COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Zone Commanders Planning Workshop
On Wednesday and Thursday a planning workshop for all operational zone commanders was held at the Blaxland Conference Centre, Ryde. The objective of the workshop was to begin developing a common planning and reporting process on service delivery across all areas of NSW. The planning workshop is the first stage in a series of steps to achieve a standardised planning and reporting model.
Day one was a dedicated workshop for gSa Zone Commanders, while the second was for zone commanders in regional areas.
On Wednesday evening I presented a keynote speech on my expectations and support for the development of a standardised planning and reporting model across the organisation. I also identified the outcomes sought by the NSWFB and discussed their relationship with government and stakeholders.
Following the workshop, a working group will be established to progress the standardised planning and reporting model further. Congratulations to Assistant Commissioner John Benson and his Region South staff for arranging such a successful event.
Flooding in northern NSW
Welcome rain fell over much of the State this week; however, northern NSW has been hit by flooding. Yesterday the SES evacuated some areas of Lismore and the NSWFB assisted the SES with problems caused by flooding. Between midnight Wednesday and 1000am Friday, the NSWFB responded to 143 incidents on the far north coast. Types of incidents included flooding and storm damage, fires, MVA's and building evacuations.
Meanwhile in Sydney the NSWFB responded to more than 400 calls between 6pm Thursday and 6am Friday. Notable incidents included a building collapse in Coogee where there were no injuries reported; a fire at Yennora involving a large amount of molten metal; and two fires at dental surgeries in Sydney's west with a gas cylinder threatening to explode and a 20 metre communications tower threatening topple over at one of them.
Thank you to all firefighters for their efforts over a busy few days.
SOPP graduation
Yesterday I attended the graduation of the NSWFB's newest station officers. This was the tenth class to graduate since the program's inception. The new station officers will take up positions at fire stations around Sydney or in specialised sections. I wish the 20 graduates all the very best in their new roles. To see pictures from the graduation or view the list of graduates, read the story on the intranet.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
New publication to raise OHS awareness
In support of occupational health and safety legislation, the NSWFB has produced a publication to heighten awareness of the responsibilities for both the employer and employees while working at incidents and training exercises.
The publication, called Dynamic Risk Assessment for Operations: The Safe Person Concept, is aimed at further reducing the risks faced by firefighters and reinforcing the NSWFB Risk Management Policy at a tactical level by promoting risk assessment methodology during operations and training.
Superintendents, Inspectors and Station Commanders must ensure that the information contained in the publication is brought to the attention of all staff under their command. The topic can be covered in the Station Training Program and should be recorded in the Training Logbook.
Copies will be sent to all operational personnel shortly. Dynamic Risk Assessment for Operations is also available online via the State Operations page of the intranet. Contact the NSWFB Operational Safety Coordinator on 9318 4877 or email osc.nswfb@fire.nsw.gov.au with any enquiries.
Rescues from fires in homes
Firefighters from 453 Taree rescued a man suffering smoke inhalation from a unit fire and evacuated two women from an adjoining unit at Taree on Tuesday. They treated the man with oxygen therapy before he was conveyed to Manning Base Hospital where he remains in intensive care.
Meanwhile, on the previous Tuesday (21 June), firefighters from 22 Leichhardt and 28 Marrickville rescued a woman from her burning unit in Sydney's inner west after finding her unconscious on the floor. Firefighters performed resuscitation using the Oxy-Viva and revived her before ambulance officers arrived.
Congratulations to the crews at both of these incidents on a job well done. Read more about the incidents on the intranet.
Other recent incidents
There were two fires in luxury boats in Sydney's north within 10 days, both involving A Platoon. Firefighters were able to save the boat at the first incident but unfortunately had to sink the boat at the second. For more details on the fires, see the stories on the intranet.
Meanwhile, there were at least four clothes dryer fires in Sydney in one night this week. This prompted the NSWFB to issue a warning for people to take care when using dryers. If your station responds to a series of house fires caused by the same appliance, consider issuing a media release with the relevant safety messages, and please contact SOLO or your regional Public Affairs Officer for more advice.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that four station officers will be appointed to 464 Toronto to relieve out of that area to alleviate retained firefighter shortages in N3?
