job we did,” said
Macklan, “and coming from a bloke who does this as a job and
were just volunteers, it makes you feel pretty good.”
Brigade Magazine
Tactical timeline continued
7:44: Mt. Beauty CFA Rescue arrives. They begin to
prepare for retrieval by rope of the patient. Martin
works on stabilizing the patient while CFA
members secure the truck.
8:39: Helicopter arrives carrying two paramedics. They
are taken down to the accident site. The two
paramedics and Martin take an hour to ready the
patient to be moved, due to the seriousness of his
injuries. In this time Tawonga and Falls Creek
brigades have arrived to provide assistance. The
day is extremely hot and the ropes are used to
lower water, oxygen, plasma replacement and
other vital items.
9:37: The patient is placed on a litter and is ready to be
moved. Six people carry the litter with several
others helping. About 14 people are on the road
pulling on the ropes.
10:11: Patient reaches roadside. Paramedics work on
patient for another 20 minutes to stabilize him
again.
10:31: Patient is evacuated on the helicopter to Alfred
Hospital.
9
 Autumn edition

It’s been a rocky road but….

Wulgulmerang’s fighting back

Wulgulmerang may have been a lonely place on a hot summer’s day last year, but as PETER PHILP found out on a recent visit to the area, their community
spirit has never been stronger. He talks to some of the people who are getting their lives back on track after last year’s devastating Campaign Fires.

W
hen I mentioned Wulgulmerang,
the CFA officer replied; “That’s
where our people really got hurt.”
I hadn’t heard a phrase with that degree of
passion since the Linton tragedy. And the
officer was right. Standing in the ruins of the
once conspicuous landmark of the high
country - the Seldom Seen Service Station, I
listened to the experiences of our people.
Many are still grieving their losses; most are
angry about what didn’t happen when they
faced the adversary alone, but all were
honest and displaying the determination
that has fashioned generations of
CFA volunteers.
Wulgulmerang was devastated by last year’s
Campaign Fires on Thursday, 30,
January 2003.
You don’t find better than Blue Minchin -
scarred by drought, bushfire and sheer hard
work. He’s been a CFA volunteer since he
was 16 - that’s 52 years. His dad was CFA REVIVAL: Members of the Wulgulmerang community are fighting back after the devastation caused by last year’s Campaign
Fires which caused widespread damage to the area. PHOTOS: Peter Philp.
captain at Bonang.
“I saw the fire coming from behind my defendable,” he insisted. “ There were “It went pitch dark. It was frightening. Spot
home. My brother said ‘shouldn’t you ring tracks around the place and the coldest fire fires began and then came in there
up and tell somebody.’ I said ‘there’s was around my house. I say that with one hundreds. When the wind with the force of
somebody up in the tower’ - they’ll know fire truck there I could have saved the fire came, we had to go into the house.
more than me. But there was no one in the my house.” A pump spraying into the fire gradually got
tower. Then I was told there was a fire in slower and slower and stopped. We had
Despite losing everything including stock, burned the bush around our home in
the Wire Paddock, (the first paddock in the
Blue was not prepared to give up. Spring. Even so, I saw balls of flames
district fenced in wire) and it was coming
towards me in a big way. It was said I was “I’ve been knocked down so many times coming over that bush,” Gordon recalled.
best to get out as the brigade could not get a before but I got up again and I’ll do it
The Moons lost two hay sheds and 900
local crew because they were all defending again,” he said.
sheep and 40 cattle. Had the family not
their own properties,” Blue said. Twelve months later Blue has rebuilt his stayed and defended their home, Gordon is
All Blue had was a small pump and few home, sheds, stockyards and most fences. certain it would have been destroyed. But
drums of water. So he hurried over to the Former DSE dog trapper and CFA there were moments when he thought the
neighbouring property. Later the two volunteer, Gordon Moon, knew the fire was house would go.
fires joined. coming because he’d heard it was jumping “When shrubs, with a hose trained on them,
“My house burned down - lost every every control line. After a 10-day wait, began crackling and burned, I thought this
building on the property. It was it arrived. is it,” Gordon said.

10 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

If there is a next time, Gordon would like to see fire trucks stay in the area and in
“I got out of the dam
the meantime more fuel reduction burns.
Gelantipy firefighter Bill Livingstone knew he could not be in two places at once. and nothing was left, I felt pretty
He had spent a couple of days making fire breaks at his Wulgulmerang farm. His wife emotional. I thought I might lose
rang from their property in Buchan saying embers were falling around that area and
wanted him to return. Embers were also falling in Wulgulmerang so he decided to one or the other, but never the
stay put.
shop, garage and house too”
“I started to put them out. But it got worse. Then the wind came and it was just like a
hail storm of embers. It got out of hand - the front was coming through,” Bill recalled.
David Woodburn
He took shelter inside his house. He looked out the window - the place was
surrounded by fire. He said that when the windows started exploding ‘I knew
I was in the shit.’
“The flames came in and were licking the ceiling. By that stage I couldn’t breathe.
I thought I might make a beeline for another house about 100 metres away.
I grabbed a blanket. The decking outside was all on fire. It just turned to coals.
I could see the other house just going up in flames. The flames were pouring out of
the wool shed. There was no going back or forward,” he said.
Bill’s grader was in the centre of the yard and he ran to it and sheltered behind the
vehicle’s wheels until the front went through. According to Bill, it seemed like hours
but it was probably only 20 minutes. The embers were blowing under the grader,
while above him, a 2000-gallon iron tank flew over about 50-feet in the air before
crashing into a shed.
Bill lost everything - including his stock.
Firefighter David Woodburn did not have a chance to save his shop, garage or house
at Seldom Seen that his father had carved out of the bush in the 1960s.
“The fire came in so quickly, driven by 100 ‘k’ winds. I just bolted with my little
Whippet, Dasher. The fire hit my house almost straight away. I thought I might lose
one or the other but never the shop, garage and house too,” David recalled.
A water pump was going and the gutters were full of water but it didn’t help.
“The roar of the fire was terrible. I was by myself. My brother Michael was
over the road trying to save his home,” he said.
Surrounded by fire, David poured water over himself, put a tea-towel on his head
and jumped into the dam with Dasher.
“I knew that I’d get through it - that was always my plan. I had to think positive,”
he said. “When I got out of the dam and nothing was left, I felt pretty emotional.”
A year later David is just surviving in makeshift accommodation. Full recovery could
be a lifetime away. The ruins of the Seldom Seen service station are still the centre
of the community. There is an urgent need for reconciliation between these
firefighters and the wider CFA family. But as local, Bob Boys, reminded me:
“I don’t think the spirit of this community has ever been stronger - it has brought
us together.”

Brigade Magazine 11
 Autumn edition

Safety culture is working

The good news is there has been a three per cent reduction in serious injuries in the CFA during 02/03. However, Manual Handling
continues to be the largest cause of injury involving CFA members. OHS Officer, JACQUI WOOD, explains the details in full.
CFA injury rate continues to decline Working with MFB to decrease their Recently, two members of Grovedale
Manual Handling injuries. Fire Brigade, Captain Keith Ross and

T
he rate of serious injuries that
require medical attention or
other attention continues to
decline in CFA members. There has
been a three per cent reduction in
serious injuries in 02/03 compared to
the previous five-year average. It
needs to be considered that the figures
for 02/03 include the injuries
sustained during the major campaign
fires that occurred last summer.
This positive trend has also continued.
Manual Handling
CFA OHS Officer Jacqui Wood was
asked to provide training to MFB's
Western Zone stations.
Towards the end of the training, one
MFB station had to respond to an
incident and applied the principles
presented and practiced during the
session.
Manual Handling Risk Assessments
Manual Handling Risk Assessments
Stewart Constable, in conjunction
with Mark Harvey (Instructor), were
involved in undertaking manual
handling risk assessments of two
training trailers used within the
Barwon Corangamite Area.
The process involved videotaping and
then using the Code of Practice to
analyse each task undertaken by the
group. The risk assessments are going
to form part of a database to provide

Improvements can still be made. aim to identify the key factors that support to regions and brigades and
Reporting of injuries and near misses contribute to a person suffering a to identify methods of improving
(an incident which had the potential Manual Handling Injury. their equipment.
to cause harm) is just one area where
our performance can improve. All
CFA brigades should have a personal
injury/near miss report book that
should be in a location, accessible
to everyone.

Release of Manual Handling

Training CD
After 18 months, CFA's Manual
Handling Training CD has been
released. It aims to provide members
with skill and knowledge to decrease
their risk of injuries. The interactive
CD covers areas such as the definition
of manual handling, the structure and
the function of the human body,
through to strategies you can use to
decrease your risk of injury.
Currently the Areas and the Area
OHS Committees are considering the
most effective method of releasing
this CD Rom to suit their
environment. You will be able to play
it at home, or if you have access to a
laptop and a large TV/ data projector,
it could be run as a training session
with your Brigade.

12 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
Mapping for the future
Manager of GIS Services, MARK GARVEY, explains to Brigade Magazine, some bright new initiatives like updating and
providing topographic maps, as well as providing access to quality local maps in Alpine fires.
recent Victorian forum to address the issue of the
A accuracy, currency and availability of hardcopy
maps has demonstrated the widespread problem
of outdated hardcopy maps.
It highlighted 39 per cent of the state's current hardcopy
topographic maps are over 20-years old.
The Victorian Government have extensive electronic
data bases housing the data that goes into the creation of
topographic maps, therefore it is possible to create new
digital or paper maps.
The Fire Management Branch of the Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE) wanted to create
a series of digital maps that could be easily read on all
computers, without requiring expensive software.
The Fire map CD was originally developed by DSE Fire
Management to provide staff with an up-to-date,
searchable topographic map base.
Fire Map CD is a mapping product that allows users
access to 1:25,000 and 1:100,000 scale topographic
maps for the state.
Following its successful adoption by DSE staff, the
broader emergency management community has
expanded the latest Fire Map CD for use.
New features of the Fire Map CD include the addition of
ESO data (i.e. office and station locations) and an
enhanced user interface.
The Fire Map CD product is also available as a series of
geo-referenced images for incorporation into Region and
Area GIS software to provide a seamless statewide
topographic map base.
Brigade Magazine
Maps Online
The development of the CFA Website (Brigades Online)
presented a great opportunity to distribute digital maps
to a much wider CFA audience.
Maps Online, an extension of Brigades Online, was
developed in 2003 to provide the vehicle to share these
new products with all CFA Volunteers and staff.Maps
Online is a collection of thousands of different maps
covering all of Victoria that can be accessed via Brigades
Online and the new staff intranet.
All CFA Staff and Volunteers with access to the website
can download and manipulate digital maps. A brigade
area can be searched for, and then a range of maps for
each area opened.
Maps can be 'exported' into a Microsoft Word template.
Using the template will mean that your map can be
printed with important information included on the
page, including scale, a legend of features, a title and
copyright statements. Templates are available for fires,
floods and search and rescue operations.
All maps on the site will open in a PDF format that can
be saved to local computers or printed.
The range of maps you can choose from includes CFA
Map book pages, ESMAP pages and all of the Fire Map
CD topographic maps. Every brigade is covered by this
service.
'Commonly Requested Maps' like Total Fire Ban District
maps, Electoral Boundary/CFA Area Maps and many
others, are also available.
To access the digital maps all you need is access to
Brigades Online and Acrobat, a free web viewer.
If you wish to manipulate the maps (i.e. adding notes or
information such as fire location) this can be done using
Microsoft Word.
13
 Autumn edition

