PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE VICTORIAN SES VOLUNTEERS
ISSUE 197 DECEMBER 2019
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Contents 3 5
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From the Board A message from the Emergency Management Commissioner about preparing for fires Vale Mitch Darragh Code Red Day Are You Ready? Emergency Services Foundation
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SES Fit For Task Underway Across Australia SWAHS Cluster Training a Success Swan Hill Unit Hosts Catalina Venturers Position Vacant: Phoenix Editor A Quick Guide to VicSESVA
VicSESVA STATE BOARD EXECUTIVE & STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECRETARY Faye Bendrups
SHOP MANAGER AND TASK FORCE DELEGATE Mr Chris Patton
M: 0435 964 455 E: secretary@vicsesva.org.au E: fayebendrups@hotmail.com
M: 0407 310 555 E: shop@vicsesva.org.au
DIRECTOR NORTH EAST REGION Mr Chris Brown
CHAIRPERSON AND DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL EAST REGION Mr David Rowlands
M: 0417 550 076 E: nerc@vicsesva.org.au
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M: 0423 777 633 E: chair@vicsesva.org.au
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TREASURER AND PRESIDENT/ALT DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL EAST REGION Ann Hinsch
DIRECTOR EAST REGION Vacant - Vale Mitch Darragh E: erc@vicsesva.org.au
E: treasurer@vicsesva.org.au
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Letters to the editor If you have a point of view you feel would be of benefit to VicSESVA, or a request for any article which other members may be able to help source, mail it to PHOENIX. If your Unit has a need to publicise an event or Unit activity, send it to PHOENIX.
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CONTRIBUTIONS
DIRECTOR CENTRAL WEST REGION Ray Desem
DIRECTOR NORTH WEST REGION In progress
E: cwrc@vicsesva.org.au
Advertisers Alert Countrywide Austral is appointed by the Victoria Emergency Service Association as the authorised publisher of PHOENIX. For enquiries re advertising in this magazine, please contact the printers and publishers:
E: nwrc@vicsesva.org.au
DIRECTOR SOUTH WEST REGION John McKenzie
DIRECTOR MID WEST REGION Vacant
E: swrc@vicsesva.org.au
E: mwrc@vicsesva.org.au
VICSES PEER SUPPORT Peer Support can be accessed at any time by ringing 1800 899 927 and asking for SES Peer Support (EAS Paging). The Clinical Director can be contacted on mobile 0417 565 927 or by ringing 1800 899 927 (EAS Paging).
CHAPLAINS CONTACT DETAILS COUNTRYWIDE AUSTRAL Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne GPO Box 2466, Melbourne 3001 Ph: (03) 9937 0200 Fax: (03) 9937 0201 E-mail: admin@cwaustral.com.au ACN: 30 086 202 093
CENTRAL REGION Major Arthur Ford
NORTH WEST REGION Rev David Mills
EAST REGION Judy McLeod
SOUTH WEST REGION Rev Denise Naish
SOUTH WEST REGION Rev David Thompson
CENTRAL REGION Vacant
MID-WEST REGION Fr David Turner
CENTRAL REGION Rev Max Woolcock
M: 0416 085 634
M: 0427 383 538
M: 0425 708 730
M: 0417 347 821
M: 0407 466 356
M: 0407 128 077
M: 0418 517 685
Disclaimer Countrywide Austral (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the Victoria State Emergency Service Volunteers Association (VicSESVA) and the publication is offered for background information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the publisher, its directors and employees. Copyright All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright. Advertising Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.
The data that VicSESVA holds for its members is solely used for the production and distribution of Phoenix and associated products.
