Saturday, February 6, 2010
"Footsteps in the Ash" book launch
Footsteps in the Ash is a record of the devastation of the St Andrews and Strathewen communities where 37 people died and 117 homes were lost in the Black Saturday bushfires of 7 February 2009.
The authors of the book, Jim Usher and Mac Gudgeon, live in St Andrews and were minutes away from becoming victims of the fires themselves. Over a 10-month period they interviewed 80 survivors and 65 firefighters to compile the 276 pages of compelling stories and photographs, in the process becoming a listening post for the trauma of locals, many of whom have still not recovered. Initial printing of Footsteps in the Ash was funded by the Hurstbridge and Diamond Creek branches of the Bendigo Community Bank.
The authors gave of their services free of charge so that entire proceeds from the $25 sale price of 5000 books are shared by the St Andrews and Arthurs Creek/Strathewen CFAs and other brigades that took part in the firefight at Strathewen and St Andrews on that day.
The brigades will receive about $125,000 from sales.
The book was launched on Saturday 6 February at Bridges Restaurant in Hurstbridge. Dignitaries that helped the authors launch the book included Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Premier of Victoria, John Brumby; Captain Arthurs Creek/Strathewen RFB, David McGahy; and Captain St Andrews RFB, Helen Kenney.
Information on how to purchase a copy of the book is available at the website: http://www.footstepsintheash.com/
The authors of the book, Jim Usher and Mac Gudgeon, live in St Andrews and were minutes away from becoming victims of the fires themselves. Over a 10-month period they interviewed 80 survivors and 65 firefighters to compile the 276 pages of compelling stories and photographs, in the process becoming a listening post for the trauma of locals, many of whom have still not recovered. Initial printing of Footsteps in the Ash was funded by the Hurstbridge and Diamond Creek branches of the Bendigo Community Bank.
The authors gave of their services free of charge so that entire proceeds from the $25 sale price of 5000 books are shared by the St Andrews and Arthurs Creek/Strathewen CFAs and other brigades that took part in the firefight at Strathewen and St Andrews on that day.
The brigades will receive about $125,000 from sales.
The book was launched on Saturday 6 February at Bridges Restaurant in Hurstbridge. Dignitaries that helped the authors launch the book included Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Premier of Victoria, John Brumby; Captain Arthurs Creek/Strathewen RFB, David McGahy; and Captain St Andrews RFB, Helen Kenney.
Information on how to purchase a copy of the book is available at the website: http://www.footstepsintheash.com/
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year
Teenage firefighter Lenny Pritchard has been chosen as Nillumbik Shire Council's Young Citizen of the Year.
The award is not the first time the 18-year-old Diamond Creek resident has been recognised - she was recently honoured with the VCE Achiever of the Year Award for her efforts during and after Black Saturday.
The quietly spoken, yet confident, Lenny, said she was thrilled to be honoured. And despite her young age, she said volunteering for the Diamond Creek fire brigade was the right thing to do. What she didn't expect was to be confronted with the events of Black Saturday.
Lenny did not hesitate in putting her hand up on Black Saturday and was soon on the Diamond Creek pumper helping defend the townships of Strathewen, Arthur's Creek and St Andrews. And in the nights following, she volunteered for strike teams supervising backburning operations.
According to Diamond Creek Fire Brigade Captain Peter Perkins, Lenny "saw things you wouldn't normally like someone so young to see." But Captain Perkins said Lenny was a "confident young woman who did everything asked of her and never made a fuss."
"The award is a great achievement. She's a well-rounded person, a community-minded person, and a shining example to other young people," he said.
Lenny's community-minded focus also extends to other areas: she volunteers with several organisations including Prison Fellowship Australia and Youth with a Mission. Her PFA work involved helping organise a camp for children of prison inmates. In her final year of high school last year she also managed to organise a visit from the Red Cross Blood Bank.
The Pritchard name is well known to members at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Lenny's father has been a member for 22 years and her mother is a long-serving member of the Auxiliary.
And despite everything she witnessed on Black Saturday, there was some good news to come from her experiences.
"Since the fires we've had a lot of involvement at the school... I got two brigades to come in and we talked about CFA and volunteering," she said.
Whatever was said that day worked because several classmates soon joined the CFA.
Lenny will be studying Nursing/Midwifery at university this year.
We wish her well with her studies.
The award is not the first time the 18-year-old Diamond Creek resident has been recognised - she was recently honoured with the VCE Achiever of the Year Award for her efforts during and after Black Saturday.
