Phoenix Journal December 2023 by Countrywide Austral

PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE VICTORIAN SES VOLUNTEERS

ISSUE 214 DECEMBER 2023 Printpost Approved PP 100001634

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT WHITEHORSE KIMBA WALL: FOCUS ON ABILITY • MULTIAGENCY RESCUE

CONTRIBUTIONS 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.

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

www.vicsesva.org.au Contents 3

From the Board

Kimba Wall: Focus on Ability

Scientists call ‘code blue emergency’ for aussie oceans, as off-the-scale marine heat looms

Multiagency Rescue saves Bushwalker Suffering Cardiac Arrest

Community Engagement at Whitehorse Unit

National SES Volunteer Association Young Emerging Leaders Program

ESF IMPACT: First-hand experience of the British Columbia Residential Resiliency Program

Recent Seismic Activity in Australia

The Are They Triple OK? Podcast

Vale: Peter Tew

Humanihut awarded $14.2M NEMA contract

VicSESVA STATE BOARD EXECUTIVE & STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Mr David Rowlands

PRESIDENT Dr Faye Bendrups OAM

VICE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR SOUTH WEST REGION John McKenzie

TREASURER Sue Davidson

DIRECTOR NORTH EAST REGION In progress

DIRECTOR EAST REGION In progress

LIFE MEMBER Mr Chris Patton

DIRECTOR NORTH WEST REGION Julie Jochs

SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR CENTRAL WEST REGION David Edwards

DIRECTOR MID WEST REGION In progress

M: 0423 777 633 E: chair@vicsesva.org.au

M: 0435 964 455 E: fayebendrups@hotmail.com

E: treasurer@vicsesva.org.au

E: secretary@vicsesva.org.au

E: nerc@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:

M: 0407 310 555 E: shop@vicsesva.org.au

E: erc@vicsesva.org.au

E: nwrc@vicsesva.org.au

E: mwrc@vicsesva.org.au

E: cwrc@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).

COUNTRYWIDE AUSTRAL 1/460 Bourke Street, Melbourne GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 E-mail: contact@cwaustral.com.au ACN: 30 086 202 093

CHAPLAINS CONTACT DETAILS CENTRAL REGION Major Arthur Ford M: 0416 085 634

EAST REGION Rev Judy McLeod M: 0417 347 821

NORTH WEST REGION Rev David Mills M: 0425 708 730

Major Eddy Holman M: 0412 014 557

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.

Thank you

Merry

Christmas

To all emergency volunteers

Senator

Raff Ciccone

Senator

Jana Stewart

Senator

Linda White

Senator

Jess Walsh

SenatorCiccone.com.au

Senator.Stewart@aph.gov.au

Senator.White@aph.gov.au

Senator.Walsh@aph.gov.au

Senator.Ciccone@aph.gov.au

03 9070 1920

03 9639 2798

03 9381 5448

03 9890 7022

293 Spring Street Reservoir VIC 3073

L1/62 Lygon Street Carlton VIC 3053

240-250 Lygon Street Brunswick East VIC 3057

1A Blackburn Road Blackburn VIC 3130

Authorised by Senator R Ciccone, 1A Blackburn Road, Blackburn VIC 3130

REPORTS

From the

BOARD

n this final edition of Phoenix for 2023, we wish all volunteers and their families the very best for the coming season, and most importantly, that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas break. We all know that natural hazards and weather conditions don’t have time off, so all emergency service personnel will be busy throughout the coming period. It is critical that we all take time to rest and reflect, and that if our ‘bucket’ starts to overflow, that we seek help. An exciting initiative for 2024 will be the Emergency Services Foundation new pilot project on mental wellbeing: a Residential Resilience Program modelled on a successful program in Canada (see article in this edition). Congratulations to the Whitehorse Unit for their commitment to community engagement; their story and breadth of activities is commendable. And individuals

like Kimberley Wall again demonstrate the diversity of achievements made by SES volunteers within the broader community. An article submitted by AV on a multiagency rescue also reminds us of the great teamwork practised across the sector, and how beneficial it is for agencies to work and train together. Those members who attend the annual AFAC conferences will have seen the Humanihut displays: easily transported and set up, these self-contained cabins can be set up as a mini-city for crews or evacuees in disasters and emergencies. You may have already come across them on deployment. The Federal Government has contracted Humanihut to supply NEMA with huts as part of the National stockpile, to assist people displaced by disasters. Through NEMA, Humanihuts has been contracted to supply, manage, maintain and deploy six modular semi-rigid emergency shelter camps,

which include power, water and wastewater infrastructure. It is a key improvement to management of people evacuated in times of crisis. Other articles in this edition feature climate change, earthquakes, a reflection from NT young leaders on their trip to Canberra earlier this year, and the sad news of the death of Hamilton Unit founding member Peter Tew. As we face regular challenges, whether through loved ones passing, attending road trauma incidents, dealing with local emergencies, or being part of a multi-agency or multi-jurisdiction event, we might consider the words of Martin Luther King Jr: The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand in times of challenge and controversy.

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

December 2023

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FEATURE

SCIENTISTS CALL ‘CODE BLUE EMERGENCY’ FOR AUSSIE OCEANS, AS OFF-THE-SCALE MARINE HEAT LOOMS THE CLIMATE COUNCIL’S CODE BLUE:

