New elearning builds capability

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THROUGH THE AGES ROSEBUD

1 Current Rosebud Fire Station 2 Fourth Avenue station and Austin pumper 3 Rosebud brigade’s pumpers 1 and 2 4 S crub fire and C1300 International tanker 5 Freeway fire at Dromana, 2009 6 H eronswood Garden Cafe fire 2014 7 Historic procession on Point Nepean

Road 8 Foreshore community fire safety demonstration, 2014 9 District 7 tankers arriving by ferry to fight

Arthurs Seat fire 10Rope rescue training in old fire station 11 Brigade members at official handover of pumper 2

COMPILED BY KEITH PAKENHAM AFSM

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INTER-BRIGADE TRAINING TAKEN TO NEW LEVEL

Just over three years ago Connewarre Fire Brigade Training Officer Phil Stewart set up inter-brigade training in District 7 to help train new members, build skills, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships between neighbouring brigades. Now into its fourth year the brigades meet for training once a month. In December 2019 brigade members from Grovedale, Connewarre, Freshwater Creek, Torquay, Bellbrae, Highton and Barwon Heads met to reinforce summer skills training by participating in a major strike team training exercise. Before the training began Assistant Chief Officer Rohan Luke addressed the group. He was keen to emphasise that firefighter safety was paramount in our operations for the forthcoming fire season. Rohan added that CFA greatly appreciated the support of local CFA volunteers and those from further afield who’ve helped interstate firefighters. Commander Wayne Aylmer also attended to provide valuable support to the activities. Wayne was very keen to see this interbrigade training continue as a valuable resource for smaller brigades. About 20 CFA members from District 7 Headquarters Brigade and Coastal Group coordinated the staging area and the local command facility at Torquay Fire Station, and about 60 firefighters from seven brigades took part in the fireground exercise. During the fireground scenario one strike team carried out grassfire tactics while another strike team protected assets around a local shearing complex on an adjacent farm using the hose laying trailer and collar tank. A water relay was established from the nearby dam. During the exercise wind and ember attack predictions were changed so that members had to deal with changing conditions. Communication was also an important part of the training. 74

Many members said this training was valuable for building skills. They also thought it had helped develop better relationships with surrounding brigades, which would be a great benefit at future incidents. One member said she had revelled in working with crew members that she had only just met. “It was a complete learning curve for me,” she said, “and I hope we can do this again soon”. New and inexperienced strike team leaders and crew leaders gained valuable insight into fireground operations. Experienced members who had regularly operated in these roles mentored less experienced members as the incident progressed. This succession planning was enthusiastically embraced by Connewarre brigade firefighter Mark Neil who had the opportunity to take on a strike team leader role. “It gave me a real feel for what a larger incident is like,” Mark said. “Having really experienced people next to me was brilliant. It took away some of the fear of how demanding a strike team leader role is and was a great way to get exposure to decision-making. “The exercise was a good opportunity for people at all levels to get a taste of what it’s like stepping up to the next level. “When the time comes to do it for real, I’ll be confident with the right attitude and understanding.” Rohan Luke’s debrief recognised the effort taken to plan the event and complimented all involved on a successful exercise. Special thanks to Connewarre and Freshwater Creek brigade members who prepared the obligatory sausage sizzle after the exercise back at the fire station.