Chairlift rescue recognised

CFA’s leading part in the rescue operation at the Arthur’s Seat Chairlift,
more than a year ago, has been recognised. IAN MAJOR reports.
The CFA has been given a big tick for its part in the rescue
operation at the Arthur’s Seat Chairlift.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Andre’ Haermeyer,
presented Victorian Unit Meritorious Service Awards to
representatives of 11 organisations who played their part in the
operation, on 3 January 2003, when 83 stranded passengers were
rescued from the chairlift.
CFA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Neil Bibby, had the honour of accepting the award from Minister
Haermeyer on behalf of all CFA members who took part in the
rescue operation.
CFA was the controlling body in the major incident. The
presentation took place, Wednesday, February 11, at the
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Offices in Rosebud.
Pointing the finger right at littering
Emergency Services Commissioner, Bruce Esplin, conducted the If you’re heading down Geelong-way these days, you’ll have a constant
event and also representing CFA were Operations Officers, Graeme reminder that littering can be a very dangerous business. New signs in January
Kirk and Trevor Owen, Group Officer of Peninsula Region, Graeme urging motorists not to litter are about getting the message across that those
Hind, Operations Manager, Steve Warrington, and Captain of who fling cigarette butts out their car-windows can cause damage to the
Dromana Urban Fire Brigade, Charles King. environment and ultimately the community. PHOTO: Courtesy of Reg Ryan; Echo

Auction night planned
Metropolitan Ambulance Service is
continuing its care.
The tragic loss of Healesville paramedics
Rob Bland and Phil Oakley, who died after
their ambulance ran off the road and
crashed into a tree on the Maroondah
Highway in early January, is still being felt
by fellow workers.
A special auction night is being planned to
raise money for their families but a venue is
yet to be found. Lindsay Fox has offered his
vintage car museum but it may not be large
enough, so the search continues.
In the meantime, the organising team is
looking for items of value that can be
auctioned on the night.
Any CFA members who would like to
donate something should contact Andy
Watson 0412 980 408 or email
andywatson@ozemail.com.au
Pet food factory fire
Firefighters recently attended a blaze at
Uncle Ben’s, a pet food factory, in Wodonga.
Three fire crews attended the fire that was
confined to a high voltage sub-station.
Fire Officer, Graeme Neil, said the main
concern was cutting power to the room.
“The fire started at 3pm and was contained
by 3.37 pm,” Neil said.
“Most of this time was (spent) waiting for
the power to be shut off.”
The fire was then quickly extinguished.
“Once the power was out it became a
normal situation,” Neil said.
He said there was no sign of a short circuit,
with a possible cause being a build up of
dust or lint.
The fire was costly for Uncle Ben’s with
(approx) $250,000 worth of product having
to be thrown out and production stopped
while damage was repaired.
Rewarded for bravery
Chief Officer Russell Rees presented
Geelong girl, Kisha Hutchinson, 8, with a
bravery certificate in December.
Russell and Barwon Corangamite Area
Operations Manager, Bob Barry, went to
Kisha’s school, Corio West Primary, to
present her with a certificate for helping her
three-year-old brother when he set himself
alight at their home.
Kisha saved her brother from more severe
abdominal burns when she got him to ‘stop,
drop and roll’, as she’d learned at school,
last year.
Russell said to Kisha’s classmates, teachers
and family, when presenting her with the
certificate: “Kisha is a very special girl who
helped her brother and we’re proud of
Kisha. She did a wonderful thing for
her brother.”
He said CFA had nominated Kisha for a
Royal Humane Society bravery award.

14 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
Price is Right for CFA
In early February Grundy’s Television
approached several of the emergency
services to participate in a special screening
of The Price Is Right.
Fifty CFA members took part with the
chance at winning the showcase and over
five episodes six were told to ‘come on down’.
Shaun McRoberts of Boronia won garden
machinery and tyres totalling $3900. Kellie
Carpenter of Lara, Jayde Lovell, and Dave
Cooper of Lower Yarra were also called as
contestants. Michael O’Dwyer of Warragul
won a $5,000 holiday and a $500 vacuum,
but perhaps the biggest star of the CFA
show was Max Dunn; a volunteer from
Taggerty, who won a car valued at $21,080!
Congratulations to Max and the rest of the
CFA winners.
WARNING: Sunbury CFA put out a chemical fire in a shed, that
could have been prevented with correct measures in place.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Ray Fleming; Macedon Ranges-Sunbury Telegraph. the contents.
Brigade Magazine
Charity Bed Race
On Sunday 8 February five CFA members
took part in a Charity Bed Race to help
raise money for Scope Victoria. The race,
which was staged at the St Kilda Festival,
consisted of a range of obstacles including
pushing a hospital trolley down the
race track.
Whilst neither CFA nor MFB made it to the
grand final heat, a friendly race between the
two services ensued. Sadly though MFB
were the winners on this occasion.
However, the CFA team did win a prize in
the ‘Best Dressed Category’ (and clearly
have superior uniforms). Amber Johnston
Chemical fire
prompts CFA warning
CFA has again warned people of the
need to follow instructions regarding
chemical storage after a chemical fire
in Sunbury.
The which may have been prevented if
the right measures had have been
adhered to, smouldered for a day
before burning after breaking out from
oil-soaked rags in a shed.
The fire, caused $6000 damage
according to Sunbury CFA captain,
Steve Riley.
It broke out early on January 29 and
Riley re-iterated the fact that people
must be aware that they should follow
instructions regarding chemicals and
the storage, clean up and disposal of
Nothing horsy
about safety
CFA’s Safety First culture is spreading to the
animal kingdom. In regions 23 and 24,
(Wangaratta and Wodonga), pony clubs and
horse enthusiasts have been included in the
Bushfire Blitz program.
“Most horses are extremely loved members
of the family and live in bushfire prone
area’s,” Glenn Wilson, a volunteer with
Tallangatta Valley CFA, said.
Wilson explained often during a bushfire
horses panic, resulting in injuries that could
have been avoided with a bushfire plan.
He said horses exposed to the radiant heat
of a bushfire rarely survive.
“I thought, ‘as we volunteers dress ourselves
up in Proban-treated, high visibility
overalls’, then why not dress a horse
similarly?” Wilson said.
Enough material for a full set of protective
horse rugs was then secured, before Wilson
made the set. The end result is fire
resistant, high visibility overalls for a 15.5
hands horse. Alex Twomey
Sights set on 2006
Former Commonwealth Games trap
shooting Gold Medallist Nessa Jenkins, a
volunteer with CFA’s Buangor-Middle Creek
Fire Brigade, has missed out on selection for
the Athens Olympics later this year.
However, her mum, Rosie, said Nessa hoped
to make the team for the Commonwealth
Games, to be held in Melbourne in 2006.
“It was a bit disappointing that she missed
out by only a few points, Nessa will now aim
for the Commonwealth team,” Rosie said.
Jodie Guest
15

