COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Open Day
It’s coming to that time of year again when we open our doors
and invite our local communities to get to know us better and use
the opportunity to spread our fire safety messages. This year Open
Day is on Saturday 7 May and the theme for the day is ‘Children’s
safety’, focusing on fire and household chemical safety. This
is very timely advice given recent tragic events.
To help with Open Day, a variety of materials will be sent out to
all stations in the next few days. The materials include invitations
you can use for local VIPs, a media release advertising the event,
as well as visitor and fire station surveys. I encourage all stations
to take the time and plan how you can make Open Day a success in your
area. To get you started, guidelines for Open Day have been posted
on the intranet to help you plan in advance. For any further assistance
contact your Public Affairs Officer or Community Risk Management Officer.
Emergency Management Volunteers Summit
On Wednesday I attended the official opening of the summit in Canberra,
together with CFU Coordinator S/O Terry Munsey, Region South CFU Manager
S/F Karl Duesing, and CFU volunteer Frank Fitzpatrick. The summit,
which was arranged by Emergency Management Australia, was attended
by hundreds of volunteers from the SES, fire services, Surf Life Saving
associations, VRA, Anglicare and the Salvation Army. While in Canberra
I also met with ACT Chief Fire Officer David Prince to discuss mutual
aid arrangements.
Indonesian earthquake
As national contact point for international USAR responses, I was
involved in many discussions following the earthquake with Australian
Government officials and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. There
was significant frustration amongst the fire services given media
reports of people being trapped, and rescuers coming from as far away
as Norway and France. However, the Indonesian Government did not request
USAR support from Australia, and given the delicate political situation,
a Task Force could not be dispatched without such a request being
made.
While in Canberra this week discussions were held with senior officials
regarding the processes involved in deciding what sort of aid is offered
to afflicted countries. As a result of this I will soon be meeting
with senior officials of the Australian Federal Police, Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AusAid, and Emergency Management Australia.
The objective will be to streamline processes and decision-making
with regard to offering USAR resources.
Wangi Wangi official opening
On Monday I had the pleasure of joining Minister Tony Kelly and Member
for Lake Macquarie, Jeff Hunter at the official opening of the new
Wangi Wangi Fire Station. Regional Commander North Assistant Commissioner
Bob Dobson and Acting Chief Superintendent Keith King (N3) also attended
the opening of the new station in Donnelly Road, Arcadia Vale, together
with Acting Director Logistics Support, John Gibbs and Acting Assistant
Director Properties, Alan Meek.
The new $1.2 million fire station will provide improved coverage
for the growing communities of Arcadia Vale, Buttaba and Wangi Wangi.
The station is located in a heritage area near the Wangi Wangi power
station. It has been designed to complement and enhance the local
streetscape. The fire station accommodates 16 retained firefighters
(including two married couples) and two appliances. Many thanks to
all those involved in its planning and construction.
After the opening I visited 260 Newcastle to meet with staff from
260, 320 Hamilton and 462 Mayfield West. After speaking to the crews
there and at Newcastle Communications Staff, three stations were called
to a nearby structure fire. I attended to observe and was able to
speak to the crew from 376 Merewether. On the way home I dropped in
at 75 Berowra. Another busy but rewarding day.
SOPP Graduation
Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting red helmets and certificates
to the 20 graduates of SOPP No. 9. The newly promoted officers will
be taking up their duties immediately and I take this opportunity
to once again wish them the very best as their careers continue. Also,
many thanks to Supt Rick Griffiths, S/O Steve Bearman and their team
for coordinating the excellent courses.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that Class 3 appliances will
be prevented from crossing median strips and gutters due to the damage
caused by hitting the cross member on the gutter?
Response: With the introduction of the Varley Commanders
and AFC Scania Fire appliances, the rear of the body was below the
centre line of the rear axle. This has resulted in a lot of downtime
and expense due to being caught up on gutters and median strips. The
bodies are being modified to reduce the likelihood of this problem.