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s this edition goes to print and the Board reflects on the selfless contribution of volunteers, it is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our East Region Director, Mitch Darragh. Mitch’s spirit was always one of giving not taking, and his loss will be felt by his fiancee, family, friends, SES colleagues, workmates, sporting teammates and the wider community. The Morwell Unit tribute can be read in this edition. We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas period with loved ones, and acknowledge the enormous contribution to making a difference in society that is part of every volunteer effort. But we do not stop and rest. We are heading into the traditional fire season, although that is becoming more extended and less time-framed, as fires have already been burning for months in NSW and Queensland. Members will be reminded of the environment we now find ourselves in; the new normal of higher temperatures, prolonged and more intense events. This was evident in the last week of November, when VICSES received 2,100 requests for assistance and a Code Red day was declared in the north and Mallee. Many SES volunteers are also CFA volunteers, and many others are deployed to support other agencies. The Victorian Operations Update 23 outlines measures required to keep ourselves safe and to maintain and improve our skills by completing VICSES18006 Maintain Safety at Fire Support Operations, PUAOHS002A (“Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene”) competency from Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) issued by CFA, or Q0002A CFA Wildfire Firefighter qualification. The Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, writes:
vicsesva.org.au
from the
BOARD “the scale of the fires we are currently experiencing is devastating. It is difficult for many of us to understand the depth of feeling and impact on those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, who tried to help and were overwhelmed, who worked tirelessly to support communities and our colleagues. However, it is important for us to look after ourselves and each other and know where to find support, should we need it”. Recently, on 28 November, The European parliament declared a global “climate and environmental emergency” as it urged all EU countries to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Washington Post commented that “The vote is significant because it was passed by a parliament that represents more than 500 million people, vastly expanding the number worldwide who live in jurisdictions that have declared such an emergency”. The vote came as scientists warned that the world may have already crossed a series of climate tipping points, resulting in “a state of planetary emergency”. There is No Planet ‘B’ In Australia, the ‘Emergency Leaders for Climate Action’ (a group of former emergency services leaders) have been advocating for Australia to consider the effects of climate change and have urged the Federal Government to meet with them, as outlined in their statement published in national media and in Phoenix, May 2019. They asked the government to: • Meet with a delegation of former emergency services leaders who will outline, unconstrained by their former employers, how climate change risks are rapidly escalating. • Commit to a parliamentary inquiry into whether Australian emergency
services are adequately resourced and equipped to cope with increasing natural disaster risks due to climate change. • Recognise that strategic national firefighting assets like large firefighting aircraft are prohibitively expensive for states and territories, are currently leased from the northern hemisphere, and that increased overlap of fire seasons is restricting access to this equipment during times of need. A cost-benefit analysis of current arrangements and their effectiveness, and how Australia’s strategic aerial firefighting needs can be best met and funded, needs to be initiated in consultation with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre. • Ensure continued funding for stakeholder-driven research into how we can respond to, mitigate, and increase resilience to bushfires, natural hazards and escalating climate change risks. Their commitment to making the community safer and to join together in that objective is supported by emergency service workers across Australia; we are all in this together. As the former UN Secretary–General Ban Ki-moon has said: “Addressing climate change is critical to protecting our planet, safeguarding the most vulnerable and advancing shared prosperity… Unless we try to do our best technological, scientific, economic and our political forces concentrated to address this climate phenomenon, then we will have to regret not only for our succeeding generations but for our planet, which we have only one planet. As I said often, we don’t have plan B because there is no planet B”.
VicSESVA Board of Directors
December 2019
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A message from the
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONER about preparing for fires
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s I reflect on the situation in NSW and QLD, my thoughts are very much with the firefighters, emergency services and in particular, the communities impacted by fires in those states. While fires in NSW, QLD and Victoria at this time of year is not a new phenomenon, the scale of the fires we are currently experiencing is devastating. It is difficult for many of us to understand the depth of feeling and impact on those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, who tried to help and were overwhelmed, who worked tirelessly to support communities and our colleagues. However, it is important for us to look after ourselves and each other and know where to find support, should we need it. In Victoria, fire has always been part of our history and will be part of our future. If we go back to 1932, 1939, 1983 and of course the 2009 Victorian bushfires, Victorians have lived and worked with fire and that will not change. We have come a long way since 2009, but it is fair that the community is asking what has changed since then. Apart from the 67 recommendations which led to significant changes, the overwhelming legacy of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was embedding a community-centred focus in all activities undertaken by our emergency services. The Victorian emergency management sector and the community has continued to learn and improve, through fires, flood and other emergencies because we have had to, and because this is our reality. We know that Victoria has and will again experience potentially destructive bushfires in the future. Each summer we
brace for the hot and dry period. This is our difficult reality and one that Victorians have again been reminded of with the ongoing fires in NSW and QLD. For Victoria, the outlook suggests that the east of our state, extending to the Great Dividing Range will again be a focus for us, as these areas are now experiencing their third consecutive year of rainfall deficit. It’s a similar story right across the east coast of QLD and NSW. We know that summer will be a challenge for us if there is no significant rain through forested regions. Under these conditions, if a fire starts, it could be difficult to control. However, there is differing risk across Victoria. Some parts of Victoria have had good rainfall and this can lead to complacency. The reality is, we cannot afford to become complacent in any part of the state. The impact of rainfall can disappear quickly under hot and dry conditions. While we as an emergency management sector are better prepared than ever before, we will always rely on the community to do their part as community safety is a shared responsibility. Last fire season in Victoria was our hottest summer on record and hottest January on record. There were more frequent hot days leading to 74 heat health alerts, the highest number on record. We saw hotter, drier and more intense fire behaviour. We saw fires in Gippsland as early as August and as late as March. In fact, we had more fires in March this year than we had in January or February. Those numbers stand up on their own. But what’s important to me is what we are doing to keep our communities safe, and what communities themselves are doing. We can’t control the weather, however we can control our preparedness.