Response: The initiative of appointing an additional four firefighters to 464 Toronto as relieving firefighters was the result of consultation between the NSWFB and the FBEU. This was done in an attempt to reduce the amount of overtime being worked at retained stations in N3 due to the daytime unavailability of retained staff. The possibility of placing relieving station officers at 464 Toronto will be reviewed after the 2006 SOPP in consultation with the Union.
Rumour: Is it true that 19 Silverwater and 30 Lidcombe, because of the conditions of their living quarters, are going to be closed down and made into a single station somewhere in the Homebush Bay area near the RFS headquarters?
Response: No. At no time has the relocation of 19 Silverwater and 30 Lidcombe been considered as part the current review of the zone strategic plan.
Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB is going to pay for phone line rental for retained staff due to retained staff having to supply a phone line for the Retained Telephone Alerting System (RTAS) system, at their own expense?
Response: As part of the introduction of the new RTAS, the NSWFB and the FBEU have held discussions on an appropriate payment for firefighters using the new system.
The NSWFB and the FBEU are negotiating a payment which recognises the flexibility provided by the RTAS in operating on fixed or mobile phones, providing distinct ring tones for fire calls, and the ability to retrieve fire call messages.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Tamworth firefighter retires after 40 years
452 Tamworth RF Jim Lupton retired from the NSWFB yesterday after 40 years service to the Tamworth community. RF Lupton joined the NSWFB in May 1965 and has received the National Medal and two clasps, and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and three clasps.
Jim's retirement function will be held on 24 September at the City Bowling Club, Tamworth. Thank you, Jim, for your dedicated service to the NSWFB and community.
Totally Wild
The State Training College at Alexandria goes Totally Wild on Thursday 7 July at 4.00pm on Channel Ten. The production crew visited the College earlier this year to film recruits undergoing cordage drill and learning the finer points of motor vehicle rescues. Totally Wild producers were so impressed with the level of support from NSWFB instructors they decided to use the NSWFB as the feature for the episode, which is repeated on Friday 8 July at 6.00am.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reserve Forces Day 2005
Reserve Forces celebrations will be held in Sydney and Newcastle this weekend.
At 10.30am on Saturday the Newcastle Parade will assemble in Wharf Road, Newcastle and proceed to Cape Shortland at Nobby's Beach. The Sydney Parade will assemble in College Street (North) at 10.30am Sunday and will be reviewed by Her Excellency, the Governor Marie Bashir and the incoming Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshall Angus Huston. The parade will march to Parliament House and continue down Macquarie Street, ending just past the Cahill Expressway.
I have given approval for off duty and retired firefighters who wish to participate in the parade to wear ceremonial dress uniform. Personnel who are rostered on and wish to take part should apply for leave or a part change of shift in accordance with NSWFB procedures.
The Minister for Transport has advised that all reservists who travel to the Newcastle or Sydney parades in ceremonial dress uniform, or who display medals or their RSL badge, will be entitled to free travel to and from the event on City Rail trains, State Transit buses and Sydney Ferries.
I encourage all eligible NSWFB personnel to attend.
Castle Hill firie's walk for charity
On Sunday 10 July, 71 Castle Hill FF John Dunn will begin a trek across the Great Victoria Desert to raise money for the children left orphaned as a result of the recent fatal fire at Coonamble.
While I imagine it would be difficult enough just walking across a desert, FF Dunn will do it hauling a custom made cart containing all his supplies. FF Dunn hopes to complete the trek from Coober Pedy in South Australia to Laverton in Western Australia in 30 days. Businesses are accepting donations on FF Dunn's behalf. Please email FF Dunn if you would like to make a donation. Good luck in your efforts.
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 2612, Michelle Halloran (South) 9265 2802 or Natalie Laharnar (North) 9265 2631 Cut off for submissions is 10:00am Thursday