COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Involvement in counter-terrorism operations
NSWFB employees would be aware by now of the operation by Police and intelligence agencies earlier this week to thwart the apparent stockpiling of materials that could be used to make explosives and possibly be used in a terrorist attack.
As part of the state's counter terrorism arrangements, key personnel of the NSWFB had received confidential briefings about portions of the Police operation prior to its instigation, and the possible need for NSWFB support for fire suppression, rescue or Hazmat. As has been long standing practice, the provision of any such support was on the clear understanding that NSWFB personnel would not be committed into any area where there was a continuing or unresolved threat. The NSWFB's role would be confined to fire, rescue or hazmat operations only after law enforcement (apprehension) activities had ceased and each location was deemed to be safe.
My thanks to all those staff involved. I am sure that everybody would share my relief that due to the apparent success of the intelligence and Police operations, there was no need for the NSWFB to move into its consequence management roles. Unfortunately however, this has been a stark reminder of our changed role in today's geo-political environment, and the need to take security matters, CBR and USAR training and preparation very seriously. All staff should read the latest Operations Bulletin on the intranet.
Attendance at functions
In recent weeks I have received even more invitations/requests to attend functions around the state than normal. Unfortunately most of these provide me with very little notice, and also (not so unfortunately) I am only human. I do try to have an occasional day off with my family, and I can't be in two places at once. I greatly enjoy meeting up with NSWFB staff, family and friends, but I can't work 7 day weeks constantly. Please understand if I am unable to attend your function. Also, please help me out by giving plenty of notice of functions, as my diary is usually booked solid two or three months ahead.
Meeting with John Laws
On Wednesday, CEO of RailCorp, Vince Graham, CEO of the Ambulance Service, Greg Rochford, and I met with 2UE radio announcer John Laws to brief him on the ability of our organisations to deal with potential incidents in underground rail tunnels. Mr Laws said that he was impressed by our planning, resources and capability to respond to incidents. While we are highly visible when attending incidents, our success in dealing with them is due in large part to the often unseen elements of planning and training. The positive feedback I received at this meeting is a reflection of the professionalism of the NSWFB and is something we should all be proud of.
Semi-trailer announcement
On Tuesday I joined Deputy Premier John Watkins in the Domain to unveil our new BA/Hazmat semi-trailer. The vehicle is used to train firefighters in search and rescue, and has a purpose-built maze where firefighters conduct mock rescues in confined and simulated smoky conditions. The semi-trailer, designed by NSWFB engineers, also operates as a hazmat and BA support unit at major emergencies.
National Firefighter Championships
Last weekend I attended the National Firefighter Championship at Broadbeach, Queensland. Five NSWFB teams were among 30 teams from Australia and New Zealand competing in 10 events. Competition was fierce but friendly. I entered into the spirit of friendly rivalry by joking with Queensland TV that “the Blues” were sure to win. And they did. Kelso Brigade, the current State Champions, showed my confidence was well-founded and did us all proud by taking out the top spot. Nowra Brigade wasn't far behind in third place. Congratulations to both teams and to the other NSWFB participants from Balgownie, Dorrigo and Port Macquarie Brigades who all came in the top 12. All the NSWFB participants displayed exemplary skill and team work. What's more, the teams had limited time to familiarise themselves with the Queensland equipment.
I am continually touting the skills of NSWFB firefighters, and having two teams in the top three of the National Firefighter Championship gives me yet more proof that our firefighters are among the best in the country, if not the world.
While in Queensland I also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner Lee Johnson AFSM, formalising joint response arrangements that apply to incidents around the NSW and Queensland border.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Storms in western NSW
Firefighters in western NSW were called on to assist with storm and flood relief after a number of large storms swept across western parts of the State. Congratulations on your efforts and the professional manner in which you conducted yourselves. You can read more about the storm and flood relief effort on the intranet .
Exercise in Sydney Harbour tunnel
Crews from Zones N1, N2 and S1 were involved in an exercise involving a car fire in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel on Tuesday (8 November). At the invitation of Sydney Harbour Tunnel management, crews from 23 Gladesville, 36 Crows Nest, 53 Neutral Bay, 68 Narrabeen and 3 The Rocks took part in Exercise ‘Bravo' Fire 2005, where they extinguished a car fire in the tunnel with the help of the installed fire protection equipment. The exercise also allowed tunnel operators to evaluate their smoke management systems. Read more on the intranet .
Kurnell exercise
Nine pumpers, Hazmat, Rescue and Incident Control Vehicle crews participated in a fourth alarm exercise at the Caltex oil refinery in Kurnell, close to Sydney Airport on Wednesday.
Based on two exposures on site involving 14 million litres of unleaded fuel, the exercise tested how the incident management team approached on-ground operations and communications. Crews overcame a problem with the foam injection system with their usual flair to combat the fire using foam on the rim of the tank fire. The exercise was highly successful. Crews attending the exercise included P54 Cronulla, AP45 Miranda, P46 Sutherland, P21 Kogarah, P20 Hurstville, P35 Botany, P29 Rockdale, P13 Alexandria, P325 Helensburgh, R20 Hurstville and HP21 Kogarah.