Each year emergency management agencies actively prepare for the fire season ahead, but it’s also important the community understands their own risk and is actively preparing also. The reality is we won’t have a fire truck at everyone’s house this summer because we just don’t have enough to go around. The other critical piece is about information. Good information will always lead to good decisions. Knowing how to stay informed before and during emergencies is critical to staying safe. Victorian agencies work with local communities throughout the year, but particularly in the lead up to the summer fire season, on preparedness. The reality is the risk is not just on public land, it’s also on private land and that’s why bushfire preparedness is truly a shared responsibility. Victoria’s new fire campaign this year drives home the message about communities needing to plan and prepare. We remain absolutely committed to ensuring we do everything possible to keep Victorians safe, working together and with our communities. It’s the harsh reality that we too in Victoria, will likely lose houses. Again, if we go back to our last fire season, firefighters, trucks and aircraft saved hundreds of houses, but we still lost 35 homes. We in the emergency management sector must work with the community to do everything we can to save lives. I’ve seen first hand the strength and the commitment of all our people and their unwavering commitment to keeping us all safe. I have every confidence that our people will pull together and fight for their communities and alongside them. My question to the community is: are you prepared?
**First published in the Australian Financial Review on 15 November 2019** vicsesva.org.au
December 2019
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VALE
MITCH DARRAGH IN OCTOBER, WE MOURNED THE PASSING OF MITCH DARRAGH, THE VICSESVA DIRECTOR FOR EAST REGION. THE BOARD EXPRESSES OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, AND APPRECIATION OF MITCH’S CHARACTER AND CONTRIBUTION, FOR HIS DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEERING AND VICSES. THE MORWELL UNIT FACEBOOK PAGE SHARED THEIR LOSS:
I
t is with much sadness that we share the passing of our valued member Mitch Darragh, he fought a brave battle and the Morwell Unit was better for having known him. Today we lost a friend. Mitch, you will forever be a part of the Morwell Unit. He wore many hats, he was an active member throughout his 9 years with us. He was larger than life and everyone knew him. From marching with the SES in the Pride March, to shaking tins on the highway, manning the driver reviver site and being a walking billboard for all that VICSES is and stands for. Our deepest condolences go to your family, they are and always will be our family too. Belle, we embrace you as part of our family. Evelyn and family, we grieve your loss with you and are here for you. Mitch will be a great loss to the Morwell Unit and the wider community, his cheeky smile will never be forgotten. “The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory”
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
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CODE RED DAY
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE BLACK SATURDAY FIRES, VICTORIA EXPERIENCED A CODE RED DAY FOR THE MALLEE AND NORTHERN COUNTRY DISTRICTS ON THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER.
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s dangerous weather swept across the State, Units were kept busy with wild winds bringing down trees across regions, and a dust storm turned the skies orange above Mildura. The conditions were not unexpected due to the persistent dry conditions in the northern Malleee. The red mallee dust was not confined to the local area, with winds bringing it direct to Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, reminding residents of similar dust storms before the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires. The continuing clean up kept many Units out responding to multiple trees down and building damage, with a total of 2,100 requests for assistance. Thanks to Whitehorse Unit for operational photos.