ceans in Crisis report reveals the immense amount of climate-change induced heat currently being absorbed by the world’s oceans is equivalent to boiling the Sydney Harbour every eight minutes. In addition, the Climate Council ran a highly targeted survey of 30 leading ocean scientists across five continents. All (100%) were ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned about climate-driven changes to the world’s oceans. Half (53%) said these changes were outpacing scientific predictions. Overwhelmingly, these scientists agreed ‘rapidly phasing out fossil fuels’ is the single most important action governments could take to address ocean warming. Report author and the Climate Council’s Research Director Dr Simon Bradshaw said: “The science can’t be any clearer: our oceans are in deep trouble. Today the ocean is absorbing excess heat energy that’s equivalent to five Hiroshima bomb explosions every second, or enough to boil Sydney Harbour every eight minutes. “As our climate changes, driven by rampant burning of coal, oil and gas, ourseas are transforming before our eyes. More frequent and severe marine heatwaves are pushing coral reefs to the brink, ice sheets are melting at an alarming rate, ocean currents are slowing and seas are rising. The climate crisis is also an ocean crisis. “In hospital emergency rooms, a code blue is called when a very serious life-threatening event is underway. We are calling a code blue for our oceans today, because this threatens all the species that inhabit them, the people who depend on them, as well as all life on land. “Over the past few decades as the climate has warmed, the oceans have done an incredible job of protecting us by absorbing CO2 and an immense amount of heat, but there’s a limit to what they can take and we are close to crossing dangerous tipping points. We must scale up the use of clean energy like solar and wind, backed by storage, as quickly as we can so the use of coal, oil and gas is phased out. Every step that cuts pollution will help secure our future.” Ocean scientist Professor Gretta Pecl, Director for the Centre for Marine Socioecology at the University of Tasmania, author of the Australian ocean section of the latest IPCC report and report co-author added: “Make no mistake, ocean scientists around the world are growing increasingly concerned about rapid and intensifying changes to our oceans. vicsesva.org.au

“While much of the worry for the brutal summer ahead is quite rightly about the impact on our iconic Great Barrier Reef, the scientific community is also extremely concerned about the Great Southern Reef. With forecasts of unprecedented and ‘off the charts’ marine heat this summer, these critical marine ecosystems face risk of utter devastation. “We’re observing the transformation of the oceans in real time, as marine species move to survive. In Australia, at least 200 marine species have shifted since 2003, with the vast majority headed south. As waters warm further south, many will have nowhere left to go. “While climate change has already caused extensive change to our oceans – and we’ll continue to see devastating impacts for decades – stronger action by governments to reign in fossil fuels right now can limit future harms and ensure more species and ecosystems are given a fighting chance. Scientists agree: the single most important action we can take now is to leave fossil fuels in the polluting past – and it has to happen this decade.” Pro-surfer Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan, Surfing Australia Deputy Chairman, has joined the Climate Council’s call to declare a Code Blue emergency, adding: “Surfers have a deep and spiritual connection to the ocean and we are deeply concerned about the devastating impact the climate crisis is having on our big blue playground. Erosion is threatening our most iconic surfing spots. Our water is being polluted from flood runoff and dangerous jellyfish moving south. Loss of coral reefs and impacts on sandbars, is not just altering where and how waves break, but is also having devastating impacts on marine life. This is all terrible news for the millions of ocean loving Aussies – every one of whom should be concerned and take note. This is a call to action: we must work to draw attention to the ocean’s plight and push for decisive and rapid climate action now.” Tishiko King, a proud Kulkalaig woman from Masig in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands) marine scientist and co-author of

the report said: “’We know what is needed to protect our futures: leaving fossil fuels in the ground, having the resources to adapt to our changing climate and ocean, being able to access funds to address loss and damage. We have the opportunity to work together: First Nations, Pacific Island nations, non-Indigenous Australians. It starts by listening, and understanding what we all have in common. The ocean is what connects us all together.’’ https://www.climatecouncil.org. au/resources/scientists-call-code-blueemergency-for-aussie-oceans-as-off-thescale-marine-heat-looms/ The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. It was founded through community donations in 2013, immediately after the then-Abbott Government dismantled the Climate Commission. The Climate Council provides authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community. For further information, go to: climatecouncil.org.au Or follow on social media: facebook.com/climatecouncil and twitter.com/climatecouncil

By climate council December 2023

PHOENIX 5

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FEATURE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT WHITEHORSE UNIT

THE SES WHITEHORSE UNIT HAS EXPERIENCED A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY THROUGH VARIOUS EVENTS.

ur participation extended to over 30 community-based activities, including but not limited to the Whitehorse Spring Festival, Boroondara Emergency Services Family Fun Day, Scout/Girl Guide visits, collaborative efforts with other units, involvement in the Whitehorse Seniors Festival, Melbourne Show, Grand Prix, MotoGP, Oxfam, local Bunnings Events, Rotary, Lion’s Club, and Safe Plate Day. Being part of these events with our dedicated members has been both an honour and a privilege. Working alongside individuals who consistently inspire, encourage, and offer unwavering support vicsesva.org.au

has made the experience truly enjoyable. Approximately 36 members from our unit actively participated in community engagement activities throughout the year. Our primary focus has been on exploring innovative approaches to connect with the community, emphasizing SES key messages related to preparedness before, during, and after significant events. We utilised various strategies, including a mini roof display, child-safe activities to support learning through play, diverse display styles, member photo boards, and a children's competition. An essential aspect of our efforts has been guiding children in achieving their SES scout badge. We designed a variety of

hands-on rotating activity stations that not only met the SES badge requirements but also conveyed our important messages in a fun and supportive manner. A significant portion of our community has warmly embraced our presence at all of these events this year. We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated members whose pivotal roles contributed to the success of our community engagement endeavours this year. Thank you for your invaluable support. By Joel Solomon Section Leader Community Engagement, Whitehorse Unit December 2023

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

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THANK YOU Thanking all our SES Volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to communities in the South Eastern Metropolitan Region.

Ann-Marie

Hermans mp 1/31 Princes Hwy, Dandenong VIC 3175 AnnMarieHermansMP 9794 7667

Ann-MarieHermans.com.au

Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

ann-marie.hermans@parliament.vic.gov.au

Authorised by Ann-Marie Hermans MP, 1/31 Princes Hwy, Dandenong 3175

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CHECKING IN ON OUR ORANGE FAMILY Ashleigh, a volunteer crew member, and training officer with the State Emergency Services (SES), has shared her story to normalise R U OK? conversations among emergency services workers and volunteers nationwide. Ashleigh (she/they) first put on her SES uniform at 18 years old, immediately feeling part of the orange family. Eleven years on, she’s responded to some of our country’s major floods and fires, and at times felt the brunt of natural disasters on their mental wellbeing. “When you respond to a natural disaster you’re running on adrenaline, the devastation is in front of you, emotions are high within the community, but you’re razor focused on getting people the help they need. When you return home, and take the uniform off, it can be quite lonely and isolating trying to process and understand what just happened.”

