PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE VICTORIAN SES VOLUNTEERS
ISSUE 196 AUGUST 2019
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Printpost Approved PP 100001634
WOMEN IN THE SES:
RESHAPING DYNAMICS
SMARTER. TOUGHER. SAFER. THAT’S ANOTHER HINO
Pedestrian Detection Adaptive Cruise Control
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Active safety systems are an aid to assist the driver and have performance limitations. Please refer to our website videos for full details.
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.
Send all articles to:
Email: phoenix@vicsesva.org.au
VicSESVA CONTACTS VicSESVA Phoenix Editor & Mailing List Enquiries To add, edit or delete members to mail list or password and technical support contact: helpdesk@vicsesva.org.au
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www.vicsesva.org.au
Contents 3
From the Board
14
6
Rescue boat multi-agency exercise
Women in the SES: Reshaping Dynamics
22
Chelsea volunteers receive National Medals
Wangaratta SES primary school Careers Day
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VICSESVA volunteer welfare and efficiency survey 2019
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SES Fit for Task Project
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Bairnsdale and Bruthen Units Field HQ
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ESF kicking goals for mental health and wellbeing
VicSESVA STATE BOARD EXECUTIVE & STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECRETARY Faye Bendrups
SHOP MANAGER AND TASK FORCE DELEGATE Mr Chris Patton
M: 0435 964 455 E: secretary@vicsesva.org.au E: fayebendrups@hotmail.com
M: 0407 310 555 E: shop@vicsesva.org.au
DIRECTOR NORTH EAST REGION Mr Chris Brown
CHAIRPERSON AND DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL EAST REGION Mr David Rowlands
M: 0417 550 076 E: nerc@vicsesva.org.au
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M: 0423 777 633 E: chair@vicsesva.org.au
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TREASURER AND PRESIDENT/ALT DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL EAST REGION Ann Hinsch
DIRECTOR EAST REGION Mitch Darragh E: erc@vicsesva.org.au
E: treasurer@vicsesva.org.au
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Letters to the editor If you have a point of view you feel would be of benefit to VicSESVA, 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.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
DIRECTOR CENTRAL WEST REGION Ray Desem
DIRECTOR NORTH WEST REGION Vacant
E: cwrc@vicsesva.org.au
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:
E: nwrc@vicsesva.org.au
DIRECTOR SOUTH WEST REGION Vacant
DIRECTOR MID WEST REGION Vacant
E: swrc@vicsesva.org.au
E: mwrc@vicsesva.org.au
VICSES PEER SUPPORT Peer Support can be accessed at any time by ringing 1800 899 927 and asking for SES Peer Support (EAS Paging). The Clinical Director can be contacted on mobile 0417 565 927 or by ringing 1800 899 927 (EAS Paging).
CHAPLAINS CONTACT DETAILS 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
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 State Emergency Service Volunteers Association (VicSESVA) 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 VicSESVA holds for its members is solely used for the production and distribution of Phoenix and associated products.
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uring the past few cold winter months, volunteers have been involved with numerous searches, interagency training and activities; in challenging conditions and challenging circumstances. The work reflects the enormous contribution emergency volunteers make to the Victorian community, and the value they give back to society. There are new initiatives in the sector and new objectives ahead. One of the most important projects is the Emergency Services Foundation’s (ESF’s) focus on mental health and wellbeing. See details in this edition for their activities, including the Emergency Services match at the MCG in July and the WorkSafe WorkWell network. A critical piece of research that informs strategic directions in mental health in the sector is the Beyond Blue ‘Answering the Call’ survey. 21,000 people across the nation shared their information to provide ground breaking evidence into the mental health and well-being of emergency services workers. We are all part of that conversation, and the research can be found at www.beyondblue.org.au/pesresearch Other surveys play an important part in developing evidence-based research to support volunteers. The most relevant for SES volunteers is the annual VicSESVA Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey, which started on 23 August and is open
from the
BOARD “The work reflects the enormous contribution emergency volunteers make to the Victorian community, and the value they give back to society.” until October 14. We encourage all volunteers to complete this survey. It is the fourth year the survey has been conducted, hosted by VFBV and it has become an influential contribution to knowledge of the volunteer experience sector-wide. To complete the survey, go to www.vfbv.com.au/2019sessurvey. php or https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/2019sessurvey Another survey which is currently open and closes on September 12 is the Fit for Task project. SES agencies from across Australia are working together to better understand the minimum physical requirements of our operational tasks, to create a simple and consistent guide for SES volunteers and agencies that will help match volunteers to tasks that they can perform safely. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SES_ FITFORTASK.
All surveyed-out? While there seems to be a multitude of surveys coming our way, don’t be deterred. A survey is a simple and effective way for your voice to be heard. It is a method of collaboration and inclusion which reaches all of us, regardless of distance or time factors. All of the surveys mentioned above are of direct benefit to SES volunteers. Most take a relatively short time to complete, usually around 10-15 minutes. Some may take longer, but 20 or 30 minutes of time is worth it in the long run, to get your opinion out there, to voice your concerns, to raise awareness of issues that affect us and to help us all work better together. We encourage you to have your say.