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Photo: Hayley Moloney
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ARE YOU READY?
OPERATIONS UPDATE 23: SUMMER SEASON OPERATIONAL READINESS
Photo: AAP
Background Historically the summer season sees Victoria impacted by an increase in extreme heat conditions, bush and grass fires, as well as severe weather relating to thunderstorms. This summer’s seasonal outlook provided by the Bureau of Meteorology initially indicates that; • The risk of severe storms, including flash flooding, remains similar compared to most years • Average to above average winter rainfall means that soil moisture is now above average in some parts of Victoria; however that is expected to decrease over the coming months due to a dry and warm outlook. • The combination of short and long-term rainfall deficits increases the fire risk in the coming summer season. The greatest areas of risk being in the Mallee and East Gippsland for both grass and bush areas. • North West and East Gippsland are predicted to have below average rainfall. • Higher than average temperatures including hotter than average nights and the potential is more likely compared to most years for heatwave conditions. Along with being prepared to ensure readiness for VICSES Control Agency responsibilities such as storms and localised flash flooding are in place for the summer period, this is a timely reminder to all members of our requirement to support other partner agencies within emergency management sector in Victoria, such as the fire services. As outlined in SOP017 Fire Support Operations, eligibility to assist fire agencies is obtained by successful completion of VICSES09001 VICSES General Rescue Fundamentals (or new Crew Member Supervised) in addition to one or more of the following courses: • VICSES18006 Maintain Safety at Fire Support Operations - available via the VICSES Training Portal • PUAOHS002A (“Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene”) competency from Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) issued by CFA; • Q0002A CFA Wildfire Firefighter qualification.
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Action Required • Unit Controllers and Unit Duty Officers are to ensure that only members with Working Safety at Fire Support Operations training are deployed to fire incidents. This includes house fires, bushfires, recycling plant fires, etc. • Regions and Unit Controllers should ensure that all applicable members undertake the Working Safely at Fire Support Operations through the VICSES Training Portal ahead of being deployed onto fire grounds in support of fire agencies
The marking of hazardous trees on a fire ground will be undertaken by relevant qualified or experienced personnel. Staff and volunteers should be aware of the process and markings in accordance with JSOP08.03 Tree Hazard Bushfire Response and SOP019 Operations Involving Trees.
Hazardous Trees for Bushfire Many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred while working around trees; people and vehicles have been struck by falling trees and branches. In support of the fire services, VICSES may be called to assist in clearing fallen trees, or support other activities on the fire
Hazardous Trees - Joint Agency Training In 2018, a joint agency training package was developed by a multi-agency working group including VICSES, to ensure that any person working in support of fire knows how to identify killer, and clear and present danger trees (CPD). The hazardous tree training package can be found on the VICSES Training Portal. This training is to be completed every two years by members wishing to be part of teams responding to fire grounds, other than to Staging Areas.
ground. When working on the fire ground members need to stay aware and look out for hazardous trees. The most effective way to reduce the risks associated with hazardous trees is to avoid being in the area. Consistent with JSOP 08.03 Tree Hazard Bushfire Response, members working around hazardous trees need to be able to recognise the hazard and take steps to minimise the risk using Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) in accordance with JSOP 08.02 Dynamic Risk Assessment. VICSES members will not mark hazardous trees under any circumstances.
Action Required • Unit Controllers are strongly encouraged to ensure that all applicable members undertake the Tree Hazard Awareness Training through the VICSES Training Portal ahead of being deployed onto fire grounds in support of fire agencies including undertaking the Tree Hazard Awareness Assessment. • Unit Controllers are to ensure that a copy of the DELWP Tree Hazard Pictorial Guide is available in operational vehicles that may be used for fire support operations. vicsesva.org.au
EMERGENCY SERVICES FOUNDATION VICTORIA’S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SECTOR WORKS AS ONE TO PROTECT VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES.
