PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE VICTORIAN SES VOLUNTEERS
ISSUE 182 APRIL 2016
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2016 ANNUAL WARRANDYTE FESTIVAL CHELSEA SES GOLF DAY • WYE RIVER FIRES
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CONTRIBUTIONS Letters to the editor If you have a point of view you feel would be of benefit to VICSES, or a request for any article which other members may be able to help source, mail it to PHOENIX. If your Unit has a need to publicise an event or Unit activity, send it to PHOENIX. Content for Phoenix Photography should only be supplied digitally or as original prints (please supply stamped, self-addressed envelope for returning). Please avoid scanning of any type. Text should be supplied electronically as a Microsoft Word document. Closing date for all PHOENIX material: August 2016 edition – Friday July 8 October 2016 edition – Monday September 12 December 2016 edition – Monday November 7 February 2017 edition – Monday January 9 April 2017 edition – Monday March 6
Send all articles to:
Email: phoenixeditor@vesa.com.au Address: PO Box 1085, Craigieburn, VIC 3064
VESA CONTACTS VESA Phoenix Editor & Mailing List Enquiries To add, edit or delete members to mail list or password and technical support contact: PHOENIX EDITOR Ellen Lawes E: phoenixeditor@vesa.com.au
www.vesa.org.au Contents 2
From the Chair
3
From the CEO
18
Back in time series – SES vehicles
6
VICSES volunteers lead in diversity and tolerance
20
SES members deployed to Wye River fires
10
VESA volunteer welfare and efficiency survey
20
Helping out Fiji after Tropical Cyclone Winston
12
How does VESA represent its members?
21
Volunteer vacancies
22
12
New facility for Woomelang
North-east Victoria bushfire support
13
Chelsea SES Golf Day
22
The Neighbours experience
13
World Down Syndrome Day
23
14
Interstate deployment: SES assists in Tasmania
Mallacoota community hosts Emergency Services Expo
23
16
2016 Annual Warrandyte Festival
Successful training weekend in Halls Gap
24 Letters
VESA STATE BOARD EXECUTIVE & STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS INDEPENDENT CHAIRPERSON Faye Bendrups
TREASURER, SECRETARY & DIRECTOR CENTRAL WEST Mr Chris Patton
M: 0435 964 455 E: fayebendrups@hotmail.com
M: 0407 310 555 E: secretary@vesa.com.au E: director.cw@vesa.com.au
DIRECTOR NORTH EAST REGION Mr Chris Brown
ALTERNATE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL EAST REGION David Rowlands
M: 0417 550 076 E: c.brown10@bigpond.com
M: 0423 777 633 E: director.ce@vesa.com.au
DIRECTOR SOUTH WEST REGION Vacant
DIRECTOR NORTH WEST REGION Mr Pat Torney E: pat_torney@hotmail.com
Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral is appointed by the Victoria Emergency Service Association as the authorised publisher of PHOENIX. For enquiries re advertising in this magazine, please contact the printers and publishers:
DIRECTOR MID-WEST REGION Vacant
DIRECTOR EAST REGION Mr Bob Aisbett M: 0427 532 093 E: director.er@vesa.com.au
VICSES PEER SUPPORT COUNTRYWIDE AUSTRAL Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 E-mail: admin@cwaustral.com.au ACN: 30 086 202 093 Design/Layout Jason Jeffery & Kathryn Steel
Peer Support can be accessed at any time by ringing 1800 899 927 and asking for SES Peer Support (EAS Paging). Peter Kueffer Clinical Director can be contacted on mobile 0417 565 927 or by ringing 1800 899 927 (EAS Paging).
CHAPLAINS CONTACT DETAILS CENTRAL REGION Major Arthur Ford
NORTH WEST REGION Rev David Mills
EAST REGION Judy McLeod
SOUTH WEST REGION Rev Denise Naish
SOUTH WEST REGION Rev David Thompson
CENTRAL REGION Vacant
MID-WEST REGION Fr David Turner
CENTRAL REGION Rev Max Woolcock
M: 0416 085 634
M: 0427 383 538
M: 0425 708 730
M: 0417 347 821
M: 0407 466 356
M: 0407 128 077
M: 0418 517 685
Disclaimer Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the Victoria Emergency Service Association Inc. (VESA) and the publication is offered for background information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.
The data that VESA holds for its members is solely used for the production and distribution of Phoenix and associated products.