The quietly spoken, yet confident, Lenny, said she was thrilled to be honoured. And despite her young age, she said volunteering for the Diamond Creek fire brigade was the right thing to do. What she didn't expect was to be confronted with the events of Black Saturday.
Lenny did not hesitate in putting her hand up on Black Saturday and was soon on the Diamond Creek pumper helping defend the townships of Strathewen, Arthur's Creek and St Andrews. And in the nights following, she volunteered for strike teams supervising backburning operations.
According to Diamond Creek Fire Brigade Captain Peter Perkins, Lenny "saw things you wouldn't normally like someone so young to see." But Captain Perkins said Lenny was a "confident young woman who did everything asked of her and never made a fuss."
"The award is a great achievement. She's a well-rounded person, a community-minded person, and a shining example to other young people," he said.
Lenny's community-minded focus also extends to other areas: she volunteers with several organisations including Prison Fellowship Australia and Youth with a Mission. Her PFA work involved helping organise a camp for children of prison inmates. In her final year of high school last year she also managed to organise a visit from the Red Cross Blood Bank.
The Pritchard name is well known to members at Diamond Creek Fire Brigade. Lenny's father has been a member for 22 years and her mother is a long-serving member of the Auxiliary.
And despite everything she witnessed on Black Saturday, there was some good news to come from her experiences.
"Since the fires we've had a lot of involvement at the school... I got two brigades to come in and we talked about CFA and volunteering," she said.
Whatever was said that day worked because several classmates soon joined the CFA.
Lenny will be studying Nursing/Midwifery at university this year.
We wish her well with her studies.
Kerang to host greater midlands
Sat 13th & Sun 14th February, Kerang fire brigade will be hosting the annual Greater Midlands fire fighter demo competition.
At the Kerang fire brigade running track, Atkinson park, ( opposite library on main highway ) the Greater Midlands fire fighter demo competition will be taking place which will include teams from Mildura, Shepparton and Maldon, all up 24 teams from around the state.
Junior events ( 11 - 17 year olds ) will be held on Saturday and seniors ( 17 - 99 year olds ) on Sunday, both days start from 9am and finish approximately 5pm.
A great weekend for all ages, with food and drinks available.
So bring your hat, sunnies, chair and support your local team and have a great day out with friends and family.
At the Kerang fire brigade running track, Atkinson park, ( opposite library on main highway ) the Greater Midlands fire fighter demo competition will be taking place which will include teams from Mildura, Shepparton and Maldon, all up 24 teams from around the state.
Junior events ( 11 - 17 year olds ) will be held on Saturday and seniors ( 17 - 99 year olds ) on Sunday, both days start from 9am and finish approximately 5pm.
A great weekend for all ages, with food and drinks available.
So bring your hat, sunnies, chair and support your local team and have a great day out with friends and family.
Factory fire contained
Fire was reported when a neighbour noticed black smoke billowing from roof vents after factory had closed for the day.
Crews arrived to discover approximately 1/3 of the factory fully involved and spreading rapidly, primarily in the spray booth area which contained paint and thinners used to coat machinery. B.A crews were used to attack the fire from three sides via exterior windows and roller doors and internally from front of factory, eventually being able to get onto a landing and attack the fire from above and contain the fire.
Although the fire caused about $500,000 damage with spray booth area and a forklift destroyed the offices and metal fabrication area were saved and the factory owner commented that the business operations would not be greatly affected, he also praised the brigades and all involved for their quick response and accurate fire operations.
The fire is not regarded as suspicious, although the cause is yet to be identified with fire investigations starting on the following day.
Date : 20 / 1 / 10
Time : 1725 hours
Incident controller : Captain Ramon Steel
Brigades on scene : Kerang, Cohuna.
Brigades paged : Koondrook, Murrabit, Sandhill Lake & Lake Charm.
R.D.O : Operations officer Peter Taylor.
Other agencies in attendance : Kerang police & Kerang shire building surveyor.
Crews arrived to discover approximately 1/3 of the factory fully involved and spreading rapidly, primarily in the spray booth area which contained paint and thinners used to coat machinery. B.A crews were used to attack the fire from three sides via exterior windows and roller doors and internally from front of factory, eventually being able to get onto a landing and attack the fire from above and contain the fire.