Left: Luke (Ashleigh’s Unit Controller) Right: Ashleigh

“After a deployment in 2022, I hit a wall and began to fear putting my uniform back on. I was so anxious about getting paged to another job. I was struggling to cope but was too scared to admit it to anyone, so I faced it alone for months.” Ashleigh says she internalised how she was feeling because she believed that to do her job, she had to remain strong. “I was worried I had failed as an emergency services volunteer because I’d reached a point where I couldn’t do it on my own. I couldn’t keep everything in and deal with it.” A colleague of Ashleigh’s noticed she seemed different and took the time to check in. “One day my controller approached me to ask if I was OK. He said ‘I don’t know you as well as other people in your life probably do, but I have noticed you’ve been different. You don’t have the same enthusiasm as usual, so I wanted to check in and see how you are doing.’” “Him starting that conversation gave me the permission I wasn’t giving myself to open-up. Feeling heard and understood took the weight off my shoulders and made me realise I wasn’t failing as an emergency services volunteer, I just needed a bit of support, and that’s perfectly OK.”

Ashleigh and her crew

Ashleigh wants everyone to understand the power of having an R U OK? conversation. “Without that conversation I wouldn’t be in my uniform anymore, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I now know I don’t have to go it alone and I can bounce back stronger.” “If you notice someone isn’t themselves, trust your gut and check in. Most importantly, make sure you have enough time to really hear their concerns if they say they aren’t OK. It changed my life, and it could change theirs.”

Ashleigh’s story can be found at ruok.org.au along with the free ‘Are They Triple OK?’ resources for police and emergency services workers and volunteers, as well as their family and friends. These include a conversation guide, a podcast and other personal stories. If you’re worried about someone, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), agency support service or connect with their GP. For 24/7 for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14.

FEATURE

ESF IMPACT Newsletter, issue 39

First-hand experience of the British Columbia Residential Resiliency Program

SF program facilitator and clinical counsellor Dr Shannon Hood recently arrived back from a trip to Vancouver, Canada, in which he sought to better understand the British Columbia Residential Resiliency Program ahead of ESF’s Residential Wellbeing Program Pilot scheduled to begin in April 2024. ESF’s Residential Wellbeing Program has been informed by the British Columbia Firefighter Resiliency Program (BCFRRP) which was developed in response to a spate of suicides across the service. ESF’s Pilot will involve six groups of ten people in residence for four days on the Mornington Peninsula to work with mental health counsellors familiar with the emergency services environment. The six ESF led pilot programs will take place between April and October 2024. ESF will be working with its member agencies in the coming weeks to start to recruit pilot participants. This will not be a matter of being tapped on the should to attend. It is a unique and lifechanging opportunity where participants must self-nominate and will need to be assessed as sub-clinical or in the orange zone on the mental health continuum to be suited to the program. The BCFRRP is a program built from an evidence-based model that was developed over 15 years for military veterans. It is delivered as a partnership between the University of British Columbia’s Men’s initiative and the BC Professional Firefighters’ Association. It is now also delivered to police and paramedics in Canada. Evidence of success comes from data collection and testimonials, and this is being comprehensively expanded with assistance from a Movember Grant. Shannon’s experience, thoughts and feelings about the benefit of the program he experienced in Canada, and the impact it will have for Victorian emergency service people is evident:

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"In the last week of October, I went on an amazing 4-day journey with two extraordinary clinicians and eight courageous members of the British Columbia Police Force. Together we participated in a residential wellbeing program designed specifically for first responders. "On the first day, the participants were welcomed by a fellow officer who was an alumnus of the program. Just like in operational settings, these strangers quickly became a highly productive trust-based group. "On the first day, the clinicians did an artful job of establishing extraordinary psychological safety whilst presenting helpful models to explain the theory behind the coming days and introduce some of the core concepts. This education process was a highly interactive Powerpoint free zone! "On days 2 and 3 was when the magic happened. Having set the scene, by explaining the process, and creating the guardrails for everyone’s safety, the group went to work and the facilitators took a back seat. Each participant was given the opportunity to tell two stories (one on each day). Many shared powerful stories they had never told before, and many shared stories they had shared in part with mental health professionals, but felt able to say more, go deeper, and express feelings more fully amongst a group of their peers. After all, how can any mental health practitioner (or member of another first response agency) understand what it is like to do a

traffic stop, fire a service firearm, respond to an armed robbery, or process the images that go with being part of the Internet Child Exploitation team? For the first time the stories were told in their fullness, their rawness – not because anyone insisted, but simply because there was a safe group who might really understand. "Now we all know that first responders love to tell war stories when they get together, but this was different. These were stories of vulnerability and loss and tragedy. Often, they were individual balls on the mental billiard table of accumulated, unprocessed traumatic events. vicsesva.org.au

FEATURE They were tough stories to tell and hard stories to listen to – but listen they did. With the training of the first day, the group listened without judgement, without cheerleading, without seeking to solve or fix, and without jumping in with their own story. The group responded with affirmation and understanding and empathy. Now, many of the story tellers had received affirmation and understanding and empathy from professional counsellors, but that was no match to receiving these things from their peers. "And as each person responded to every other person’s story it became clear that whilst every story was different, there were elements in every story that connected with everyone else. Each participant was able to see a bit of their own story in the story of their peer, and so indirectly their experiences were also normalised, validated, and affirmed. And of course, every time each member responded to another person’s story, they were refining their own skills in active listening and empathetic responding. If you do the math, you’ll realise that every person practiced an empathetic response 14 times over two days and got to hear 140 high quality empathetic responses to 16 powerful stories. This was experiential learning at its finest.