The District Emergency Management Officer, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and RFS participated in the exercise. Thanks to Zone Commander S2 Doug Williams who co-ordinated the NSWFB's response.
Safety bulletin
Take the time to study Safety Bulletin 2005/7 Smoke Screen Security Devices, which has been published on the State Operations page of the intranet . The bulletin highlights the danger to firefighters responding to reported incidents resulting from the activation of these devices.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that Warnervale Fire Station, because of population increases, is going to open 10/14 the same as Cranebrook and Tingira Heights?
Response: The NSWFB is proposing that Warnervale Fire Station open on the 10/14 roster utilising the back to back staff that have been approved for the new station and the current back to back staff relocated from Doyalson. Population increases are the not the main reason. The 10/14 station will provide a more efficient use of staff because a permanent crew will be available for immediate response 24 hours a day, not only in the Warnervale area but also as back up to the fully retained stations of Wyong, Toukley and Doyalson. This approach has not been agreed to by the Union, and further consultation will hopefully result in agreement, otherwise Warnervale will have to open as a “mixed” back-to-back/retained staffed station.
Rumour: Is it true that the ACT Emergency Medals issued to members of the NSWFB have been investigated and that some medals have been held up and not issued to some people who have already been told they are to receive them? Please clarify.
Response: All applications and nominations are checked to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the ACT. There are still a number of outstanding claims/nominations which will be issued when confirmed by records and Task Force Commanders.
NEWS IN BRIEF
New Director HR appointed
I am pleased to announce that Mary Grace has been appointed as the new Director Human Resources (HR). Mary comes to the NSWFB from the position of General Manager, HR at the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA).
Mary has extensive experience in industrial relations and education and began her career as a teacher before moving into HR.
In her time at the RTA, Mary restructured the RTA's HR division so that it gave an over-arching view of the organisation and was more responsive to the organisation's needs.
Mary joins the NSWFB at a time when we are undertaking a similar restructure. Mary will commence in the position on December 5 and is looking forward to her time with the NSWFB.
Mary will replace Assistant Commissioner John Anderson who has been acting in the role. My thanks to Assistant Commissioner Anderson for all his efforts while acting in the position.
Review of Executive Structure
Since my appointment as Commissioner in 2003 I have consulted NSWFB officers, firefighters, support staff, Assistant Commissioners, Directors, the Union, the Minister and other emergency services about the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the NSWFB structure.
The overall feedback was that there is a high level of satisfaction externally, things are improving internally, but the Regional structure has perhaps “had its day”. Key issues with the structure include: perception of “Sydney-centric” decision-making, as each Region has a “slice” of Sydney; not enough of a “voice for the bush” or cities outside Sydney; inconsistency between Regions that can cause needless disputes; difficulty coordinating some “cross-border” incidents; duplication of some functions; lack of Head Office support for Regions; and lack of technology to allow proper devolution.
CEG has noted such perceptions, some of which may be either right or wrong. However the conclusion has been reached that there are better ways of structuring the executive in order to provide better support to front-line prevention and incident response operations. This is in line with my “back to basics” theme – the executive is here to support the front line, not the other way around.
Upon commencement of Mary Grace as DHR in December, John Anderson will act in a new position of Deputy Commissioner. John's full-time task will be to develop animplementation plan for a new executive structure that will progressively roll out in the New Year. More information will be provided in coming weeks, and comment will be requested. The changes will not disrupt front-line service delivery, but will most certainly support it. I look forward to your constructive feedback and support in the coming months as we take the next critical step in preparing the NSWFB for the challenges of the future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ACTU meetings
Staff wishing to take part in the ACTU mass meeting of union delegates, union members and the public from 8.30am to 10.30am at various Sky Channel venues on Tuesday 15 November 2005 should make themselves aware of special arrangements for taking leave or changing their start time on that day. Employee Services Manager Julie Duncan has circulated emails recently with the details. Make sure you have approval from your supervisor/manager to attend.
000 Christmas party
The 000 Christmas party will be held on Friday 2 December at the UTS Glasshouse on Broadway. Festivities get underway at 8pm and entry is $15 with all proceeds going to charity. For more information contact Paul Cullen on Groupwise.
Swiss Ball courses
Health Services will be running a series of Swiss Ball courses, designed to improve core stability (abdominal and back strength), at 1 City of Sydney in early December. The dates and times are as follows: 9am to 12 pm and 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday 6 December, and 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday 7 December.
If you would like to attend, please contact NSWFB Health and Fitness Coordinator, Alison Britton on 9265 2800.
Police versus NSWFB basketball match
The NSWFB Basketball team will take on the NSW Police in a match to raise funds for charity at the Entertainment Centre in late January next year. After losing the trophy last year, we want to get the trophy back in our possession.
The game will be played before a Sydney Kings home game and Tim Hickey is asking any interested players to contact him and let him know. There will be a number of discount seats available to NSWFB staff so if you'd like an entertaining night for the family and want to support the NSWFB at the same time, keep reading Commish's Corner for further updates.
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