PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE VICTORIAN SES VOLUNTEERS
ISSUE 186 DECEMBER 2016
AIDR 2016 RESILIENT AUSTRALIA AWARDS TASKFORCE CHARLIE • STEPTEMBER
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www.vesa.org.au Contents 2
From the Chair
12
3
The motor vehicle accident that’s not your fault
A firsthand look at the Mildura storm response
13
AIDR 2016 Resilient Australia Awards
Second busiest month in a decade
14
Razorback Rescue
15
VicEmergency app launches
16
Taskforce Charlie photo diary
18
Steptember winner tells all
21
VESA Shop
6 8
SES Volunteer photo a winner
9
Rescue at Lerderderg State Forest
9
News from the National Association
10
The Games for the superheroes
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 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).
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
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.
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REPORTS
from the
CHAIR AS 2016 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, SES VOLUNTEERS ACROSS VICTORIA FIND THEMSELVES IN A HEIGHTENED STATE OF READINESS INSTEAD OF A GRADUAL WIND-DOWN TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON. While the year began fairly routinely in terms of emergency callouts for the first half, the latter months have seen continual events one after another; floods across many areas of the State, storms, windstorms, deployments to South Australia, the Mildura super cell, and the recent unexpected ‘Thunderstorm Asthma’ phenomenon which hit Melbourne, resulting in 8,000 plus attendances to hospitals and sadly, at the time of going to print, 6 fatalities. In October alone, SES responded to 9,400 RFAs; the second busiest month in a decade, and the wettest it has been since 1916. It has been a long winter, undergrowth is high and the fire season is predicted to be severe. Throughout this time, SES volunteers have worked ceaselessly to assist their communities, providing timely and expert emergency response. They have made structures safe, removed debris and fallen trees, searched for lost casualties, assisted in saving lives at road crashes and more. They have contributed much more than material or economic value. They have been part of our social ‘glue’, providing meaning and belonging for themselves and others.
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“Throughout this time, SES volunteers have worked ceaselessly to assist their communities, providing timely and expert emergency response.” How much is this intangible contribution worth? Until it is identified and quantified, it would seem, not much. But it is this ‘glue’ that builds community, that makes our society safer, that provides purpose and direction. Do the powersthat-be not recognise the value we are adding to social capital? It seems this is a perennial question. Back in April this year, this column asked “With council withdrawing support and State government funding limited … can volunteers continue their skilled and selfless work if government continues to chip away at their core?” And in June this column reflected “There has been robust discussion about the value of volunteers. There has been a level of uncertainty about future roles for SES units”.
Now again, we are faced with the threat of inadequate support. The sustainability of funding, facilities and resources is uncertain. Discuss this with your Regional Managers, talk to your local councillors, talk to your political representatives – they are there to serve us, after all. What is certain is that volunteers are continuing their hard slog; putting in countless hours of care and commitment to help others. At the end of 2016, I want to congratulate and thank every individual volunteer. Congratulations on your achievements, thank you for your service. There is no other organisation like SES, and no better community builders than SES volunteers. Faye Bendrups Independent Chair, VESA
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REPORTS
THE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT THAT’S NOT YOUR FAULT MICHAEL EBURN COMMENTS ON A QUESTION OF EVS AND VEHICLE COLLISION. THIS QUESTION COMES FROM A VOLUNTEER WITH VICTORIA SES:
I am an SES volunteer and a few days ago, during training the question was raised at what happens if, under EVS and going through a green light (within or outside the speed limit) you get T-boned by somebody driving through a red light. My opinion is that, if you are driving through a green light, EVS or not, you are in the right if somebody hits you.
I
’m told that EVS means “Emergency Vehicle Status ie: lights and sirens on.” So the question relates to travelling through a green light and getting collected by another driver who comes through a red light. In those circumstances the other driver has a dual obligation to give way. “A driver approaching or at traffic lights showing a red traffic light must stop—…” (Road Safety Road Rules 2009 (Vic) r 56) and “A driver must give way to a police vehicle, emergency vehicle, enforcement vehicle or escort vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue, red or magenta light (whether or not it is also displaying other lights) or sounding an alarm” (r 79). We know however that just because you have a green traffic light you cannot simply drive through it without having regard to other traffic because we know sometimes vehicles don’t give way and some vehicles may intend to proceed through a red light – eg an emergency vehicle. Hine v O’Conner [1951] SASR 1 involved a collision between a bus and a fire appliance. The bus driver knew that traffic coming from the direction of the fire appliance were facing a stop sign. Abbott J said (at pp 4-5): He [the bus driver] was not, however, entitled to consider himself as having “an open road” across that intersection because a “Stop Sign” is not always obeyed by drivers of vehicles; and, as he admitted in cross-examination, he has himself had the experience of other drivers disobeying such signs … And, of course, O’Connor is presumed to know the law that fire-engines on their way to a fire, as well as other specified vehicles, are
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“Equally a driver, including the driver of an emergency vehicle is not entitled to think they have an ‘open road’ just because they have a green light and by inference other traffic must have a red signal.”