VicSESVA Board of Directors
Chairperson chair@vicsesva.org.au
Phoenix Editor phoenix@vicsesva.org.au
North East Regional Council nerc@vicsesva.org.au
Treasurer treasurer@vicsesva.org.au
South West Regional Council swrc@vicsesva.org.au
East Regional Council erc@vicsesva.org.au
Secretary secretary@vicsesva.org.au
Mid-West Regional Council mwrc@vicsesva.org.au
Central East Regional Council cerc@vicsesva.org.au
Volunteer Shop shop@vicsesva.org.au
North West Regional Council nwrc@vicsesva.org.au
Central West Regional Council cwrc@vicsesva.org.au
vicsesva.org.au
August 2019
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REPORTS
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FEATURE
RESCUE BOAT MULTIAGENCY EXERCISE Lake Nagambie 2019
JUSTIN NAVAS, ROT CENTRAL REGION RECENTLY MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM VICTORIA POLICE AND THE EMV MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE OFFICE WITH A CONCEPT AS TO HOW VICSES COULD IMPROVE ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN THE WAY IT WORKS WITH OTHER AGENCIES DURING SEARCH OPERATIONS UTILISING ITS RESCUE BOATS. AFTER SIGNIFICANT PLANNING LED BY JUSTIN, THE CONCEPT CAME TO FRUITION AND CULMINATED IN A MULTI-AGENCY MARINE EXERCISE AT LAKE NAGAMBIE ON THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 14-16.
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he activity was designed to provide boat crews with simulated exercises to practise their responses to water emergencies. Vessels and crews from Victoria State Emergency Service’s Central and North East Regions along with Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad and Lake Eppalock Coast Guard joined together to undertake two scenarios. Vessels and crews were blended during the activities to enhance inter-operability. Each day saw an entirely new task force of volunteers attend and participate in the exercise. The exercise consisted of two scenarios which were run simultaneously each day requiring the vessels to operate as two separate task forces. Task forces were briefed, tasked and coordinated by a Water Police Marine Coordinator and monitored and tracked by the SES Field Operations Vehicle.
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Through the use of multi-agency incident talk groups all personnel involved were able to communicate directly with each other and the Search Commander to receive timely instructions each time they located items of interest or the missing persons. Search vessels were joined by the Victoria Police Air Wing members who assisted
with aerial searches, often locating items of interest or the missing persons, before directing search vessels to those locations by use of inter-agency talk groups and overhead hand signals. Overall, approximately 70 volunteers attended the weekend’s activities. Feedback from participants highlighted the realism of
vicsesva.org.au
the event through the use of multi-agency personnel and resources, the advantages in use of inter-agency talk groups, and the positive approach by all involved to work in a multi-agency event. Special thanks goes to all the participating agencies and personnel as well as Strathbogie Shire for the use of their facilities over the weekend. Agencies involved: • VICSES – Central Region • VICSES – North East Region • Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad • Coast Guard Lake Eppalock • Victoria Water Police Squad • Victoria Police Air Wing • EMV – Marine Search and Rescue Office. Submitted by Michael Potter MROR Central Region vicsesva.org.au
August 2019
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Chelsea Unit National Medal recipients: Ron Fitch, Phil Wall, Daniel Alpel.
CHELSEA VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE NATIONAL MEDALS AT A PACKED MULGRAVE COUNTRY CLUB IN WHEELERS HILL ON SATURDAY NIGHT, MORE THAN 300 VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF FROM VICSES CENTRAL REGION, WHICH COVERS THE ENTIRE MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN AREA, GATHERED FOR THEIR ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT.
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hree volunteer members from the Chelsea Unit were recipients of The National Medal from the Federal Government at the ceremony. The National Medal is an Australian award given for long service by operational members of specified eligible organisations. It was introduced in 1975, as an original component of the new Australian honours system, and replaced a range of medals available to military and civilian uniformed services for long service and good conduct. The eligible groups have in common, that their members serve or protect the community at the risk of death,
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injury or trauma, hence it is only available to members of the eligible organisations who are operationally deployed. Members Ron Fitch and Daniel Alpel received their National Medal for 25 years’ service and Phil Wall received his National Medal for 15-years’ service. During the evening, several other Chelsea members were also recognised, with VICSES Long Service Medals. Prashikha Chhetri and Bryan Greene received 5 Year Service Medals, Bruno Antolini, Scott Davidson and Evette Davis received their 10 Year Service Medals, Phil Wall received his Medal for 15 years’ service and Daniel Alpel received his 25 year
Service Medal. Chelsea Controller, Ron Fitch, received his 25 year Medal last year, giving a combined total on the night, of more than 105 years’ experience from these Chelsea SES volunteers alone. It was also revealed that during the last 12 months, a total of 12,908 calls for assistance were attended by Central Region Units which equates to 35 calls for every day of the past year. A great night was had by all and congratulations from all at Chelsea SES to every one of the night’s award recipients from across the region. Submitted by Phil Wall vicsesva.org.au
The simulated field headquarters swings into action.
BAIRNSDALE AND BRUTHEN UNITS FIELD HQ BAIRNSDALE AND BRUTHEN VICSES UNITS RECENTLY WORKED TOGETHER IN A SIMULATED SET UP OF A FIELD SEARCH BASE IN SARSFIELD.