REPORTS
from the
CHAIR In 2015, the VESA Welfare and Efficiency Survey was held for the first time. This survey, hosted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), gave volunteers a chance to express their perceptions on how VICSES measures up to their expectations in a range of areas such as training, co-operation, support and leadership. The results have been sent to members. A short review is included further in this edition of Phoenix, as well as a brief article highlighting a section of the survey report which determined the strengths of volunteer culture in the areas of acceptance of diversity, gender equity and intolerance of bullying and discrimination. SES volunteers can be proud of their inclusiveness and diversity. The survey will run again this year in July, so take the opportunity to have your say. Details will be forwarded closer to the
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SES volunteers can be proud of their inclusiveness and diversity. date. The survey is just one way in which volunteers can have a voice. Sometimes that voice, like other activities of VESA, works away quietly but persistently in the background, but that does not mean it has no influence. Did you know that VESA representatives serve on VICSES committees such as vehicles, awards, uniform, WH&S and work with other bodies such as the Volunteer Consultative
Forum and Valuing Volunteers Program at EMV, the National SES Volunteers Association, the VFBV Certificate IV Frontline Leadership programme and the Ministerial Council for Volunteers? VESA is consulted by VICSES in relation to VESEP and other grants, funding which has direct and positive impacts on Units and individual volunteers. VESA has also repeatedly sought consultation with the current Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett, but so far the Minister has not been available. We hope to meet with the Minister and report on this in the next edition of Phoenix, as the voice of VICSES volunteers deserves to be heard and their work acknowledged as expert service given to the State of Victoria. Faye Bendrups Independent Chair, VESA
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REPORTS
from the
CEO Hello everyone, It’s been a busy and challenging summer with fluctuating weather patterns across the state and localised incidents within Geelong and Wyndham. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and thank all those units, volunteers and staff for their untiring efforts in supporting the Victorian community. Welcome to Nina Brooks, who joined the Board at the beginning of January and recently attended her first board meeting when the Board reconvened in February for the 2016 year. Nina brings to the Board her human resource management and strategic planning skills. Nina is a HR manager with the National Transport Commission and also currently serves on the Board of Otway Health. I would like to thank Helen Dyson for her valuable contribution to VICSES as a member of the Board over the past nine years. Helen joined VICSES in June 2006 just after the organisation was established as a Statutory Authority and was instrumental in the establishment of the framework of policies and procedures that provide oversight to the activities of VICSES and in the provision of guidance and advice to the Board on contractual and legal issues. Organisational planning has commenced with the Executive Management Team and Senior Managers Forum on the Corporate Plan delivery for 2016-17 with a focus around implementation of the VICSES strategies developed; volunteer strategy, community resilience strategy, service delivery strategy, assets strategy and information technology strategy. We are currently working on shaping the priorities for budget and resource allocation in order to delivery these key organisational strategies. On behalf of the Board and all members of VICSES we offer our sympathies to Wish for his devastating loss whilst responding for SES in support to the Victoria Police in Wyndham. Our deepest sympathies and www.vesa.org.au
support at this sad time are extended to the Somawansa family and the members of the Wyndham Unit. Whilst fundraising at an intersection in the Geelong CBD one of our members was hit by a car. We are keeping in touch with Joel and I’ve been assured he is okay and we wish him a speedy recovery. The Service Delivery strategy “planning the future together” Project Control Group and Project Working Group have been working through various forms of data and statistical information to inform decision making and to gather evidence for discussion with the regions and units over the next 12 months. With any data gathering exercise it has been quite time consuming and has highlighted the need to refine and improve our databases. The project has now chosen two pilot areas for detailed analysis and examination of issues facing our service. The two pilot areas include the Local Government areas of West Wimmera as the challenge area, and Wyndham for the growth pilot. A watching brief over the progress of the work by Central Region with the City of Kingston will also give us an insight into the changing scope of our services. The next steps of the Service Delivery strategy will be carefully worked through with support from our Board to ensure clarity of information discussion and consultation. I will use this newsletter
to keep all members informed of our progress and the issues we will need to work through. We are working with Local and State Government to address the issues of municipal subsidies and sustainability of unit accommodation. The Chair and I continue to meet with the Municipal Association of Victoria to discuss the issues throughout the year. We also have meetings planned with the Minister for Emergency Services and her advisors to work towards a solution. The Unit Financial Management Taskforce has been established to look into the compliance of SES Units with the audit requirements of the Victorian AuditorGeneral’s Office (VAGO). I would like to extend special thanks to those volunteer members who are involved: David Rowlands (Nunawading), Paul Daniel (Greater Dandenong), Rachel Vella (Bellarine), Laura Stahl (Marong), Beth Murray (Kyabram), Cath Wood (Warragul) and Jane Crozier (Woodend). I recently attended the VICSES 40 Years Young anniversary launch at Bendigo and would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their work and attendance in the successful event held at the Jockey Club. I have commenced travelling around the state to meet face to face with volunteers and staff to discuss the challenges and issues we face as we continue to evolve as an organisation. I look forward to our discussions at these meetings over the coming months. I thank you again for your untiring efforts on behalf of the SES. Regards Stephen Griffin April 2016
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Oona Phillips, Nadiah Alias and David Ramm working with MFB and CFA at interagency information stand, Federation Square.
VICSES VOLUNTEERS LEAD IN DIVERSITY AND TOLERANCE IN THE VESA WELFARE AND EFFICIENCY SURVEY, SOME OF THE STRENGTHS EVIDENT AT LOCAL UNIT LEVEL WERE IN THE AREAS OF GENDER EQUITY, DIVERSITY, ANTI-BULLYING, AND GETTING NEW MEMBERS ACTIVE IN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME. THESE STRENGTHS CLEARLY REFLECT POSITIVELY ON LOCAL VOLUNTEER UNIT CULTURE AND PRACTICE AND ARE UNDERPINNED BY ORGANISATIONAL POLICIES. continued on page 8 Natalia Stanway (VICSES CALD Project Officer). April 2016
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SES participants in Pride March.
Mascot ‘Teddy’ works with CFA Juniors in the Moomba March.
Brimbank truck at Pride March.
VESA chair Faye Bendrups guest at the Bathukamma Festival of Flowers.
n the ground, it is at Unit level where that culture is enacted. This culture of acceptance is seen in public activities throughout the year, from Pride March (31 Jan, VICSES marched in 2016 for the third year), to Cultural Diversity Week (1220 March), to community festivals and local celebrations. VICSES volunteers, through their close association with local community groups and their integration of local community members, are held in high regard by the general public, as shown by their acclaim at events such as the Moomba March.