exempt from the duty of obeying such “Stop Signs.” Despite the existence of a “Stop Sign” at an intersection, it may become the duty of a reasonable driver in O’Connor’s situation to “give way” to another vehicle whose driver has disobeyed the “Stop Sign.” Equally a driver, including the driver of an emergency vehicle is not entitled to think they have an ‘open road’ just because they have a green light and by inference other traffic must have a red signal. So there is some obligation to be aware of other traffic, but in the situation described to me the emergency vehicle is ‘T-boned’ by somebody driving through a red light’. Prima facie that driver will be ‘at fault’ so that’s the end of the issue. One would expect that driver would, at least, get a traffic infringement notice. Anyone who is injured in that accident would have whatever rights they may have against the driver at fault, noting that in Victoria at least, compensation for injuries in a motor vehicle accident do not require the injured person to prove fault (Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic) s 35).
Conclusion So what happens? Naturally the police will investigate matters and there may well be a dispute as to who had the red light and who had the green, but assuming the evidence shows that indeed the emergency vehicle had the green light, then I suppose nothing happens. https://emergencylaw.wordpress. com/2016/10/26/the-motor-vehicleaccident-thats-not-your-fault/
Submitted by Michael Eburn Associate Professor, ANU College of Law, Australia National University, Canberra Reprinted with permission. Originally published in Michael Eburn’s blog:
https://emergencylaw.wordpress.com
This blog is maintained by Michael Eburn (Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law, the Australian National University, Canberra) to discuss legal issues affecting the emergency services (that is fire, ambulance and rescue services) in Australia.
December 2016
PHOENIX 3
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FEATURE
AIDR 2016 RESILIENT AUSTRALIA AWARDS STRONG PROJECTS THAT FOCUS ON SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTNERSHIPS WIN AT THE AWARDS
T
he 206 Resilient Australia Awards were held in Melbourne last month to recognise and promote initiatives that strengthen community disaster resilience across the nation. Projects that were recognised included disaster preparedness planning by a Townsville retirement village, the initiatives of two local councils, and a partnership between a rural seaside primary school and the CFA. Townsville’s Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village was one the projects that was recognised for the national award. The residents of the village—a large complex
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comprising more than 450 detached homes and duplexes spread over 15 sectors accommodating 700 residents and located within a 66 hectare facility—lost power for seven days when tropical cyclone Yasi hit in 2011. After hurriedly collecting food from resident’s’ refrigerators and storing it in a centrally located refrigerator powered by a backup generator, the residents were determined they would not be caught out again. They established their own disaster management group and along with village staff developed a comprehensive disaster management plan.
The plan includes preparedness activities, hazard information guides, a marshalling system that accounts for and assists all residents, evacuation procedures and resident checklists. A network of 60 volunteers was established to act as marshals and manage 15 sectors, each with 30 homes, to the implementation of the plan should the need arise. Protocols for collecting food from residents were established which allow the village to support itself for several days following a crisis without the need for assistance from emergency services or the community—who will have major demands www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
The finalists from the 2016 Resilient Australia Awards with Director-General Emergency Management Australia Mark Crosweller and AIDR Director John Bates.
on their time and resources in a disaster. Carlyle Gardens resident John Wilson, one of the organisers of the disaster management group, said there was no legal obligation on residents to establish such disaster management arrangements. “However, we clearly accept the principle of shared responsibility and residents were happy to partner with village management to develop the disaster management plan,” he said. In Victoria, Yarra City Council was recognised for its campaign to reduce the heatwave vulnerability of its culturally and linguistically diverse residents. The campaign was aimed at the municipality’s migrant communities living in social and public housing around Collingwood. Partnerships were key in this campaign, with twenty-five different agencies including local pharmacies, Red Cross, Yarra Community Housing, Vic Deaf, and the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service supporting and promoting the campaign. The council worked with residents to develop the campaign, including heat www.vesa.org.au
safety information products such as fridge thermometer magnets, brochures, posters and cooling neckties. Information products were translated into languages including Chinese, Vietnamese, Hakka and Greek. The other Victorian winner on the night was the Anglesea Fire Education Partnership – Survive and Thrive Program which was developed between Anglesea Primary School and CFA. The ‘Survive and Thrive Program’ program teaches students about bushfire behaviour and encourages them to lead community-based bushfire education sessions. Anglesea Primary School principal Pamela Sandlant said one of the key aims of the program was to drive generational change and increasing community resilience. “It is significant that the students are empowered with their knowledge to take on the role of educators and lead bushfire education and preparedness activities in the community,” she said. “They also participate in research and become environmental ambassadors.” The program has been running at Anglesea Primary School for
two years. During that time students have created eight unique bushfire education workshops, interviewed bushfire survivors, developed a ‘fire game’ in conjunction with Surf Coast Shire, staged an After the Ashes exhibition and created a book titled Survive and Thrive. The program has also led to the formation of the Anglesea Junior Fire Brigade. “The relationship between the local CFA and the school is very strong,” said Sandlant. “Our students now have a greater understanding of bushfire behaviour, the potential threat it poses to their community as well as preparation, response and recovery. “They have enthusiastically spread these messages throughout Anglesea and further afield. There is no doubt that the ‘Survive and Thrive Program’ has increased the resilience of our students and our local communities.” Submitted by Dr John Bates Director, Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience December 2016
PHOENIX 7
FEATURE
AIDR National Awards: SES Volunteer Photo a Winner
“BOB JEACOCKE IS THE FACE OF RESILIENCE”
Portrait of Bob Jeacocke by Karin Calvert.