Quirk
&Smirk
Pubs with no beer
T
he old story of the pub with no beer
occurred for short periods at two
establishments around the
Christmas/New Year period.
The first to have the taps turned off for a
brief period was Kelly’s Hotel in
Cranbourne, after a blaze ripped through
the top floor of the hotel on December 15.
But Manager Michael Goldie didn’t let the
punters down and had the pub back
operating in 24 hours. He said it couldn’t
have happened without the quick thinking
of Cranbourne CFA, who arrived at the
scene within 15 minutes of the fire breaking
out.
Goldie wasn’t the only publican singing the
CFA’s praises, so too was Brett Malseed, of
the George Hotel in Hamilton, who was also
left without cold beer when the electricity
went out after a fire started in a power box
outside the hotel. CFA and SES volunteers
worked to quickly put smiles back on the
faces of all thirsty patrons.
CFA comes up sweet again
W
hat started at a local level two years
ago has grown to a major operation
supplying lollies across the state.
The original idea was to seek corporate
sponsorship from a lolly manufacturer to
assist brigades and save them the hard work
and money in chasing donations every year.
Once again Cadbury Schweppes offered to
support CFA by donating 40,000 bags of
Pascal Jelly Babies worth an estimated
$22,000.
Brigades who missed out on this year’s
program but would like to take part next
year are encouraged to
c.wyborn@cfa.vic.gov.au.
16
The CFA is about a lot more than fighting fires, and every day in its ever-
expanding role as a Broader Emergency Service members are called to all
sorts of incidents. Here, we profile just some of the diversity of roles the
CFA plays within the community.
Age shall not weary him
olin Silcock-Delaney reckons that
C W
since he “doesn’t drink, smoke or go
out with women”, athletics is his
only vice – to the point where he’s
competed in runs on most continents.
The Cobden brigade (Region 7) member and
president of the Ex-Fireman’s Association,
who will turn 72 later this year, almost died
from a twisted bowel two years ago, and has
since had a “couple of spots of cancer”
removed from his shoulders.
The spry athlete, who joined CFA in 1958,
was CFA’s most senior participant in the
Police and Emergency Services Games held
at venues throughout the state from
21-29 February.
He began running 50 years ago during
National Service, after a childhood spent in
orphanages and homes, and since 1979, has
travelled the world running – in places like
Germany, England, New Zealand, North and
South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Japan
and of course, Australia.
“I’ve done 24 Melbourne marathons and am
planning to do my last one this year – get 25
and then retire,” he said. “ I’ve always been
fitness-minded and I think you just get
hooked on it – the adrenaline.”
Colin said in addition to running, cycling
and going for a walk each day, taking care of
Ex-Fireman’s Association and CFA business,
he also does volunteer work for the Port
Campbell Art and Craft Group and the
Cobden branch of the St Vincent De Paul
Society.
More on Colin in next edition’s SMOKO.
Autumn edition
Black panther was really a possum
hen a modern day damsel is in
distress, call CFA.
South Gippsland Councillor, Diane
Casbolth, was awoken in the early hours of
the morning by a crashing noise so she went
to the bathroom to investigate. A broken
skylight was lying on the floor. Returning to
her bedroom, Diane saw this huge animal
prowling around her darkened lounge room.
“I quickly slammed the bedroom door,
wondering what I was going to do. I wasn’t
prepared to go out and find the phone book
so I rang 000 and asked for CFA,” she said.
Fish Creek members Mick Dorling and
Neville Pulham were quickly on scene. The
only way they could get in was through the
Councillor’s bedroom window.
“They went into the lounge to investigate.
There was Captain Mick Dorling saying to
this huge animal ‘Come on mate’ and it
followed him outside. They told me it was a
friendly brush-tail possum. I still think it
was a big black tiger.”
Councillor Diane Casbolt told the story at
the recent opening of the new Fish Creek
and District Fire Brigade station at Sandy
Point to demonstrate the commitment
volunteers have to their community.
“It’s magic how they put themselves out to
serve the community,” South Gippsland
Councillor Casbolt said.
CFA volunteers came out at 2 am, as happy
as Larry. They didn’t make me feel like a
stupid female who had a possum in her
house. They helped me and made me
feel okay.”
Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
Equipment
Update
Review by IAN MAJOR
C
an’t get enough about fires, firees and
what makes them tick?
This book could be for you. Author
Keith Bailey has put together a solid
background on the fire service in
metropolitan Adelaide and the characters
that helped make it a great work place.
There are many wonderful anecdotes and
while some of the details will be superfluous
to many, I suspect the author is
documenting information for historical
purposes as well as producing a book of
interest to firees everywhere as well as
members of the public.
You’ll get a chuckle from many pranks
played. An officer growing tomatoes within a
glass-enclosed watchtower has his prized
produce surprisingly attacked by snails! A
Brigade Magazine
Brontos set to operate
Two new Bronto Skylift platforms, worth $1.2 million each, are about to go into full service at
Ballarat City and Bendigo fire stations. JODIE GUEST reports on some new CFA equipment.
T
he new Brontos will be
commissioned for full service as
soon as training of qualified
operators is complete, and are likely to
be fully operational by May.
The platform boom is 37 metres when
fully-extended, compared to the 22
metres offered by the Abbeys they’re
replacing. The arm can also go five
metres below the body of the truck,
giving a total range of 42 metres.
The Brontos weigh 26.9 tonnes each, are
11.8 metres long, and are the biggest
firetrucks ever commissioned by CFA.
The bodies were made by Scania in
Finland and the fitout was finished by
Skilled Engineering’s Ballarat workshops.
The Brontos’ stabilising units can be
operated in manual or automatic modes,
or a combination of both, and allow for
three “flight paths” – full jacking, narrow
jacking and one-sided jacking.
Our desks are regularly filled with fascinating material that all firefighters
would enjoy surveying. We rate the best of these in this review section.
night when a generous meal of birds didn’t
have a happy ending and there’s another
incident where a deputy ‘s wife’s budgie
‘lost’ its whistle! The antics of George Hague
also deserve special mention.
Learn how Fred Kerr started moves for a
union. Fred originally worked a regular 126
hours a week, then later took a downgrading
to First Grade Senior Fireman so he wasn’t
working 112 hours a week and he and his
wife wouldn’t be compelled to live at
Brigade HQ.
The final chapter involves details of big jobs
the brigades handled, including six men
heading out to a ship on fire that was loaded
with 120 tons of gelignite and dynamite.
They make films out of tales like this one.
One obvious erroneous claim; Don Newton,
Leading Firefighter John Griffiths, of
Bendigo Fire Station, said their
technology and advanced features made
it possible for the Brontos to “go where
they otherwise wouldn’t be able to” –
for example, into alleys or
against hillsides.
John said the new platforms were assets
to the CFA fleet: “The features are more
advanced. With the Abbeys, it’s like
comparing a CD to a gramophone.”
He said in comparision to the
Abbeys, the Brontos featured extremely
fluid movement and were easier
to manoeuver.
“They’re smooth and have stability and
ease of operation. There’s automatic or
manual leveling (of the ‘cage’) – the
Abbeys were all manual. And with three
flight paths, they’re so versatile. For full
jacking, it needs 5.7 metres; for one-
sided 4.4 metres, and for narrow
jacking 3.1 metres.”
a S.A. fireman, footballer and boxer, who
later became secretary of the SAFB wasn’t
first, in 1954, to present a night football
match in Australia. That honour goes to the
MCG, Melbourne v Carlton, August 1879.
When The Bells Drop is a hard cover book
with quality paper, providing interesting and
entertaining stories, facts and photographs.
Name: When the Bells Drop
Author: Keith Bailey (former firefighter)
Price: $30 (plus $8 postage)
Summary: 224 page hard cover of recollections
from the former SA fire Brigade
Rating: ★★★
★ Poor ★★ Average ★★★ Good
★★★★ VGood ★★★★★ Excellent
17
 Proudly supported by Virtual Communities

Thanks Experience ‘Lions on

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All CFA and The new walking trail promises a sense of personal discovery, with
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who have passed their probationary period. If you’re an Auxiliary Melways ref p201 D1
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Save money and protect the environment with an mecu goGreen Car LoanTM
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And to help you choose your new car, why not use mecu’s FREE car buying service. Independent motor vehicle brokers will negotiate discounts on your behalf
and for every car purchased through the service, a donation of $100 will be given to your Brigade.
FOR MORE INFORMATION call 132 888 or visit www.mecu.com.au/memberlink
*The Comparison Rate is based on a secured loan of $30,000 for 5 years. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply and are available on application. Interest rates expressed as annual percentage rates. Variable loan rates. Loans subject to normal lending criteria and
approval. A Comparison Rate Schedule is available at the premises from mecu by calling 132 888, visiting mecu.com.au or your local service centre. Warning: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will
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18 Brigade Magazine
you’ve earned it
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All Prices and products are correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice. *Weekly prices quoted are weekly equivalents and are paid fortnightly over a period of 3.5 years. The finance option is only available
with the purchase of a computer. Weekly prices are indicative and are GST inclusive. #Finance is obtained by making an application to Members Equity Pty Limited ABN 56 070 887 679 for a personal loan and is available to
approved customers only with the purchase of a computer. A $100 establishment fee is payable with the Members Equity Personal Loan. Fixed interest rate is 10.49% p.a. (comparison rate 12.52% p.a.^). All interest rates, fees
and charges are current as at 23/09/03 and are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions are available on request. ^ Comparison rate for an unsecured Members Equity Personal Loan for the purchase of a
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Donation Home Loans saves much more than money!

Would you like to reduce your outgoings by $461* per month?
Plus, members receive a $100 cash rebate upon loan settlement and Donation Home
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They also specialise in loans for people who do not fit the standard loan profile, or are having difficulty getting a loan.
Their service is totally free and a consultant will come to you anywhere in the state.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on home loans, commercial loans, or reducing your monthly commitments call 1300 309 979 or
email info@donationhomeloans.com.au Identify yourself as a CFA member to take advantage the rebate.

*Donation Home Loans recently reduced the outgoings of a couple by refinancing a $200,000 home loan on 6.57%pa, a $20,000 car loan at
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Brigade Magazine 19
 Proudly suppor
ted by Virtual Co

Emergency Memberlink offers

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We’ve been providing Australians with affordable, high quality health insurance and
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Life’s unpredictable • Single room guarantee in Members First Hospitals for any overnight admission
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Thank goodness for HBA • Unemployment Cover where we pay your health insurance premium if you are
made redundant. This benefit is payable for up to 12 months for under 50s†.
Now thanks to HBA and • Excess bonuses and $100 cash back to reward you for your loyalty†.

Emergency Memberlink, As an HBA health insurance member you’ll also receive:

members can have peace
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4% discount on all hospital
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New HBA members will also
receive one month free cover.
• 10% discount on any HBA home or car insurance policy plus an additional
4% discount through Emergency Memberlink.
• 15% discount on travel insurance both within Australia and overseas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit your local HBA branch, call 1800 649 406 or email
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Enjoy preferential rates at Special Rates with Avis

Flag Choice Hotels Avis has over 220 locations Australia-wide
Flag Choice Hotels, one of the including all major airports and offers special rates
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in the Asia Pacific region, are Rates also include a reduced insurance excess!
excited to offer members Examples of special rates include:
Group B Cars (eg. Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatch) $58.30* per day
preferential government Group C Cars (eg. Toyota Corolla Ascent Sedan) $60.50* per day
accommodation rates at all Group D Cars (eg. Toyota Camry Altise) $61.60* per day
Group E Cars (eg. Holden Commodore) $63.80* per day
Comfort Inn, Quality, Clarion and Flag Hotels. *Conditions and Additional Charges may apply.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION & reservations please call 13 24 00, Quote “Client ID –
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Reservations can only be accepted by car group, not by specific make and
model. In Metropolitan locations the price includes unlimited kilometres,
Country locations include the first 200km free per day, Remote locations
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cents per kilometre.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Avis reservations on 136 333 and quote discount
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20 Brigade Magazine
 you’ve earned it
Memberlink Providers Full listing at www.emergencymemberlink.com.au Current April 2004
ORGANISATION DISCOUNT DETAILS *Remember to quote the discount number, LOCATION & CONTACT NUMBER
mention Emergency Memberlink and show your Memberlink card

Accor Australia wide ✆ 1300 656 565

ACCOMMODATION

Government Rates at all Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons & Ibis Hotels.
Must Quote Company Accor ID number SC755216082 and Corporate Contract Number 32304.

Duxton Hotel Government Rates at all Duxton Hotels, Asia Pacific. Melbourne ✆ 9250 1888
Melbourne Duxton Hotel Melbourne Deluxe Room $135 per night.
For pricing and reservations at other locations, visit the Memberlink website.
The Victoria Standard Room $99 (Normal Price $140). Superior Room $115 (Normal Price $155). Melbourne ✆ 1800 331 147
Hotel Rates per night, twin share. Offer not available during special event periods.

The Windsor Standard Rooms $150 (Normal Price $400). Superior Rooms $170 (Normal Price $500). Melbourne ✆ 1800 033 100
Deluxe Rooms $195 (Normal Price $580). Rates per night, twin share.
Special rates may apply over special event periods.
GENERAL

Bridgestone Special pricing on the entire range of Bridgestone and Firestone passenger and Statewide ✆ 131 229
light truck tyres. View the full special pricing list on the Memberlink Website.

Elgas 10% discount off the regular price of bottled gas within your local area. Statewide ✆ 131 161
LPG Appliances available at cost price + 5%. Conditions Apply.

