COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Opening of the Vector Training Room
On Monday I attended a ceremony at the State Training College for the opening of the Vector Training Room, the new home of Vector interactive incident management training where participants manage computer simulated incidents. I was given a brief introduction to the state-of-the art technology which allows trainee officers and firefighters to test and hone their skills in a safe environment. It is very impressive and a credit to all involved, including Assistant Commissioner Graham Dewsnap, who helped bring the technology to Australia, Chief Superintendent Mick Ryan, Superintendent Rick Griffiths, Inspector Robert Comerford, Inspector Chris Shapter and SF Ken West.
Public Service Medallion
On Tuesday I joined the Premier, CEO's of several government agencies, families and friends to witness the awarding of NSW Public Service Medallions recognising 40 or more years of service by nearly 50 dedicated public servants.
Among the recipients was Bob Aitken, our Communications Technician from Newcastle, who has devoted 43 years to the NSWFB. Bob's father, the late District Officer “Scratchy” Aitken, would have been very proud, as I was, to see Bob's service recognised by the Premier and Government.
Country Station Officers
On Monday I met with a group of country-based station officers and FBEU officials to hear first-hand a range of concerns and suggestions. The four-hour meeting was from my perspective extremely helpful, and I will be meeting with FBEU officials to advance a number of suggested improvements.
Awards and Commendations
I have often been asked, why does it seem to take so long to process recommendations for Awards? There are a number of reasons, including the fact that this is just one of many jobs that the Professional Standards and Conduct Officer attempts to juggle, and there are simply not enough hours in the day. Accordingly, a temporary Project Officer has been appointed to assist, and I have reviewed a number of old files including those relating to Thredbo in 1997, and the 2001/02 bushfires. A backlog of over 400 commendations should be cleared by the end of December. After this, I intend to ensure that submissions will be dealt with in a more reasonable time period.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Fatal fire in Austinmer
Sadly a prominent member of the Illawarra community, Ruth Ross, died in a house fire on Wednesday. Mrs Ross, who received an Order of Australia medal in 1978, was a leading charity figure in the area.
Just after midnight on 10 August crews from 461 Thirroul, 241 Bulli and 503 Wollongong attended a house fire in Austinmer. On arrival fire crews found a two storey residential dwelling which was already well alight. Search and rescue was carried out and a deceased woman, who was later identified as Mrs Ross, was found in a second storey bedroom.
Firefighters did an excellent job in extinguishment, using skills and techniques from CFBT as well as in scene preservation. FIRU and Police attended.
There appeared to be no smoke alarms installed in the home. Unfortunately this is another sad reminder that there is still much work to do in getting the message to the community about smoke alarms.
NEWS IN BRIEF
New Manual Handling Coordinator
Lynette Guy has commenced work with the Health and Safety Branch as the Manual Handling Coordinator for 12 months. Lynette is a physiotherapist and rehabilitation consultant. She is also a research fellow from Griffith University, and has vast experience in OHS and manual handling having worked with the Navy, the mining industry, building and construction industry, and meat Industry. She is well versed in occupational rehabilitation and ergonomics and specialises in chronic pain and treatment of injuries.
Over the next 12 months Lynette's priorities are to review manual handling within the Brigades and develop strategies to address manual handling issues. Lynette may be contacted at Health Services, ext 2621.
Fire Brigade team in Oxfam 100km Trailwalk
Four NSWFB firefighters have formed a team to compete in this year's Oxfam 100km Trailwalk event being held from 26 to 28 August and are asking for you to help them get to the start line. Keira Vallentine, 76 Bondi R/F D, Dave Stevens, 7 Horningsea Park D, Col Whiteman Katoomba Comms A and Peter Lewis Sydney Comms D hope to complete the event in under 20 hours and to finish in the top three in the mixed and Defence/Emergency Services categories plus finish in the top 10 overall.
The Oxfam Trailwalk is a 100km race through urban Sydney and bushland designed to challenge competitors' endurance and to raise money for Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. The race must be completed inside 48 hours and is one of the toughest endurance races in the world. This year's race starts at Hunters Hill. Competitors trek through national parks and bushland along the Great North Walk, then through Hornsby and Apple Tree Bay before finishing at Frenchs Forest.
Each team is required to raise a minimum of $1000 to be eligible to compete. Donating to the team is easy. Go to the Oxfam website http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker and select the donate section, the Sydney event and then the team, aptly named Code Red, and donate online. Every donation over $2 is tax deductible and will receive a receipt .
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bluey Day
Across the State today and over the weekend there are numerous events organised as part of Bluey Day. After the cold snap across much of the State this week, those who have volunteered to shave their heads deserve all the support we can offer. Contact Jim Smith via GroupWise for details on how to donate. Many thanks to the brave participants.
City to Surf
This Sunday the NSWFB has a team entered in the City to Surf. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is also sending a team from Melbourne to challenge us. I look forward to hearing a full report after the event. As current champions in the Uniformed Services division we have a lot to live up to. Incidentally, retired Inspector Ted Thompson will chalk up his 35 th City to Surf – not bad at 64!
Daffodil Day
Next Friday 19 August is Daffodil Day. The funds raised from Daffodil Day go to support research into the causes and potential cures for cancer, a disease that affects almost one in three Australians.
At the beginning of last century, people with cancer faced almost certain death. Now, thanks to continuing improvement in research and patient care, we know how to prevent one third of all cancers, and more than half of all cancers can be successfully treated. This progress may not have been possible without fundraisers such as Daffodil Day.
NSWFB personnel can show their support by purchasing fresh daffodils or Daffodil Day merchandise from participating outlets. Alternatively you could make a donation. For more information you can visit www.daffodilday.com.au or www.cancer.org.au or call the info line on 1300 65 65 85.
Frontline Tourers ride
The Frontline Tourers Motorcycle club, Australia's Emergency Services Touring club, will hold its next ride from Mt Colah to Wollombi on Friday 2 September 2005. The ride will depart from McDonalds at Mt Colah, Old Pacific Hwy at 9am. The route will follow the Old Pacific Hwy via Peats Ridge to Wollombi. The return distance is approximately 330km. For more information contact Dave Ryan at 19B, Ph 0403099082, Rex Meredith 32A Ph 0414395458, or Matt Paynter 42C on 0411060759.
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