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he Emergency Service Foundation (ESF) supports emergency services to prevent, promote and address the incidence and impact of mental injury for the 125,000 volunteers and paid staff who serve us. While every employer has responsibility for looking after the safety and wellbeing of their people, ESF focuses on building collaborative approaches to discover and address sector-wide issues causing a high incidence of mental injury. We know it’s a job where people see and do things on a regular basis that can be very tough to deal with. And the impacts of the job can add up. Beyond Blue’s landmark national research into the mental health and wellbeing of police and emergency services, Answering the Call (released 2018), reveals alarming facts. One in three employees in the sector experience high or very high psychological distress which is a much higher rate than the general adult population; and employees and volunteers report having suicidal thoughts at more than two times the rate of adults in the general population. The research paints a picture of a workforce which is deeply impacted, both by the nature of the work that they do, and by the pressures of the environments in which they work. The facts compel us all to act. They demand a collaborative, dedicated and sustained approach to strengthen our efforts, and better protect those who protect us. In partnership with the sector ESF will: • Help to identify and address workrelated factors contributing to mental illness • Share experiences and best practice to build capability and drive improvement across the sector • Build the evidence base to support ongoing programs • Help to reduce stigma so that people get help early and have the best chance of recovery Better together. That’s what we aim to be. Scholarships for Volunteers Scholarships are available for emergency service volunteers in Victoria. • Are you a volunteer? • Are you keen to improve safety in your community? vicsesva.org.au
“I am extremely proud to be the Chair of the Emergency Services Foundation as it launches itself in this new direction where I will use my experience from a 30 year career in the British and Australian Army as well as my time as the Chief Executive of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to help drive the Foundation forward. I am really excited to be a part of it.” Patrick Kidd OBE
•
Do you want to develop your emergency service skills by studying here, interstate or overseas? If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions, an Emergency Services Foundation scholarship may enable you to pursue your passion and make a difference to your community. A special round of scholarships is now available for volunteers through the Emergency Services Foundation. Scholarships could range between $5,000-$10,000 and may include travelling interstate or overseas to learn more about emergency management. To find out more about applying for an Emergency Services Foundation scholarship, contact Jenny Davis on 0406 003 765 or jdavis@esf.com.au
PAST VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The following volunteers were awarded a scholarship for studies overseas, provided by a generous grant from the Victorian Government;
2012 David Goldfinch – Coastguard Casey Nunn – AMBVIC Fiona Sewell – CFA 2011 Stephen Luke – St. John Ambulance Australia Peter Olthof – VICSES Kate Riddell – AMBVIC Stuart Stuart – Victorian Council of Churches /Emergency Ministry 2010 Geoff Dunmore – VICSES Rosie Keane – Ambulance Victoria Ron Sheppard – Coastguard Victoria Rohan Thornton – Country Fire Authority Graeme Winterton – Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry
2017 Carina Heppell – VICSES 2014 Faye Bendrups – VICSES 2013 Kylie Abraham – VICSES Glen Bousa – CFA Tony Bundock – CFA Carl Gibson – CFA
For more information on ESF, see: https://esf.com.au/ https://esf.com.au/about-us/ projects/ https://esf.com.au/thanks2u/
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SES FIT FOR TASK UNDERWAY ACROSS AUSTRALIA What does the term Fit for Task mean? The goal of the Fit for Task project is to determine the minimum physical capability required to undertake tasks safely. The term ‘fitness’, as it applies to this project, relates to the entry level (prerequisite) physical demands of SES tasks, including cardiovascular fitness, muscle capacity, and endurance. It is important to note this project focuses on tasks, not roles. For example, a volunteer may be fit to participate in on-water search and rescue but may not have the strength to retrieve a casualty from the water, and that is ok. This project is designed to be inclusive and to build a safe and capable SES workforce using a simple and consistent assessment tool. What does the Fit for Task project mean to me as a volunteer? The purpose of the project is to ensure the utmost safety for our volunteers while performing duties for SES, and the community.
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It will also help improve diversity and inclusion through the provision of a safe set of tasks for all volunteers, and introduction of a defined set of entry-level physical fitness measures that will ensure those capable of achieving the required fitness levels will not be excluded from entering the relevant training pathway.