Although the fire caused about $500,000 damage with spray booth area and a forklift destroyed the offices and metal fabrication area were saved and the factory owner commented that the business operations would not be greatly affected, he also praised the brigades and all involved for their quick response and accurate fire operations.
The fire is not regarded as suspicious, although the cause is yet to be identified with fire investigations starting on the following day.
Date : 20 / 1 / 10
Time : 1725 hours
Incident controller : Captain Ramon Steel
Brigades on scene : Kerang, Cohuna.
Brigades paged : Koondrook, Murrabit, Sandhill Lake & Lake Charm.
R.D.O : Operations officer Peter Taylor.
Other agencies in attendance : Kerang police & Kerang shire building surveyor.
Rememberance service televised
The remembrance service at St Paul's Cathedral on Sunday 7 February is being televised on SKY News from 12noon.
The central service recognises the national significance of the fires in 2009 and is the only centrally planned activity across Victoria.
The service will be held at:
Time: 11.45am for Noon sharp
Date: Sunday 7 February 2010
Location: St Paul’s Cathedral, Corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne
*please note there is no allocated seating for CFA members at this event.
The focus of the service will be on remembrance and the communities affected by the fires. VBRRA is working with St Paul’s and the Council of Churches on plans for the service to be televised or broadcast.
The service will involve music from artists from a bushfire-affected area, recognise of all communities impacted by the fires, including the bereaved, with opportunities to light a candle or lay a stone during the service.
The central service recognises the national significance of the fires in 2009 and is the only centrally planned activity across Victoria.
The service will be held at:
Time: 11.45am for Noon sharp
Date: Sunday 7 February 2010
Location: St Paul’s Cathedral, Corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne
*please note there is no allocated seating for CFA members at this event.
The focus of the service will be on remembrance and the communities affected by the fires. VBRRA is working with St Paul’s and the Council of Churches on plans for the service to be televised or broadcast.
The service will involve music from artists from a bushfire-affected area, recognise of all communities impacted by the fires, including the bereaved, with opportunities to light a candle or lay a stone during the service.
A new campaign to extinguish arson
A year after the devastating Black Saturday bushfires ravaged the state, Victoria Police's Arson and Explosives Squad are asking the community to be courageous and call Crime Stoppers with any information they have about arson.
The call is part of the new Extinguish Arson Campaign – the brainchild of Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers which aims to prevent arson-related crime.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hollowood said police are encouraging the community to pour cold water on arsonists by calling Crime Stoppers.
"We want the community to be courageous and come forward with information – including information before an arson-related crime is committed," Superintendent Hollowood said.
"We're asking people to report any information they may have – no matter how insignificant they think it may be – to help stop arsonists in their tracks," he said.
"Fires have an absolutely devastating effect on lives – they destroy homes, decimate wildlife and in the worst case scenarios, kill men, women and children.
"Arson is a serious crime so our plea is this - if you've seen something or know something - say something," Superintendent Hollowood said.
Superintendent Hollowood said Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers are hoping this fresh approach to arson-related crime will be widely supported by the community.
Crime Stoppers Executive director Peter Sprott said there were particular types of information the community should report.
"If you live or work in a fire prone area, you may be aware of people who are often seen at the scene of fires or show an intense interest in what is happening," Mr Sprott said.
"You may be aware of a vehicle or person seen in the vicinity of a bushfire just before it started.
"If in any doubt, let us know and we will get the information to police, because we all have to play our part in stopping arsonists," he said.
"Your call is confidential and you do not need to leave your name."
Anyone with information regarding arson is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
This article was taken from a media release from Victoria Police.
The call is part of the new Extinguish Arson Campaign – the brainchild of Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers which aims to prevent arson-related crime.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hollowood said police are encouraging the community to pour cold water on arsonists by calling Crime Stoppers.
"We want the community to be courageous and come forward with information – including information before an arson-related crime is committed," Superintendent Hollowood said.
"We're asking people to report any information they may have – no matter how insignificant they think it may be – to help stop arsonists in their tracks," he said.
"Fires have an absolutely devastating effect on lives – they destroy homes, decimate wildlife and in the worst case scenarios, kill men, women and children.
"Arson is a serious crime so our plea is this - if you've seen something or know something - say something," Superintendent Hollowood said.
Superintendent Hollowood said Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers are hoping this fresh approach to arson-related crime will be widely supported by the community.
Crime Stoppers Executive director Peter Sprott said there were particular types of information the community should report.
