COMMISH’S CORNER

COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Commish’s Corner is changing
Over the coming months you will notice that my regular newsletter is being overhauled. Rather than sometimes being little more than a collection of newsy snippets, it will become a means of communicating information about critical issues affecting the NSWFB, including the impending executive restructure, working more closely with the union, and issues arising from the annual operating plan. Through Commish’s Corner I will also inform you of our strategic plans and how you can help to make them a reality so that the NSWFB remains the best urban fire and rescue service in Australia and one of the best in the world.

One of the first changes to Commish’s Corner will be to make it fortnightly. In Orders and Commish’s Corner will now come out on alternate weeks.

Commish’s Corner will deal in more depth with important issues so that hopefully, you will have a clearer picture of where I want to take the organisation, and why.

I know that many firefighters read Commish’s Corner for the Rumour Mill, so that will remain. However, I reiterate the policy that it is an avenue for genuine rumours and concerns, and not for grandstanding or attacking individuals.

As for the name ‘Commish’s Corner’, I am still in two minds about whether that needs to change as well. Commish’s Corner has been the name for many years and it may need an overhaul as well. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Visit by Deputy Commissioner London Fire Brigade
Next week I will be hosting Roy Bishop, the Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, in Sydney. I have arranged for DC Bishop to conduct a forum for senior officers and managers on 31 January to hear first hand about the London Fire Brigade’s response to the terrorist attack last year. Roy, whom I met whilst in London in 2004, will also address the State Emergency Management Committee and the Chief Executive Officers’ Counter Terrorism Coordinating Committee.

Conference Presentation: 2006 World Conference on Global Disaster Management and Response
On 1-2 March I will deliver a presentation at the International Emergency Technical Response Institute (iETRI) conference in Sydney. I will be sharing the NSWFB’s experience in managing a disaster ‘the right way’ in the eyes of the media, and other challenges and opportunities in effectively preparing for major emergencies and disasters. I will be joined on the speaker’s podium by Warwick Kidd, Deputy Manager Rescue who will present a case study on lessons learned from the Waterfall train disaster. This is an opportunity for the NSWFB to take centre stage in a high profile international forum, and display how strong our expertise is in all facets of disaster management and response.

FIRU Journal
The new FIRU journal provides firefighters with an insight into FIRU’s investigations and research into fire behaviour, human behaviour and the impact of fire on built environments. It is an excellent way of sharing technical information, and I encourage you to take the time to read the excellent articles such as Inspector Mark Cavanough’s study of the Class 1a Building Research Project into safer houses. Inspector Cavanough’s article highlights the research project we are undertaking with CSIRO into current building construction methods, internal furnishings, fit-outs, occupant behavioural response to fire, and NSWFB intervention and suppression tactics. This joint FIRU-CSIRO research will help determine if Building Code of Australia requirements adequately address the risks associated with Class 1a buildings.

2006 Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
The NSWFB is committed to ensuring equitable service delivery to all sections of the community. Therefore I have approved a request for the NSWFB to participate in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this year. This event provides a unique opportunity for reaching a large and diverse audience with fire safety messages, showcases our commitment to equal opportunity and is a natural extension of our various community engagement programs. Until now the NSWFB was the only emergency service that did not participate, perhaps sending the incorrect message to the community that we do not tolerate diversity in the workplace and community.

Participation is voluntary and will be open to all NSWFB operational, trades and admin staff, and CFU members. It is proposed that there be a walking contingent supported by one or more appliances. Information will be circulated shortly seeking interested participants and providing further detail. In the interim, for more information contact ComSafe Firefighter Andy Wheeler who is coordinating our participation. Groupwise contact is Andrew.B.Wheeler@fire.nsw.gov.au or mobile 0408 113 572.

RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true the NSWFB's authority to teach certificates 2 and 3 has been cancelled? And further that those firefighters studying certificates 2 and 3 will not be able to complete them as assessors are not qualified to give marks – and they are now defunct qualifications?
Response: No, this is not the case. Prior to the implementation of Public Safety Training Packages (PSTP) for the ranks of Recruit Firefighter to Qualified Firefighter, members were required to complete Certificate 2 & 3 (Firefighting Operations) under the Australian Fire Competencies (AFC). Some members are still continuing these studies under the AFCs. With the agreed implementation of PSTP for the ranks of Recruit to QF, members have commenced studying for Certificate 2 & 3 (Firefighting & Emergency Operations).

Rumour: Is it true that a security camera installed at Greenacre was removed after smokers complained that they thought the camera was being used to watch them smoking?
Response: No cameras at Greenacre have been relocated as a result of smokers’ complaints. A camera was relocated as it intruded into an Energy Australia equipment area.

INCIDENT UPDATE LINKS
Glenfield house fire 22 January
Chemical reaction at Garden Island 18 January
Woodlawn bio-reactor fire 10 January
Actions of Fire Safety Division help save college and church January 13
Christmas Day accident on the M7 motorway 25 December
Christmas and New Year on the Central Coast (Bushfires) 25 December – 1 January
Hale Street inferno Botany 2 January
Central Coast CFUs activated during recent bushfires 4 January

EVENTS
Botany Fire Station Centenary
NSWFB team in the Annual Sydney Harbour Swim Classic - contact the Sports Association for more information
World Firefighters Games in February 2006
Entry forms for NSW Police Games at Blacktown

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 to the intranet, please contact Public Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or (North) 9265 2631