On completion of the project, volunteers wanting to begin or continue defined training pathways will need to undertake some simple testing to determine the tasks they are able to do safely. For any tasks that are out of reach, there will be available guidance for what volunteers can do to meet the necessary requirements. What does it mean to me as a leader? The Fit for Task project will help improve diversity and inclusion through the provision of a safe set of tasks for all volunteers. It will: • Provide a simple and consistent guide for volunteers and SES agencies across the country that will help match volunteers to tasks that they can perform safely. • Support a consistent approach for the retention of particular generalist and specialist SES tasks. • Aid understanding of the range of generalist and specialist tasks that volunteers can undertake while either off-duty or performing alternative duties. vicsesva.org.au
• •
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Provide guidance for leaders in role discussions. Provide national consistency for SES agencies, making it easier to ensure resources provided to support interstate operations meet minimum requirements. Enhance the health and wellbeing of our members, contributing to a strong safety culture within our organisation.
What are the intended outcomes of the project? The Fit for Task project will provide insight into the physical demands of SES tasks, from lifting sandbags, to working at heights, to carrying a stretcher. It will also provide simple ways to test for those physical demands, to ensure our volunteers are able to carry out the tasks safely. What opportunities are there for me to participate? What is involved? The Fit for Task project team is recruiting volunteers of all ages and fitness levels in each state and territory to undertake a broad range of SES tasks and activities. Participants will perform tasks and activities while fitted with physical measurement equipment (e.g. heart rate devices), to help the project team understand the physical demands of tasks. The more people that can be involved the better. The greater the number of participants, the better the picture of the fitness levels required.
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SWAHS CLUSTER TRAINING A SUCCESS CLUSTER ARRANGEMENTS ARE WORKING EFFECTIVELY ACROSS MANY UNITS AND AREAS, FOR SHARED RESPONSE, SHARED TRAINING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION. MANY UNITS HAVE IN THE PAST SHARED RESOURCES OR PERSONNEL AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHER IN THESE FUNCTIONS. NEW CLUSTER ARRANGEMENTS ARE A FORMALISATION OF SUCH RELATIONSHIPS AND CAN WORK EFFECTIVELY FOR INCREASINGLY BUSY UNITS. 14 PHOENIX
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n the last weekend of November, ‘North West Inner Metro Cluster’ member Units Essendon and Footscray trained 12 members in Safe Working At Heights System (SWAHS). Led by Essendon DC Training Alex Zdziarski, the group were put through their paces and came away successfully passing the challenging test. Trainers Alex, Michael Bakatsoulas and Joeann Petersen had a perfect weekend to work with; fine and sunny, in the beautiful surrounds of Aberfeldie Park, Essendon. There was even an audience on the Sunday (strategically cordoned off) – of over 100 dogs and their owners at the park dog training school. The first day concentrated on theory and on-ground practice and the second day was spent practising and being assessed separately on ground and at height, including with an assessor on the roof. Participants appreciated the value in learning from the experienced trainers and the time to repeat and improve. They are all looking forward to putting their new skills into action on callouts. vicsesva.org.au
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SWAN HILL UNIT HOSTS CATALINA VENTURERS
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elationships between SES Units and local Scout groups have always been strong. Recently, Swan Hill Unit hosted the neighbouring Catalina Venturers (aged 14-18) at their LHQ, taking them through boating operations, knots, comms and other activities. As mentioned in previous editions of Phoenix, the Scout Association of WA has inaugurated a special SES badge for Scouts, developed by a WA SES/Scouts young leader. This badge has been rolled out in WA and the ACT and will be expanded to other jurisdictions. Stay tuned and get on board with a great national initiative to spread awareness and knowledge of SES Skills.
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POSITION VACANT:
PHOENIX EDITOR ARE YOU A PERSON WITH COMPETENT LITERACY SKILLS, AN EYE FOR A GOOD STORY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, WHO LIKES TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SES VOLUNTEERS?
