COMMISH’S CORNER

Friday 15 January 2010 Number 480          The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627
CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

Welcome to 2010

Thankfully Christmas 2009, despite the ominous build-up, was relatively fire-free due to significant rains over much of the state. Rather than fighting fires, a number of Brigades in the far west and north west of the state found themselves assisting the SES with flood preparations and recovery. There is no place for complacency however, as this week the south west and Riverina experienced Catastrophic fire weather conditions which saw pre-deployment of NSWFB Strike Teams at a number of locations.

I hope that 2010 will be a safe and successful year for everybody in the NSWFB. We will no doubt face a number of challenges this year, however I know that with the continued dedication, team spirit and commitment for which the NSWFB is renowned, we will overcome any problems together, emerging stronger and better. I thank you in advance for the work that you do and for the strong commitment always shown by firefighters and support staff to their duty to protect the people, infrastructure and environment of NSW. 

Building a Better Brigade – Workplace Culture Survey

A new Workplace Culture Survey has now been launched. The survey aims to find out your views on the current NSWFB culture and how we can continue to build a more supportive, respectful and safe place to work. The survey, which has been developed by consultants KPMG and also involved consultation with staff and unions, is now available online via the intranet. All responses are anonymous with no individual responses identified. The results will be collected by KPMG which is an independent third party.  KPMG will maintain confidentially of all data, and present the overall findings in a report to the NSWFB after the survey has closed. I will also ensure that the FBEU and PSA are briefed on the findings. The survey closes on 26 February 2010. The results of the survey will form the foundation for any necessary initiatives and programs to Build a Better Brigade. Please take the time to complete the survey and have your say. I am looking to you to help us build a safer, more supportive, respectful and enjoyable workplace at NSWFB.

Memorial for Granville rail disaster

Next week marks the anniversary of the 1977 Granville train disaster in which 83 people died and more than 200 people were injured when a road overpass collapsed on a commuter train travelling from the Blue Mountains . The NSWFB was the first emergency service on scene and the last to leave following the major rescue operation which involved all of the emergency services. Following a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony, NSWFB officers will help place 83 roses in honour of those who lost their lives that day. Members wishing to attend should be at the Bold Street overpass by 1100 hours and wear summer dress uniform with medals.

CFU skills review sessions

Community Fire Unit (CFU) members have been busily preparing for the bushfire season through their attendance at Skills Review sessions.  More than 3085 operational CFU volunteers completed skills reviews last year. The Bushland Urban Interface Section, together with Zone Commanders and firefighters arranged sessions to assess volunteers’ abilities to work as teams, operate equipment safely, and show their understanding of bushfire behaviour, property preparation and CFU operations. CFU volunteers who were unable to complete a skills review session this year will have their membership status temporarily changed to Associate membership, which means they are only able to act in a support capacity until they have their skills assessed after the 2009/10 bushfire season.

Retirement of SO Terry Munsey AFSM

Any discussion of CFUs is incomplete without mention of Station Officer Terry Munsey, who in many ways could be considered the “father” of the CFU Program. This week I wished Terry all the best for his retirement, and thanked him for his incredible commitment and achievements since the inception of the CFU concept. Terry steered the CFU Program to become one of the state’s largest and most successful community engagement and resilience programs, and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude. There are many homes still standing today that would not be had it not been for his vision, drive and enthusiasm – the first time CFUs were activated “in anger” was in 1997 at Menai, and I remember that day well. Properties were destroyed in adjoining streets, but not where we had CFUs. My personal thanks to Terry and I know that everybody will join me in wishing him all the best for a long, happy and healthy retirement. 

Fire safety blitz for Big Day Out

The NSWFB will inspect fire safety arrangements at the Sydney Showground for the Big Day Out on 22 and 23 January to help ensure a fire-safe environment for those attending. Many more inspections at major event venues will be carried out over coming months with the Royal Easter Show next on the agenda for the NSWFB.

The great Spicer Jacket roundup

With the arrival of our new NSWFB fleece jackets I encourage everyone to get involved in the Great Spicer Jacket Roundup initiative, which will see old NSWFB parka, spicer or Castro style jackets donated to charity and those who are less fortunate through a managed process. This is a great initiative by firefighters from 53 Neutral Bay, particularly QF Sam Wall.

