COMMISH’S CORNER

Friday 11 February, 2005 Number 334 NSWFB The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627
CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Kurri Kurri Centenary Celebrations
I was pleased that my return from leave was in time for me to attend the Kurri Kurri station centenary. Acting Regional Commander Roger Bucholtz, Regional Commander North Bob Dobson (who was on leave), N4 Zone Commander Superintendent Mick Johnson, and N4 Inspector Rob Lindsay accompanied me, and there was an excellent turnout of past and present Kurri Kurri firefighters.

After the unveiling of a mural painted by a local artist in the morning, the Kurri Kurri community joined the celebrations. It is at events like this that I am reminded of how integral our fire stations are to their local communities. For pictures see the story on the intranet.

OPERATIONAL ROUNDUP
If you haven’t had a chance to catch up on the details of the Rhodes building site rescue or Central Coast storm damage do visit the intranet. If the stories are not on the home page, you will find them in Past Articles. Keep sending in stories on incidents in your area so other firefighters can read them on the intranet. Contact your regional Public Affairs Officer.

NEWS IN BRIEF
Boating Fire Safety

This month’s safety campaign is Boating Fire Safety. It is a great chance to inform the community about what precautions they should take while on boats.

The 2005 Boating Fire Safety campaign materials can be downloaded from the Intranet. Materials include:

· Template media release
· Fact sheet
· Media relations tips

The Boating Fire Safety campaign can be promoted to your local community through radio, television and newspapers using the local media release. If boating safety is not relevant to your station area, please refer to other community education campaigns in the Media Kit and use the material available.

For further information regarding the campaign contact your regional Community Risk Management Officer or Public Affairs Officer.

Finley Fire Brigade raise $8,000 for tsunami appeal
Deputy Captain Phil Thompson of Finley Fire Brigade has put in a huge organisational effort to raise $8,000 for this worthy cause. Co-opting Finley RFS, Ambulance, Rotary, Lions, Apex, Soroptimists and Chamber of Commerce, he was the guiding force behind an Australia Day country music night. Musicians from Finley, Berrigan and Tocumwal, who had performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, provided their services for free. Congratulations Thommo on a great effort.

RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that there is going to be an ICV attached to Newcastle Comms?
Response: There are no current plans to attach an ICV to Newcastle ComCen. It is, however, something which will need to be considered in the future as an option to better deliver communications, control and co-ordination capability to Region North outside the gSa.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Scarborough 75th Anniversary

Scarborough Fire Station will be celebrating its 75th anniversary tomorrow. Chief Superintendent Paul Rugg and S3 Zone Commander, Superintendent Tom Milburn, will be attending the festivities. Following a barbecue and street parade, Chief Supt Rugg will unveil a commemorative plaque.

Bondi Tens Rugby Union
Don’t forget to get along to Blue Giant Park in Rose Bay to support the NSWFB Rugby Union Club’s first major competition. Games run from 2:00pm until 7:00pm today and tomorrow.

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 or John Suter Linton/Tippy Kavalee (South/North) 9265 2802