Hi Jeff, the Membership Coordination Unit has acknowledged receipt of this email.

This email will be forwarded to the Manager Membership Administration for his attention and response.
Regards Supervisor, Membership Coordination Unit From: Jeff Green [mailto:jeffreyg@hotkey.net.au] Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 12:25 PM To: RFS Jobs Subject: FW: Temporary Positions Hi, In the hope that this email has previously not arrived, even though an automatic response was sent to suggest it had, I will again send it in the hope that someone acknowledges receipt of it. Thanks Jeff Green From: Jeff Green [mailto:jeffreyg@hotkey.net.au] Sent: Friday, 29 October 2010 8:06 AM To: 'jobs@rfs.nsw.gov.au' Subject: Temporary Positions Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to express my concerns and bitter disappointment regarding the handling of part time positions. In July 2009, I along with other Volunteers applied for the EOI Admin Support position at Lower Hunter Zone. How the selection process was conducted still baffles be as there were no interviews, discussions or otherwise, and it only became obvious to me that the position had been filled when I found that someone was working in the position. Other applicants from the Volunteer ranks received no advice either, it was only when I discussed it with Supt. Mckellar that I was advised the position had been filled. Fast forward to yesterday. I attend Firecom to undertake my regular duties, and am advised that Volunteer X will be coming to work with us as a general hand for a period of time. My reaction was less than positive as there has been no mention of any positions coming up or anything similar. The new starter allegedly finished up with the State Mitigation crew last week, as he had failed to keep a position due to medical reasons. Obviously after 15 years of voluntarily doing the work that this chap is now employed to do, currently being unemployed for 12 months, and living 5 minutes from the workplace and already familiar with the role, the brigades, the staff, local policies and having full access, I might have thought myself worthy of at least consideration. Apparently not. I am told the policy is that local D/T/Zs must only seek staff through employment agencies, and fill positions without considering locals or other options. What a slap in the face. Supt. McKellar has explained the above to me, and has stated it is all outside of his control and has no ability to intervene. In his defence he also explained that whilst it may appear to be somewhat unfair, to advise someone of positions coming up and which temp agency they will be using could be seen to be biased as well. Unfortunately, this also makes it hard for people such as myself to try and make ourselves available for positions if we dont know where to register. Perhaps if the timing wasnt so coincidental, things may be different. However you would have to admit, how lucky can you be? Finish up a contract one week, and get selected by your Employment Agency for a position within 2 or 3 days. Prior to Supt McKellars explanation, I was advised by other Staff that the position had been advertised on the SEEK website, and another was that it was simply a lateral transfer. At the end of the day it shows me clearly the lack of value I have as a Volunteer, when I am 5 minutes away, and currently involved with everything this position entails, yet it is filled by someone that is over an hour away and hasnt worked in this district at all. Not forgetting there is a lot

of sympathy indicated for the guy because he missed the cut with the recent Mitigation Service restructure and downsize. I guess all I can do now is be so grateful that the Service really does look after its Volunteers, and watch further employment opportunities come and go. Yes I am just a bitter, disillusioned volunteer, no one important. Sincerely Jeff Green LHZ

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