"If you live or work in a fire prone area, you may be aware of people who are often seen at the scene of fires or show an intense interest in what is happening," Mr Sprott said.
"You may be aware of a vehicle or person seen in the vicinity of a bushfire just before it started.
"If in any doubt, let us know and we will get the information to police, because we all have to play our part in stopping arsonists," he said.
"Your call is confidential and you do not need to leave your name."
Anyone with information regarding arson is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
This article was taken from a media release from Victoria Police.
Kids sharing some colour
Messages of support for CFA received from kids over the past year are on display at CFA Headquarters in Burwood East.
These messages offer members the opportunity to add some colour to the tough days ahead. Cards, letters and artwork were received from around the world, from schools, church groups, individuals and families.
If you have some time over the coming weeks, pop into reception in 8 Lakeside drive and check it out.
For those that can't make it you'll find some photos below.
These messages offer members the opportunity to add some colour to the tough days ahead. Cards, letters and artwork were received from around the world, from schools, church groups, individuals and families.
If you have some time over the coming weeks, pop into reception in 8 Lakeside drive and check it out.
For those that can't make it you'll find some photos below.
VFBV Letter to The Age
On this first anniversary of Black Saturday, CFA Volunteers share with many others in the community the deep sense of loss and tragedy of that awful day. But we also remember the spirit and determination of our fellow Victorians not to be beaten by those events.
Our community was galvanised by that day, and the multiple tragedies that were revealed in successive days, in a way rarely experienced outside of war. Shoulder to shoulder, our young and old, wealthy and poor, ordinary everyday people and families, joined together to comfort and help devastated families and local communities who had suffered grievous loss.
CFA Volunteers were proud to play their part on Black Saturday and the days, weeks and months that followed.
Our 60,000 CFA Volunteers remain dedicated to their enduring role of protecting fellow Victorians and helping to build strong resilient communities.
In their thousands, volunteers from rural districts and strike teams from regional cities and Melbourne’s suburbs turned out to combat those tragic fires. Thousands more were on standby to protect their local communities.
CFA volunteers were ready that day, as they are every day, to respond to any major bushfire, house fire in the suburbs or other emergency incident.
Non-operational volunteers were at the phones and radios, and specialist volunteers in the control centres - old hands and teenagers, office workers, tradesmen and farmers, male and female, they were all ready, just as they are today.
In our thoughts on this first anniversary are communities, families and many volunteers from those same communities who suffered personal loss on that black day – their lives or the lives of family members, friends, homes, livelihoods and irreplaceable family mementoes.
VFBV would like to thank the employers whose community minded co-operation allows their employees to be active volunteers and be where they are needed most. We especially thank the families of volunteers, who provide vital support to their loved ones.
Without community based, trained and experienced volunteers, Victoria could not afford to maintain its day to day fire and emergency service, let alone the statewide capacity to deal with bushfires. There is simply no other viable way of protecting Victoria.
In the state’s times of dire need, the volunteer base of the CFA is the tried and true part of emergency response that works well. But to deal with climate and seasonal risks ahead we must maintain and build an even more effective volunteer based CFA.
Like other Victorians, CFA Volunteers will never forget Black Saturday. We reaffirm our ongoing commitment to serve our community and fellow Victorians both now, and in the future. We are determined to do our best to stop such tragedy from being repeated.
Andrew Ford
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Representing Victoria’s 60,000 CFA volunteers
Our community was galvanised by that day, and the multiple tragedies that were revealed in successive days, in a way rarely experienced outside of war. Shoulder to shoulder, our young and old, wealthy and poor, ordinary everyday people and families, joined together to comfort and help devastated families and local communities who had suffered grievous loss.
CFA Volunteers were proud to play their part on Black Saturday and the days, weeks and months that followed.
Our 60,000 CFA Volunteers remain dedicated to their enduring role of protecting fellow Victorians and helping to build strong resilient communities.
In their thousands, volunteers from rural districts and strike teams from regional cities and Melbourne’s suburbs turned out to combat those tragic fires. Thousands more were on standby to protect their local communities.
CFA volunteers were ready that day, as they are every day, to respond to any major bushfire, house fire in the suburbs or other emergency incident.
Non-operational volunteers were at the phones and radios, and specialist volunteers in the control centres - old hands and teenagers, office workers, tradesmen and farmers, male and female, they were all ready, just as they are today.
In our thoughts on this first anniversary are communities, families and many volunteers from those same communities who suffered personal loss on that black day – their lives or the lives of family members, friends, homes, livelihoods and irreplaceable family mementoes.