Firefighters invited to barbie for Prince William
Five of our firefighters will enjoy a barbecue in the Botanic Gardens with Prince William next week during his short visit to Australia .
QF Edward Berti, QF Patrick Kwong, FF Micheal Packham, RF Michael Power and SF Melanie Rebane have been invited to attend the event in honour of the 27-year old prince who last visited Australia at the age of one. Among those also invited are Young Australian of the Year nominees, surf lifesavers and colleagues from other emergency services.

Gunnedah Captain a cover star!

Captain Rod Byrnes of 314 Gunnedah is the new face of the Telstra White and Yellow pages directory. He is among several “local heroes” chosen to feature on the front cover of phone books that will be delivered to 100,000 homes across north-west NSW. Captain Byrnes was chosen in honour of his exceptional work, stretching back more than three decades.  Well done Rod!

Fire 000 airs on Foxtel

If you didn’t see the Fire 000 series featuring the NSWFB last year, you may now have an opportunity to catch it being replayed on Foxtel’s Bio Channel (117) at 9pm on Tuesday nights and 10am on Wednesday mornings.

Recruit graduation and awards presentation

Yesterday I attended the graduation ceremony for our newest recruits, Class 04/2009, after they successfully completed their recruit training program. I wish them all the best with their careers. During the ceremony I also had the opportunity to present QF Malcolm Garbutt with a Commendation for Courageous Action, SO’s Paul Lynch and Jonathon Moore with Commendations for Meritorious Service, and clasps to the National Medal to SO Jonathan Moore and SO Leo McCrory. Two members of the public were also recognised with Commissioner’s Commendations presented in recognition of their efforts at a house fire in Springwood.

Waste the Waist registrations open

Many NSWFB employees are starting 2010 with a healthy change by registering for the Waste the Waist program. Registrations will remain open up until the first week of February, with the competition officially starting on Monday 1 February. For those taking the challenge, the first time you log-in to the website, you will be prompted to enter your cost centre – it is important you enter the correct cost centre, as this will be how teams will be determined (there is no charge for the program). Make sure you visit the FireFit website which will link you to the Waste the Waist registration page so that you can make some healthy lifestyle changes, and be eligible for some great prizes.

Old WW2 bomb scare - Lithgow

At about 1500hrs on Thursday 7 January workers inside a recycling factory in Inch Street , Lithgow observed that an old WW2 device had been punctured by a fork lift truck. The device was thought to be similar in appearance to a Mustard Gas projectile, and a gel-like substance was leaking from the ruptured cylinder. The crew from 363 Lithgow immediately implemented a 250 metre exclusion zone which required the evacuation of 350 local residents from local homes. The local Emergency Plan was enacted with an evacuation centre established at the Lithgow Worker’s Club. FireAir1 was deployed to transport the Brigade’s scientific officer with detection equipment to back up Hazmat crews. Crews from 363 Lithgow, 364 Lithgow West and 77 St Mary’s Heavy Hazmat assisted in the delicate process of collecting various samples from the contaminated area. Zone Commander Blue Mountains, Supt Tony Grant together with two Duty Commanders and the Senior Instructor co-ordinated incident operations. At 2130hrs it was determined that the substance was a hydrocarbon based gel with properties similar to Benzene. The area was declared safe and residents returned to their homes at about 2200hrs.

Salvation Army Fire Yagoona – 2nd Alarm
At 0108 on Sunday 10 January, crews were called to a rubbish fire at the rear of the Salvation Army building on the Hume Highway at Yagoona. Despite 62 Bankstown arriving within six minutes of the first of many Triple Zero calls, the fire had already spread to the building itself. A 2nd Alarm was requested, with crews working for over two hours to bring the fire under control. 47 Revesby’s aerial pumper was deployed at the height of the fire to assist in containment. Unfortunately all the contents were destroyed and the building sustained substantial damage. The fire is believed to have been deliberately lit in rubbish dumped at the rear of the building overnight. Crews from 62 Bankstown , 85 Chester Hill, 47 Revesby, 30 Lidcombe, 27 Parramatta and 34 Riverwood attended the fire. The fire highlighted increasing problems being experienced by the Salvos through people dropping off household rubbish, rather than useable, recyclable materials. Last year the cost of removing such rubbish was around $5.5M – money that could have been spent on helping the needy. 