VICSES volunteers are themselves drawn from a broad cross-section of the community and reflect the communities they serve, and clearly practise contemporary values related to social issues such as gender equity, diversity and anti-bullying practices, which are part of current societal norms and professional workplace practices. The VESA Welfare and Efficiency Survey highlighted this. The strongest performance statement was in relation to gender: “There are no barriers to the roles women can occupy in my unit” (92%) followed closely by tolerance:
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“People from all cultural backgrounds, different religions, political and personal beliefs are all made welcome at my unit” (89%) and anti-bullying: “Workplace bullying is not tolerated in units of which I have been a member” (85%). There was minimal difference between concerns of respondents by Age, Gender or Unit Type (rural or urban); i.e. the matters are of equal concern across types of units and members of all ages and genders. Volunteers can take great pride in these results reflecting acceptance of diversity and intolerance of bullying and discrimination. www.vesa.org.au
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FEATURE
VESA VOLUNTEER WELFARE AND EFFICIENCY SURVEY In 2015, VESA conducted the first Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey, hosted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV). The survey will run again in July this year. If you missed out last year, don’t lose the opportunity to have your say this year. VESA will send out information closer to the survey date. VESA acknowledges the significant opportunity afforded to it by VFBV to gain a greater understanding of the needs of volunteers and thanks VFBV for its collaboration in hosting the survey. The report has been distributed electronically to members. If you would like a hard copy, please let your VESA representative know. Background In 2012, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) commissioned the first Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Project and, with CFA volunteers, established key themes affecting their welfare and efficiency. The survey which was developed asked respondents to score a range of statements on 2 aspects; firstly on how important they believed the statement to be (Importance; synonymous with volunteer Expectations), and secondly how they perceived the performance of their organisation against the statements (Performance). Respondents also provided qualitative comments. The VFBV completed their fourth annual survey in 2015 and have established long term trends in their data. The findings have been adopted into CFA planning and management. CEO Michael Wootten stated that “the survey helps CFA’s decision makers to encourage, maintain and strengthen the large scale volunteer capacity that is essential to emergency management in this state” (VFBV, 2014: 2014 Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey Report, p.3) In 2015, VFBV consulted with Victorian Emergency Services Association (VESA) and offered to host the survey for VICSES volunteers. After a review of the survey statements and format, some amendments were made and the survey was hosted for VESA on the VFBV website. It is anticipated that the 2015 VESA Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey will make a valued contribution to the development of organisational thinking and practice, particularly supporting VICSES’ stated corporate values, of which the first is ‘Our people’. The survey will continue annually, generating data trends over the long term and contributing to the development of productive practices in
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VICSES which support and strengthen the essential role of volunteers. In 2015 the survey was also proposed to Emergency Management Victoria’s (EMV’s) Volunteer Consultancy Forum (VCF) as the best practice model for use in all EM agencies with volunteers and the proposal received widespread support from the VCF members. It will be implemented on an optin basis beginning in 2016. Summary In 2015 VFBV hosted the first VESA Welfare and Efficiency Survey to establish the perceptions of VICSES volunteers on matters affecting their welfare and efficiency. There was also opportunity in the survey to write qualitative written responses. Almost one-third of respondents chose to also write qualitative comments. Responses were received from across Victoria representing all regions, unit types, membership types, length of service, gender and age. It is anticipated that repetition in coming years will mean increased awareness of and familiarity with the survey and this will lead to increased participation. 33 statements were put and respondents scored each of them on a 10-point scale, firstly on how important they regarded
Theme
the statement to be true and secondly, the extent to which actual performance on the ground, in their perception, matched their importance score. The 33 statements are grouped according to seven themes, which are set out randomly in the survey to avoid sequence bias, and then re-grouped for analysis. The scores across each group of statements are shown in the table below. Co-operation across VICSES The 2015 results identify ‘Co-operation across VICSES’ as the issue of greatest concern, with the survey gap of 3.2; i.e. VICSES’ perceived performance on this issue is almost one third (32%) lower than the importance given it by volunteers. The statements tested refer to volunteers and VICSES working cooperatively, consultation and decision making. The low perceived performance score may indicate that recommendations for increased consultation with volunteers from various recent government reports and reviews have yet to be effectively implemented. Training by VICSES This is the next theme where performance is further from expectations, with a survey gap of 2.8 (28%). The gap is even greater when
Importance
Performance
Gap
Respect and professionalism
8.8
6.4
2.4
My role as a volunteer
8.7
6.7
2.0
Co-operation across VICSES
8.6
5.4
3.2
Support from VICSES
8.9
6.6
2.3
Training by VICSES
8.7
5.9
2.8
Recruitment and retention
8.9
7.8
1.1
People management - my unit
9.2
7.7