“Bob Jeacocke is the Face of Resilience” Karin Calvert www.karincalvert.com
T
he recent Australian National Institute for Disaster Resilience Awards on November 17 in Melbourne featured an SES volunteer in the photography category. The powerful black and white portrait was taken by former Queensland-based photographer Karin Calvert. Karin’s photo is of Queensland SES volunteer, Bob Jeacocke, based in Yeppoon. Bob, 73 at the time of the photo, worked on the frontline following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast in February 2015. Bob has been an SES volunteer for more than 40 years. Karin Calvert is is a professional freelance photographer with over 25 years experience, now based in Albany, WA. She previously covered the February 2015 Tropical Cyclone Marcia for Getty Images and in November 2015 she secured RADF funding to document the cyclone’s impact on members of
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“Bob worked on the frontline following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Marcia on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast in February 2015. Bob has been an SES volunteer for more than 40 years.” the community. In Februray 2016 she curated an exhibition of 20 portraits to mark the anniversary of the cyclone’s devastating impact, titled ‘Twenty: Cyclone Marcia - Rescue, Resilience, Recovery’. The exhibition is on permanent display at the Yeppoon Town Hall and published at http://rubython.wixsite.com/twenty.
The national awards ceremony is hosted by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, which this year marks its first anniversary. The awards recognise individuals, groups or organisations that demonstrate excellence and innovation in projects that help communities to be better prepared and more disaster resilient. www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
GISBORNE SES
RESCUE AT LERDERDERG STATE FOREST IN SEPTEMBER 2016, THE GISBORNE SES UNIT WERE SUCCESSFUL RECIPIENTS OF A COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDED BY THE BENDIGO BANK GISBORNE BRANCH. THE GRANT FUNDING WAS USED TO PURCHASE A ‘MULE’ LITTER WHEEL DEVICE, DESIGNED TO TRANSPORT CAUSALITIES FROM REMOTE AREAS.
O
n Sunday, November 6, 2016, at approximately 2.40pm, Gisborne SES Unit responded to an incident involving a male patient who sustained serious injuries during a motor bike accident. Gisborne SES Rescue officers deployed to the incident scene which was in a remote area, with harsh topography and proved to be challenging for emergency responders to access the area with vital rescue equipment. Due to this, the male patient was required to be carried out and conveyed to the a waiting ambulance on the roadway. Rescue officers utilised the ‘mule litter wheel to transport the male patient, which
proved to be both proficient and provided an excellent lead time for the patient to be transported to hospital. In the past, Rescue Officers have physically carried out patients, which in some instances has taken several hours due to Rescue Officers requiring hydration and transfer crews to facilitate the completion of the task. This equipment has enhanced our operational rescue capabilities in areas which an ambulance or patient transport vehicle are usually unable to access due to the dense topography of the area. Submitted by Di Dale Deputy Controller Operations, Gisborne
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NSESVA FUNDRAISING PROJECT: NATIONAL RAFFLE Purpose To develop opportunities for future funding to assist volunteer units and volunteers. Background The NSW SES Volunteers Association successfully conducts a raffle using the services of OneContact (formerly Contact Centres Australia). OneContact’s main call centre and head office is located in Surry Hills, Sydney, and a satellite centre in the Wellington CBD, NZ. OneContact have contracts with Red Cross, NSW Rural Fire Service Association and other NFPs for fund raising. The NSWSESVA uses the funding for leadership and management development, provision of much needed equipment for SES Units, scholarships, sponsorship of SES events and a biennial conference. www.vesa.org.au
The Current Situation The National SES Volunteers Association will take over the raffle from the NSWSESVA and run a national raffle benefiting all SES associations in every State and Territory. NSESVA will provide all resourcing necessary, carry out all negotiations and conduct any issues management required. Probity and financial checks have been completed and license applications are currently being processed. All states and territories can run six raffles a year, except WA, which can run three. Once the set up costs are satisfied, then all profits will be quarantined and used for the benefit of SES Volunteers in supporting their communities. All communication to community members to solicit participation in the raffle will have value added by including safety messages.