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nacting a scenario of responding to a police request to establish a headquarters to support a search, they dispatched three vehicles and associated assets to the Bullock Hill area, establishing the base at night in rolling paddocks. Bruthen Unit deployed their lighting trailer unit and Bairnsdale brought their specially designed Land Search Trailer. A marquee was erected, lighting for a wide area of land established, remote lighting was deployed across two dams and a shed, radio systems and protocols established, and provision of hot food and drinks began, all within thirty minutes of arrival. The exercise was conducted as a training session and to critically review processes and resources. Bairnsdale Unit Deputy Controller, Frank Carter said the exercise helped prepare volunteer members for a fairly regular SES task. “All aspects, including the close cooperation of the two Units, were a great success on the night. This training helps us respond quickly and effectively in search and in rescue situations”. Mr Carter said that both Units are open to new recruits who would find this type of activity interesting and fulfilling. He invited community members to visit the VICSES web site for information about volunteering. Submitted by Merryn Henderson vicsesva.org.au
Bruthen and Bairnsdale SES members stand in front of Bruthen’s mobile lighting unit. August 2019
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ESF KICKING GOALS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE WORK OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES WAS ACKNOWLEDGED WITH AN AFL EMERGENCY SERVICES MATCH, HAWTHORN V COLLINGWOOD AT THE MCG, JULY 5TH 2019.
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ES volunteers from across Victoria participated, forming a guard of honour for the players, driving vehicles in convoy around the ground and lining up in formation on the ‘hallowed turf ’, as the spectators showed their appreciation with cheers and sustained applause. The match was an initiative of the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) as part of their renewed focus on mental health and wellbeing in the sector and to celebrate the contribution made by Victoria’s emergency service personnel.
The ESF has also been successful in receiving funding by WorkSafe to Chair a WorkWell Learning Network for the Victorian emergency services sector. As Learning Network Chair ESF will bring workplaces and experts together to share ideas and knowledge to collaboratively design and implement workplaces initiatives that create long term, sustainable and organisational-wide change for safe and mentally healthy work environments. Every day, our emergency service workers, both paid and volunteer, respond to over 7,000 calls for help here in Victoria. vicsesva.org.au
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One in three volunteers report being diagnosed with a mental health condition in their life compared to one in five Australian adults Over half employees surveyed experienced a traumatic event in the course of their work that deeply affected them Employees who have worked more than ten years in police and emergency services are almost twice as likely to experience psychological distress and six times more likely to have symptoms of PTSD compared to those with less than two years’ service Employees and volunteers report suicidal thoughts over two times more often than adults in the general population and are three times more likely to have a suicide plan
Funds raised from the Stadium Stomp on 30 June 2019 and the AFL Emergency Services Match on 5 July 2019 will be used to develop and expand mental health and wellbeing programs to benefit paid and volunteer workers and their families right across the sector. The full Answering the Call report on the survey findings and additional information can be downloaded from www.beyondblue.org.au/pesresearch ESF Scholarships: Making a difference to the emergency services in Victoria Did you know there is an opportunity to undertake study or research into a topic relevant to the Emergency Services sector? Several SES volunteers and staff have been successful recipients of these awards
“The Emergency Services Foundation is driving that collective effort to develop a best practice approach to care for Victoria’s emergency services personnel because we rely on those people to be mentally well to effectively support the community.”
They see, and do things, that many of us find hard to imagine, and so often they respond with their heart in their mouth in anticipation of what they will be faced with when they arrive at the scene, especially when they are working close to home in their own small communities and see children and others harmed reminding them of their own families at home. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the impact that this work has on people, and how exposure to danger and trauma impacts their mental health and wellbeing. A national survey conducted by Beyond Blue reflects the collective voices of the 21,000 individuals who shared their information to provide ground breaking evidence into the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service personnel. The research found: • One in three employees experience high or very high psychological distress compared to one in eight Australian adults vicsesva.org.au
The Beyond Blue research found that self-stigma appears to be alive and well and recommended action in this area. While individuals have a positive regard for, and are supportive of, colleagues experiencing mental health conditions, self-stigma; a fear of what others may think or an inability to talk openly about personal feelings and circumstances, is rife. Self‑stigma gets in the way of people seeking support and is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. We need to reduce the stigma and make it okay for people to seek help early; well before their mental health problems develop into something more serious, debilitating and potentially life threatening. The Beyond Blue survey results reveal a workforce that is deeply impacted, both by the nature of the work that they do, and the pressures of the environments in which they work. These results compel action. They require a dedicated and collective effort to ensure that we strengthen our approach to protecting those who protect us – to make a real difference to people’s lives. The Emergency Services Foundation is driving that collective effort to develop a best practice approach to care for Victoria’s emergency services personnel because we rely on those people to be mentally well to effectively support the community.