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measured by length of service: 3.3 from respondents who have served between 6 and 10 years, and by membership type; 3.0 from respondents who hold leadership positions at a broader level than their unit. Respect and Professionalism This is also an issue of concern, with a survey gap of 2.4. The statements under this theme refer to VICSES’ actions and culture in supporting volunteers and valuing their contribution. The gap was lower from the demographic groups of unit members (nonleadership) or those aged 19-25 (both 2.1), or members who served less than one year (0.6), and higher according to Gender (M 2.4, F 2.5) and Unit Type (Rural 2.6, Urban 2.3). Support from VICSES The gap in ‘Support from VICSES’ is very similar to ‘Respect and Professionalism’, at 2.3. The statement which received the lowest score in this theme was Statement No. 15 (S.15): “VICSES corporate policies and leadership supports an effective volunteer based and fully integrated organisation” (Importance, 8.6, Performance 5.8, a gap of 2.8). While VICSES does not have fully integrated units like CFA brigades, nevertheless volunteers perceive their contribution as fundamental to the organisation (volunteer-based), not a role which functions as an adjunct to the paid staff. Among the written comments are “they make policies that benefit them but harm or hinder the volunteers” and “I’m not saying to stop paying people, but instead let them experience the volunteer aspect so they fully understand the people they are impacting on” (F, 18-25, Central). My Role as a Volunteer This theme addressed work-life balance and career opportunities. Of most concern to volunteers was the lack of recognition given to pre-existing skills and experience. The statement which had the greatest gap was S. 22 “VICSES recognises and utilises the skills and experience that I bring to VICSES” (Importance 9.0, Performance 6.4, a gap of 2.6). This concern was also expressed in the qualitative comments where it was reported that volunteers have left the www.vesa.org.au
service because of frustrations at not having their prior skills recognised. People Management – My Unit The statements in this theme focus on local unit volunteer management. Respondents were generally positive about local unit management. There was a suggestion that the role of Controller should be a paid position. There was more negative commentary in the written responses, describing ad hoc internal Unit leadership changes by VICSES leading to uncertainty and lowered morale, citing a “big brother” approach or “gross interference from paid staff”. Recruitment and Retention Results from this theme were among the strongest of the survey. Statements dealt with diversity, acceptance, gender equity, support for new members etc. in local Units. This is an area where Units (run by volunteers) clearly are meeting expectations of volunteers. General Observations The survey provides an open forum for first-hand accounts of volunteers and establishes an evidence-based resource for interrogating volunteer welfare and efficiency trends over time. Importance is synonymous with Expectations of VICSES volunteers and the difference in scores between Importance and Performance identifies gaps in practice which the report suggests warrant attention from VICSES. Volunteers perform their work in a different category to paid employees. Receipt of monetary compensation for work done can offset unmet expectations or workplace frustrations. As volunteers receive no compensation, it can be argued that it is even more important that their expectations be effectively addressed (see also Dawson, McDonald & Associates/VFBV, 2012: Matters Affecting the Welfare and Efficiency of Volunteer Members of CFA Report, pp. 4, 65). The 2015 VESA Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey highlights significant gaps in ‘Cooperation across VICSES’, ‘Training by VICSES’, and ‘Respect and Professionalism’, where volunteer expectations are not being met.
Importantly, there was not one statement where VICSES Performance matched volunteers’ Importance (Expectation) score. VICSES volunteers are selfless, skilled and dedicated contributors to their communities. In 2014-2015 VICSES volunteers attended 22,673 requests for assistance totalling in excess of 250,000 hours of work. The volunteers’ input is described by VICSES CEO Stephen Griffin as a “fantastic contribution”, with “each hour spent by volunteers is time selflessly given to help the community”. He writes about their “commitment”, “incredible dedication and hard work” (VICSES, 2015: VICSES Annual Report 2014-2015, p.9). However, perceptions of volunteers as expressed in this survey are that their interactions with VICSES are far from satisfactory, with comments such as “The attitudes of paid staff…borders on a mixture of indifference and/or contempt” (M, 55-64, E) or “As a volunteer, we shouldn’t be treated as a commodity that can be discarded without a second thought” (M, 40-54, NE). There is clearly a significant challenge for VICSES. VICSES volunteers train and respond to local, state and interstate incidents. They serve selflessly to protect their communities. Often their work is highskilled and high-risk, working to save lives and/or assets. If the skilled service provided by VICSES volunteers is to remain part of contemporary community expectations, part of the spectrum of social benefits promoted by elected representatives, and an integral part of a multi-agency approach to disaster management in Victoria, then the mechanisms for supporting this must be effective at the organisational level.
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HOW DOES VESA REPRESENT ITS MEMBERS? VESA represents VICSES volunteers in many areas that are not always apparent to members. All members are encouraged to attend their regional council meetings, or put themselves forward as a Unit rep to become more involved in matters affecting volunteers. VESA is represented on the following taskforces and consultative forums: • • • • • •
Unit Finance Management Taskforce Emergency Management Victoria - Ministerial Volunteers Consultative Forum Department of Justice’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grants committee Department of Justice’s Valuing Volunteers Program grants committee VESEP panels (Regional, State) PPCE taskforce
• • • • • • • • •
Awards taskforce VESA vehicle subcommittee Roof Top Safety consultative forum Darley leadership scholarship program State Work Health and Safety Committee Enhanced alerting system Unit accommodation Unit funding Advocacy on behalf of members in HR issues
NEW FACILITY FOR WOOMELANG JOINT FACILITY FOR COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY (CFA) AND VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (VICSES) LOCATED IN WOOMELANG HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED. THE FACILITY WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING OUTDATED AND SMALLER FACILITY.
I
n 1991 it was decided that VICSES would share the CFA site. In July 1991, the Woomelang SES Unit relocated their shed to the rear of the CFA Station and part of the engine room was converted into office space leaving enough room for both trucks to be stationed at the front of the facility. This arrangement has worked successfully as many residents are members of both emergency services. The new facility was funded by the Rural Fire Station Replacement program. VICSES purchased the land. The new CFA/ VICSES facility includes a kitchen, joint meeting room, CFA breathing apparatus room, offices, joint communications room and an external VICSES storage shed. The facility has the ability to offer community meeting/ function facilities, training area and room to expand if required.
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This new facility will be of a huge benefit to the Woomelang Community enhancing the profile of both the VICSES Unit and CFA Brigade providing much improved meeting, training, garaging and storage facilities.