VFBV would like to thank the employers whose community minded co-operation allows their employees to be active volunteers and be where they are needed most. We especially thank the families of volunteers, who provide vital support to their loved ones.
Without community based, trained and experienced volunteers, Victoria could not afford to maintain its day to day fire and emergency service, let alone the statewide capacity to deal with bushfires. There is simply no other viable way of protecting Victoria.
In the state’s times of dire need, the volunteer base of the CFA is the tried and true part of emergency response that works well. But to deal with climate and seasonal risks ahead we must maintain and build an even more effective volunteer based CFA.
Like other Victorians, CFA Volunteers will never forget Black Saturday. We reaffirm our ongoing commitment to serve our community and fellow Victorians both now, and in the future. We are determined to do our best to stop such tragedy from being repeated.
Andrew Ford
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Representing Victoria’s 60,000 CFA volunteers
Chief: Reflecting one year on
Sunday is the first anniversary of one of the biggest days in CFA’s history.
Across Victoria, many people in our organisation are marking the day in many different ways. Many are at different stages of the recovery process. Many are still grieving.
This is a deeply reflective time for many of us.
We reflect on the communities that lost so much. Our thoughts are with those who were involved in the fires, and particularly those who lost loved ones.
We also reflect on the outstanding dedication and commitment of CFA firefighters and staff, both on Black Saturday and in the weeks and months following. Everyone involved worked as hard as they could.
We all know Black Saturday has had a huge impact on the firefighting community and will never leave us.
Our focus is to keep changing and improving, to learn from the tragedy of this event. We feel an enormous duty to go forward, and our efforts this summer have shown this.
The conditions of 7 February last year were unprecedented. I hope we never face those conditions again. If we do, we will be even better prepared than last time, and I know that once again the people of CFA will be there
So use Sunday to reflect; share this time with your family, friends and community in a way that suits you. Your CFA family is there to be with you as well. There are a range of activities that you may wish to participate in.
In addition, all members of the community are invited to Sunday’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral, 11.45 for midday, cnr of Swanston and Flinders Streets Melbourne, to remember those who died and the communities impacted by the bushfires.
Russell Rees
CFA Chief Officer
Across Victoria, many people in our organisation are marking the day in many different ways. Many are at different stages of the recovery process. Many are still grieving.
This is a deeply reflective time for many of us.
We reflect on the communities that lost so much. Our thoughts are with those who were involved in the fires, and particularly those who lost loved ones.
We also reflect on the outstanding dedication and commitment of CFA firefighters and staff, both on Black Saturday and in the weeks and months following. Everyone involved worked as hard as they could.
We all know Black Saturday has had a huge impact on the firefighting community and will never leave us.
Our focus is to keep changing and improving, to learn from the tragedy of this event. We feel an enormous duty to go forward, and our efforts this summer have shown this.
The conditions of 7 February last year were unprecedented. I hope we never face those conditions again. If we do, we will be even better prepared than last time, and I know that once again the people of CFA will be there
So use Sunday to reflect; share this time with your family, friends and community in a way that suits you. Your CFA family is there to be with you as well. There are a range of activities that you may wish to participate in.
In addition, all members of the community are invited to Sunday’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral, 11.45 for midday, cnr of Swanston and Flinders Streets Melbourne, to remember those who died and the communities impacted by the bushfires.
Russell Rees
CFA Chief Officer
Free entry to Caulfield tomorrow!
CFA members need to present their CFA ID, Emergency Memberlink card, or a piece of CFA clothing along with standard photo identification.
SES members and VBRRA Blue Referral Card holders will also receive complimentary entry which is possible through any public turnstile- mainly through the Main Gate on Station Street or the centre turnstile form the Centre Carpark.
The Group One Sportingbet C.F. Orr Stakes is one of the most popular races during the Caulfield Festival of Racing. Off the track, the Family Day activities offer free entertainment for everyone.
Channel Nine’s WB Kids will host the Family Day stage activity with free activities from 12 noon – 4pm for kids of all ages including:
Plus, there’s a chance to meet Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra from Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa after watching them perform in their live stage show.
The Mad Hatter Best Hat Competition will run again this year. The competition is open for children 14 years and under to dress up in their favourite hat, beanie, visor, their own creation or anything that can sit on their head as headwear and compete against others to win some great prizes. Registration is open from 12:00pm-1:15pm on the day and the competition will take place on the stage on the front lawn from 1:30pm.