These will complement VICSES campaigns for flood, storm etc. VicSESVA (VESA) has voted to participate in the national raffle and VicSESVA representatives have met with OneContact management team including their accountant and resident legal adviser. The Future With a potential future income stream by the national fundraising raffle project, VicSESVA will have the opportunity to approve profits be used for purposes such as equipment grants to SES Units, training courses, development of youth members, development of current and future local volunteer leaders and managers, general running of the VicSESVA, and other projects as required. December 2016
PHOENIX 9
FEATURE
THE GAMES FOR THE
S E O R E H R S E E P O U R S E H SUPER LAST WEEK I WAS PROUD AND PRIVILEGED TO ATTEND THE AUSTRALASIAN POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICE GAMES. THE THEME OF THE GAMES WAS ‘BEING A SUPERHERO’ WHICH WAS REFLECTED IN THE EFFORTS THAT THE ATHLETES AND THE VOLUNTEERS PUT INTO RUNNING THE GAMES. THERE WERE OVER 2000 ATHLETES FROM AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA AND NEW GUINEA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. Submitted by Margaret Forbes-Biram Winchelsea SES
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T
he agencies that took part were both employees and volunteers from across the Police and Law Enforcement and Emergency Service agencies. There were 49 sports featured all of which were highly contested. The games which were first held in 1984 as the Australian National police Games and then in 1999 Emergency Service personnel were included. The games are intended to build camaraderie and to promote a healthy lifestyle for all members of the agencies. The Opening Ceremony was surely a highlight with the Association and State flags coming in by Parachutists’ with the Australian flag being delivered in the same way. Following the entry parade of athletes the torch was paraded in to light the Games flame. Brought back memories of the Olympic Torch. Not only were the athletes playing out on the field but in ‘The Hub’ were there bands playing each night so www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE Flying the flag.
Anita Lutz from the Craigieburn Unit took out second in the 5000 metres (women) in the Track and Field Events.
Handing over flag to Mandurah.
providing further opportunity for not only the athletes to mix but also the volunteers who provided that support so essential of event management. Another highlight was that Australia Zoo had provided tickets for a discount and this was an experience for athletes who also had families with them. I took the Shuttle through the zoo and was lucky enough to see one of the tiger cubs on a walk with their keeper. The last night saw the Association’s flag being handed over to the West Australian Association for the Mandurah Games to be held in 2018. If anyone is interested attending either the Australasian Games or the Victorian Police and Emergency Games do not hesitate to check the websites and do come along, as there is so much fun as well as the challenge of competing not against other athletes but yourself. www.vesa.org.au
No! This is not Tigger. December 2016
PHOENIX 11
FEATURE
A FIRSTHAND LOOK AT THE MILDURA STORM RESPONSE VOLUNTEER DANIELLE EYSSENS IS IN HER 10th YEAR OF SERVICE WITH VICTORIA SES. SHE SHARES WHAT IT WAS LIKE AFTER THE MILDURA STORM.
W
hen Glen Eira Deputy Controller Operations, Danielle Eyssens, received the call to support the Mildura SES Unit response to the super cell storm on Friday, November 11, 2016, she was just driving home from a maintenance morning. “I was heading home for a quiet Saturday afternoon,” she says. That quickly changed. Recorded wind gusts of over 96km per hour, with rail and hail, swept Victoria and hit Mildura, Irymple, Merbein, Red Cliffs and surrounding communities hard. The Mildura SES Unit were at full steam. They had 347 requests by midnight for assistance and growing. By the end of the week it would count more than 660 requests. (Mildura only get 50 to 100 requests for assistance in a normal year.) That morning two Glen Eira SES Unit members had already driven up in a convoy of SES vehicles. “I had just left the Unit after a vehicle’s check where we run an internal service, check oil, water, all the equipment on trucks, give it a wash, ensure chainsaws are sharpened. It’s something we do every two months.” Danielle (pictured far right) flew out of Melbourne that night with other support crew, arriving in Mildura at 7.30pm. “As we descended into Mildura you could see some of the damage in the area but you could also see the extent of the floods that the northwest Victoria area is still dealing with,” Danielle explains. “As we drove the 15 minutes to the Mildura SES Unit we were faced with trees and tree branches down on roads, median streets and on buildings, including the local primary school which had more than half a dozen
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large trees down on boundary fences and on structures.” Her support crew slid into action helping out the Mildura sector. While it was not the most severely hit (Merbein bore the brunt of the storm) there was still significant damage across the entire area. The main requests for assistance in this area were roof damage, trees down on sheds, houses, fences or a combination of these. Members of her crew included three people from the Frankston SES Unit, Dimity Lynch, Rose Youil and Peter Millar, two Whitehorse Unit members, Brian Griffin and Justin Wilson,