in the past. Information is available at https://esf.com.au/services/scholarships/ The aim of the ESF scholarship program is to provide an opportunity for members of the Victorian Emergency Services to undertake a study tour that will lead to improvements in Victoria’s emergency management sector. It also aims to reward deserving individuals with a valuable opportunity for self-enrichment and career advancement through the pursuit of knowledge and experience. ESF scholarships are granted annually to provide recipients with funds to cover the expense of travel to advance their knowledge and expertise. ESF scholarships are not for completion of tertiary qualifications. In the past, topics of research have been varied. In line with ESFs new Strategic Plan, priority will be given in 2019 to applications that address issues of mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and volunteering. An ESF scholarship offers a wonderful opportunity to investigate a topic or an issue that you are passionate about so that you can make a difference to emergency management in Victoria. Content by ESF First published at esf.com.au, reprinted with permission August 2019
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Australasia’s largest emergency management conference and exhibition heads to Melbourne – Victorian SES volunteers welcome! For the first time in six years, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will play host to Australasia’s largest emergency management conference and exhibition, AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, taking place from 27 – 30 August. As one of the host agencies, Victoria’s SES volunteers are invited to attend the world-class trade exhibition taking place in bays three to ten of the MCEC and will receive a lunch voucher as well as free admission. The AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ exhibition will be the largest to date covering over 12,000sqm of gross exhibition space with close to 200 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest innovative products, services and solutions. The exhibition continues its evolution to service a collaborative industry that focuses on the common goal of protecting communities. A comprehensive representation of the sector will attend the exhibition including professionals from: rural and urban fire; fire safety, prevention and protection via the co-location with the IFE Australia National Conference; both land and aerial emergency and rescue services; defence force; first responders and public safety agencies and the industrial sector.
The exhibition will also feature a comprehensive Expo Stage program with over 30 practical presentations aimed at helping those at the frontline of emergency management. Topics include: innovations and new technologies, mental health, wellbeing, community, resilience, trucks and PPE. The exhibition will also have some exciting live demonstrations, including a crash scene extrication from ARRO (Australasian Road Rescue Organisation); Fire System Supplies and Resqtec demonstrating how to lift a truck from a car using pneumatic lifting bags; Edge Training and Simulation will demonstrate flight crew extrication from a helicopter; whilst Smokeshield Australia will provide live fire training. Humanihut will also be demonstrating their shelter system and FTS will be giving attendees the chance to see their environmental monitoring systems.
AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ – What’s on? » AFAC19 Conference » Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum
» INTERSCHUTZ trade exhibition, featuring the Expo Stage, Demonstrations and AIDR Knowledge Centre
» AFAC19 Gala Dinner » Professional Development Program » Co-located with the IFE National
Conference (Institution of Fire Engineers)
» Australian Disaster Resilience Conference running as the sixth stream of AFAC19
GET YOUR FREE VISITOR PASS AT
What you will get access to with a free visitor pass to AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ
Exhibition
Expo Stage
Close to 200 exhibiting companies from the world’s leading equipment providers
Over 30 practical presentations for frontline personnel
Demonstrations
AIDR Knowledge Centre
Exciting live demonstrations of the latest technologies and best practice rescue simulations
A hub of research findings featuring the popular poster displays and lounge area for conference speakers
How to register for your free visitor pass Visit afacconference.com.au/register Choose the Visitor Pass option and make sure that you select Victoria State Emergency Service in the organisation drop down – this will give you your lunch voucher.
afacconference.com.au/register
Exhibition opening hours: Tuesday 27 August: 13:00 – 18:00 Wednesday 28 August: 08:00 – 17:00 Thursday 29 August: 08:00 – 15:30 Attendance is for 18 years and over only.
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SPECIAL REPORT
Women in the SES:
RESHAPING DYNAMICS
THIS PAPER WAS ORIGINALLY PRESENTED AT THE 2019 AFAC CONFERENCE, MELBOURNE. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME A CONFERENCE PAPER WAS PRESENTED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF NATIONAL SES VOLUNTEERS. FOR INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SEE WWW.NSESVA.ORG.AU. Gordon Hall ESM Chair NSESVA Dr Faye Bendrups Vice-Chair NSESVA Introduction The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015) states that a gender perspective should be integrated into all disaster policies and practices, and that women’s leadership should be promoted. Frontline first responder organisations need to change to reflect their local communities in order to deliver better outcomes and enhance their own sustainability. A gender perspective is central to that change. Currently, women make up, on average, 22% of staff and volunteers in the emergency services sector and only 7% of management roles in frontline service delivery (AFAC Male Champions of Change, Fire and Emergency Progress Report 2017-18, p7). How have SES agencies, local units and volunteers taken up the challenge to move from an historically male-/military-centred ‘command and control’ model to a more contemporary model of emergency management with the community at its centre and with gender equality and human rights front of mind? Historical Context For a progressive country like Australia, low participation rates of women in Emergency Management is an ongoing dilemma. Australia was the first country to allow (nonindigenous women) the right to vote and stand for Parliament in the Commonwealth
WW1 nurses. vicsesva.org.au