Memberlink Box Discounted tickets for use at all Village, Hoyts, Palace and Imax cinemas. Statewide Orders
Office Orders taken by fax, phone and email. Payment by Credit Card only. ✆ 1800 352 600
For an order form visit the Memberlink website. Fax 1800 452 600

MacDonald’s FREE regular coffee with any Bacon and Egg McMuffin purchased before 10.30am or a Statewide
FREE regular sundae or hot apple pie with the purchase of any size McValue meal after
10.30am or a FREE upsize when you purchase a small or medium McValue meal after 10.30am.
Limit of one offer per person per day. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Spendless Advisory Service sourcing electrical and whitegood products at discounted prices. Statewide ✆ 1800 352 600

Taco Bill 25% off Take Away Or Up to $20 worth of free food if a group of 2 or more dines. Statewide ✆ 1800 628 226
Conditions apply. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Corporate plans with extra included calls & discounted call rates. Offer NOT available at Telstra Shop outlets. Statewide ✆ 136 301
Telstra Mobile Phones purchased outright at Government rates. Available only by contacting our Telstra
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Brigade Magazine 21

“ I’ve been 13 years in major stations
and I’ve never seen a better save.
They did really well and believe me,
I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”
CFA Operations Officer Nick Brown.
CLEAN-UP: Members of the CFA clean-up after the Forrest Sawmill fire which had the makings of a dangerous situation.
Major save at Forrest Sawmill
One CFA Operations Officer said it was the best save he’d seen in 13 years, IAN MAJOR reports on a tricky rescue at the Forrest Sawmill by CFA crews.
C
onsidering where the fire was
situated and the material that was
burning, this was a great save in
anyone’s language.
With a kiln alight at the Forrest (32km south
of Colac) Sawmill, exposing the rest of the
mill, as well as a caravan park to the north,
nearby forest to the east, and township close
by on the west, it had the makings of an
extremely dangerous situation.
What confronted the first crews was a fire
that had taken hold of the kiln with the
walls already breached and the flames
soaring from the roof.
After receiving details from the Forrest
crew, upon his arrival, Incident Controller
and Gerangamete Captain, Chris Curragh,
stationed a tanker down near a small dam
close to the mill.
He deducted it was going to be the quickest
and surest way to keep a constant supply of
water flowing. Then, crews zeroed in on the
22
PHOTO: Courtesy of Peter Edwards; The Warrnambool Standard.
kiln and nearby wood stacks to prevent any
spread of the fire.
Curragh remarked: “fortunately we didn’t
have winds to contend with”.
The fire occurred only hours after the
previous Total Fire Ban (TFB) ended – after
winds had been blowing steadily.
High temperatures, a windy day and a fire in
the sawmill could have had repercussions
the township wouldn’t want to think about.
The Forrest crew had already hooked up to
the ‘mains’ as trucks from Gerangamete and
Barwon Downs arrived. Other CFA trucks
from Yeo, Yeodene and Colac responded to
the call just after 7am, January 21.
Also attending, early on was a tanker and
slip-on from DSE.
Tankers were situated at all four corners of
the kiln and Colac’s pumper replaced the
tanker at the dam to speed up water supply
to all units. A hose on the ‘mains’, which
Autumn edition
stretched across the road, had been
disconnected earlier.
‘Thank heavens for that dam’, was the
general thought from all involved.
A water board official said if they continued
to use town water supply it would be shut
down and trucks would need a second
supply area some three kilometres away.
The quick and efficient action by firefighters
kept the blaze to the kiln. It could have
been vastly different if it had got into the
other stacks of timber, some “only a foot
away”, according to Curragh.
Around 10am the fire was under control but
there was a full day’s work ahead with the
excavator stripping the burning debris apart
and the crews sitting on it all day until the
arson squad arrived around 6pm.
Final damage was listed as $320,000, mainly
due to the loss of Tasmanian Oak timbers
that had been pre-dried and neatly racked.
Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
uniforms
trialled
TRIALS: Tests for new uniforms for structural fires were held at Fiskville recently.
T
rials for CFA’s roll-out of new
uniforms for structural firefighters
were held at Fiskville in January.
Five volunteers from throughout the state
participated in the trials, held over two days
at the CFA training college.
The volunteers were: Rohan Gordon of
Creswick brigade, George Pantazis, Kangaroo
Flat, Matt Taranto of Bayswater, Craig
Hooper, Traralgon, and Peter Bishop (a
former Board member) from Mildura.
Safety and information briefings were held
before the two-day assessment process got
underway. All data was independently
collected and analysed by representatives
from the National Safety Council
of Australia.
The drills consisted of construction and
assembly of the new ensemble; vehicle
access and driving; ladder use; confined
space with BA; BA search and rescue;
structural fire; radiation – gas flange; water
penetration; and construction and assembly
(phase 2). The intention was to expose each
design feature of the ensembles to those
extremes encountered on the fireground.
Brigade Magazine
New
PHOTOS: Jodie Guest.
The Fiskville program was the final in this
data collection series, the results of which
will be considered along with the previously
commissioned Wollongong University Bio-
Medical Faulty heat stress testing and will
influence the final specification.
The final step in the selection process to
develop new structural uniforms is to
proceed with a regional evaluation of the
preferred ensemble, with 80 sets to be
distributed to high activity personnel
throughout the state as part of the
consultative process.
Once the 80 sets have had approximately
two months operational activity in the field,
feedback will be considered by the
Structural Ensemble Consultative
Committee and a final specification
recommendation made to CFA.
• PPC Technical Advisor Don Williams
retired on 27 February, after almost 12 years
with CFA. Structural Ensemble committee
chairman John McCarthy said Don’s work
had ensured CFA people would have the
“best product possible” once the new urban
ensemble was finalised. Jodie Guest
Open day at Dereel
An open day was held at Dereel Fire
Brigade Station on February 14. Peter Egan
from Ballarat City Fire Station, brought out
the new Bronto sky lift for the day and
brigade members experienced going up in
the bucket. Kim Stanley- Eyles conducted
Bushfire Blitz and Community Fireguard
sessions with many of the public becoming
interested in learning about living in the
bush. Junior Brigade members from Dereel
and Mannerim put on junior development
program, fire fighting, competition and
safety and survival displays as well as a tug
of war event. There was also a display of
Dereel's floating collar tank.
Battle in Blighty
The 8th World Firefighters’ Games will be
held in England from August 28 to
September 4 this year.
Hosted by South Yorkshire and
Humberside brigades, the games will see
fire service representatives from around
the world compete in 60 events.
To be eligible to compete, interested
people must be full-time, part-time,
volunteer, retired, industrial or military
firefighters, emergency medical staff or
full-time fire service employees, or
spouses of the previous categories.
For more information, check the website
at www.worldfirefightersgames.co.uk.
Free day at the football
CFA and the emergency services have once
again been offered free tickets to the
football in 2004.
While details are still to be confirmed it is
likely that the ‘Day of Thanks’ will take
place on 17 April this year.
Watch for further details on Brigades
Online, or to register your interest contact
Public Affairs on 9262 8266 or email
cfapromotions@cfa.vic.gov.au.
Dependent upon the number of tickets
available it will be a case of first in,
best dressed.
23

‘Firey’ start to rally
As teams were trying to outdo themselves to get the fastest times in the recent Grand Prix Rally, one
team was more interested in helping out a local farmer whose tractor had caught fire.
T
he Grand Prix Rally got off to a ‘firey’
start for Michael Chapman and Garry
Voges recently.
Driving a Porsche in the rally, the crew,
became the heroes of the day after coming
to the rescue of a local farmer whose tractor
had caught fire.
It wasn’t so much the pair’s speed during the
four competitive tests throughout the day’s
competition, but more their speed in putting
out the fire that had everyone talking.
After noticing the tractor was on fire, the
Prime mover flips
On Wednesday, January 28, a truck carrying
a load of timber flipped on its side and slid
30m before coming to rest at Burnbank.
CFA personnel were on scene to assess the
damage done to the prime mover and while
the good news was the driver escaped
uninjured, he was taken to hospital for a
precautionary check-up.
Three honoured
Three CFA members were granted Australian
Fire Service Medals (AFSMs) in the Australia
Day honours list. Regional Officer David Gray,
of Highton, Robert (Bob) Horner, of Sassafras,
and Norman Bowen, of Eaglehawk, received
the honour. Norman’s AFSM is believed to be
the first such honour given in recognition of
Critical Incident Stress (CIS) program
involvement. The medals will be presented at
Government House later this year.
More on Australia Day Honours - page 31
24
Autumn edition
ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy of Michael Chapman
quick-thinking duo rapidly extinguished the
blaze with their on-board safety equipment.
HEROIC: Michael Chapman and Garry Voges put out a
Navigator Michael Chapman, who is first tractor fire on the first day of the Grand Prix rally.
lieutenant of the Arthur’s Creek CFA
brigade, explained the tractor was actually quarters of an hour to extinguish the fire
burning diesel and was right next to a and that, unfortunately, put them well down
hayshed, so there was some real the order in the competition.
danger there. Not that it worried them too much – they
“We spotted the fire from the road and admitted helping to put out the fire was
realised they were in a fair bit of trouble,” enough satisfaction in itself.
Chapman said. “We weren’t going to just go past the fire and
The heroic pair took more than three- not do anything about it,” Chapman said.
One year on…
PHOTO: Courtesy of Pyrenees Advocate.
On the Australia Day long weekend
following last year’s campaign fires, the
people of the Omeo valley held the
inaugural “revival weekend”.
The revival weekend featured pioneer
skills workshops, a bushfire photo and art
display, an ‘old time high country dance’
organised by Omeo CFA brigade, ride-on
A lucky escape lawnmower races and bands playing live.
It was the ultimate case of lady luck playing Organisers said the weekend aimed to
her part in a big way for a driver whose car encourage unity with people in bushfire-
finished up on the top of a three-car pile-up affected areas. It also gave locals the
on January 31. The car was left balancing a chance to thank firefighters and visitors
metre from the Monash Freeway overpass the opportunity to learn unique skills and
guardrail in Endeavour Hills. Rescue crews
share stories and memories.
from Dandenong Fire Brigade were called
out to the crash and admitted to being Premier Steve Bracks commends the
amazed at how lucky the driver of the top Campaign Fires book
car was, especially considering how easily - Letters page 36.
have fallen onto the freeway.
Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
Taking up a
mighty Challenge
CFA journalist JODIE GUEST recently observed
the latest group of 40 Challenge graduates
finish their 10-day development program.
What is it?
A 10-day leadership development, personal
test and adventure program offered by CFA
to 40 people each year.
What does it involve?
Three days of team and personal leadership
exercises at Fiskville Training College,
followed by a seven day Outward Bound
survival course in the Victorian wilderness.
What do participants get out of it?
The Challenge program pushes people to
their limits both physically and emotionally.
Along the way they discover more about
themselves, develop leadership and
teamwork skills and become more self-
reliant and resourceful. Participants often
develop lasting friendships with fellow
Volunteers from across the state.
BLAZE: Firefighters contain the blaze near Shepparton Golf Club.
Blaze at golf course contained quickly
Firefighters worked to contain a blaze that
burnt about 1.6ha of grassland close to the
Shepparton Golf Club On Tuesday,
January 20.
The fire occurred in bushland between the
golf course and the Goulburn River, but
Brigade Magazine
How long has it been running?
This year was the 12th time the program has
been run. The Challenge program is
designed to develop future leaders in CFA.
As a result, applicants should have clear
leadership potential. They should also be
physically fit, as it is quite demanding.
How do people get selected?
The application process commences in April
PHOTO: Courtesy of Ray Sizer; Shepparton News.
was helped by a northerly breeze, which
forced the fire to push towards the river.
Five fire units battled the blaze that was of
some concern mainly because it started in
an area with high, dry undergrowth -
something CFA are always careful with.
each year and interested volunteers send an
application form to their Training Manager.
Who is Challenge’s patron?
CFA Chairman Len Foster is the patron of
the Challenge program and has emphasised
his ongoing commitment to its conduct.
How can I find out more?
Contact your Training Manager or check
Brigades Online.
Training exercise
Forty members from Beechworth Rural,
Beechworth Urban and Wooragee fire
brigades took part in an exercise designed
to ensure all members brushed up on
essential skills in mid-January.
Beechworth Rural Brigade Communications
Officer, Julie Witherow, said participants
did five different activities throughout the
exercise – pumping, driving, running fires,
tyre-changing and map reading/radio.
“Many found the tyre-changing exercise
interesting because it showed how to get
the trucks to a safe place, where to find the
jack, and how to change the tyre,”
Witherow said.
“One lesson learnt was to make sure a
truck has a jack on it, as many people
forget that in the bush, a tyre could go flat
at any time.
“At pumping, they learnt how to fill the
tanks using a stand-pipe.”
25
 Summary Date range Oct-Dec 03
In this new section of Brigade Estimated loss Estimated ha burnt Incident count
Magazine, we summarize CFA Bush and Forest 2,142 121
incidents for the last two Car Fires and MVA 1,218
quarters and examine the total False Alarms 2,040
number of incidents for Grass Fires 601 417
each Region. Hazardous Materials 558
All statistical information has House Fires $7,431,310 252
been extracted from CFA’s Industrial Fires $11,950,400 74
Fire and Incident Reporting $19,381,710 2,743 4,680
System (FIRS).
Summary Date range Jul-Sept 03
Estimated loss Estimated ha burnt Incident count