This new facility will be of a huge benefit to the Woomelang Community enhancing the profile of both the VICSES Unit and CFA Brigade providing much improved meeting, training, garaging and storage facilities. This will enable the CFA Brigade and VICSES Unit to be better equipped to deal with and respond to local emergencies within the township and district. The new state-of-the-art facility has a number of distinct features including a joint motor room where VICSES and CFA
vehicles will be garaged side-by-side. The administration and amenities area is also shared but with dedicated offices providing both volunteers and personnel a greater level of Work Health and Safety compliance and comfort. The Woomelang facility cost $623,000 to build, with the total project in total costing approximately $840.000. The new facility will be opened by the Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett on Sunday 6 March at 11am. www.vesa.org.au
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CHELSEA SES GOLF DAY
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he 4th annual Chelsea SES Golf Day was held on Sunday, February 28, at the Edithvale Public Golf Course, all thanks to the Australasian Golf Club. Channel 10’s Neighbours stars, Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl) and Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) were on hand to join in the fun and support the volunteers at the Chelsea Unit. Longest drives, and nearest the pin competitions added to the fun and a perfect day weather wise saw the golfers all having a great day. The barbecue was kept busy with breakfast and lunch cooked to perfection by our Chelsea SES master chefs and the golf club supplied enough liquid refreshments at the 19th hole to keep everyone happy. Chelsea volunteers were very happy as this was the first time in three years that crews had not been on call outs for most of the prior Saturday night, coming straight to the course for the start of the day. All in all it was another fantastic day with everyone looking forward to a bigger and brighter 5th anniversary in 2017.
Picture L-R: (All SES are Chelsea members) Sanne Van Der Zweep, Evette Davis, Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson, Neighbours) Alan Fletcher (Dr. Karl, Neighbours), Will Eastwood and Ian Slater.
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY www.vesa.org.au
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helsea SES had a special guest visitor at training recently, Kimba dropped in to say G’day and have a picture with everyone in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21). Our members were more than happy to get in on the action and to show their full support for World Down Syndrome Day! Kimba, 26, is the daughter of Chelsea member Phil Wall and is also a fellow volunteer at the local Family Life Op Shop where she even wears an orange apron, see; as we say, everyone looks good in orange! April 2016
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Interstate Deployment:
SES ASSISTS FIRE EMERGENCY IN
TASMANIA
Base Camp Staging Area.
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Stanley Base Camp.
Base Camp Tent City.
THE 2015-16 FIRE SEASON IN TASMANIA WAS SEVERE AND SUPPORT WAS REQUESTED FROM VICTORIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, NSW AND NEW ZEALAND. FIREFIGHTING STRIKE TEAMS FLEW INTO, OR DROVE THEIR VEHICLES ON THE SPIRIT OF TASMANIA TO, THE NORTH-WEST OF THE STATE, AND VICSES ASSISTED WITH A REQUEST FOR THE ROLE OF BASE CAMP MANAGER. BASE CAMP MANAGER (BCM) IS A PERSONNEL AND LOGISTICS CHALLENGE AND THE STANLEY BASE CAMP WAS NO EXCEPTION; PROVIDING TENT ACCOMMODATION AND BEDDING FOR BETWEEN 200-500 PERSONNEL ON DAY AND NIGHT SHIFTS.
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ontainerised shower and toilet blocks, laundry facilities, marquees, supply caches, camping equipment, kitchen and kitchen support facilities are owned by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). More than 13 containers were brought from the mainland; 6 were flown into Hobart by the RAAF on Hercules aircraft and trucked up to Stanley, 7 were transported by sea freight to Burnie and Devonport then trucked to Stanley. The camp was set up in less than a day by local crane drivers, truck drivers, labour hire, plumbers and electricians, under the
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guidance of the Base Camp Manager and Base Camp Support Crew. The Staging Area adjacent to the Base Camp housed up to 90 vehicles. The airbase was located nearby. The welfare statistics are an eye-opener. The kitchen catered for up to 1,000 people in a sitting. On average, 900 meals a day were served or 6,300 per week. 700 litres of milk were consumed per week, along with 420 dozen eggs, 245kg of bacon, 4,900 rolls, 5,600 pieces of fruit, 14,000 snack bars, 350 litres of orange juice, 4,200 cups of coffee, 1,050kg of meat, and 2,100 desserts. The catering company is a veteran of fire emergencies in various States; this was their 10th Base Camp. April 2016
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2016 ANNUAL WAR THE 39TH ANNUAL WARRANDYTE FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT, TO COMMUNICATE WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS ABOUT THE ROLE THE SES PLAYS IN THE COMMUNITY
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he theme of this year’s annual Warrandyte festival was ‘Boogie in the bush’, which showcased the true community spirit as many different cultures were shown through different forms of dance, food and music. Members arrived to the festival on a wet Saturday morning to assist VICPOL with traffic management during the road closures, as the annual community parade occurred. The rain didn’t stop families and residents from participating in the classic festival, and getting involved with the activities and community spirit. The weather cleared up presenting
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beautiful sunny conditions for the annual ‘Plastic duck race’, which SES members coordinated. Members also engaged with the community through providing information about the dangers of extreme weather conditions, the role of the SES, and emphasising the SES number ‘132 500’ – and when to use the service. Ellen Borg, a member at the Manningham Unit, recounts her experience over the weekend. ‘The Warrandyte festival provides an excellent opportunity for members from the SES to communicate with local
residents, and provide awareness to families; about the importance of having a home emergency kit in a safe and secure location at their house. It was excellent to see the huge participation of SES Manningham volunteers, especially members who recently joined at the start of the year; getting involved with the service and assisting with promoting the importance of community education.’ Despite the wet start to the weekend, the festival was a great success and extremely enjoyable for all members to attend. Submitted by Ellen Borg www.vesa.org.au
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RANDYTE FESTIVAL
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Back in time series
SES vehicles
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Photo’s from Craigieburn Unit Facebook page.