Franchise Act 1902. During WW1, although there was resistance to women taking on men’s roles, they enthusiastically volunteered in organisations like Red Cross. By WW2, women were accepted into men’s roles and The Australian Women’s Land Army took on the task of working on farms where there were no men left, and the WW2 Civil Defence. Australian Women’s Army Service enlisted women to work in both local support roles and overseas frontline service, particularly in nursing. By the 1960s Australian women were more independent than ever, but prohibitions and social restrictions remained, such as not being permitted to enter public bars, or having correspondence addressed 1950s and 60s stereotypical gender roles. to you by your husband’s name (‘Mrs Gordon Hall’), little access sector is an economic mainstay, it was not to bank accounts, credit cards, or bank until 1994 that Australian women could loans in your own name, and women were officially call themselves farmers (instead of barred from Commonwealth public service for example, ‘farmer’s wives’ or ‘domestic employment if married. Women’s and men’s help’). While individual accomplishments pay rates differed and it was not until 1972 are laudable, in other places, women have that equal pay for equal work was granted. had more opportunities, and Australia ranks In 1975 Dame Margaret Guilfoyle only 36th in the world for gender equality became the first female federal minister, in (World Economic Forum, 2015). 1986 Janine Haines became the first female leader of a parliamentary Challenge: inclusive gender political party, in 1990 practices Joan Kirner became the In 2015, the Victorian government first female State Premier, committed to a policy to have 50% of in 2008 Quentin Bryce women on public boards and the judiciary. became the first female In 2017, nearly a third of global boards Governor General and had at least three women, up from 27.4% in 2010 –more than 100 in 2016. Research has found that having years after women won the a greater ratio of women on boards leads right to vote and stand for to better financial performance, enhances parliament- Julia Gillard the likelihood of women’s voices and ideas became the first female being heard, changes boardroom dynamics Prime Minister. And for a substantially, and develops an environment country whose agricultural for innovation. August 2019
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SPECIAL REPORT So how is it that the emergency services sector languishes in the (in-) equality stakes? The AFAC Male Champions of Change Progress Report 2017-18 states that “outdated job specifications and sector-based norms around ‘merit’ can prevent women’s entry and advancement” (p18). And yet there are numerous examples of women working at their local unit or brigade level who have made enormous contributions and provided excellence in leadership to their teams. They are out there, ‘hiding in plain sight’. But at the senior management or bureaucratic and institutional level, their achievements are under-acknowledged and do not translate into influence and management/leadership. Women are much better represented in non-managerial roles and while the SES is proud of the advances it has made in gender equality, it is far from providing proportional representation reflecting the 51% ratio of women in our population. In the AFAC report, there are few categories where women are represented at or above 50%. From a survey of 27 organisations across Australian and New Zealand, and the analysis of 17 categories for each of them (i.e. a total of 459 fields), there are only 56 where women are at or exceed 50% -around 12%- and most of those are in non-managerial support roles (ibid pp29-31). For many jurisdictions, the gender ratios are also static, not increasing. For example, in WA the percentage of female volunteers has remained between 36% and 38% since 2010. The leadership statistics also reflect the traditional female roles of support. While currently 38% of volunteers are women, only 17% are Local Managers, 24% are Deputy Managers, 14% are Training Managers, while 100% of Secretary roles are filled by women. But WA SES leads in volunteer retention compared to the other agencies, and the percentage of female volunteers has remained consistent since 2009/10. Men also remain for longer periods in SES. For example, in Victoria the median
Footscray Civil Defence first women firefighters 1973.
length of service for women is 3 years, for men it is 5 years. There are embedded barriers in the institutions themselves, for example, in emergency management manuals. The Gender and Disaster Pod reviewed 38 guidelines and emergency management manuals used in Australia (GEM guidelinesa Literature Review, 2016). The majority (24) do not include any mention of gender at all, and a minority (9) mentioned gender with few useful details. A smaller minority (5) included a helpful amount of information but two of these were international. The Gender and Disaster Pod advocates for a focus on gender as a means of addressing structural inequalities and argues for a more inclusive and gendered approach to emergency disaster planning. Most local, state and national plans and training resources do not mention gender, yet it is women who are often more adversely affected by disasters and who become the main support for families post-disaster. Perhaps the inclusion of more women in EM management and leadership would lead to a more inclusive and diverse approach in policy development.
Women’s representation in SES and Emergency Services Overall representation
Frontline Service Delivery Key managers
Frontline Service Delivery Non-managers
22%
NA
24%
NSW
36%
0%
36%
NT
29%
0%
31%
QLD
26%
0%
26%
SA
30%
NA
30%
TAS
29%
13%
30%
VIC
32%
0%
30%
WA
23%
NA
20%
State/ Territory ACT
Source: AFAC Male Champions of Change Progress Report 2017-18, pp29-30 * Refers to all EM services not just SES
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Examples of Success There are countless examples of how women and men supporting greater diversity and inclusion have ‘worked around’ institutional norms to advance women in SES. VICSES Footscray: Trailblazers in Diversity and Inclusion For example, in 1973 in Victoria, the local Footscray Civil Defence Brigade (later VICSES Footscray Unit) became the first to train women in firefighting, almost 10 years before women were accepted as operational fire responders in the Victorian Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). Three women undertook the training under MFB Chief Fire Officer Laurie Lavelle and topped the class, taking out the first three places ahead of the eight men on the course. The VICSES Footscray Unit became a trailblazing Unit in inclusiveness and diversity, with a history of more female than male Controllers, membership drawn from a community of multiple language and culture backgrounds, and no barriers to roles and training. In effect, a cultural expectation was established so that all members train for all roles regardless of physical attributes, first language, gender identification, professional expertise, or other differences. Even small changes were inclusive, like collaborating with female members of Muslim faith to design an appropriate headscarf to wear with the SES operational PPC. ACTSES: The Women’s Workshop In 2018 in the ACT, senior volunteer Jacinta Cortese worked with the Chief officer and Richelle Larkins, a female staff member, to develop a series of workshops for ACTSES women to build training skills sessions for women to demonstrate and practice a range of skills and training techniques; the Women’s Workshop. vicsesva.org.au
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Sunbury Unit ‘Women In Rescue’ Event In Victoria, the Sunbury SES Unit runs an annual Road Crash Rescue training day for women; the ‘Women In Rescue’ event. (see also Phoenix online, May 2019) The event has four goals: 1. To build confidence in all roles associated with a rescue 2. To increase familiarity with rescue tools through more ‘hands on tools’ time 3. To provide a positive, welcoming and challenging learning environment and 4. To expand the leadership capacity and networking opportunities of women in emergency services.