"If I were to distil down the secret sauce it might be this: typically first responders hesitate to tell their stories to professional listeners in part because they don’t think the listener will truly understand. Yet paradoxically those who are actually able to understand the story are usually pretty rubbish at truly listening and responding in helpful ways. This residential program overcomes that paradox by equipping the peer listeners and providing a safe place for storytelling. "Day 4 transitions the individuals back into the real world. The participants spend time in pairs - demonstrating that meaningful storytelling and effective listening do not need professionals present to be effective. And so, with their own lives a little more whole they return to their families and their workplaces more resilient, and able to better support others by drawing out meaningful stories, listening effectively, and responding in ways that affirm, encourage, normalise, and validate. It’s not rocket science, but it is extraordinarily effective and was perhaps one of the most profound experiences of my 20+ years working in mental health with emergency services. I am looking forward to being able to journey with our own emergency service workers as we bring the program to life in 2024."

Footnote It is general practice to minimise exposure to stories that could be triggering. The model of sharing stories in this group program is very carefully managed. Here's what Dr Duncan Shields says about that: "I would say minimise exposure to uncontrolled, unmanaged storytelling that is told without emotional or physiological regulation. The instruction to participants in writing their story is that they are to write the situation details "from 10,000 feet", meaning minimal detail, while going into much more detail about the impact of those events on them. The focus is on the legacy, not the trauma story itself. "This program is an opportunity to tell the story in a controlled atmosphere under close supervision of two clinicians who are attending both to the person telling the story and the members listening. It's often the first time participants have been able to tell their story with the impact that it had on them to a small group of trusted peers who know where they've been. Part of what we want to be able to give them is the tools and capacity to support each other in those heavy stories that they will continue to be exposed to. It is undoubtedly heavy work, but it's life changing, and we take it slow."

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE

VICTORIAN SES ROB MITCHELL MP MEMBER FOR MCEWEN

vicsesva.org.au

57-59 High Street Wallan VIC 3756 PO Box 380, Wallan VIC 3756 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au 5716 3000 robmitchell.com.au Authorised Rob Mitchell MP, Australian Labor Party, 57-59 High Street, Wallan.

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FEATURE

HUMANIHUT AWARDED $14.2M NEMA CONTRACT

HUMANIHUT HAS BEEN AWARDED A AUD$14.2M CONTRACT TO SUPPLY HUMANIHUT BASECAMPS TO THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AS PART OF ITS NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STOCKPILE.

umanihut Managing Direct and founder neale Sutton (pictured) said it was milestone for the company. "This is one of the exact uses for the Humanihut Field Infrastructure System I had envisaged when coming up with the concept more than a decade ago. I'm proud that an Australian company like Humanhut has come up with the solution to provide shelter and support for those displaced by natural disasters. We look forward to continuing to work with the National Emergency Management Agency to take Humanihuts where they are most needed," Mr Sutton said. For the first time in our nation’s history, dedicated safe and secure emergency shelter will be available to be rapidly deployed by the Australian Government to assist people displaced by a disaster this higher risk weather season. Supplied by Australian-owned Humanihuts, the mobile emergency shelter camps are a key component of the Australian Government’s new National Emergency Management Stockpile. Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said this vital national capability will support state and territory governments as they respond and recovery from natural disasters. “In recent years we have seen the importance of emergency shelter in the aftermath of devastating natural disasters,” Minister Watt said. “Now, as we establish Australia’s first ever National Emergency Management Stockpile, we will have access to these shelters at a moment’s notice, so we can rapidly deploy them to a disaster‑area. “We made acquiring these shelters a top priority, because when communities are impacted by a disaster, access to life sustaining resources such as safe emergency shelter is critical to reduce the overall level of harm. “This will be the first of many contracts we establish to build a broader National Emergency Management Stockpile as we seek to develop alternatives options to the Australian Defence Force, to support disaster-hit communities.

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“It’s just another way the Albanese Government is ensuring Australia is better prepared for natural disasters in the future.” The Australian Government, through NEMA, has contracted Humanihuts to supply, manage, maintain and deploy six modular semi-rigid emergency shelter camps, self-sufficient turnkey solutions, which include power, water and wastewater infrastructure. These camps will be available over the Higher Risk Weather Season and will all be delivered by 30 June 2024. The total Australian Government investment is $14.2 million to 30 June 2024, with options to extend.

Humanihuts Managing Director Neale Sutton said the camps had proven themselves as valuable additions to community relief following natural disasters. “We are constantly improving our infrastructure based on the feedback of the people who have been using them in recovery and disaster zones in the last ten years, and we look forward to assisting Australians in their time of need,” Mr Sutton said. “Humanihuts' origins focused on providing humanitarian relief so that displaced people and those that support them have comfortable, well-equipped shelter in order to rest, recover and rebuild.” vicsesva.org.au

FEATURE

The shelter camps include integrated laundry and ablution facilities, wheelchair accessible huts and additional functional support requirements. These camps meet the functional needs of displaced communities, including people with limited mobility, families, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Each hut can sleep up to four people and comes with reverse cycle air conditioning, block out blinds, lighting, power and flyscreens for maximum comfort. The first camp will be available from 31 October, with the remaining being vicsesva.org.au

delivered at various stages through to June 2024 with eventual capacity to shelter up to 704 community members or 1,408 emergency service workers. NEMA received additional funding of more than $8 million through the 2023-24 Federal budget to build on a National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS) capability to provide rapid access to critical emergency management assets and resources to augment state and territory emergency response and immediate relief capabilities. The NEMS program will be comprised of three parts:

•

A national stockpile of Australian Government-owned disaster goods and services, and a seasonal strategic reserve of single-use consumables; A standing offer panel to facilitate the procurement, management and deployment of the Stockpile. A Request for Tender for this panel is currently open and more information is available on the AusTender website; and Memoranda of Understanding with other Australian Government crisis response and humanitarian relief capabilities.