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FEATURE
SES MEMBERS DEPLOYED TO WYE RIVER FIRES IN JANUARY, I WAS ONE OF SEVEN SES MEMBERS FROM CENTRAL TO BE DEPLOYED TO THE SOUTH WESTERN BUSHFIRE AREA. WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE CFA AND MAINLY DELWP PEOPLE WAS AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OF US.
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e headed towards Colac ICC on Saturday where we were told to head to the Birregurra Base Camp which was on the Birregurra Recreation Reserve. On Saturday night, the Torquay SES Unit were running the staging area so we talked to them to find out what was going on. Our accommodation was on site in the tents and bedding provided. It was an amazing set up with toilets, showers, catering, accommodation, etc. Every logistic was catered for with no expense spared. Our shift began on Sunday morning at 7.15am when many of the DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, water and Planning) ‘Strike forces’ began to head out towards the fires. The camp was exclusively a DELWP camp with strike teams of up to 12 vehicles being mostly slipons (utes with water tank etc on the back). They were from all over the state with about 20 crew from New Zealand as well. There were up to 200 people in the camp at any one time. There were seven SES members assisting the paid crews. There were three (Brian Griffin, Kevin Vine and myself) from Whitehorse (Staging Area Management Team), one (Mohan Nugawela) from Sorrento (S.A.M), one (Michael Delanis) from Malvern, one (Bill Young) from Port Phillip (Ground support ICC Colac) and one (Tyrone Parkhill) from Wyndham East
(Ground Support Base Camp). CFA were involved in the ICC at Colac. It didn’t take us long to get to know all the crews as they went out for the day and then came home again. There was even a night strike force each evening to keep a presence in the area 24 hours a day. Our shift was from 8.00 to 20.00 each day but we mostly worked from 7.15 to 21.30 each day. I learnt a great deal about a Staging area and Base Camp and (even though it was a bit slow during the day) enjoyed the camaraderie, good humour, great food, respect shown towards us SES volunteers and working with the other SES members.
We encountered all sorts of conditions with the heat, cold, rain, storms and a fire nearby. Many tents were ripped to shreds during the storm so they brought in seven busses to act as a wind breaker. It didn’t do much good but given their (DELWP) unlimited budget (our taxes), it didn’t matter. In time, I will do it again but next time I will ask for clarification on where we are based, what type of accommodation (stretchers were a bit hard), what is our specific role/mission and who is the SES CTDO. Submitted by Rob Olifiers
HELPING OUT FIJI AFTER TROPICAL CYCLONE WINSTON BENDIGO UNIT VOLUNTEER PART OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE MISSION TO FIJI FOLLOWING TROPICAL CYCLONE WINSTON.
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rett Walsh is a volunteer with Bendigo SES. In his day job, Brett is a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Right now he’s part of the Australian Government’s humanitarian assistance mission to Fiji in the aftermath of Brett is one of a team of 20 clinicians from Australia. They’re travelling village to village, working with local Fijian healthcare practitioners to provide primary health care to those affected by the cyclone, where the risk of communicable diseases such as dengue fever is high. Brett says that the Fijian community has done amazing work following the cyclone as the clean up work continues. Visit the DFAT website to learn more about the mission.
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April 2016
Bendigo SES volunteer Brett Walsh joins the humanitarian assistance mission to Fiji following TC Winston. www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
VOLUNTEER VACANCIES Below is a list of current volunteer vacancies with VICSES Units throughout Victoria. IF YOU CAN’T FIND A SUITABLE VACANCY HERE, USE THE MAP ON OUR VOLUNTEER ENQUIRY PAGE TO FIND YOUR CLOSEST UNIT AND LODGE YOUR INTEREST. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ADVERTISED VACANCIES ARE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND ARE NOT PAID ROLES.
Corio Unit Role: Community Education Facilitator Victoria SES volunteers respond to natural disasters relating to flood, storm and earthquake events. Working with other emergency service organisations, Victoria SES engages and educates the community on what to do before, during, and after a natural disaster. All new members will be required to undertake a membership application, criminal record check and a three (3) month probation period. Registering your interest • Download and complete the Volunteer motivation survey.xlsm (133 KB) • Save the document with the filename YOUR NAME motivation survey.xlsm • Email the file to the Unit Controller, and include your full name and phone number Applications close 9:00pm Sunday July 10, 2016
Corio Unit Role: Operational Response members who are available during standard business hours Victoria SES is a volunteer based organisation that provides emergency response to the Victorian community. Victoria SES Corio Unit volunteers respond to natural disasters relating to flood, storm and tsunami events, and provide road rescue services to the local community. Are you willing to undergo training in and respond to: • Storm damage • Trees that have fallen over roads and property • Damage to property from severe weather • Flooding • Road, Air or Industrial rescue • Assisting other emergency services such as Police, Fire and Ambulance?