Click here to find out more about the C.F Orr Stakes Day on Melbourne Racing Club’s webpage.
Click here for information on how to get to Caulfield Racecourse.
SES members and VBRRA Blue Referral Card holders will also receive complimentary entry which is possible through any public turnstile- mainly through the Main Gate on Station Street or the centre turnstile form the Centre Carpark.
The Group One Sportingbet C.F. Orr Stakes is one of the most popular races during the Caulfield Festival of Racing. Off the track, the Family Day activities offer free entertainment for everyone.
- When: Saturday 6 February 2010. Gates open 10.30am. Last race at 5.35pm.
- Where: Caulfield Racecourse, Caulfield
- What: C.F Orr Stakes Day
- Who: All CFA members are admitted free of charge.
Channel Nine’s WB Kids will host the Family Day stage activity with free activities from 12 noon – 4pm for kids of all ages including:
- Pony Rides
- Adrenalin Rush
- Jumping Castle
- Giant Surf Shack Slide
- Dodgeball
- Cup & Saucer
- Final Furlong Machine
- Camp Australia activities
- Face painting
- Balloon Artist
- Ferris Wheel
Plus, there’s a chance to meet Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra from Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa after watching them perform in their live stage show.
The Mad Hatter Best Hat Competition will run again this year. The competition is open for children 14 years and under to dress up in their favourite hat, beanie, visor, their own creation or anything that can sit on their head as headwear and compete against others to win some great prizes. Registration is open from 12:00pm-1:15pm on the day and the competition will take place on the stage on the front lawn from 1:30pm.
Click here to find out more about the C.F Orr Stakes Day on Melbourne Racing Club’s webpage.
Click here for information on how to get to Caulfield Racecourse.
CFA's Firefighting Effort Boosted
The Premier John Brumby today announced new partnerships between CFA and two major Australian businesses for new fire equipment, in a further boost to the state’s largest-ever firefighting effort.
At Essendon Airport today, Mr Brumby announced Westpac have sponsored a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with new fire-surveillance technology to patrol bushfire-prone areas across the state. Toll Holdings have donated funding to refurbish six district mechanical officers vehicles and buy one new vehicle.
He said the new Westpac FireWatch aircraft has bolstered the state’s aircraft firefighting capacity, which includes Australia’s first large airplane that can drop 45,000 litres of water, skycranes Elvis and Elsie plus 32 additional aircraft and a national on-call register of 170 aircraft.
The Westpac aircraft is the first of its kind with new technology called Electronic Aerial Reconnaissance which can capture images through cameras fitted to the aircraft’s wings and stream information directly to fire controllers on the ground, complementing the role of the on-board air observer.
“The task for us all is to work together to make our state as fire-safe and fire-ready as possible and I congratulate Westpac and Toll Holdings for their commitment to supporting Victoria’s firefighting effort,” Mr Brumby said.
“These partnerships are a great example of how government, communities and the private sector are working together to rebuild after the tragic Black Saturday and Gippsland fires and to protect lives and homes from future bushfire threat.
“Across Victoria communities have put in a massive effort to prepare for the fire season and this new equipment will complement the more than $700 million in record resources our Government is providing to our emergency services.”
The Westpac FireWatch aircraft will operate on high fire-risk days. It will patrol areas including the Dandenong Ranges, coastal areas and high-density suburbs and towns in and around bushfire-prone areas.
Westpac State General Manager in Victoria David Hyde said Westpac was delighted to support the work of CFA to save lives and protect communities in bushfire-prone areas across Victoria.
“Westpac is proud to be working with CFA to reduce the risk of bushfire in Victorian communities,” Mr Hyde said.
“Westpac will continue to support CFA in Victoria with fundraising and volunteer support from our employees as well as playing a role in increasing fire safety awareness in the Victorian community from the bank’s 164 branches across the state.”
The Westpac FireWatch aircraft will be part of a trial being conducted by the State Aircraft Unit to evaluate and further develop the new aerial surveillance technology.
Toll Holdings has provided funding to refurbish six CFA district mechanical officers vehicles. It has matched dollar for dollar funds raised by its employees following the 2009 Victorian bushfires. Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron said the new and refurbished vehicles would be based at Horsham, Kangaroo Flat, Wangaratta, Mt Evelyn, Moe, Warrnambool and Geelong. “There has never been more staff, more equipment and a greater effort to prepare and these new partnerships show what can be achieved by working together – government, communities and the private sector,” Mr Cameron said.