By Nat Bradford December 2023

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Our broad range of services including but not limited to • Community participation • In-home support • Attendant care • Community Nursing • House Cleaning and Gardening • Training and Development Of Life Skills For Daily Living • Transportation

FEATURE

KIMBA WALL FOCUS ON ABILITY

CHELSEA SES MEMBER KIMBA WALL, RECENTLY JETTED OFF TO SYDNEY, TO ATTEND THE FOCUS ON ABILITY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS PRESENTATIONS. NCY MANAGEMENT STOCKPILE.

he Red Carpet event was held to celebrate short films made by, or about, people with disabilities. This International film festival attracts entrants from more than 44 countries, and Kimba was nominated as Best Actor. The film is a product of BAM Arts, a fabulous all-abilities arts group, and the amazing group of people that make this happen. The film was called The Healer, and was the brainchild of another BAM family member, Phoebe Nowak, who was also nominated as Best Actor. Well, the brilliant and exciting news is, that Kimba and Phoebe, were both named as Best Actor, sharing the prestigious award, and then ‘The Healer’, also won, Best Film, what an incredible day, and what a fantastic achievement by everyone involved. By Phil Wall VICSES Chelsea vicsesva.org.au

December 2023

PHOENIX 19

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FEATURE

Michael (red jacket) and his family and GoodSAM Responder Pete (grey jacket) with First Responders.

MULTIAGENCY RESCUE SAVES BUSHWALKER SUFFERING CARDIAC ARREST

AN AVID BUSHWALKER IS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AFTER SUFFERING A CARDIAC ARREST IN BUNINYONG RESERVE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

ifty-four-year-old Michael Mai was bushwalking when he collapsed. His wife called Triple Zero (000) and kick-started a mammoth multiagency rescue operation. Local GoodSAM Responder Pete Ryan was at home when he received an alert notifying him of the unfolding emergency. He and his partner, Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedic Mel Buckingham, immediately jumped into action. “We drove to the top of the mountain as per the GoodSAM directions,” Pete said. AV paramedics arrived on-scene along with GoodSAM Responders Pete and Mel. Pete and the paramedics continued the rescue operation by traversing down the single-file walking track to locate Michael. “We made our way along the walking track within the reserve and found him unresponsive on the walking trail,” Pete said. “A family member was doing CPR, so I jumped in and continued doing compressions.” vicsesva.org.au

First responders from Victoria State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA),Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and Victoria Police responded to the rescue operation.

With the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), paramedics administered two shocks before two mobile intensive care paramedics arrived. However, the rescue effort was far from over and the focus shifted to transporting Michael out of the reserve and into the safety of the waiting ambulance.

First responders from Victoria State Emergency Service (SES), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and Victoria Police responded to the rescue operation. “I was so focused on Michael that by the time I looked up again, I saw there was a sea of orange – the SES had arrived, alongside other agencies,” Pete said. December 2023

PHOENIX 21

FEATURE

First Responders helping extricate Michael down the mountain.

Michael (red jacket) with GoodSAM Responder Pete (grey jacket) and AV Paramedics.

An AV HEMS helicopter hovered above the mountain, assessing the possibility of winching Michael out, but it was decided the safest way to extricate was to load him onto an SES mule (all terrain rescue stretcher) and wheel him down the mountain. “Everyone was working together to try and get Michael out as safely as possible,” Pete said. “SES crews were cutting down logs and fallen trees out of the way to help clear a path. “We had to occasionally lift the mule to get Michael over a few logs that couldn’t be moved. It was a real effort.” Michael was grateful for the first responders that saved his life. “There were a lot of people involved, and I’m grateful to see them and say thanks faceto-face,” Michael said.

22 PHOENIX

December 2023

With the help of GoodSAM Responder Pete, AV Paramedics, SES, CFA, FRV, and Victoria Police, Michael was extricated from the reserve and taken to a waiting ambulance where he was transported to Ballarat Hospital. Michael has since made a full recovery and has recently reunited with GoodSAM Responder Pete, AV paramedics, and other first responders who came to his aid. GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to perform CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive. About GoodSAM: • There are currently more than 12,000 GoodSAM Responders across the state, but we need more. • Anyone who knows hands-only CPR can save a life by becoming a GoodSAM Responder today.

•

You don’t have to have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background, you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone. • You will only receive an alert if you are nearby to the person in cardiac arrest. If you accept the alert, you will be given the address of the patient, along with the location of the closest defibrillator (if one is available), so you can begin lifesaving care while an ambulance is on the way. Accepting a GoodSAM alert is voluntary as there are many reasons why you may not be able to respond. You can simply reject the alert and GoodSAM will then seek to notify the next closest GoodSAM Responder. By Ana Vujanic Media Advisor, Communication and Engagement, Ambulance Victoria vicsesva.org.au

"Thank you to our wonderful Fawkner SES Unit volunteers and their families for always helping our community in times of need."

A: Suite 1A, 12 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 P: PO Box 214, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 T: 9326 1300 E: bill.shorten.mp@aph.gov.au BillShorten @billshortenmp @billshortenmp

Shop 42, 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, VIC 3047

Authorised by Bill Shorten, Australian Labor Party, Suite 1A, 12 Hall Street Moonee Ponds, VIC, 3039.

Harriet Shing MP

THANK YOU TO ALL THE DEDICATED

MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

The past two years have been especially challenging for emergency service personnel across Eastern Victoria and the state. Through it all, SES volunteers have continued to show immeasurable dedication, skill, and resolve.

FROM YOUR VICTORIAN LABOR TEAM

So, thank you to our wonderful SES volunteers for all that you do, and thank you to your families for the support they give you as you help others. For your tireless efforts to make and keep our communities safe. For braving the elements and the most difficult situations to help people most in need.

Nina Taylor MP

MEMBER FOR ALBERT PARK 9646 7173

nina.taylor@parliament.vic.gov.au

NinaTaylorMP

@ninataylormp

Ryan Batchelor MP MEMBER FOR SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN REGION

9557 1500

ryan.batchelor@parliament.vic.gov.au

ryanbatchelormp

@ryanbatchelormp

Every day, every week, every holiday season, every year.