Bush and Forest 7,323 29

Car Fires and MVA 1,034
False Alarms 1,714
Grass Fires 17 93
Hazardous Materials 421
House Fires $8,390,530 320
Industrial Fires $2,554,655 56
$10,945,185 7,340 3,667

* Figures for all values and areas burnt are estimates only.

Brigades are reminded to submit their

fire/incident report details as soon as possible
after their attendance at an incident.
FIRS Call Centre (open) 8am - 11pm 7 days
Indicates the number of incidents for each Region from Oct-Dec 03
1800 628844
Indicates the number of incidents for each Region from Jul-Sep 03

26 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

Brigades share environment ideas

There are many ways that brigades are meeting the challenge to build environment into everyday practice.

B
rigades from across the state have
been sharing their ideas on ‘things we
can do now’ to minimise our impact
on the environment. These ideas have
formed the Brigade Environment Action
Guidelines.
These guidelines include quotations, photos
Limit water use: mop up and use appropriate diameter hose.
and case studies from brigades.
Questions you should ask yourself are, how
many of these things is your brigade doing?
Could you do one or two more?
Instructor Steve Riley and the team of
instructors in Region 14 have estimated
that 60,000 litres of water is lost during
training and assessment of pumping skills.
Concerned about the loss of valuable water
supplies, they created a technique which Instructor Steve
saves 59,900 of those 60,000 litres! Riley working to
save 1000s of
“The instructors at Region 14 created the
litres of water.
water recirculation concept. The Sunbury
Fire Brigade and its members have assisted Wallan Fire Brigade
with testing and improving the system,” installed rainwater
said Instructor Steve Riley. tank at station to
collect water for
Use brooms and spot clean with mops to clean engine bay. Maiden Gully Fire Brigade has installed training and
motion sensors on lights at the station and washing vehicles.
use flood lights which use up to 90% less
energy and last 10 times longer than other
flood lights.
Let the Environment Team know about
your good case-study ideas. Your ideas
can provide inspiration and information
and motivate others to improve the
Absorb spills with environment as they deliver CFA services.
absorbent
substance instead For more ideas on what your brigade
of washing away
with water.
could do:
Maiden Gully Fire Brigade has installed sensors on lights
Request your copy of the Brigade Environment to reduce energy bills.
Wash CFA vehicles Action Guidelines – available on CD.
only as required
and using minimal Visit Brigades Online (Community Risk –
water. Natural Environment – Environment Section).
Check the ‘Environmental Notes’ within our
Standard Operating Procedures.
Call the Environment Team on 03 9262 8469.
Publicise when using non-drinking water for training.

Brigade Magazine 27

Logo explained
What is it?
The CFA logo depicts the red checks
synonymous with emergency services.
It is identifiable throughout Australia
and is known as a respected and
trusted brand, especially during times
of trouble. The logo is a symbol of our
reputation, of hours of training and
commitment by our 60,000 members.
Its value
Studies show that CFA is 98 per
cent known and loved in the
community. Because the logo is a
symbol of who we are and our
reputation, as time goes on, the logo
becomes more and more a valuable,
commercial source for CFA.
Corporate organisations pay large
sums of money to associate
themselves with other logos and
other reputations. Corporate
association with CFA’s logo has
been valued at being worth up to
$500,000 per year. For this reason,
we must make sure that we protect
our logo from misuse.
28
Autumn edition
The CFA logo is one of the most identifiable and trusted brands in the country. In this edition of CFA Focus,
BRIGADE MAGAZINE examines its history, benefits, and the role it will play in the organisation’s long-term future.
The history How it works
Approximately 12 years ago, the current CFA The logo plays an important part in the
logo was developed in an effort to build a
Australian emergency services culture.
modern, easily-recognisable identity for CFA.
Therefore we must protect its
The logo has now developed into a widely- unauthorised use by outside companies.
known representation of CFA throughout the
Procedures for correct use of the CFA
community and the media.
logo should always be followed exactly
as specified in the Corporate Identity
Manual. If another company would
like access to the logo, make sure you
check with Public Affairs first.
Its benefits
The logo is a quick and clear way
to identify our organisation; it
shows that we are present in our
community. Businesses are now
eager to align themselves with the
CFA logo through corporate
sponsorship, because our
reputation is so powerful.
This means that we can bring in
more money for things like trucks,
hats and boots.
The future
As CFA grows, the future
needs and demands of the
public and corporate world
will place more emphasis and
value on using the logo and
utilising CFA’s reputation.
Whilst the use of our logo can
attract large donations and
extra money for our brigades,
we have to be careful that we
only associate ourselves with companies that stand for
the same morals we do. By doing this we are protecting
our reputation within the community.
Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

Key to protecting CFA’s brand

The job to protect CFA’s brand is becoming more important by the day. ALEX TWOMEY examines the difference between SPONSORSHIP and DONATION.
uring the campaign fires last year, According to the Chief Executive Officer This attempt to utilise the strength of the

D CFA received enormous goodwill

from the Victorian community and a
large amount of positive press coverage.
Basically, the people of Victoria gave the
organisation the big thumbs-up for their
hard-working efforts.
(CEO) of CFA, Mr Neil Bibby, this has been
done without permission or a contribution
to the brigades.
CFA brand comes at a time when the ability
to raise funds is becoming increasingly
tougher.
In other words, they were making money
from the efforts of others, while ironically Equipment is getting more expensive and
going to great lengths to protect the use of more time is needed for training.

This followed a survey a couple of years ago
that revealed 99.5 per cent of Victorians see
CFA as providing an excellent service.
These are all impressive results for the
organisation and reflects the training and
long hours put in by everyone.
Due to this hard work and these successes
and because CFA has such a proud history
of many people working together to protect
their communities, several companies have
attempted to use this good image for their
own benefit.
CFA is not the first organisation in which
this has occurred, and it will not be the last.
Unfortunately, several companies have
attempted to cash in on this fact by using
CFA’s image in their advertising.
their own brand.
Mr Bibby explains others attempted to use
the image by offering to pay an
unrealistically low price.
One example was of a major car company
offering $500 to photograph their new model
with a brigade in the background, despite it
obviously being worth lots more – possibly
as much as $50,000.
The brigade found out that this was the case
and requested to be paid a fair amount, but
the company then went to another brigade
in a different area and completed the deal
for the cheaper rate.
“These actions show a total disregard for
the contribution CFA volunteers make to
this state,” Mr Bibby said.
Mr Bibby says the good news is that there
are many companies willing to do the right
thing and sponsor CFA.
“IGA provided $331,000 last year, directly
to local brigades.
“There is a chance to develop similar
sponsorships but only if other companies
cannot hijack our image."
Mr Bibby explains a corporate sponsorship
policy and a corporate identity policy have
been developed, but are in no way meant
to inhibit the ability to run
fundraising events.
“In the end we are stopping people stealing
our reputation,” he said.

Donation/Fundraising Corporate Sponsorship

A donation may be in the form of Once a company starts negotiating for something in return for their donation,
money or goods and services, but it is it becomes sponsorship.
given expecting nothing in return.
They may request their donation to be recognised in the press or the right to use CFA
It may be an individual, a family, a
firefighters, equipment or the logo in their advertising.
local business or a large corporation
making the donation. Provided they It really doesn’t matter what they require, the minute a company starts negotiating over
expect nothing in return, it is a donation, it becomes sponsorship.
a donation.
Fundraising is similar in that the
person giving money isn’t expecting "IGA is an example of a corporate sponsorship that benefits
anything beyond the fundraising event. both CFA and IGA,"
They simply buy a raffle ticket or a
sausage, for example, but don’t expect Chief Executive Officer Mr Neil Bibby
anything more for their donation.

Brigade Magazine 29
 Autumn edition

A lifetime in CFA
In 1964, JOHN HUTCHINSON, then 16, left school, telling his fourth form teacher ‘I’ll
be back if I can’t find a job.’ So started a lifetime working at CFA. By Alex Twomey.