and a local Mildura member Kevin Chaplin. Danielle has been an SES volunteer for nine and a half years now. She’s responded to over 1,000 emergency requests for assistance. Like most of our volunteers, Danielle juggles her work and family life with her SES responsibilities. Danielle is a Veterinarian. When she is called out it can affect appointments and surgeries. Luckily she was on holiday the week she received the Mildura call. As an SES volunteer, Danielle has now completed training in: • general rescue, • rooftop safety at height, • chainsaw, • land search, • four wheel driving, • crew leader, • divisional command, and • a fire line leadership course. She has also completed a Certificate IV in Frontline Management and a range of operational training. Danielle’s Unit are experts in storm emergency response. “A big part of our response is getting there, having a look and making it safe at least until contractors can come in,” she says. “With holes in the roof from a fallen tree, we can stop water coming in and causing more damage for them. We make sure things can be protected and are safe until further assistance and contractors can be called.” Units were responsible for clearing debris, removing hazards and making public areas safe including the local school which had trees down in the oval and asphalt areas, plus breached fences effecting security. Danielle credits and thanks the host Mildura SES Unit for a wellcoordinated response. www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
SECOND BUSIEST MONTH IN A DECADE OCTOBER 2016 BECAME THE SECOND BIGGEST MONTH ON RECORD IN A DECADE.
V
ictoria SES volunteers responded to over 9,400 requests for assistance in October 2016. This made it our second busiest month in a decade. It fell short of the 9,600 requests we received in February 2011 during the major Victorian floods that year. “October saw unprecedented back to back low pressure systems,” says David Baker, VICSES Deputy Chief Operations Officer - Capability. “We saw more water in Victoria than we had since 1916. Basically it was wet, windy and constant.” The result was significant damage and disruption to the Victorian community, including damage to property, major flooding for towns in the mid, south west and northwest of the state and widespread power outages.
Breakdown •
67% of requests for assistance were centred around metropolitan Melbourne • 90% of requests were storm or flood related • The majority of calls in Victoria’s north east were directly relating to flooding of the Murray-Riverina river systems.
“The emergency actually started in September, and is still going,” adds David. “We are now only seeing the departure of water that hit us in September and October.” Almost all VICSES volunteer Units across
the state were involved. Our volunteers spent their time on tasks such levy building and sand-bagging at-risk homes and businesses, flood monitoring and preparation, and deployment to heavily flood ravaged South Australia to assist their emergency response. “Our Units clear trees off houses, roads and cars, deal with other obstructions and flash flooding down suburban streets, making areas safe, and continue to provide a road rescue service,” says David. “For every five members that are in the field getting wet, dirty and tired, we have one member in incident control and support to ensure that our field Units are fed and have what they need.” “Months like October remind us that volunteers remain the backbone of our frontline Victoria State Emergency Service,” says David.
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December 2016
PHOENIX 13
FEATURE
RAZORBACK RESCUE AT 5PM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016, BRIGHT SES UNIT RECEIVED A PAGE TO ASSIST AN INJURED HIKER IN VICTORIA’S HIGH COUNTRY.
A
lpine emergency response can look very different to a typical urban request for assistance. Bright SES Unit were called to an Ambulance Assistance on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 5pm. The four kilometre trek across Razorback in Victoria’s High Country involved four SES volunteers, two paramedics and an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO). “We responded with four people and a vehicle and took a basket stretcher, spine board and attached the stretcher to a stretcher wheel,” explained Deputy Controller, Graham Gales. “Somewhat removed from your typical urban SES unit response, we do a lot more assist ambulance in remote and wilderness
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December 2016
Photo credits: Graham Gales, Les Doyle, James Sadgrove.
areas,” explains Graham. “We’re more likely to rescue a paraglider stuck in a tree.” Affected by dehydration, the hiker had stumbled and injured their knee. Checked on scene by the Victoria Ambulance paramedics, the hiker was well enough
to walk out on her own accompanied by friends and the rescue team. Bright SES Unit respond to eight to 10 rescues per year in the alpine and sub-alpine areas. Rescues can result from injuries or people ignoring signs. www.vesa.org.au
FEATURE
VICEMERGENCY APP LAUNCHES DOWNLOAD THE NEW VICEMERGENCY APP TO GET EMERGENCY WARNINGS AND ALERTS.