www.vesa.org.au
All new members will be required to undertake a membership application, criminal record check and a three (3) month probation period. Registering your interest • Download and complete the Volunteer motivation survey.xlsm (133 KB) • Save the document with the filename YOUR NAME motivation survey.xlsm • Email the file to the Unit Controller, and include your full name and phone number Applications close 9:00pm Sunday July 10, 2016
Robinvale Unit Role: Operational members who are available during standard business and after hours Victoria SES is a volunteer based organisation that provides emergency response to the Victorian community. Victoria SES Robinvale Unit volunteers respond to natural disasters relating to flood, storm and tsunami events. Are you willing to undergo training in and respond to: • Storm damage • Trees down on houses/cars • Trees over roads • Damage to property from severe weather • Flooding • Utilising hand and mechanical tools to rescue people trapped in Road and Industrial emergencies • Assisting other emergency services such as Police, Fire and Ambulance • Community education If this sounds like you, the Robinvale Unit will be running an information night for all prospective volunteers. Registering your interest • Download and complete the Volunteer motivation survey.xlsm (133 KB) • Save the document with the filename YOUR NAME motivation survey.xlsm
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Email the file to the Unit Controller, and include your full name and phone number Applications close 5:00pm Wednesday 5 April, 2016
Seymour Unit Role: Operational Response members Victoria SES is a volunteer based organisation that provides emergency response to the Victorian community. Victoria SES Corio unit volunteers respond to Natural disasters relating to flood, storm and tsunami events. And the provision of road rescue services to the local community, Are you willing to undergo training in and respond to respond to: • Storm damage • Trees that have fallen over roads or personal property • Damage to property from severe weather • Flooding • Road, Air or Industrial rescue • Flood rescue • Assisting other emergency services such as Police, Fire and Ambulance • Educating the community prior, during and after an emergency All new members will be required to undertake a membership application, criminal record check and a three (3) month probation period. Registering your interest • Download and complete the Volunteer motivation survey.xlsm (133 KB) • Save the document with the filename YOUR NAME motivation survey.xlsm • Email the file to the Unit Controller, and include your full name and phone number Applications close 9:00pm Thursday 30 June, 2016 *If you are interested in any vacancies above, please visit the extranet for more information*
April 2016
PHOENIX 21
FEATURE
NORTH-EAST VICTORIA BUSHFIRE SUPPORT RECENTLY I WAS IMPACTED BY THE INDIGO VALLEY BUSHFIRE ON DECEMBER 20, 2015, AND LOST MACHINERY, SHEARING AND HAY SHEDS, AND 90 PER CENT OF PASTURE AND FENCING, HOWEVER, WE MANAGED TO SAVE THE HOUSE AND BARN AND ALL STOCK.
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would just like to take the opportunity to thank Keith O’Brien (Assistant Chief Officer) and Brendan Corboy (Operations Manager) North East Region, for their phone calls and support soon after. I was also overwhelmed by a call I received from Peer Support offering assistance. After such a traumatic experience, my partner and I realized how the community and SES made us feel we were not alone. Lastly I need to say a huge thank you to all the unit members from Chiltern. The support offered was incredible and I am so honoured and proud in being part of the Chiltern Unit and an organisation that looks after one another in time of need.
Thank You
Michael Knight Controller – Chiltern Unit
THE NEIGHBOURS EXPERIENCE
IN NOVEMBER 2015, VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (VICSES) WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN FILMING FOR SOME UPCOMING BLOCKBUSTER EPISODES OF THE “NEIGHBOURS” TELEVISION SERIES.
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iven that the locale for the filming is the internationally famous “Ramsay Street”, the Whitehorse SES Unit was selected to participate as Ramsay Street is located in their area of responsibility. Filming took place over parts of nine days in December 2015 and January 2016 involving six Whitehorse SES Unit members, a large rescue truck (Rescue 1) and a 4x4 vehicle. The theme of the episodes was a rescue and recovery situation following an explosion at “Lassiters Hotel”. Persons were trapped and injured by collapsed pillars and debris. Advice was given by
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the VICSES personnel as to how best achieve safe extraction of the victims, and appropriate safety measures that would be undertaken in a real-life situation. As well as providing advice and specialised rescue equipment, SES volunteers were also involved as extras during the filming of various aspects of the scenes. The episodes are being billed as “The biggest week of Neighbours ever and the biggest disaster to hit Ramsay Street”. There are many twists and turns in the plot coming up with some shock surprises as to who survives and who doesn’t, but you will have to watch
the episodes to follow all the twists and turns of the plot. The cast and crew of Neighbours were very welcoming to VICSES and incredibly hard working in managing the intricate filming demands that go with such a well-established and long running television series. The episodes involving VICSES will be screened through most of the week commencing Monday, April 4, from 1830-1900 on Channel 11 (with an extended show on Tuesday, April 5, from 1830-1930). Screening of the series in the United Kingdom will also take place over about the same period.
www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
MALLACOOTA COMMUNITY HOSTS EMERGENCY SERVICES EXPO ON SUNDAY JANUARY 3, 2016 VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (VICSES) MALLACOOTA UNIT WAS JOINED BY THE MALLACOOTA COAST GUARD, AMBULANCE VICTORIA AND MALLACOOTA COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY (CFA) TO HOST AN EMERGENCY SERVICES EXPO IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LOCAL SUNDAY MARKET.
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he event was held to promote community safety and was targeted specifically towards holiday makers visiting the area. The event helped encourage awareness around possible risk factors and emergency management plans to support the community and its visitors during an emergency. The expo attracted over 3000 people and feedback from the attendees was extremely positive, with many being very impressed at the extent of resources available. The Mallacoota VICSES members spent considerable time liaising with other local emergency service agencies to establish this event for the benefit of the local community and it’s visitors. The event was deemed an enormous success and all agencies have agreed to continue to work together to make this an annual fixture for the town.
SUCCESSFUL TRAINING WEEKEND IN HALLS GAP FORTY VOLUNTEERS RECENTLY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL MID-WEST REGION RESCUE TRAINING WEEKEND IN HALLS GAP.
