COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Escape Day 2005
Many thanks to those stations that took part in Escape Day events this week. In some areas, television picked up the story as well as newspapers and radio. Well done!
Bushfire season
On Wednesday this week the state had a taste of summer. Strong north westerly winds, above average temperatures, low humidity and dry fuels combined to create ideal bushfire conditions. In Sydney, there were multiple outbreaks where Red messages called for additional resources. On Thursday, the statutory Bushfire Danger Period commenced one month early in large parts of the state. Without rain, the likelihood of significant bushfire activity will remain high.
Farewell to Chief Superintendent Bob Lewthwaite
Yesterday Chief Superintendent Bob Lewthwaite, Area Commander for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, retired from the NSWFB. Chief Superintendent Lewthwaite has had a long and distinguished career spanning more than 40 years with the NSWFB in a variety of operational and management roles. His achievements were recognised with an AFSM last year. He is also known for his fundraising efforts involving the Burns Unit of the John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle Kidsafe and Burns Unit Support Group. I made a surprise visit to Bob as he was about to leave the office, and he was chauffeur driven home in No. 10 car.
I wish Bob and his wife Pam all the very best for the future.
Station visit
Today I visited 86 station Penrith to talk to staff from 86, 102 Regentville and 77 St Marys. High on the agenda were issues such as rescue jurisdiction and staffing of tankers.
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina has battered the Mississippi coastline in the US leaving a trail of destruction. New Orleans in Louisiana has been badly affected after a nine-metre storm surge crushed waterfront homes, killing many hundreds and causing severe flooding. Our thoughts and best wishes are with US fire and rescue services managing the rescue and cleanup effort.
September 11 crisis management briefing
On Monday Assistant Commissioner Graham Dewsnap attended a presentation to NSW Government CEOs on New York's crisis management response and public information systems after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Deputy Commissioner for Public Information in New York during the attacks, Frank McCarton, spoke about establishing New York's Joint Information Centre, media centre and coordinating responses to more than 25,000 media calls.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
National USAR Course
The second national USAR course will commence next week and run from 5 to 22 September at Holsworthy. Urban fire services from around Australia will participate in the training, led by the NSWFB. The course will culminate in a 48-hour exercise involving a simulated multi-storey building collapse. The NSWFB Rescue Section will provide logistics, command and control during the exercise. The course is part of the national strategy to increase Australia's USAR capability.
CALD takes a front seat
Local Chinese communities have been participating in fire safety awareness through the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) program. 15 Burwood and 503 Wollongong have both given fire safety presentations to community groups in their areas recently. The presentations even involved firefighters communicating in Chinese, using an interpreter. Hopefully their efforts will ensure that fire safety messages are being received and understood by at-risk sectors of the community.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Molong Fire Station opening
Last Saturday Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, officially opened the new Molong Fire Station, accompanied by Regional Commander West, Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear, Zone Commander West 3, Superintendent Tony Grant, and the Molong firefighters.
Molong is the main town in the rich agricultural Shire of Cabonne. The new fire station will protect the local area as it grows and I know its construction was eagerly anticipated by the firefighters. The primary rescue station is part of a vital response network to protect the towns of the Central West and will also be a resource for local business and community groups to learn about fire safety and prevention. Congratulations to all involved in the successful completion of the project.
Tweed River pumper handover
Yesterday Minister Tony Kelly handed over the new Tweed River class 2 pumper during a visit to the north coast.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Australian National Flag Day – 3 September 2005
This year acknowledges the 104th anniversary of the raising of the Australian National Flag.
If your fire station has a flag, please fly it on Saturday, 3 September 2005, from 0800 hours until sunset.
Appliance handovers
Next week new appliances will be handed over at Moss Vale (class 2 pumper on 5 September), Charlestown (class 1 tanker on 5 September), Glen Innes (class 2 on 8 September) and Tenterfield (class 2 on 8 September). Enjoy your re-stows!
NSWFB Ball
The NSWFB Ball is fast approaching. People attending the ball at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Point on Friday 23 September are advised that it will start at 6.30pm sharp . Drinks will cease to be served at 11.30pm when a courtesy bus will ferry attendees to Star City Casino to catch taxis or continue to party. Due to licensing restrictions we must leave Doltone House by midnight. For further enquiries contact NSWFB Events Coordinator Maree James on (02) 9265 2905.
2006 Australia Day Surfboard Challenge
It's that time of year again! Time to start training for the annual Australia Day Surfboard Challenge. The NSWFB will again be participating in the Tri-Services Challenge against the NSW Ambulance and NSW Police and will hopefully prove for the third year in a row that we are the fittest of the three services by retaining the trophy.
The Australia Day Surfboard Challenge is a 3.5km course which begins at the Sydney Opera House at 8.30am, crosses under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishes at Blues Point Reserve, North Sydney.
The Challenge carries a $10,000 prize purse - $5,000 each for the first male and female entrant to finish. Don't forget to indicate that you are representing the NSWFB to ensure you are eligible for the Tri-Service Challenge.
Visit www.australiaday.com.au for registration and event details or contact Station Officer Chris Murtagh from the NSWFB Sports Association.
National Asthma Week – 1 to 7 September 2005
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe. As firefighters, we often see the effects of asthma at fires.
The Asthma Foundation is launching a new initiative called 'Bubble Day' on 7 September during National Asthma Week 2005. Bubble Day, to be the Asthma Foundation's signature day, aims to raise awareness of asthma and raise money for the work of the Foundation. By embracing the simple act of blowing bubbles, this day will raise funds for the 2.2 million Australians affected by asthma. Show your support by purchasing a bottle of bubbles from a volunteer on the day, or log on to: http://www.asthmansw.org.au
If you would like further information about your lung function, Health Services can assist. Contact them on 9265 2800 or 1800 425 282 for more information.
COMMISH'S CORNER
Commissioner's e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish's PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish's Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story, please contact Public Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or (North) 9265 2631
Cut off for submissions is 10:00am Thursday