T
he new VicEmergency app launches today. It will provide Victorians with access to warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquake, tsunamis and water safety. The VicEmergency app replaces the FireReady app and is now available to download from the App Store or Google Play. The VicEmergency website emergency.vic.gov.au has also been upgraded. Plus a new VicEmergency hotline (1800 226 226) will bring together all emergency numbers including the Victorian Bushfire Information Line, the Victorian Emergency Relief Information Line and the VICSES Flood and Storm Information Line where you can ask about the latest warnings, where relief centres are and general information. The VicEmergency hotline does not replace 132 500 for SES requests for assistance for flood, storms, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis during an emergency. For all life-threatening emergencies call triple zero (000). Get real time alerts about flood, fire, storm and more Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said with warm weather on the way and storms and floods a regular feature in Victoria, now was the time to upgrade to the new VicEmergency app. “The new VicEmergency app and hotline is in line with our all communities, all emergencies approach and will work alongside the upgraded VicEmergency website to provide timely information about all emergencies,” he said. “The VicEmergency app, hotline and website will come together this summer to provide the community with the best information so they can make the critical decisions about their own safety. “Download the VicEmergency app now so you know how it works well before you need to use it.” Mr Lapsley said a new VicEmergency hotline would also be used this summer to make it easier for the community to
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access emergency information through one number. “The VicEmergency website, app and hotline will provide a joint approach for Victorians to access timely information for a number of emergencies across multiple channels,’’ he said. “Through having access to better information, we can make better decisions that result in better outcomes and a safer community.’’ Discover the new features of the VicEmergency app The VicEmergency app provides an improved user-experience with a range of new features, capabilities and design improvements. New features include: • Incident and warning notifications for all emergencies • User profile that enables simultaneous access to watch zones and emergency notifications across multiple devices • Creation of up to 20 watch zones tailored to individual locations and needs • Ability to edit watch zones and turn notifications on and off. • Screen view rotation to view the incident map horizontally • Responsive design for iPads and tablet devices • The VicEmergency website upgraded to create and edit watch zones and send email notifications You can now create a profile and define the area of your watch zones. Plus you can Vic Emergency app across multiple devices including mobile phones, tablets and the VicEmergency website. For the first time, users can also register to receive warnings and notifications via email. Victorians are reminded to know how to stay informed and to never rely on one source for emergency information. Victorians can get emergency information from a number of sources including the VicEmergency app, www.emergency.vic.gov.au, tuning in to ABC radio or other emergency broadcasters
December 2016
PHOENIX 15
FEATURE
TASKFORCE CHARLIE PHOTO DIARY 6. SA Deployment 201
from across VICSES volunteers elled to South the state have trav ntly as part Australia over rece , in support of Taskforce Charlie operations in of flood and storm that state. t there, and It was a rush to ge shots of the here are a few snap deployment. Rowlands Submitted by David VICSES Whitehorse Up, up and away, So uth Australia here we come.
ady but We are re ur bus? o where is
On the Road again . So we are here, now what?
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FEATURE
Now that’s a forklift!
SA Having a chat with rill. he at We Premier Jay us there. e se to y pp ha He was
That door is done, on to th e next.
ith Sandbagging w CFS, S, SE , everyone e. rc Fo r Ai e and th
Yes it was wet.
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December 2016
PHOENIX 17
FEATURE
STEPTEMBER
WINNER TELLS ALL In September, more than 400 VICSES members participated in the Steptember Challenge. THE AIM OF THE FIVE-WEEK CHALLENGE WAS TO FORM TEAMS, MEET WEEKLY STEP CHALLENGES AND ULTIMATELY GET AS MANY STEPS AS POSSIBLE. THE WINNING TEAM WAS MANNINGHAM UNIT WITH MEMBERS AVERAGING 108,965 STEPS PER PERSON PER WEEK. THE MOST ACTIVE INDIVIDUAL WAS CHRIS LEE FROM MANNINGHAM UNIT, AVERAGING AN IMPRESSIVE 272,534 STEPS PER WEEK. HERE WE CHAT TO CHRIS TO FIND OUT HOW HE DID IT AND PERHAPS PICK UP SOME TIPS ALONG THE WAY. Submitted by Simon Kinniburgh Media and Communications Advisor What do you do outside of VICSES? I work as an urban planner and policy officer at DELWP. We are in the same building as the State Control Centre so I sometimes sticky beak into the behind the scenes action! I usually enjoy a good walk or bicycle ride outside of work and am always up for exploring other parts of Victoria.
Did you do anything that you normally wouldn’t to get your step count up? Apart from going to the gym heaps, some simple steps I took was getting off the bus a stop or two early, using the furthest away printer at work, using stairs as much as possible and hotdesking/walking between desks to get my steps up!
