COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Commissioner's Commendation – Doyalson fire
Yesterday I presented the Commissioner's Commendation to Marion Adams, a member of the public, who assisted at the tragic Doyalson fire which claimed the lives of Firefighter Philip Viles and two-year-old Brent Londrigan in July last year. Many people, including firefighters from Doyalson and Budgewoi fire stations and neighbours, have been recognised for their part at the incident, but Mrs Adams almost slipped through the net because she had not sought any accolades. She helped Brent's mother Janelle out of the smoke-logged house to safety and also tried to control the fire with a garden hose. The NSWFB became aware of her role through comments made at the Coronial inquest.
Leading the Way with CFBT
After the Doyalson presentation, I visited the Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility at Vales Point, then visited Berowra Fire Station to speak to firefighters. At Vales Point I had the opportunity to meet representatives from the Tasmania Fire Service, the Victorian Country Fire Authority, and Air Services Australia (Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service) who, under the watchful eyes of Station Officers John McDonough, Guy Brisbourne, and Steve Cromack, are completing the CFBT Level 1 Instructor certification.
MOU with Telstra Triple Zero
On Monday I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Telstra Triple Zero Director Sean Pyper concerning the Triple Zero service. This is an important step to ensure we have a smooth working relationship with Telstra over the delivery of this service. As the first emergency service to sign an MOU with the national emergency call service, the NSWFB is paving the way for our colleagues in the other states and territories.
Woollahra Centenary
Last Saturday I attended the Woollahra Fire Station centenary celebrations and was delighted to share the occasion with many local residents and past and present firefighters. Woollahra Councillor Keri Huxley spoke of the firefighters' dedication to the community, and I was able to share some of the station's history with the crowd who attended the official ceremony. After the official proceedings I enjoyed the opportunity to meet firefighters stationed at 11 Woollahra as far back as the 1950s, and even some people who had lived at the station.
Woollahra Public School showed their support for the NSWFB by hosting a school fete next door to the station. A street parade showcasing the NSWFB Band, Precision Marching team, vintage and modern appliances kicked the event off in style. Congratulations to the 11 Woollahra crew for organising such a successful community event.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Operational bulletin
Operations Bulletin 2005/07 ‘Entry to Trenches and other Earthen Complexes', which details information which must be followed when NSWFB personnel attend incidents in these locations, has been published on the State Operations page on the intranet .
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB will not upgrade any more country stations to 10/14, and if so, why is it that country areas do not deserve the same service as the city?
Response: It needs to be understood that the NSWFB cannot simply wave a magic wand to increase staff. NSW Treasury vets proposed budget increases from every agency and the NSWFB has to prepare well-argued business cases with cost/benefit analysis, and analysis of alternative solutions. Proposals for upgrading of staff at stations are dependent on many factors. These factors include changes in the risk profile of the area, an increase in call rates and an increase in the number of appliances. Zone and Region management consider these and other factors when preparing the strategic plans for resource allocations for their areas. The plans are discussed with the relevant stakeholders before business cases are developed. A number of country areas have seen significant changes in staffing over the past decade and there is no reason to suggest that further upgrades will not occur in the future, however we in the NSWFB need to be aware that we are competing for scarce Government funds against hospitals, schools, Police, transport etc.
Rumour: Is it true that in areas of retained shortages which neighbour permanent stations the NSWFB will expand the permanent turnout area from 0600 and 1800 Monday to Friday?
Response: There is no truth to this rumour.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Long serving Captains Retire
Congratulations and thanks to two very long-serving NSWFB officers who were honoured at retirement functions last week. Captain Doug McInerney of Young Fire Brigade served for 49 years, while Captain Des Fairfull of Lismore Fire Brigade served for 46 years. Both put their heart and soul into the NSWFB and their local communities, and I wish them all the best for long, happy, healthy retirements.
Donation of vehicles to Vanuatu
The NSWFB is donating two redundant, but well maintained, firefighting appliances to Vanuatu, a Mercedes 4WD diesel tanker and an International pumper, which will become its firefighting fleet to protect the capital, Port Vila. As well as the vehicles, expected to leave for Vila by ship on Sunday, the NSWFB is also sending over two instructors to train the local firefighters to operate them as well as a substantial amount of PPE and firefighting equipment. There have been two recent major fires in Port Vila, and firefighters could do little more than watch the buildings burn to the ground.
Tunnelling for information across the globe
Superintendent Glenn Sheedy, Manager Operational Readiness, will visit London and New York from 26 November until 10 December to analyse the response plans of major urban fire services to underground fires and benchmark the NSWFB's readiness. Along with Inspector Warwick Kidd he will meet with London Fire Brigade to discuss planning systems and the operational response to the London bombings in July. The NSWFB representatives will also visit the Fire Services Training College at Moreton-in-Marsh just north of Oxford. Superintendent Sheedy will then travel to New York to meet with the New York Fire Department and New York Transit Police and will tour the Randall's Island Training Facility to examine a purpose-built underground tunnel training scenario. The meetings will assist the NSWFB's plans to protect the Sydney underground transit system.
NSWFB presentation on tsunami efforts
On Tuesday Senior Rescue Instructor Bruce Cameron from the NSWFB Rescue Section gave a presentation on his experiences in Banda Aceh following deployment to the Boxing Day tsunami. SO Cameron was invited to address the Natural Hazards Research Centre at Macquarie University by its Director, Professor John McAneney. The centre is at the forefront of research and analyses into the impact of major natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and bushfires. The team from Macquarie University was very interested in the NSWFB's overseas response capability and the work that was carried out in Aceh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
White Ribbon Day
Today is White Ribbon Day, a global event highlighting that violence against women is unacceptable. In 1999 the UN declared November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) and the White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Relief and Welfare Fund AGM
The annual general meeting of the Employees of the NSWFB Relief & Welfare Fund Inc. will be held on Wednesday 7 December 2005 at 1900 hours at the State Training College, Alexandria. All members of the Fund are invited to attend and can nominate for six vacant Committee positions. Nominations should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Fund no later than close of business Friday 2 December 2005. To attend the AGM please RSVP to ray.kelly@fire.nsw.gov.au .
Scenic motorcycle ride
The Frontline Tourers, Australia's Emergency Services Motorcycle Club, is having a ride to Cambewarra Lookout, Kangaroo Valley, on Friday 2 December. Riders and pillions will meet at 8.30am (for 8.45am departure) from McDonalds Narellan, on the corner of Narellan Road and Camden Valley Way. The route, which is about 300km return, runs through Picton, Tahmoor and Mittagong. For more information contact Dave Ryan 19 B on 0403 099 082, Rex Meredith 32 A on 0414 395 458 and Matt Paynter 58 C on 0411 060 759.
World AIDS Day
Thursday December 1 is World AIDS Day. The aim of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness in the community about HIV/AIDS issues. The focus this year is to educate people that prevention is the best cure for HIV/AIDS. It also aims to inform people about the help available for those who need it, and that people living with HIV/AIDS deserve acceptance, encouragement and understanding. The red ribbon is the international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness and support. For further information about World Aids Day you can visit http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/index.htm
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