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olunteers worked towards an accreditation known as General Rescue. This is the core qualification VICSES volunteers obtain and qualifies them to participate safely in an extensive range of emergency response activities. It also forms the foundation for specific rescue skill development. Members participated in multiple general rescue scenarios such as handling z-rig pulley systems, casualty handling and other improvised rescue tasks. VICSES Regional Officer Training Jarrod McLean said that the weekend was a success because everyone put in and achieved what they set out to do over the weekend. “It’s always inspiring to see volunteers gain their General Rescue qualification and strengthen their capability and skills in rescue response in support of the wider community” he said. www.vesa.org.au
“The weekend is also a great networking opportunity for members from across the region, from Bacchus Marsh to Edenhope, to discuss methods, best practice and share experiences in rescue response.” Kurt Winfield from the Edenhope Unit was presented with the Ian Mayberry Award at the end of the weekend. The Ian Mayberry Award is presented annually to the participant
that demonstrates enthusiasm, professional, practicality, innovation and excels in engaging a group. The Shield is dedicated to the memory of Ian Mayberry who a leader, trainer, inspiration during his 25 years of Service to the Goroke VICSES. Throughout the weekend Kurt demonstrated his ability to assist others and was always willing to help and showed professionalism at all times. April 2016
PHOENIX 23
LETTERS
Letters of thanks To Whom it may concern, This note is to thank our branch of the SES for work they carried out at the above address. My wife and I are so appreciative for all that was done after a vehicle drove into our house on Good Friday. I have hand written this note rather than type to attempt to make it more personal. I only got one name – I guess I was in shock, not meeting all the crew is not my normal action – I met Luke, I suspect he was team leader. Management should be proud of this group, they were timely, well mannered, extremely efficient and worked in a impressive team oriented, effective outcome driven process. Thank you for relieving our pain and securing our house. Thank God for SES Craigieburn. Joe and Susan Kempster (Lynden)
Hume CIU North West Metro Region
27 March 2016 Officer In Charge SES Craigieburn On the 25th of March, 2016, members of your Unit promptly deployed to a crime scene located in Barrymore Road, Greenvale. The attending members conducted a line search of a car park and located forensic evidence believed to be associated with the crime that we were investigating. This was done in low light and considering the size of the exhibit, it was an excellent job. I would like to thank the members involved in this search and I appreciate their efforts. Yours sincerely James Marsden Detective Acting Sergeant 28903 Hume Crime Investigation Unit
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www.vesa.org.au
A QUICK GUIDE TO VESA VICTORIA EMERGENCY SERVICE ASSOCIATION
WHAT IS VESA? VESA works to advocate for VICSES volunteers, actively supporting Unit leadership teams and engaging cooperatively with VICSES management and Government. • VESA is a non-profit organisation which exists to further the interests of VICSES volunteer members. • VESA uses its dedicated focus on volunteers to select and drive the resolution of issues that impact on skills, safety and how VICSES volunteers undertake their duties. It is important to note that VESA is an Association not a Union. VESA does not engage in adversarial campaigns but it does seek to further the interests of VICSES volunteers, and the public they serve, by promoting appropriate standards in training, equipment and ethics in VICSES.
WHO IS VESA? VESA is wholly staffed by VICSES volunteers and is funded by VICSES Units. VESA is comprised of all VICSES Units – two Delegates are selected to represent each Unit, Regional Councils and a State Board.
VESA’s MISSION To be pro-active in the pursuit of excellence in service delivery for VESA membership and to maintain an effective communication and interaction with all emergency and support agencies.
VESA’s VISION To ensure that the highest level of skills training is available to the volunteers of VICSES. To ensure that the resources available to volunteers are applicable to the respective operational requirements.
VESA’s STRUCTURE VESA is broken up into 7 Regions: South West, Central West, Central East, North West, North East, Mid-West and East. Each Region has a Regional Council which seeks input from local Units, meets and discusses the issues identified and selects issues for escalation to the VESA State Board.
Unit Delegates Each member Unit of VESA elects two delegates who convey the thoughts and feelings of their Unit and its members to the Regional Council. The time spent on this important duty can be as much as the Delegate wants to put in or as little as the Delegate needs to. Each Unit is different and the Units’ Delegates will need to put in the effort that their Unit expects from them. It is a responsible position but not an overly onerous or laborious one.
VICSES Regional Manager and reporting issues and the outcomes to the respective Units and the VESA State Board. The Regional Councils raise issues relevant to VICSES Volunteers to be presented to the VESA State Board for the formulation of policy on the issues they perceive need to be addressed, and to further advocate an outcome with the VICSES CEO or VICSES Board for action.
Regional Council Positions Each Council elects members to undertake the following roles: • President • Secretary • Director • Alternate Director
VESA Board The structure of VESA was recently streamlined to involve Regional Councils to assist Units and Volunteers in the presentation of their local issues to the Regional Manager. This will enable the majority of local issues to be dealt with directly by those most affected by and able to rectify the issue. Regional Councils, via their elected Directors, minutes of meetings and unit reports will be able to keep the State Board informed of those issues so that the Board can recognise and monitor any wide ranging issues as they develop. If appropriate, the board will present them to the respective VICSES Management stream for resolution.
VESA Board Positions • Chairperson • Vice Chairperson • Secretary • Treasurer • Board Member • Board Member • Board Member
PHOENIX MAGAZINE VESA publishes the Phoenix magazine for VICSES volunteers. Phoenix is published six times a year and features articles and photos of interest, submitted by volunteers and staff.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? As a VICSES volunteer, you are welcome to participate in a VESA Regional Council. Meetings are held once a quarter at various Unit LHQs. The discussion is very informative and presents a great opportunity to network and share best practices across Units.
Regional Councils The elected delegates of the Units from within the region form their Regional Council. When units have been unsuccessful in raising issues themselves with their Regional Manager the Regional Council is charged with addressing those local issues with their respective
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