J
ohn Hutchinson found a job at
CFA headquarters, and 40 years
later he is still with CFA.
Headquarters was then located
across the road from Fitzroy
Gardens.
“It was just a two storey house,”
explains John, “the personnel
officer had a tiny office under
the stairs.”
John was employed as an office
junior. The job involved sorting the
mail, taking things to the bank and
getting everybody’s lunches.
“Once I put the lunches in the oven
and forgot about it. The paper bags
all caught alight.”
He eventually began to move into
the finance and administration
department and then into HR,
where he is now a project officer.
In his forty years with CFA, Ash
Wednesday is still fresh in his mind.
At the time he was handling
insurance and compensation.
He remembers the aftermath as
“the busiest and most hectic time.”
“It was frustrating and worrying but
you knew you were helping people
and a lot rang to say thanks,”
Hutchinson said.
John has also been heavily involved
in the championships.
A highlight for him is “the visits to
the local committees, getting to
know the people.” John has himself
been a volunteer at South
Warrandyte and Wandong and has
led a very active life outside of CFA.

Honouring the Gordonians

Gordon Fire Brigade now has an Honour Board
in the engineroom.
Its launch was a great opportunity to bring
together generations of members including
former captains.
Gordon’s second Captain was Lou Gleeson.
When he joined the brigade there was no truck
or station. If there was a call to a big fire, the
firefighters used his Bedford farm truck.
“You’d come and collect the tank and pump,
screw then down on the truck and go. The tank
and pump were kept on a stand in the street,”
Lou recalled.
PHOTO: Peter Philp

Gordon’s captains (left to right in photo are)

Frank Conroy, Lou Gleeson, Bill Barry, Henry
Hume, Don McKell and Paul Camilleri.
The first captain was Pat Barry’s father,
Bill Winter. Peter Philp

30 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition
Sebastopol Auxillary
Backbone of the brigade
Most brigades throughout the state have an auxiliary working quietly behind the scenes and generally
(and generously) supporting personnel. Here, in the first of a series on auxiliaries and their
contribution to CFA life, members of Sebastopol’s backbone speak with JODIE GUEST.
he auxiliary has six or seven
T members who are the mainstay, “two
more about to join, and up to 15 we
can call upon when we need all members.”
Apart from putting on an amazing spread of
main meal, desserts and homemade lollies
and other sweets for the “Cops’n’kids” camp
put on by Ballarat police
for children living with “They can’t ignore us; they know how helps if the other women
cancer and their carers invaluable we are!”
each year, the auxiliary
also caters for
championships, the Good Friday Appeal,
brigade dinners, parties and other functions,
and emergency events.
Donations to the brigade are made from
proceeds from catering. Over the years,
donations have included firefighting
apparatus, chairs for the station, and
cooking and kitchen equipment.
The auxiliary also fulfils a support purpose,
the women said: “It’s a social thing,
supporting the brigade by being here to help
give them something nice when they get
back to the station. We like to look after our
husbands.”
Anne Maloney Mandi Noether
Brigade Magazine
And, of course, there’s always opportunity
to talk among themselves:
“As a group of ladies we like to get together,
have bit of a natter and catch-up!” they
all agree.
More seriously, the women say it is
reassuring to share friendships with others
who have been through
similar experiences: “It
know what you’ve gone
through because with a
family, whenever the pager goes off, it’s
always during dinner or at night…your
husband goes and you’re there with the kids
at home.”
All three agreed they got enough
recognition, from the brigade and generally.
“They can’t ignore us; they know how
invaluable we are!” they laughed.
Interviewed: President Anne Maloney,
officially a member since 1987, unofficially
since about ’76; Secretary Mandi Noether
(joined ’98) and Supply Officer (“Shopper”)
Helen Parker. Helen, a member for “six or
seven years”, also belongs to the brigade
and attends turnouts.
Helen Parker
Australia Day honours
Macedon Ranges Shire
REWARDED: Barry Barnett, Bob Williams and members of
the Lancefield junior brigade, and Nicole Conway (Healy).
Like most municipalities, Macedon Ranges
Shire Council presents Australia Day
awards to worthy citizens and groups.
This year, recipients in three categories
came from CFA.
Categories were: Citizen of the Year,
Young Citizen of the Year, and Community
Achievement.
The winners were: Citizen of the Year;
Val Vallance. Val joined the Langley-Barfold
Fire Brigade in 1989, and held the position
of president from 1993 to 1997. The award
citation said Val’s community work
included:“working tirelessly to raise money
for the brigade”.
Young Citizen of the Year (joint winner);
Nicole Conway (Healy). The citation said:
“Nicole joined the Woodend Junior Fire
Brigade in October 1996 and was the
youngest officer elected to the senior brigade
in July 1997. She has been an outstanding
member of the CFA team, particularly in her
promotion of volunteerism for CFA and
through a TV documentary aired recently…”
Community Achievement; Barry Barnett,
Bob Williams and Lancefield Junior Fire
Brigade. According to the citation: “The
Lancefield brigade has undertaken an
extremely beneficial project to take 10
members of the junior fire brigade to
firefighting championships in Kapfenburg,
Austria – a first for a fire brigade in
Australia. The project required $60,000 to
be raised to finance the travel,
accommodation and uniforms.” Jodie Guest
31
 Autumn edition

she said once the plans were set, it was a

Taylor-made recruiting matter of using every medium possible;

Kerri Evans, Jeni Taylor and Fiona Pilmore
Region 16’s JENI TAYLOR has driven an extremely successful recruiting campaign. Peter Philp reports.
street banners, open days, information
nights, shop windows, school newsletters,
newspapers and radio.
“And it was important to follow up the
media, not just sent them a release. It was
also important to get support from CFA
Corporate. Its help was vital in this
campaign. All of this was built onto a long
time use of the media - almost every week,
having something in the local newspaper,”
Jeni explained.
Kerri Evans became involved with
Stawell rurals after a fire at Frews
Abattoirs recently.
PHOTO: Peter Philp “I heard it was heading towards town and I
wanted to do something about it but I felt
helpless,” Kerri said.

A
new volunteer firefighter says she
was strongly motivated to join CFA
because it might have an influence
on her children.
“Because it is a community based effort, I
think it sets mile-stones and principles for
them to follow and that will do a lot to
affect their upbringing and maybe they will
become our future CFA members,”
Fiona Pilmore said.
Fiona, now a member of Stawell Urban Fire
Brigade, is one of 63 new recruits who has
joined brigades in the local Ararat-Stawell
catchment.
“CFA has also been part of my husband
Ted’s life for 23 years - it is very important
to him so I wanted to make it a family thing
to do,” Fiona said.
Fiona’s brother, Luke St Claire, 16, is also a
volunteer and her eight-year-old daughter is
itching to join.
This highly successful recruitment
campaign was driven by Region 16's Jeni
Taylor. However, she refuses to take credit
for this excellent result.
“At a series of catchment planning meetings
we found out what brigades wanted and had
them set targets. After that the brigades
owned the campaign. I was the arms and
legs for them.
“Afterwards I thought, right, this is it, I’m
going to join CFA. I rang the Captain Julie
Boord, and came to the next meeting.”
While she prepares to do her minimum
skills, the brigade has signed up Kerri for
the Stawell Rural running team.
“They just picked me - how could I let
them down,” she said.
The next regional Victoria volunteer
recruitment and awareness campaign ‘Does
the hat fit’ will be conducted during May,
taking advantage of Volunteer Week 10-16
May. For further information please contact
Member Services on 1800 232 636.

Double joy for community

There was a double celebration for the Fish Creek and District Fire
Brigade recently. It was an opportunity for the local Sandy Point
community to meet its new wider fire brigade family following its
formal merger with Fish Creek and also time to celebrate the opening
of a new station at Sandy Point. Last year Sandy Point officially
merged with Fish Creek because it faced a serious decline in
membership. Twelve months later, life is turning around for the new
brigade. “We welcomed the merger and there is already a new spirit
around the place. There’s more training drills and we are invited to
Fish Creek to be part of their functions. This has brought new
interest to Sandy Point in the fire brigade,” Jim Stevenson said. Jim
has been a firefighter at Sandy Point for 11 years. The new station is
much larger and provides greater facilities such as a modern meeting
room and kitchen. Peter Philp OPENING: Mick Dorling and Jim Stevenson are all smiles at the opening. PHOTO: Peter Philp

32 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

Maguire meant so much to many

Late last year, one of CFA’s most respected and revered leaders, GAVIN MAGUIRE, passed away. Peter Philp salutes him.

O
n Saturday 13 December last year
one of CFA’s greatest leaders, Gavin
Maguire, died. He was 70.
Chief Officer, Russell Rees, described Gavin
as a CFA officer who was not in the game to
be liked but to make certain that CFA was
the best fire service in the world.
“Gavin Maguire was respected by all CFA
firefighters, career and volunteer,” Russell
Rees said. “He was strong and a tough
disciplinarian, but he was also a leader
with a soft heart, ready to care for people
under him. You really earned your stripes
under Gavin,” Russell continued.
And the Chief Officer should know. He
studied under Gavin at Fiskville in 1978
when he attempted to teach Russell how
to march. Russell served under Gavin
Maguire later at Colac.
The sign of a great leader is surely when
your people pay tribute to you when you are
still at helm.
These are some of the tributes paid to Gavin
over the years by CFA firefighters:
Peter Barr admits Gavin was tough “But I
respected him. He put himself out to help
us.” Peter called him “a fantastic guy.”
Dale Stemmer said Gavin did an excellent
job instilling discipline into his recruits.
“You know, if I met him today, I’d still call
him Mr Maguire.”
Glen Ravenhall said that Gavin would put
the fear of God into you but it was people
like him “who turned out good firefighters.”
He was the kind of bloke that if he said to
‘Let’s take on the gates of hell, ‘ I’d say to him
‘Okay - which nozzle will I take?’
Greg Chapman
To Greg Chapman, he was a legend. In his
SMOKO story Greg Chapman said of Gavin:
“He was one hell of a man. He was the kind
of bloke that if he said to me ‘Let’s take on
the gates of hell, ‘ I’d say to him ‘Okay -
which nozzle will I take?’ There’s nobody
around like him anymore - they’re all gone,”
said Chappy.
The Editor of The Fireman, Alan King, knew
Gavin as a
youngster at
Boronia. “He
was a strong
leader whose
skills were
gained as
volunteer and
Gavin Maguire
who brought
these skills into the career service.
Gavin really had the service at heart,”
me Alan King said.
Gavin Maguire began his CFA service
as a volunteer at Boronia where his
father, Laurie, was captain. He served
at Ballarat City as a career officer, had
two terms as an instructor at Fiskville,
the second as senior instructor, OIC
at Springvale Fire Station, a Regional Officer
in Region 6 and later a member of the Chief
Officer’s Audit Team.
What firefighters might not realize is that
Gavin also had a ‘real’ sense of humour: he
could laugh at himself. Following his
retirement, Gavin Maguire would have a good
laugh over the comments his former students
made about him in Brigade Magazine.