What sort of things did you do to get your steps? I go to the gym heaps and I like to participate in lots of team sports. I usually tried to get to at least 2 gym classes a day and did a bit of pack hike power walking practice (refer to below goal). For team sports, I enjoy lunchtime soccer every Tuesday in the CBD at either Fitzroy or Carlton Gardens and have substituted in for my friend’s dodgeball league tournament at times.
If so, have any of these new habits stuck with you beyond the competition? I have committed to walking to the far away printer and using the stairs at work. I am deciding whether I’ll continue doing the pack hike exercises, it does get painfully boring!
Did you have a goal during Steptember, if so, what was it? Funnily enough I did! In the lead up to Steptember, I got accepted to train as a General Fire Fighter at DELWP. A requirement for this was to increase my fitness to pass the Pack Hike Test. The test involved power walking for 5km within 45 minutes with while carrying a 20kg weighted vest. I was literally taking a walk in the park for work, but I can tell you it certainly wasn’t like how it sounded!
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How does it feel to be the winner? I am pretty surprised actually! I thought that there would definitely be someone more involved in physical exercise than I was. Ironically I twisted my ankle in the same week as hearing the news I had won and have been a couch potato for most of the week! How will you celebrate? Once I recover, most likely a nice leisurely bike ride down the Old Warby Trail or perhaps try to get my unit involved in a physical team activity!
What did a typical Steptember challenge day involve for you? Generally a 5:45am wake up during the work week to get to the gym and do some exercise and/or pack hike practice. I tried to go to a gym class at lunch. On the weekend I’d start the day a bit later at 9:00am and try to do some abs and core exercises or a bit of cardio on my bike. What did you like most about the competition? Steptember gave me motivation to get my exercise habits going again! I’m thankful it provided an extra incentive for me to practice for my pack hike because otherwise I don’t think I would’ve persevered and might have failed the fitness test. What was the biggest challenge during the competition? Staying motivated! At times you feel like sleeping in or taking a day off but by making it a challenge, it helps provide that little extra motivation to keep going. What would you say to other members who are thinking about participating next year? It’s a great way to get fit and to develop some positive habits that you will keep! You don’t need to be super fit, you just need to commit to the challenge and give it a red hot go! It’s a fun way to motivate members of the unit to challenge themselves, and most of all, it was fun!
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FEATURE
Team Marysville appreciating the outdoors together.
Team Morwell competing together in their local Parkrun event.
Team Malvern walked around the Tan together most weeks.
Team Central RSU (Mulgrave) hiking around Cape Schanck.
The team from Hamilton Office enjoyed a leisurely stroll together.
Team Foster getting active with their dogs during Steptember.
Team Central RSU (Mulgrave) hiking up to Arthur’s Seat together. December 2016
PHOENIX 19
FEATURE
Testimonials from our Health Champions “Steptember was great as a motivation to get people moving”
“It has been a great initiative and it’s really helped our unit in terms of team bonding” Thanks so much for driving this program!
Eileen Cook – Leongatha Unit
Ann Cho – Central RSU (Mulgrave)
“Thank you again for organizing this challenge, it has really brought our unit together!”
Amanda Ashton – Mid West Staff Office
“The great thing about Steptember was that it encouraged everyone who participated to do the best they could. We had a few people who did an amazing amount of steps, which will hopefully inspire the rest of the team next year”
(Wendouree)
Beverly Fraser – Marysville Unit
Luke Cockman – Foster Unit
“We had a lot of fun”
TEAM VICSES
Steptember Most Active Unit 1
st
2
Manningham Unit
108,965 steps
Central RSU (Mulgrave)
92,659 steps
3rd
Foster Unit
87,061 steps
4th
Brimbank Unit
83,780 steps
5
Hobson’s Bay
81,167 steps
nd
th
HOW GOOD ARE WE!
Congratulations to Manningham Unit on taking out the 2016 Steptember Challenge!
Steptember Most Active Individual 1st
Chris Lee – Manningham Unit
272,534 steps
2nd
Ann Cho – Central RSU (Mulgrave)
174,054 steps
3
Luke Cockman – Foster Unit
169,442 steps
Louelle Blanchard – Mid West Region Office (Wendouree)
161,060 steps
Jonathon Smith – Brimbank Unit
158,709 steps
rd
4
th
5th
Steptember Region by Region Results 1st
Central Region
2nd
North East Region
70,721 steps per person
3
East Region
62,137 steps per person
Mid West Region
56,839 steps per person
South West Region
56,155 steps per person
rd
4
th
5th
77,674 steps per person
As an organisation, we recorded over 95 million steps! How incredible is that! To put that into perspective, it would be the equivalent of walking 76.5 million metres or 76,527 kilometres! This is enough to nearly walk around the Earth twice!