Sunbury Unit women in rescue.
The 2019 event included representatives from six different units, from three regions across Victoria. Participants came from Sunbury, Gisborne, Craigieburn, Seymour, Euroa and Murchison Units. Over two days participants took part in a variety of practical hands on sessions, interactive workshops and heard from guest speakers, all designed to increase experience, knowledge and confidence in Rescue. The practical sessions focused on vehicle stabilisation, rescue techniques for vehicles on roof, vehicles on side as well as third door conversions. Participants also heard from Katherine Cooney, program coordinator at the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. and co-founder of the Australian Women in Emergencies network. Katherine shared her experiences as a volunteer in emergency services and the leadership role that women play in the broader emergency services sector. Day two saw a focus on leadership with sessions looking at the SES Commander role and the role a leader plays in looking after the psychological welfare of their team. Participants shared their experiences in taking on leadership roles in the field and discussed the challenges and responsibilities that command may involve. The program wrapped up with a discussion from Peer Support who talked about the wellbeing of the individual and the psychological welfare of the team in managing emergencies. vicsesva.org.au
Rutherglen Unit: Intergenerational Women’s Participation In regional Victoria, the Rutherglen Unit has three generations of women from the same family; Irene Cracknell who joined in 1981, her daughter Jennie and granddaughter Amy. Irene remembers being asked to join by the then Controller: “I think he wanted an Admin Officer/tea lady!”. Irene took on the role of Admin Officer/Treasurer for seventeen years until being appointed as Unit Controller in 1998. She is currently Deputy Controller. Her daughter Jennie joined when she was seventeen and is a Peer Support volunteer. Her granddaughter joined four years ago and is training to be a Community Education Facilitator. Irene’s sister also joined the Unit in 1992 as a Training Officer. Irene said being in the SES gave her skills, friendship, confidence, reliability, strength and resilience. She has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community. WA: Entering by Stealth Irene’s story of being needed as a ‘tea lady’ has some resonance with other Units, where women joined as support volunteers and then moved on to become active operational responders. Gordon Hall recounts an example where he persuaded an all-male Unit -resistant to change- to take on women by emphasising their value in catering and welfare support, but once embedded in the Unit, they soon (as intended by Hall) influenced internal cultural change and took on frontline roles. Tani Millar, Mandurah SES (WA) Women in WA SES today are exemplified by Tania’s story; managing to work, raise four children as a single mother while becoming a skilled and active volunteer. Hall recounts Tania’s story of SES service: “For some it’s a stepping stone to something else, for others it becomes a kind
Tani Millar.
of a hobby but for some, like Tania, it stirs a passion. Tania has achieved so much in her 10 years with Mandurah SES. She has worked in Operations and Communications before settling in Rescue. She has been an active member of the Admin team and has qualified as a Workplace Trainer and Assessor. She has certificates in all areas covering things from Field Radio Operator to Land search and Storm Damage. Tania has goals to become a Sector Commander and is actively working towards this within her SES training. Tania has contributed countless hours to the SES both operationally and nonoperationally but always voluntarily. She has achieved all this while still managing her ‘other’ life as a single mum to four children, as well as being an active member of Mandurah Volunteer Fire Brigade and working. With the support of family and friends and the Mandurah SES unit, she is able to juggle all areas of her life and to maintain a balance, while still finding time for herself. Tania has become a good Team Leader and mentor to others and always greets you with a big smile”. Like other historical social change movements, women are not waiting for systems to change for them; they are instituting change and reshaping the dynamics of SES Units. They are networking and sharing skills and August 2019