RUMOURS
Rumour: Is it true that local resources are being overlooked in the strategic planning of events at Sydney Olympic Park?  If so, how does this encourage stations to do familiarisations and Pre Incident Planning?

Response: At recent events at the Sydney Olympic Park precinct such as the World Masters Games Opening Ceremony and the V8 Supercar races, preference has been given to local crews to participate in operations due to their knowledge of the precinct. This will also be the case in the upcoming Big Day Out event which will be held in the precinct in January. However it is often the case, such as during the Olympics, World Youth Day, and Royal Easter Show, that on-site resources are required due to risk and congestion, in addition to external resources.

Rumour: Is it true that there are future plans for the NSWFB to develop 217 Batemans Bay into a permanent station operating on the 10/14 roster? Is it true that this is because of the station having a primary rescue and also a hazmat responsibility while also providing coverage for the local fire district, where current response times and staffing levels do not provide adequate levels of response?

Response: Not at this stage, although the situation is continually reviewed across regional NSW. The retained firefighters attached to 217 Batemans Bay do a fantastic job and any potential change to staffing arrangements will be assessed based on risk, workload and services provided.

Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB is investigating the feasibility of implementing 'Cluster' Stations where permanent firefighters with additional resources would respond from a base station to backup and support the retained staff in country areas? If this is to be the case, is it true that special roster stations will become a 10/14 roster station to carry out this new role?

Response: I think what is being referred to here is a "hub station" and if so, yes the concept is being explored. A general concept (yet to be finalised) of a "hub station" is a station with both permanent and retained staff with two pumpers. In the event of a call to an adjoining area, say up to 30 minutes travel time, the permanent crew would respond in support of either NSWFB or RFS resources. The retained firefighters would provide primary fire protection within the local fire district. In other words, the permanent crew would respond across a larger area than just within the local fire district, and provide rapid back up and assistance to other NSWFB and RFS brigades. As indicated, this is at the conceptual stage only, and there has been no approval for additional funding, stations, appliances or staff.

Rumour: Is it true the NSWFB has handed over large areas of 'at risk' infrastructure to the RFS at the request of the RFS. Is it also true that the RFS have refused to hand over areas that have become residential developments because they want to be given back other areas in return within the GSA?

Response: No. There is a process for NSWFB Fire District Boundary and Mutual Aid Agreements which is overseen by the Review and Policy Sub Committee (RPSC) that has membership from the NSWFB, RFS, FBEU and RFS Association. The RPSC is currently reviewing boundary change processes based on objective risk and service delivery measures, and this has resulted in some delays to the boundary change process.

Rumour: Is it true that 102 Regentville and 86 Penrith cannot be actively turned out by Katoomba Comms Centre when needed in the Blue Mountains and must be turned out by Sydney Comms, sometimes adding as much as 10 minutes to stations being notified and turned out to emergency incidents?

Response: Yes, and no. Yes, the current FireCAD only allows NSWFB appliances within the geographical responsibility of a particular ComCen to be directly responded by that ComCen. But no, this does not mean that there are substantial delays if appliances from an adjoining ComCen area are required.  Response details are electronically transferred between ComCens by a system called ICEMS, and these are processed rapidly in a similar manner to an AFA call. Our next generation computer aided dispatch system will have a “virtual environment” that will simplify this process even further and enable direct dispatch.

Rumour: Any truth to the rumour of a new superstation combining 62 Bankstown rescue and 47 Revesby aerial at Bankstown airport to cover the introduction of domestic flights at the airport and the forecast doubling of heavy vehicle traffic on the roads within the next ten years

Response: No.

Rumour: Does one of the electrolyte drink powders supplied meet Australian Standards as it does not have a date mark on it?

Response: Due to reduced availability of a sports drink sachet product, the NSWFB worked with a leading Australian Dietician to review alternative products that meet the nutritional requirements. 'Squincher Qwik Serve' was identified as the most suitable alternative, containing all essential components necessary for maintaining optimal human performance during sustained physical activity.  In accordance with the Australian Food Standards code, products with a shelf life of greater than 24 months do not require a 'use by' or 'best before' date to be applied and it is therefore packaged in accordance with this code.


COMMISH’S CORNER
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