Thank you. 216 Commercial Road, Morwell VIC 3840 P: 1300 103 199 E: harriet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au harrietshingmp @ShingvWorld Authorised by H Shing, 216 Commercial Rd, Morwell. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

Matt Fregon MP MEMBER FOR ASHWOOD

9561 0511

matt.fregon@parliament.vic.gov.au

MattFregonMP

@mattfregonmp

John Berger MP MEMBER FOR SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN REGION

7008 8466

john.berger@parliament.vic.gov.au

johnbergermp

@johnbergermp

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Ray White Rural Victoria sincerely thanks all SES volunteer firefighters for your brave and tireless efforts in protecting our rural communities across the state. Jason Hellyer 0403 043 571 Ray White Rural Victoria 03 8554 4611 raywhiteruralvictoria.com.au

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FEATURE

NATIONAL SES VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION YOUNG EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM Canberra 2023

or any volunteer, representing their state or territory service on deployment assisting other jurisdictions in their time of need holds a sense of pride, camaraderie and community spirit. Being selected at the 2023 NT SES Volunteer Association representative at the Young Emerging Leaders Program in Canberra hosted by the National SES Volunteer Association, has brought that same sense of feelings. Arriving into Canberra from Alice Springs on the Thursday, we were introduced to our fellow representatives from around the nation, with some jurisdictions having selected 2 leaders, at a dinner event. It was quite an introduction with all the emerging leaders enjoying themselves and mingling with amongst each other, starting the camaraderie and friendship. On Friday morning, in the Canberra fresh brisk air, the AFAC Emergency Services Memorial was held. The memorial is an annual service held to honour the emergency service members who have sacrificed their life in the line of duty including workplace illness. As the dignitaries and guests arrived, the representatives were ushering them to their seats while distributing programmes and rosemary. When everyone was seat, the young emerging leaders had formed an vicsesva.org.au

honour guard to welcome his honourable, Governor General of Australia, David Hurley and his wife, Lady Lisa Hurley. It was such a moving ceremony to remember those who have passed and hear those name who have recently passed as they are now added to the Emergency Service Memorial Wall. I had the opportunity to remember someone who was a role model for myself, who unfortunately passed away due to workplace illness, placing a rosemary next to his name. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, we were greeted by

Senator the Hon. Murray Watt (Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management), expressing their heart felt gratitude for the work the SES volunteer and other volunteers do within the community in the time of need. After the Ceremony, we were transported to Parliament House for private group tour around. Upon the arrival, we were advised of a change in schedule, instead of visiting the ACT SES Headquarters, we were greeted with a once in a lifetime opportunity. With a great surprise, we had an incredible invitation to attend Government House with a private meeting with the Governor General and his wife. We enjoyed a mesmerizing tour around Parliament House learning about the history and proceedings of day to day events, with us all still in disbelief of the surprise. Once the tour had ended we proceeded with excitement to Government House. His Honourable had spoken with us about our experiences and goals with volunteering along with sharing his experiences as a young leader in an ever-changing world. Her Excellency, has a tradition at all gatherings to have everyone sing the chorus of ‘You are My Sunshine’ three times, first time is out loud in a group, second time you sing to the person next to you, and the third time you sing in a group again but by the third time you should be laughing December 2023

PHOENIX 25

FEATURE and enjoying yourself. As our time with his Honourable and Her Excellence was coming to a close, we were yet again surprised. His Honourable had presented us with the Governor General of Australia medallion as a keepsake. Expecting to leave the Government House, we were then lead out to the Gardens, where we were invited to the Coronation of King Charles III Garden Party. With more excitement, we attend the event with other emergency service volunteers and workers, along with Commonwealth dignitaries. Mingling amongst other volunteers while sharing experiences and knowledge had just added more community spirit to the day. With a schedule to keep to, we proceeded to our last destination for the day, Geoscience Australia. There we had been given presentations to learn more about the science behind the event of natural disasters like earthquakes. After the presentations we were then showed around Geoscience Australia, with the last place on the tour being the National Earthquake Alerts Centre. During being shown what was in the room, we actually got to see a tremor starting at Japan and watching its ripple go across the world. It took approximately 20-30 second to arrive to Australian waters, with nothing to be felt. Watching it appear on the seismograph was just mind blowing, as while in Canberra they can get the data in as it is happening so far away. It just goes to show how much technology has developed. To end the already engaging day, we had joined with the NSESVA representatives and the representatives from each SES jurisdictions. A special guest from Volunteering Australia, Sarah Wilson, was in attendance to speak to us about the National Strategy for Volunteering. Talking about the challenges volunteering nation-wide and how her organisation advocates for the volunteer and how to make volunteering more accessible for everyone. To finish of the night NSESVA awarded each representative with a trophy, with a special congratulations to Doreen McEnroe ESM receiving the first ever NSESVA Life Membership. With formalities completed, the Young Emerging Leaders were left to enjoy the rest of their night to explore Canberra. The Young Emerging Leaders Program has been one of the best experiences I have had while being a NT Emergency Service volunteer, with the best part of it being the other young volunteers who are like minded and community driven while advocating for the future of the SES community. Thank you to NSESVA for the sponsorship of the program and the organisation of such a memorable trip. Also thank you to NTSESVA for giving me the opportunity to be the representative, it has been an honour and a life changing experience.

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vicsesva.org.au

Proudly Supporting the SES Volunteers Association

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The SES – part of East Gippsland East Gippsland is fire, flood and storm prone, but SES volunteers are always there in times of disaster. We say thank you to the SES for supporting our communities. Let’s all do what we can to help the SES help us - be prepared and consider volunteering to assist your community.

As Labor MPs we know that locals rely on the help, goodwill and professionalism of VICSES staff.

Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe. Wishing you a happy new year and all the best in 2024.

Ged Kearney Member for Cooper

Josh Burns

(03) 5153 9500

Member for Macnamara

eastgippsland.vic.gov.au EastGippyShire

Authorised by Ged Kearney MP Australian Labor Party, 159 High St Preston VIC.

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Bridget VALLENCE MP Member for Evelyn

143 Main Street, Lilydale VIC 3140 www.BridgetVallence.com.au | 9735 3208

Thank you to all the SES volunteers and their families in Wills for your bravery and lifesaving work.