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SPECIAL REPORT experiences. For example, in 2018 the AWE Australian (now Australasian) Women in Emergencies network was established and only one year later had 1,000 members from across Australia and New Zealand. Future Strategies Although SES has a greater percentage of women than other Emergency Services (urban firefighting, for example, has under 5% of women), is progress too slow or stagnating? A study by Bronnie Mackintosh (AIDR, 2018) looked at quotas, targeted recruitment and social-change programmes and determined that fire services that used a quota or gender target in their recruitment were the ones with the largest proportion of women. The Tokyo Fire Department (6.4 per cent women) and San Francisco Fire Department (16 per cent women) have the highest statistics for operational firefighters, with a normalisation of women firefighters and an inclusive culture in the fire stations, an outcome of the sustained and systematic inclusion of women in the workforce, and governmentsanctioned quotas for over two decades. The Victorian Gender and Disaster Taskforce (2016) identified seven objectives for increased diversity, emphasising the need to transform EM workplaces and environments, to improve gender-specific support and to embed a gender lens across EM culture and systems. Conclusion Increasing women in the SES – just as increasing women on boards leads to innovation and profitability- can strengthen the capabilities and skills within emergency management agencies and their communities. There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that increasing women’s participation also increases diversity, and importantly in our sector, improves mental health and well-being, as women are in general more ready to open conversations around personal or emotional matters. Celeste Young and Professor Roger Jones (Victoria University, 2018) clearly state similar objectives as the Sendai Framework: that a diverse and inclusive workforce reflecting the local community can increase trust and help to build more resilient organisations and communities and lead to more effective responses to social, environmental and economic change. Their research notes key characteristics that enable diverse and inclusive organisations, such as being strategic, collaborative, outward thinking, future focused, and empowering individuals. NSESVA issues the challenge to SES and other EM services: can we increase women’s participation to 40% by 2025? To have the sector made up of 40% female, 40% male, and 20% from either gender
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and/ or from those who prefer not to define themselves in binary gender terms. Diversity and inclusion is an organisational imperative for the effective development of the emergency management sector. Policies, practices, resources and physical spaces have been developed over time from a male-centred perspective, and there is work to be done to increase flexible approaches to volunteering in the sector, to consider child minding and parenting responsibilities, to offer training at times that suit women members, to have changerooms for women, and uniforms that are designed for women’s bodies, to be aware that the design of response vehicles or heavy equipment may present barriers to smaller–statured members – but that there are workarounds, and it is women who are reshaping the dynamics of those changes in the SES. NOTE: at the AFAC conference, the NSESVA issued the challenge to the sector: to increase women’s participation to 40% by 2025, and to have the sector made up of 40% female, 40% male, and 20% from either gender and/ or from gender-variant/non-binary groups. References AFAC (2018) “Male Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Progress Report 2017-18” www.malechampionsofchange.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/12/MCC-Fire-andEmergency-Progress-Report-2018.pdf Gender And Disaster Pod (2016) “The National Gender and Emergency Management Guidelines” Accessed at: www.genderanddisaster.com. au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Genderand-Emergency-Guidelines.pdf
Mackinstosh, B. (2018) “How overseas fire agencies recruit for diversity”, Australian Journal of Emergency Management, July 2018, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience www.churchilltrust.com.au/media/fellows/ Mackintosh_B_2015_Women_and_ ethnically_ diverse_people_in_Australian_ Fire_Agencies.pdf Parkinson, D., Duncan, A., Davie, S. et al (2018) “Victoria’s Gender and Disaster Taskforce: a Retrospective Analysis”, Australian Journal of Emergency Management, AIDR, July 2018 Accessed at: www.knowledge.aidr.org.au/ resources/ajem-jul-2018-victoria-s-genderand-disaster-taskforce-a-retrospectiveanalysis/ Phoenix journal of Victoria SES Volunteers Association, May 2019, accessed at: https:// vicsesva.org.au/ UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015) “The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030” Accessed at: www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/ sendai-framework World Economic Forum (2015) “The Global Gender Gap Report 2015” Accessed at: www3.weforum.org/docs/ GGGR2015/cover.pdf Young, C., Jones, R. and Kumnick, M. (2018) “The Long Road: Building Effective Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management Organisations” Case study synthesis and draft framework, Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Accessed at: www.bnhcrc.com.au/file/8397/ download?token=DWkTPHXa vicsesva.org.au
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FEATURE
WANGARATTA SES
PRIMARY SCHOOL CAREERS DAY
WANGARATTA UNIT WAS INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE WANGARATTA WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL CAREERS DAY ON FRIDAY 24TH MAY. THE DAY WAS OVERCAST AND RAIN FORECAST. THE STUDENTS RANGING FROM 5-11 YEARS OLD, WERE DRESSED FOR SUCCESS INSPIRED BY CAREERS OF THEIR CHOICE.