Info line up and running

As a result of the Emergency Services
Commissioner’s inquiry into the 2003 North East
and East Gippsland bushfires, CFA and DSE have
set up the Victorian Bushfire Information Line
(VBIL). Staffed and managed from a DSE call
centre in Ballarat, the line is open each day from
8am to 8pm and also offers an after hours
answering and e-mail service. VBIL staff answer a
range of queries every day relating to fires and
other CFA business. Campaign Co-ordinator
Jennifer O’Beirne is very sympathetic and has a
lot of empathy for people experiencing bushfires:
her family home burned down during wildfire
when she was a child.
*The VBIL phone number is 1800 240 667.
(The info line is activated on weekends in the
event of Total Fire Ban declarations.) Jodie Guest

Brigade Magazine 33
Youth Focus
In the first edition of a new section in Brigade Magazine, Grant Quarry profiles new CFA member JENNY GEHRING who tells us
QA
&
why she loves being part of CFA, what her favourite part of the job is, and why she was so eager to join in the first place.

JENNY GEHRING
Age:
22
Brigade:
Dandenong
Time in CFA:
Two years
Favourite part of CFA:
Far and away: the teamwork,
the camaraderie
Most memorable incident:
There are so many…

HAPPY: Jenny Gehring says she learns many life skills from her work in CFA. PHOTO: Courtesy of Leader Newspapers.

Why did you join CFA?
When the Sydney fires were happening two
years ago, I felt really helpless. I was
agitated and frustrated that I couldn't help.
There were a lot of people in dire situations.
So later, I looked CFA up in the phone book,
rang them up and said I want to be a
volunteer, and they said 'sure'.
What do you think of CFA?
They're great, it's an organisation that you
can really belong to, that you can be proud
of and you can get involved in a really
diverse range of jobs for the greater good.
I can't wait to work with them full time,
hopefully.
How many work at your station?
We have about 30 volunteers and 30
permanents, and that's just in the
firefighting section. There's not many girls,
only three volunteers and two on staff. We
love the guys, they treat us really well and
we all work as one.
Do you enjoy the social side of being
part of CFA?
Oh yes, every sixth Monday we have a social
night. We might watch videos, or play pool
or play football or cricket - and that's with
volunteers and staff. Personally, I've made
friends with a couple of staff and volunteers
that I see outside brigade hours. We might
go for runs or cycling, or see a movie or go
for coffee. I've met people from other
brigades and become friends, you know, met
them at functions or on courses. I've made
lots of friends.
Would you recommend it to others?
Totally, you get to learn a lot of life skills
and it really is just so enjoyable in so many
ways. However, you have to be dedicated
and really want to join up. Don’t join up just
because your friends are. CFA is great
because the people involved are passionate
about it - you have to love the job. It
involves a lot of things that are physically
and psychologically challenging, but it's
amazingly satisfying.
What’s your level of commitment
to CFA?
I’m a really active member, I have a pager
that tells me where the jobs are, and we
have thousands of calls a year (we're one of
the busiest). I’m on call 24 hours a day and
can have between 10-15 calls a month.
You’re studying at the moment?
I'm studying Fire Technology at TAFE, it’s a
course that leads you into the fire industry -
but not necessarily just firefighting. Because
I want to be a professional firefighter I want
a certain level of knowledge before I get into
the job. Hopefully it will give me some extra
points as I try to get in. I’ll do whatever it
takes to get a job as a firefighter.

34 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

In Profile We interview members of CFA, whether it be volunteers, headquarter staff,

executives or members of the Board. In this edition, Ian Hamilton profiles
re-elected Chairman LEN FOSTER who outlines his vision for CFA.

population of metropolitan Melbourne and community educators or administrators.

Chairman’s
vision for CFA
What is the future for CFA?
My vision is for CFA to be pre-eminent in
holistic community safety coordination and
emergency management by 2010.
This will be based on our fundamental
strengths: volunteerism, community
linkages and the integrated volunteer-career
service model.
How will brigades be affected?
CFA already serves about half the
the rest of Victoria. Under the State
Government’s 2030 strategy, an extra one
million people will be living around outer
Melbourne in the next 25 years and there
will also be rapid growth in the Geelong,
Ballarat, Bendigo and Latrobe Valley regions.
This will put heavier workloads on our
brigades. Communities will have higher
expectations and will want more say in how
their safety needs are met by government
and government agencies.
So CFA will have to bring in new ways of
managing risks and encouraging
communities to share responsibility for their
own safety.
Brigades will have to keep up high levels in
operational skills and brigade management,
the equivalent of running a small or medium
business. The CFA will have to do everything
possible to support and sustain Volunteers.
How will the volunteer-career system
work?
More brigades will need the support of paid
staff such as career firefighters, trainers,
I ask everyone to understand and respect
the different contributions and motivations
of their fellow CFA people and take pride in
how we make it work. The CFA is a very
special Victorian organisation.
Can volunteerism survive?
Yes, provided we make individuals,
employers and government aware of the
benefits and rewards they receive through
our volunteer brigades.
We must make sure that they understand
how CFA contributes to the cohesion of
communities around the state.
How will the organisation change?
The organisation will be more flexible and
our internal boundaries will change so we
can respond better to changing demands
CFA will need to build closer partnerships
with communities and other agencies.
Inside CFA we need more sharing of effort
between brigades and parts of our
organisation to reduce the burden.

A natural progression Ian Major speaks to the new Deputy Chief Officer, GRAHAM FOUNTAIN

I
t would be interesting to have a guessing competition on the
original trade qualification obtained by CFA’s newest Deputy
Chief Officer, Graham “Spout” Fountain.
Graham became a junior firefighter at Edithvale, following in his
father’s footsteps who had also been a volunteer before taking on
the challenge full time. The young Fountain enjoyed the training
and competition with this strong brigade and that assisted his
career path. His work kept him away from friends and Graham
decided there was a new vocational ladder he wanted to climb
and “CFA was my passion”.
Progress has been obvious. In recent times Executive Manager-
Training and Development, Graham then headed the huge
Organisation Recovery Project and immediately after that task
was concluded it was off to London for business study.
The course was one of leadership development rather than
management and could be broken into three categories;
leadership, strategy and transformation. According to Graham, all
the arrows were pointing the way of CFA, or as he says ‘to give our
people on the ground greater flexibility in
meeting the day’s challenges.
His elevation to Deputy Chief Officer wasn’t a
surprise however, he did have to compete for
the position and doesn’t believe his Recovery
Project work gained him the job.
“No, I think this position is recognition of the need to provide
additional support to the ‘Chief’ at the executive level and for CFA
to have a greater presence within the broader emergency
management field.”
His role is to “paint the picture of how we do business”.
That entails CFA actions at incidents, our relationship with other
emergency services and the government, as well as extensions of
CFA workings. He believes for CFA to keep attracting young
people, we must aim to be welcoming, tolerant and open to
gender balance and ethnicity mix. With such a recipe for success,
you may have guessed he was a chef!

Brigade Magazine 35
 Autumn edition

Survey results

LETTERS The feedback to our recent Brigade Magazine survey has

been overwhelming and we’d like to thank everyone who has
taken part in this very important process. This feedback will
help us provide you, the readers, with more of what you
want to see in the magazine, and we appreciate the fact that
Your feedback is highly valued and we encourage any letters you may
so much of the feedback has been positive – showing us that
have regarding CFA. you highly value it. Below is a small selection from some of
the more than 1550 responses we have received so far.
Our first letter (below) comes direct from the
office of Premier Steve Bracks commending CFA You value your magazine…
on the Campaign Fires Book. - Keep it up – you tell it as it is and how it evolves.
- The magazine is awesome – keep it up guys.
- Informative. Relatively straight to the point. Direct update
on key important issues.
- I feel part of it when I read the mag. Enjoy the stories.

But you have your criticisms too…

More from Rural brigades More youth content

- More on small brigades in
the middle of nowhere.
Too corporate
- Change the emphasis from
Board/Chairman reports.
- Less CFA HQ. More local
brigade stories.
More incidents
- A couple of pages each
edition could be for photos of
incidents, nearly every truck
has a camera on it.
- Please provide a
junior’s page.
- Stories about youth taking
part in the Championships.
- Please include a kids’
section.
Not technical enough
- Needs more operational
info and news.
- More technical articles
of practical firemanship
tactics and training.
- Articles about new
methods and equipment.

The Winner is…

Letters to the Editor should be sent to email a.spargo@cfa.vic.gov.au and kept to a maximum of
300 words. The Editor reserves the right to edit the letters for space requirements.
Your comments have been heard and we have started to
make the changes you want, like a youth and incident
spotlight page. Meanwhile…
• The winner of the $300 gift voucher to spend on any
Emergency Memberlink product or service is LACHLAN
GALES, a Captain from Region 23.
• Lachlan said “Brigade Magazine is well produced and
addresses my need for a broad input of information
regarding the CFA”, but believes it needs “technical tips
for the better use of equipment and tankers”.
• Congratulations Lachlan.

36 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition

WORDBACK
Peter Philp profiles The Fireman’s ALAN KING in conversations with people in the field.

A
lan King’s first job at The Fireman was writing subscribers’
names and addresses on the newspaper’s wrappers. He was
still a kid going to school.
Les King purchased the newspaper from Norman H.Tosh, then
Captain of Warracknabeal, in 1953.
“When dad bought the business he encouraged brigades to make a
bigger contribution to the paper, particularly the rural volunteers,”
Alan said.
During the 1950s-60s, rural brigades were the poor relations in CFA.
Alan said hundreds of rural brigades did not own a truck.
“At their meetings, the rurals were really asking for a better deal
from CFA regarding equipment. They had some great leaders then
like Sam Burson, Pat Lang and Colin Diffey. They had to battle hard
then to get a better share of CFA’s funding. The Fireman supported
their cause,” he continued.
According to Alan, CFA came of age under the leadership of
Chairman Dick Eason and Chief Officer Arthur Pitfield.
“Following a series of fires in 1960s, the government gave more
funds to CFA, with strong encouragement from Dick Eason. He was
never frightened to stand on people’s toes.”
Traditionally, it has run few editorials, preferring to report stories
and let the readers make up their own minds on issues. However,
some of its rare editorials appeared in the 1970s when the
newspaper gave additional voice to the volunteers during the
amalgamation debate.
“The government of the day wanted to merge MFB and CFA. There
were some strong volunteer leaders during this period, which believed
that a marriage between the two fire services would not be beneficial
to CFA.
“Ed Baynes was the President of the rural association. He led the
whole campaign and probably thumped on the minister’s desk a few
times. He received support from the urban association. That strong
leadership and determination won the day. The government had to
back off,” Alan said.
The Fireman has been part of the huge technology revolution in
printing and today its operation is fully computerised.
And the newspaper has had a number of addresses over its time -
one was in St.Kilda Rd, near the junction.
“Sounds fancy - but the rent was cheap,” Alan concluded.