Our future Class 3 specification will provide the appropriate clearances
and angles to allow appropriate response driving performance. There
are no plans at present to prevent the crossing of median strips or
gutters at appropriate speeds.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Primary Rescue Course
Twenty NSWFB firefighters and two Army Emergency Response Squadron
members have completed a month-long course in primary rescue operations
at the NSWFB Urban Search and Rescue Training complex at Holsworthy.
The course participants have undergone intensive training and assessment.
The course included road accident rescue, industrial and domestic
rescue, along with helicopter operations, chainsaws, Cat. 1 USAR and
vertical rescue skills.
The twenty new primary rescue operators will bolster the NSWFB’s
ability to maintain effective and efficient fire and rescue response.
Firefighter represents Australia
Firefighter Kim Melville from 52 Campsie was recently selected in
the Australian Women’s Touch Football Team to play New Zealand
on 5 October. Kim has represented NSW several times but this is the
first time she has been chosen in the Australian team. Kim is just
one of the many fine athletes the NSWFB Sports Association has supported
in their quest.
Orange firefighter wins national pistol shooting championship
FF Dean Brus of Orange has a spot in the Australian Commonwealth Games
team in his sights after a strong performance at the 48th National
Pistol Championships in Brisbane which were held in late March. FF
Brus has now won the Service Pistol 25 yard event three years running,
and broke his own record along the way. FF Brus shot 635/650, bettering
his previous record by 4 points. Representing NSW for the ninth time,
FF Brus’ efforts helped the NSW team into second place, narrowly
missing out on the team gold medal. The Commonwealth Games trials
will be held in September this year and FF Brus is training hard to
make the Australian team.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2005 Fire Brigades Annual Ball
Bookings for the annual ball are coming in quickly. If you intend
to go don’t leave it to the last minute or you may miss out
on a ticket. Book your place now. Payment is not due until mid-August.
The ball is at Doltone House in Pyrmont Point on Saturday 23 September.
Tickets are $95 which includes pre-dinner drinks, canapés,
3-course dinner and drinks, and fantastic entertainment. Tickets are
available from Maree James on (02) 9265 2905. Last year nearly 400
firefighters, support staff and friends had a fantastic night.
National Emergency Services AFL Team vs Australian Defence
Forces - SCG Ticket Offer
The NSWFB AFL Team is hosting emergency services AFL players from
around Australia to play the Australian Defence Forces as a curtain-raiser
to the Sydney Swans versus Melbourne Demons game on Saturday 23 April.
The Sydney Swans and the NSW/ACT AFL have organised a special deal
for firefighters and their families. Ticketek will be selling an Adult
'2 for 1' reserved seating package for those quoting the 'Anzac Weekend
- Emergency Services' ticket offer. The cost for the two tickets is
$34, which includes booking fees and charges, although a transaction
fee may apply depending on method of purchase. Phone Ticketek on 132
489 or visit a Ticketek outlet. This offer is NOT available online
or at the gates, and seating will be in Bay 25 of the Brewongle Concourse.
National Arthritis Week 11-17 April 2005
Arthritis is a disease affecting joints and sometimes other tissues.
Despite common perceptions, arthritis is not a condition linked exclusively
with aging; the most common and serious forms are often found in young
adults. Next week is National Arthritis Week. For more information
see the story on the intranet.
The Teddy Bear Project
Breaking The Silence is a charity concert in aid of survivors of childhood
sexual assault. The funds raised will help facilitate counselling
and support for survivors of abuse and to protect children from further
abuse. The event includes a 3 course meal, entertainment by some great
Australian musicians and a charity auction. It is on Sunday 17 April
at 6:00pm at Western Suburbs Leagues Club in Campbelltown. Tickets
are $50 each and corporate tables of 10 are also available are available.
To book tickets email the number of tickets you require and your contact
information to John Kite (john.kite@fire.nsw.gov.au). For more information
on The Teddy Bear Project, visit their website at http://www.theteddybearproject.org.
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: Stephen
Norris (West) 9265 2613, John Suter Linton (South) 9265 2802 or Natalie
Laharnar (North) 9265 2631
Cut off for submissions is 12:00pm Thursday