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he students rotated through different ‘stations’ to hear about the roles performed by people in various careers, spending 10 minutes at each station. Approximately 240 students came through our station. We spoke to students outlining the diverse roles within our unit, highlighting the teamwork that makes being part of the SES so special. Students marvelled at our tools of the trade and were enthralled listening to the anecdotes from our members. Wangaratta Ambulance and CFA also had displays which made an interesting talking point to explain interagency work and how we all work together in the bigger picture. The afternoon was a great success, confirmed with an exuberant “ME!” when the classes were asked “who would like to become an SES volunteer one day?” and to top it off the weather held out for us. Submitted by Chloe Beel
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vicsesva.org.au
VICSESVA VOLUNTEER WELFARE AND EFFICIENCY SURVEY 2019 Hosted by VFBV
COMPLETE THE SURVEY AT: WWW.VFBV.COM.AU/2019SESSURVEY.PHP OR HTTPS://WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R/2019SESSURVEY
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o all Victorian SES volunteers: Many of you have taken part in VicSESVA’s Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey in previous years. These surveys have been a great success and you are now invited to take part in our fourth survey which opens this week and runs until October 14. You can also help us by spreading the word and encouraging other volunteers to respond to the survey – the more responses, the more impact the results will have, so please encourage other volunteers to take part. VicSESVA, VICSES, EMV and Government study the survey report for trends in volunteer opinion on how well they are being treated and how well they are being supported by VICSES. The EMV website has details of the 2017 sector-wide report (https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/ how-we-helpvolunteers/emergencymanagement-volunteer-welfare-andefficiency-survey), which identified that a high percentage of volunteers are satisfied with their volunteer role at the local level and intend to continue. The report states that volunteer expectations are most closely met within their local teams, with strong results around teams being volunteervicsesva.org.au
friendly and welcoming, and in relation to diversity, equality and not tolerating bullying. The two main reasons why emergency management volunteers are motivated to volunteer are a sense of fulfilment in supporting the community in a meaningful way, and to protect or contribute to the safety and wellbeing of their local community. Opportunities for improvement were identified as well, with the results identifying that emergency management volunteers would like to see increased access to and flexibility of training, and greater and more meaningful engagement in corporate decisions that impact them. The sector reports are available for government and agencies to better understand volunteers’ perspectives and to continue to work to ensure volunteers are valued and supported. The Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey began with the CFA volunteers’ association, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) seven years ago, and now for the fourth year VFBV is hosting the survey on behalf of VicSESVA. VicSESVA appreciates the support by VFBV and our common aim of supporting volunteers.
Each year, there are more participants in the survey – which means a steadily growing influence with the State’s decision makers. To obtain a copy of the previous 2017 VicSESVA survey results please email secretary@vicsesva.org.au or check the reports on our website, vicsesva.org.au. All responses are confidential and will be analysed independently of VicSESVA, who will be provided with aggregated results. VicSESVA will utilise the survey results to advocate on behalf of VICSES volunteers. If you do not have access to the internet, we can send you a paper copy, please request this from the secretary Faye Bendrups on 0435 964 455.
Please complete the survey as soon as possible and no later than close of business on Monday 14 October 2019. Go to www.vfbv.com. au/2019sessurvey.php or https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/2019sessurvey
August 2019
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SES FIT FOR TASK PROJECT SES agencies from across Australia are working together to better understand the minimum physical requirements of our operational tasks, to create a simple and consistent guide for SES volunteers and agencies that will help match volunteers to tasks that they can perform safely. This initiative is called the SES Fit for Task Project.
We Need Your Help After consultation a list of SES tasks has been developed, spanning a dozen response capabilities. We now need your feedback in order to further our understanding into the frequency and physical requirements of these tasks. Your participation and opinions in regards to this project are highly valued, the survey should take approx. 15-30 minutes to complete. You can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SES_FITFORTASK Completion of the survey is entirely voluntary, and your responses will be anonymous and confidential. The survey closes on 12 September 2019. Research for this project is funded by the Australian Council of State Emergency Services (ACSES) and the Bush Fire & Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (BNHCRC) as supported by AFAC. Please contact health&safety@ses.vic.gov.au if you have any questions about this project.
To learn more, go to: www.afac.com.au/initiative/ses-fit-for-task
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vicsesva.org.au
A QUICK GUIDE TO VicSESVA Victoria State Emergency Service Volunteers Association
WHAT IS VicSESVA? VicSESVA works to advocate for VICSES volunteers, actively supporting Unit leadership teams and engaging cooperatively with VICSES management and Government. • VicSESVA is a non-profit organisation which exists to further the interests of VICSES volunteer members. • VicSESVA 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 VicSESVA is an Association not a Union. VicSESVA 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.
VICSES Regional Manager and reporting issues and the outcomes to the respective Units and the VicSESVA State Board. The Regional Councils raise issues relevant to VICSES Volunteers to be presented to the VicSESVA 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
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VicSESVA is wholly staffed by VICSES volunteers and is funded by VICSES Units.
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VicSESVA is comprised of all VICSES Units – two Delegates are selected to represent each Unit, Regional Councils and a State Board.
VicSESVA’s MISSION
To be pro-active in the pursuit of excellence in service delivery for VicSESVA membership and to maintain an effective communication and interaction with all emergency and support agencies.
VicSESVA’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.
VicSESVA’s STRUCTURE C
Y
The structure of VicSESVA 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.
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WHO IS VicSESVA?
VicSESVA Board
VicSESVA Board Positions • Chairperson • Vice Chairperson • Secretary • Treasurer • Board Member • Board Member • Board Member
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R PHOENIX MAGAZINE E SE E Phoenix magazine for VICSES volunteers. VicSESVA publishes Tthe Rfrom Each Region has a Regional Council which seeks input local N V Phoenix is published four times a year and features articles and ICE Vphotos LofU Units, meets and discusses the issues identified and selects issues O interest, submitted by volunteers and staff. for escalation to the VicSESVA State Board. VicSESVA is broken up into 7 Regions: South West, Central West, Central East, North West, North East, Mid-West and East.
Unit Delegates Each member Unit of VicSESVA 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.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? As a VICSES volunteer, you are welcome to participate in a VicSESVA 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
www.vicsesva.org.au
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