VicSESVA is looking for a new Phoenix Editor to start in 2020. The Phoenix Editor undertakes the following tasks, before sending material to the publisher: • Communications with Units • Receipt of articles from Units and individual volunteers • Review and edit content • Source and collate additional material from across the EM sector • Manage the relationship with the Phoenix publisher • Liaise with other stakeholders
APPLY NOW Send your Expression of Interest to the VicSESVA Phoenix Editor phoenix@vicsesva.org.au Include your CV, any previous experience, relevant competencies, reasons why you would like this position, and vision for continuing to improve Phoenix. Note: all VICSESVA positions are volunteer, there is no payment associated with this position 18 PHOENIX
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Why did the Platypus cross the road? To get to the McHappy Day!
www.salvos.org.au CREDIT CARD DONATIONS 13 72 58 vicsesva.org.au
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VicSESVA
A QUICK GUIDE Victoria State Emergency Service Volunteers Association WHAT IS VicSESVA? VicSESVA works to represent and advocate for VICSES volunteers, actively supporting members and engaging cooperatively with VICSES management, EM sector agencies and governing bodies, and State Government. • VicSESVA is a non-profit organisation which exists to further the interests of VICSES volunteer members. • VicSESVA uses its dedicated focus on volunteers to select and drive the resolution of issues that impact on skills, safety and how VICSES volunteers undertake their duties. It is important to note that VicSESVA is an Association not a Union. VicSESVA does not engage in adversarial campaigns but it does seek to further the interests of VICSES volunteers, and the public they serve, by promoting appropriate standards in training, equipment and ethics in VICSES.
WHO IS VicSESVA? VicSESVA is wholly staffed by VICSES volunteers who provide their time and expertise gratis and is funded by a small fee from VICSES Units, used to subsidise costs such as publishing, website, minimal office admin support and VA delegates travel. VicSESVA is comprised of all VICSES Units (two delegates may represent each Unit), Regional Councils and a State Board.
VicSESVA’s MISSION To be pro-active in the pursuit of excellence in service delivery for VicSESVA members and to maintain an effective communication and interaction with all emergency and support agencies.
VicSESVA’s VISION To ensure that the highest level of skills training is available to the volunteers of VICSES. To ensure that the resources available to volunteers are applicable to the respective operational requirements.
VicSESVA’s STRUCTURE VicSESVA 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 VicSESVA State Board. Unit Delegates Each member Unit of VicSESVA may elect two delegates who convey the thoughts and feelings of their Unit and its members to the Regional Council or State Board.
Regional Councils The elected delegates of the Units from within the region form their Regional Council. The Regional Councils raise issues relevant to VICSES volunteers to be presented to the VicSESVA State Board for the formulation of policy on the issues they perceive need to be addressed, and to further advocate an outcome with the VICSES CEO or VICSES Board for action. Regional Council Positions Each Council may elect members to undertake the following roles: • President • Secretary
• Director • Alternate Director
VicSESVA Board The VicSESVA State Board is comprised of Regional Council Directors. Matters raised at Regional Councils are brought to the State Board 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. VicSESVA Board Positions • Chairperson • Board Member • Vice Chairperson • Board Member • Secretary • Board Member • Treasurer
PHOENIX MAGAZINE VicSESVA publishes the Phoenix Journal for VICSES volunteers. Phoenix is published four times a year and features articles and photos of interest, submitted by volunteers and staff. To register to receive your electronic copy of Phoenix, go to https://vicsesva.org.au/how-to-subscribe/
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? As a VICSES volunteer, you are welcome to participate in a VicSESVA Regional Council. Depending on the region, meetings may be held once a quarter at local Unit LHQs. The discussion is very informative and presents a great opportunity to network and share best practices across Units. VicSESVA Board meetings are also open to individual members to attend.