WE THANK OUR SES VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE

Ofﬁce: 466-468 Sydney Road, Coburg, VIC 3058 P: 9350 5777 E: Peter.Khalil.MP@aph.gov.au www.peterkhalil.com.au

Cindy McLEISH MP

@PeterKhalilMP @PeterKhalilMP

Member for Eildon

@PeterKhalilMP

Shop 10, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen VIC 3775

www.cindymcleish.com.au | 9730 1066

Authorised by P Khalil, Australian Labor Party, 466-468 Sydney Road, Coburg, VIC 3058

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE SES. “Thank you to all the

volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the community ”

“Thank you to our Craigieburn and Broadmeadows SES volunteers for helping to keep us safe. We appreciate your service”.

9580 4651

mark.dreyfus.mp@aph.gov.au

MARK DREYFUS MP Federal Member for Isaacs

566 Main Street Mordialloc VIC 3195

Commonwealth Attorney-General Authorised by Mark Dreyfus MP ALP, 566 Main Street Mordialloc VIC 3195.

A: Town Hall Broadmeadows Precinct, Level 2, Ofﬁce 1, 14 Dimboola Road Broadmeadows VIC 3047 T: 03 9367 5216 E: maria.vamvakinou.mp@aph.gov.au MariaVamvakinou Authorised by M. Vamvakinou, Australian Labor Party, Level 2, Ofﬁce 1, 14 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047

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Sam.rae.mp@aph.gov.au samraeforhawke.com.au 03 9070 1960 SamRaeforHawke Sam Rae

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Proudly supporting the Victoria SES & our local Volunteers

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Thank you to all our SES volunteers for the contribution you make to our community. A special thanks to the local Whittlesea unit.

Andrew.Giles.MP@aph.gov.au

Andrew Giles MP

(03) 9497 9783

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Authorised by A.Giles MP, ALP, 187-189 High St, Thomastown, Victoria 3074

FEATURE

RECENT SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN AUSTRALIA October 2023

ustralians in parts of Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory may have felt the earth move beneath their feet during October, after a seismically active period across the country. On Sunday 22 October, an earthquake of preliminary magnitude 5.1 was recorded near the Otway Ranges (previously referred to as Apollo Bay) in Victoria at 2.11am. The earthquake was at a depth of around 10 kilometres. Just over 8,400 residents lodged a felt reports, from as far north as Bendigo and as far south as King Island. After review, the earthquake magnitude was revised to 4.7. This event, or 'main shock’ was followed by five aftershocks measuring 2.5, 3.6, 2.5, 2.7 and 3.7 magnitude between 5:40am on 22 October and 1.17pm yesterday (24 October). Aftershocks are common following any moderate-to-large earthquake and occur due to a redistribution of stress around a ruptured fault. Further shaking could be expected over the coming days, weeks and months. Elsewhere in the country, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake was detected near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory at 3.05am on 24 October. 10 people lodged a felt report for the quake, which had a depth of around one kilometre. 64 people lodged felt reports following a magnitude 2.6 earthquake near Cobargo in New South Wales around 9.32pm last night at a depth of around 10 kilometres. A 4.0 magnitude earthquake was registered near Goodooga on the border of New South Wales and Queensland around 11.38pm, resulting in no felt reports at this time which is to be expected, as it is a very remote part of the country. Finally, three people lodged felt reports after a 2.6 magnitude earthquake with a depth of around 10 kilometres was detected around 12.45am on Phillip Island on 25 October. Senior Seismologist Tanja Pejic said while there were earthquakes every day in Australia, most are not felt because of their low magnitude or because they sometimes occur far away from populated areas. “On average, around 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or larger are recorded in Australia each year,” Ms Pejic said. “Earthquakes in Australia, or intraplate earthquakes, can and do occur anywhere on the continent due to the movement of tectonic plates. vicsesva.org.au

“Earthquakes above magnitude 5.0, such as the destructive 5.4 magnitude earthquake in Newcastle in 1989, occur in Australia approximately every one to two years. “Approximately every 10 years, Australia experiences a potentially damaging earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or larger such as the Meckering earthquake in October 1968 and the off-shore Broome earthquake in 2019. “Movements and interaction of the plates occur on time scales of hundreds of thousands of years. To measure changes in occurrence frequency

of earthquakes in Australia, it is necessary to look at observation data over centuries, so it is not possible to say definitively whether there is an overall increase in seismicity in any one area in Australia.” For more information on current earthquakes, visit http:// earthquakes.ga.gov.au

By Geoscience Australia December 2023

PHOENIX 29

FEATURE

THE ARE THEY TRIPLE OK? PODCAST Building connection and comradery

R U OK? HAS LAUNCHED A NEW PODCAST SERIES TO ENCOURAGE LIFE CHANGING CONVERSATIONS, EARLY INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTIVE BEHAVIOUR AMONGST THE PEERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO WORK AND VOLUNTEER IN THE POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES.

he ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ features personal stories and practical tools to increase social support for emergency services personnel and build a mentally healthy workplace. It also includes tips on how to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and navigate a conversation if someone is not OK. Episode one features James Maskey, a retired front-line Queensland Police Officer. In 2013, James was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “As first responders historically, we talk about everything except for mental health and, importantly, suicidal thoughts,” said Mr Maskey. “Either because we didn’t have the confidence to have that conversation, or we were worried about the impacts of having that chat. And when I say we, I’m talking about me. Certainly, that was my experience.” Mr Maskey says frontline first responders, in the fire truck, in the ambulance, in the patrol car, have a unique opportunity to get to know their colleagues. “You know what they like to eat, their coffee order and what their family and their children are up to,” he said. “You know the intimate details of their lives because you’ve got a long time in the car sitting side by side to share so many experiences.” Mr Maskey is now the National Sector Specialist at Fortem Australia, and is

30 PHOENIX

December 2023

passionate about enhancing the mental, physical and social well-being of the first responder community. “My advice to the emergency services community is to learn how to have an R U OK? Conversation and start having them,” he said. “If someone is struggling, reaching out for help can feel like a heavy thing to do, it can be a hard task and it can feel overwhelming. “But when you take the time to ask someone how they’re travelling, you can take some of the weight off and some of the burden away. People are often relieved to have a conversation and feel that level of camaraderie.” The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ is hosted by Matt Newlands, R U OK? Community Ambassador and former police officer is one of a suite of free resources available from R U OK? for those who work in the police and emergency services, their families and friends. The podcast and resources including a conversation guide and personal stories that demonstrate the life changing impact of an R U OK? conversation can be found at ruok. org.au. The ‘Are They Triple OK? podcast’ will also be available for download on a range of streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Audible. ‘Are They Triple OK?’ was developed in response to the Beyond Blue nationwide