Allan family tradition continues in CFA

The Allan family has a long tradition in the CFA and that continued recently when Leigh Allan graduated from Fiskville. ALEX TWOMEY reports on a family affair.
he Allan family has another “I was more into the running side

T addition to their long-running

connection with CFA.
For graduate Leigh Allan, 31, who
took part in Fiskville’s first ever
twilight graduation ceremony
recently, it was a chance to join the
family business, so to speak.
His brothers are firefighters - Steve,
an Operations Officer in Region 22,
Barry, a Fire Officer 2 in Region 15.
Leigh’s father, Colin, was also a
firefighter. He joined CFA in 1950
and was Station Officer in Shepparton from
1966 till his retirement in 1980.
In a special part of the graduation ceremony,
Colin was able to present Leigh with
his epaulets.
of things,” Leigh said.
“I then became a senior volunteer
for three years at Shepparton.”
Leigh then went overseas and upon
his return entered the course,
which was a great experience, but
he admits it was tough being away
from his wife Karen and young
son Ethan.
“The course is very hard,”
TRADITION: The Allan family has a proud connection with CFA. PHOTO: Alex Twomey he said.
“It was a proud moment for me,” Colin said. “But you expect that - we had a great bunch
Asked if the boy were a handful growing up of guys and we all pulled together to help
he laughs: “I had them under control.” each other.”
Colin explained all the boys were involved Leigh will be posted to Bendigo as a
as juniors, with Leigh starting at 17. Firefighter - Level One.

Brigade Magazine 37
Story one Autumn edition

SMOKO 1
BY PETER PHILP

Everybody needs history. This section is about stories or records of past

Rod & Bev Armstrong

events and a signpost for the future. It is about human endeavours -

courageous, innovative, humorous and sometimes ordinary.

T
here have been Armstrongs at Somerville Fire Brigade since
the day it opened in 1942. However, it is ex-Captain Rod
Armstrong who holds the rolling record. It happened during
the dramatic moments of Ash Wednesday. He and his crew were in a
paddock with a fire bearing down. Suddenly over he goes and starts
rolling down the hill, the hose still attached and blowing full bore.
The firetruck was moving ahead of him but by the time Rod stopped
rolling the firetruck was behind him.
The Armstrongs owned one of the many fruit orchards in Somerville.
Rod’s dad and Rod’s uncles worked three properties. After a few
years with the family business, Rod took a job at the BP Oil Refinery
at Hastings.
“Dad was a volunteer and I joined the brigade because I wanted to
help the local community. I have always made Somerville a priority.
If you have the manpower to join a strike team, good and well, but
Somerville must come first,” Rod said.
He doesn’t talk about the good old days; in fact he seriously doubts
that the early days at Somerville were all that crash hot. off to a fire. We also had a Cardiva trailer that was towed by the
truck. It was a monster of a thing to pull. It would wonder all over
“It was more of a social club than a fire brigade, but things changed.
the road,” he continued.
When I joined, the station was a single fibro shed with wooden
doors. The brigade had an old blanket truck from the Army with The highlight of his life - meeting Bev.
balloon tyres. We extended the tray and put a tank on the back. “A mate asked me to make up the numbers in his squash team.
It was an old Dodge, probably from the 40s. It was a bit of a bomb,” Bev was part of team. During the match we sort of formed
he recounted. “It was replaced when it broke an axle during an association.”
a grass fire.”
And that has lasted 34 years. In 1980, Bev joined the brigade.
Somerville had both rurals and urbans housed in same fibro. Finally
CFA gave the brigade another hand-me-down, Rod tells the story of Bev on Ash Wednesday. She had been driving
an Austin pumper. The only place to house around all day and was busting to go to the toilet.
the new arrival was in the lean-to meeting “We now have a standard and if women “Bev said to the fellas: ‘you stay that side, I’ll go
room attached to the station. To get it in, the can reach it, good luck to them.” this side’. She got the overalls down and was
truck’s aerial had to be detached. Rod Armstrong comfortably squatting when all of a sudden a
The day that Henry Crow from Crib Point bloody helicopter circled over head.”
asked Rod to accompany him to Ballarat to collect that brigade’s new In Bev words: “I got out of there real quick.”
truck was a time of mixed fortunes.
One of Rod’s great attributes is his ability to accept change. Like a
“On arrival at Ballarat, Henry was told that the new pumper was number of firees, he didn’t think CFA would ever be the same again
going to Somerville and Crib Point was to be given our hand-me- with charges to the group system, training and introducing
down. I won’t repeat Henry’s reaction,” Rod said. female firefighters.
During the early days, casual firefighters were common. They were “Now I’m teaching minimum skills. They called me a bit of a male
people who walked in off the street.
chauvinist but I didn’t stop Bev becoming a firefighter. We now
“You could be out shopping, hear the alarm, enquire if the brigade have a standard and if women can reach it, good luck to them,”
needed assistance, get the all clear from the officer-in-charge and be Rod concluded.

38 Brigade Magazine
Autumn edition Story two

SMOKO 2
BY PETER PHILP

Born and bred a Bendigo boy, PETER BROWN has some fascinating stories
Peter Brown
to tell regarding Fiskville in its early days and characters like Vin Lapsley.

P
eter Brown remembers the morning that somebody rang the
Bendigo Fire Station and said ‘tailor here.’ He put the call
through to Station Officer Vin Lapsley explaining that the
tailor was on the blower.
“Lappo takes the call and bellows down the phone ‘where are those
bloody trousers I ordered. I’m sick of waiting for them’. There was a
brief silence before the voice at the other end responded, ‘It’s ACO
Taylor here’,” Peter Brown recalled.
Brownie is a Bendigo boy, born in 1948, and can picture the big
wheels and the cage going up and down at Central Deborah - still
operating as a working mine.
“We lived near the Ordnance Factory tram line. One passed at five
to seven each morning. It was our alarm clock. As it went around
the corner, its wheels could rattle. And we had some fun with the old
trams. We’d seek up behind them and pull the power pole down,”
Brownie said.
A 16 he was a volunteer at Bendigo working with George Ellis,
Ronnie Wee Hee and Les Rodder. Sixty-four years later that trio is
still there. After two years at Ballarat City, Peter returned to Bendigo and
Vin Lapsley was then both Station Officer and brigade chairman. Vin Lapsley.
According to Peter, Lappo was a tough leader who would not hesitate “We were in the old station. In winter there was woodfire in the
giving you a kick up the bum but he would always listen and if he watchroom. Sometimes we would stuff paper up the chimney and
had misjudged you he’d always say sorry. strike a match. One day somebody sees smoke and says ‘shives
Lappo senior was a legend at Bendigo, according to Brownie. that’s a decent fire in the city’. He then realises it’s pouring out of
the fire station. Paper stuffed in the chimney,” he said.
“ You’d sometimes get him going about an incident and three hours
later he’d still be going.” One of the biggest fires Peter attended was at
“One day somebody sees smoke and says Bennett’s Arcade near the Beehive building.
Peter Brown made two applications to become
a career firefoghter. It was soon after the
‘shives that’s a decent fire in the city’. He then
“I was called back to the station and saw this
second application that Vin Lapsley realises it’s pouring out of the fire station.”
whopper of a glow in the sky and thought ‘oh
called him. Peter Brown my god’. They were rushing BA cylinders in
from Fiskville and rushing them to the fire in
“He said to me: ‘What are you doing next Monday’? I said, ‘why?’. He the station ute. Later Lappo said to me: ‘Walk, don’t run, down to the
said ‘You start at Fiskville at 8 am. Be here on time and I‘ll drive you fire and bring back the ute.’
down - I was in the service’,” Peter recalled.
“When I got to the fire I walked around but could not find it. Two
Fiskville was then in its early days. The classroom was what is now hours later somebody discovers the thing parked in the fire station
the front lounge and down the back was the old AWA transmitter yard. Years later people were still saying to Lappo: ‘Did you ever find
building where training was done. the ute...remember the arcade fire? And he’d reply: ‘It’s in the
“In those days to pass your driver training, you had to take the truck bloody backyard’
down the road, do a U turn and come back. I finished at Fiskvlle on Peter Brown loves his footy. He’s a mad South Bendigo and
a Friday, commenced at Ballarat City on the Monday and two hours St Kilda supporter. He watched the Saints win their one and only
later I was at an oven fire at the Ballarat Hotel in Peel St with premiership or, as he puts it: “I was there the day St Kilda lost
officers Peter Shaw and Lester Maddocks,” he said. its virginity.”

Brigade Magazine 39

IGA’s Community Chest
he IGA Community Chest program recently
T donated $331, 891 to CFA brigades. Cheque
presentations were held in Bendigo, Shepparton,
Wangaratta, Warrnambool, Geelong and at Leongatha
for their surrounding area. The money was raised by
IGA donating one cent from specially marked products
sold in their stores.
Storeowners, IGA staff and local brigades attended the
presentations. In Bendigo, Minister for Police and
Emergency Services, André Haermeyer (above),
attended, praising the program as an example of
“communities working together for fire prevention.”
The events gave brigades a chance to thank IGA
for their contribution. As the money is donated to
individual brigades, it is used to meet their
individual requirements.
IGA and CFA the partnership continues…
Print Post Approved PP: 352524/00128
André Haermeyer
Some brigades use the money to buy torches or radio
equipment, while others put the money towards major
projects such as a new vehicle.
The media attended all events, helping to raise the
profile of the relationship between CFA and IGA,
which has grown rapidly since it began in 2000. There
are currently 209 brigades involved in the program.
Many of these brigades have strengthened their
SURFACE
relationship beyond the Community Chest program by
holding sausage sizzles and information days outside
MAIL
their local IGA store.
Brigades not involved in the program can become
involved by contacting either Lyndel Hunter, Amber
Johnston or Ann Moodie of CFA Public Affairs
on 9262 8300.
Australia
Postage
Paid