And yes! Steptember will be back in 2017! It is never too early to register your team’s interest! Please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team at safety@ses.vic.gov.au to be part of the action next year! 20 PHOENIX
December 2016
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VESA SHOP
VESA Shop Catalogue For pricing and ordering details please contact VESA Shop Manager Chris Patton at vesashop@vesa.com.au or phone 0409 550 892
STYLE: VS7700 DESCRIPTION: Unisex Polo Shirt FABRIC: 5 0% Cotton Backed/ 50% Polyester Outer COLOUR: Navy/Orange SIZES: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
STYLE: VS7701 DESCRIPTION: Crew Nexk T Shirt FABRIC: 1 00% Premium Combed Cotton COLOUR: Navy SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
STYLE: VS3635 DESCRIPTION: Mens Long Sleeve Shirt with Epaulettes FABRIC: P oly Cotton COLOUR: Sky Blue SIZES: 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48
STYLE: VS3634 DESCRIPTION: Mens Short Sleeve Shirt with Epaulettes FABRIC: P oly Cotton COLOUR: Sky Blue SIZES: 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48
STYLE: VS3638 DESCRIPTION: Mens Long Sleeve End on End Shirt FABRIC: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton COLOUR: Royal Blue SIZES: 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48
STYLE: VS3636 DESCRIPTION: Ladies Short Sleeve Shirt with Epaulettes FABRIC: P oly Cotton COLOUR: Sky Blue SIZES: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
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December 2016
PHOENIX 21
VESA SHOP
STYLE: 4/GFL/AN DESCRIPTION: Basecamp Anorak Jacket FABRIC: Nylon Ottoman Shell with Self Coloured Anti-pill Polar Fleece Lining COLOUR: Navy/Pumpkin SIZES: XXS, XS, S, M, L, 2XL, 3XL STYLE: VS4419 DESCRIPTION: Soft Shell Security Jacket FABRIC: 1 00% Bonded Polyester, Soft Shell COLOUR: Navy SIZES: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
STYLE: 4/WS/PF01 DESCRIPTION: Unisex Half Zip Polar Fleece FABRIC: Anti-Pill Polar Fleece 320gsm - 100% Polyester COLOUR: Navy SIZES: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
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STYLE: 4/WS/PF07 DESCRIPTION: Mens Full Zip Bonded Fleece Jacket FABRIC: Bonded Polar Fleece 350gsm - 100% Polyester COLOUR: Navy SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
STYLE: 4/WS/PF08 DESCRIPTION: Ladies Full Zip Bonded Fleece Jacket FABRIC: Bonded Polar Fleece 350gsm - 100% Polyester COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
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VESA SHOP
STYLE: 1/BR/MOLG04421 DESCRIPTION: Mens One Pleat Trouser FABRIC: Polyester/Viscose COLOUR: Navy SIZES: Reg: 77, 82, 87, 92, 97, 102 Stout: 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117, 122, 127, 132
STYLE: 1/BR/GLENEDJ929 DESCRIPTION: Mens One Pleat Trouser FABRIC: Polyester, Wool, Lycra COLOUR: Navy SIZES: Reg: 77, 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117 Stout: 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117
STYLE: 1/WS/WP02 DESCRIPTION: Ladies Permanent Press Pant FABRIC: 65% Polyester, 35% Viscose COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
STYLE: 4/WS/PF09 DESCRIPTION: Mens Full Zip Bonded Fleece Vest FABRIC: Bonded Polar Fleece 350gsm - 100% Polyester COLOUR: Navy SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
STYLE: 4/WS/PF10 DESCRIPTION: Ladies Full Zip Bonded Fleece Vest FABRIC: Bonded Polar Fleece 350gsm - 100% Polyester COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
STYLE: 2/BC/20111 DESCRIPTION: Ladies Mid Length Skirt FABRIC: 64% Polyester, 34% Viscose, 2% Elastane COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
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PHOENIX 23
VESA SHOP
STYLE: VS9302L DESCRIPTION: Legionaires Cap. Detachable Legionaires flap with ealsticised adjustable sizing. Can also be worn without flap. FABRIC: 100% Cotton COLOUR: Navy with Orange Trim SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
STYLE: VS1254 DESCRIPTION: Mens Cargo Workpants with Double knees FABRIC: Cotton Blend with Permasize. Wrinkle Resistant COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 77, 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117, 122, 127
STYLE: VS9306 DESCRIPTION: Wool Roll Up Beanie SIZES: One size fits all
STYLE: VS1037 DESCRIPTION: Mens Cargo Shorts FABRIC: Cotton Blend with Permasize. Wrinkle Resistant COLOUR: Navy SIZES: 77, 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117, 122, 127
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STYLE: VS9307 DESCRIPTION: Polar Fleece Roll Up Beanie SIZES: One size fits all
STYLE: VS9304 DESCRIPTION: Bushman’s Hat FABRIC: Poly Cotton COLOUR: Navy SIZES: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
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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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