HISTORY For more information about the history of VicSESVA, go to https://vicsesva.org.au/our-history/
NSESVA VicSESVA is a founding member of the National SES Volunteers Association (NSESVA). For information on NSESVA and the National Raffle Campaign, go to: https://vicsesva.org.au/faq/ https://www.nsesva.org.au/
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TO VicSESVA VicSESVA Activities, Advocacy and Industry Influence SUCCESSFUL ADVOCACY VicSESVA has successfully represented volunteers in: • Negotiating to meet regularly with the Minister for Emergency Services • Advocating for Unit VESEP bids • Advocating to EMV to retain the right of volunteers to go to VCAT in matters of dispute (VICSES Regulations Review) • Meeting quarterly with the VICSES Executive and raising matters of concern to volunteers which have been brought to Board meetings • Meeting quarterly with the VICSES Operations staff • Supporting and promoting the annual EMV Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Survey • Providing grants of funds for individual volunteer welfare or hardship cases • Supporting members undertaking the VFBV leadership courses • Providing information and advice to individual members and Units • Providing a support person to individual members in matters of dispute • Collaboration with the National SES Volunteers in advocacy for matters such as transferability of skills, harmonisation of training, national recognition, awards • Implementation of the NSESVA National Raffle Scheme to establish future funding
8. VICSES internal Fleet, RCR, State WH&S, Awards, Uniform working groups 9. VICSES Community Resilience Strategy, volunteer representation 10. AFAC Volunteer Management Technical Working Group 11. AFAC/SES member Project Working Group, ‘SES Fit for Task’ 12. AFAC doctrine development ‘Volunteer Impact Assessment Guideline’ (VMTG) 13. AFAC doctrine development, ‘Volunteer inclusion Model’ (VMTG Diversity Working Group) 14. Member, AIDR Dranszen Forum 15. Member Steering Committee and Working Group, Communities Responding to Disasters: Planning for Spontaneous Volunteers Handbook (Australian Emergency Management Manual Series 2018) 16. BNHCRC member Advisory Group ‘Adapting the Sector’ 17. NSESVA Youth Strategy 18. Volunteer Group Steering Committee, Victorian Government ‘Provisional Payments Pilot (Mental Health Injury)’
EXPERTS AND ADVICE On request VicSESVA has provided experts as guest speakers, advisors or community representatives. VicSESVA Chair, David Rowlands, is a Life Member of VICSES. VicSESVA Secretary, Dr Faye Bendrups, has been recognised for her work in the EM sector by being named one of the AFR’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ in 2019. This has provided opportunities to promote the work of SES volunteers in major local and national forums, including:
• Raising the profile and interests of VICSES volunteers at local, state and national forums, including conferences, other EM agencies, interstate agencies, working groups, task forces, expert advisory panels etc.
• 2018 Informed Observer, Diversity in Disaster Conference
SECTOR COLLABORATION
• 2019 Chair, Akolade 2nd Emergency Management Leaders’ Forum
VicSESVA has extensive membership of industry forums, regular collaboration with VICSES and influence through its membership of NSESVA, including:
• 2019 Guest panellist, Public Safety and Hysteria: Leading by example in the first 24 hours of a terrorist event, Akolade 2nd Emergency Management Leaders’ Forum
1. EMV Volunteer Consultative Forum, founding member
• 2019 Facilitator, EM conference panel Wellbeing: a Range of Perspectives from People on the Ground
2. EMV Expert Reference Group, The 3Vs: Volunteer Volunteering Volunteerism – Uncovering the hidden value 3. EMV Expert Working Group, collaboration in developing Strategic Priorities for Volunteering in Emergency Management 4. Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) Chair, Alumni Network 5. Member of Organising Committee, annual ESF Emergency Management Conference 6. Facilitator, ESF Alumni Strategic Directions planning and ‘Valuing Volunteers’ project
• 2019 Expert Judge, Ch7 News Young Achiever Awards (CFA Volunteer Excellence category) • 2019 Executive Judge, Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards • 2019 Women in the SES: Reshaping Dynamics, AFAC19 ‘A Shift to the New Norm: Riding the Wave of Change’ international conference presentation, see www.afac.com. au/events/proceedings/29-08-19/article/109.-women-inthe-sesreshaping-dynamics
7. VESEP panel member (VICSES and EMV)
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Not all heroes wear capes! They wear jumpsuits, boots, protective gear, helmets and their hearts on their sleeves. Your job is high risk. It’s relentless, intense and dangerous. You are brave beyond measure and we are all grateful every day for your skill and kindness in the face of adversity. But even the strongest amongst us don’t live forever. Introducing Your Wills: an Australian first: a fast, hassle free online Will platform that allows you to create a simple, straightforward, legally binding Will online, anywhere, anytime. To show our gratitude to all emergency services workers and their families, Your Wills would like to offer Countrywide Austral magazine readers 10% off when completing your Will online. Use promotional code COUNTRYW10 at check out. Jump onto www.yourwills.com.au and complete your Will from $59.95* Use promotional code
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