‘Answering the call’ survey which found more than half of all police and emergency services employees indicated they had experienced a traumatic event that had deeply affected them during the course of their work. Positively, personnel with higher levels of social support and resilience reported lower levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. “The results from ‘Answering the Call’ showed us that the support of peers, family and friends does make a difference for those who work in frontline services. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s OK to lean on each other, and it’s OK to retire that unhelpful stereotype of being that six-foot bulletproof superhero,” said Maskey. “I would urge leaders to explore vulnerability to share their own story if they have one, or to support others to share their own story as well. We know that this helps in demystifying mental health.” If you’re worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), appropriate agency support service or connect with a trusted health professional, like their local doctor. Pinnacle Charitable Foundation is a Funding Partner of R U OK? and is proud to fund the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ campaign. Specialised wellbeing and mental fitness support for first responders and their vicsesva.org.au

FEATURE families can be accessed through Fortem Australia at fortemaustralia.org.au. For 24/7 for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14. About ‘Are They Triple OK?’ • ‘Are They Triple OK?’ is an R U OK? initiative that encourages higher levels of peer and social support for police and emergency services workers and volunteers nationwide. • The initiative responds to key recommendations in the Beyond Blue ‘Answering the call’ survey into the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s police and emergency services workers. • The initiative focuses on the support networks around our police and emergency services workers and volunteers, both at home and in the workplace e.g., supervisors, volunteers, friends and family. • ‘Are They Triple OK?’ provides free digital and printable resources. • Resources include storytelling from police, fire, ambulance, and SES employees and volunteers to ensure the voices of lived experience are heard and to model the life-changing impact of an R U OK? conversation. • Pinnacle Charitable Foundation is a Funding Partner of R U OK? and is proud to fund the ‘Are they Triple OK?’ campaign. • ‘Are They Triple OK?’ can be found on the R U OK? website at ruok.org.au and is distributed through the existing communication channels of each service. About R U OK? • R U OK? is a public health promotion charity that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life. • A renowned suicide prevention theory is that of Dr Thomas Joiner . Joiner’s theory describes three forces at play in someone at risk of suicide, one of which is a decreased sense of belonging. This lack of belonging and sense of connection is what R U OK? are working to prevent. • R U OK?Day is an annual National Day of Action; held on the second Thursday of September (14 September 2023) and a reminder that every day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life. • Throughout the year R U OK? delivers free resources that increase the willingness and confidence of all Australians to recognise the signs someone is struggling, start a genuine conversation and lend appropriate support. R U OK? also tailors these resources to meet the needs of targeted population groups and settings. • R U OK? draws on the valuable lived experience of Australians in the development all campaigns. vicsesva.org.au

•

R U OK?Day was founded in 2009 by adman Gavin Larkin who tragically lost his father to suicide in 1995. Larkin (who died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011) wanted to spare other families the grief his family endured. A spark of an idea has since become a nationwide community movement that encourages everyone to genuinely ask the question and have a meaningful conversation with those in their world who might be struggling. Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at ruok.org.au

About Fortem Australia • Fortem Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the mental fitness and wellbeing of first responder families - the people who protect and care for Australian communities. • As a result of their occupation, first responders in national security and emergency service roles experience high psychological distress, experience suicidal thoughts, and have suicide plans at rates significantly higher than the average Australian adult. • Tragically, first responder families are also impacted through ‘spillover stress’, with many experiencing secondary trauma and stresses that cascade from first responder employment. • Fortem Australia provides free evidence-based mental fitness and wellbeing support to the first responder

community. We run wellbeing activities designed to connect families and build communities, provide psychology support to first responders and their families, as well as supporting those looking for new life and career opportunities following service. • Fortem Australia’s wellbeing activities are making a difference in the lives of first responders across the country, increasing social connectedness among the first responder community. Nearly all (97 per cent) of participants felt that the Fortem activity benefited their health and wellbeing. • Fortem’s clinical support team are highly experienced in the challenges and traumas that first responders and their families go through. One in four psychology sessions are provided directly to family members of first responders. • Fortem Australia’s Transition and Employment Program provides specialised career management support to transitioning first responders, delivered by an expert team with lived experience in various first responder agencies. • As we approach four years of operation, Fortem Australia has received over 23,500 wellbeing activity registrations and provided more than 3,600 psychology sessions to first responders and their families across the country. More information can be found at https://fortemaustralia.org.au/ December 2023

PHOENIX 31

VALE

PETER TEW THE HAMILTON SES UNIT ARE SADDENED AT THE LOSS OF LONG SERVING MEMBER PETER TEW OR ‘TEWY’ AS EVERYONE KNEW HIM BY.

eter’s 54 years’ service of the Hamilton Unit includes its original incarnation as the Victorian Civil Defence Organisation & Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). Peter was a founding member of the VICSES Hamilton Unit which was formed on the 9th of December 1969 as the Hamilton & District Civil Defence Rescue Squad. Alongside many other roles over his time, Peter served as Unit Controller from 1983 until 1986 and received his National Medal in 1988. In recent years Peter played a significant coordination role in the refurbishment of the Hamilton LHQ in 2016. Peter was also a local business owner, had a long association with the local Lions Club and was active on many local committees. Peter will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by many past and present members of the Hamilton Unit.

Peter John Tew ‘Tewy’ Member# 21016

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December 2023

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ARE THEY TRIPLE OK? Even the most resilient emergency services workers and volunteers can be affected by stress and trauma related to their work, or as a result of other life challenges. Are They Triple OK? resources provide practical tools and tips on how to start an R U OK? conversation with a workmate, friend or family member in the emergency services, to help them feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis.

Scan to learn more ruok.org.au/triple-ok