Toll Group managing director Paul Little AO said while Toll Holding had operations in 55 countries its headquarters were proudly in Victoria, where it employed 6000 people, many of which were involved in the firefighting effort.
“We had people flying the skycranes, replenishing CFA water tankers and volunteering. Toll is part of Victoria and we are delighted to assist CFA via this donation,” Mr Little said.
Images by Keith Pakenham CFA Public Affairs
At Essendon Airport today, Mr Brumby announced Westpac have sponsored a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with new fire-surveillance technology to patrol bushfire-prone areas across the state. Toll Holdings have donated funding to refurbish six district mechanical officers vehicles and buy one new vehicle.
He said the new Westpac FireWatch aircraft has bolstered the state’s aircraft firefighting capacity, which includes Australia’s first large airplane that can drop 45,000 litres of water, skycranes Elvis and Elsie plus 32 additional aircraft and a national on-call register of 170 aircraft.
The Westpac aircraft is the first of its kind with new technology called Electronic Aerial Reconnaissance which can capture images through cameras fitted to the aircraft’s wings and stream information directly to fire controllers on the ground, complementing the role of the on-board air observer.
“The task for us all is to work together to make our state as fire-safe and fire-ready as possible and I congratulate Westpac and Toll Holdings for their commitment to supporting Victoria’s firefighting effort,” Mr Brumby said.
“These partnerships are a great example of how government, communities and the private sector are working together to rebuild after the tragic Black Saturday and Gippsland fires and to protect lives and homes from future bushfire threat.
“Across Victoria communities have put in a massive effort to prepare for the fire season and this new equipment will complement the more than $700 million in record resources our Government is providing to our emergency services.”
The Westpac FireWatch aircraft will operate on high fire-risk days. It will patrol areas including the Dandenong Ranges, coastal areas and high-density suburbs and towns in and around bushfire-prone areas.
Westpac State General Manager in Victoria David Hyde said Westpac was delighted to support the work of CFA to save lives and protect communities in bushfire-prone areas across Victoria.
“Westpac is proud to be working with CFA to reduce the risk of bushfire in Victorian communities,” Mr Hyde said.
“Westpac will continue to support CFA in Victoria with fundraising and volunteer support from our employees as well as playing a role in increasing fire safety awareness in the Victorian community from the bank’s 164 branches across the state.”
The Westpac FireWatch aircraft will be part of a trial being conducted by the State Aircraft Unit to evaluate and further develop the new aerial surveillance technology.
Toll Holdings has provided funding to refurbish six CFA district mechanical officers vehicles. It has matched dollar for dollar funds raised by its employees following the 2009 Victorian bushfires. Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron said the new and refurbished vehicles would be based at Horsham, Kangaroo Flat, Wangaratta, Mt Evelyn, Moe, Warrnambool and Geelong. “There has never been more staff, more equipment and a greater effort to prepare and these new partnerships show what can be achieved by working together – government, communities and the private sector,” Mr Cameron said.
Toll Group managing director Paul Little AO said while Toll Holding had operations in 55 countries its headquarters were proudly in Victoria, where it employed 6000 people, many of which were involved in the firefighting effort.
“We had people flying the skycranes, replenishing CFA water tankers and volunteering. Toll is part of Victoria and we are delighted to assist CFA via this donation,” Mr Little said.
Images by Keith Pakenham CFA Public Affairs
$290,000 IGA Donation Helps CFA
IGA’s Community Chest Program yesterday (3 Feb 2010) donated over $290,000 to CFA brigades across Victoria.
More than 250 brigades benefited from the funds raised by their local IGA store.
A hand-over of funds was held at CFA’s State Logistics Centre, which distributes much of the new equipment bought with IGA’s donations.
During the presentation CFA CEO Mick Bourke said the donation makes a real difference to so many brigades.
“Funds are raised locally and stay in the community to support the local brigade. This means brigades can purchase additional equipment such as specialised torches or hose nozzles, GPS units, thermal imaging cameras and even additional vehicles.
“The support shown by IGA’s Community Chest Program means many CFA brigades can upgrade their equipment and put it to use in their local community.
“IGA also offers support through community education sessions run at stores, localised fire safety promotions, and even providing urgent supplies at times, such as in the aftermath of 7 February 2009.
Mick Daly, Chairman of the Victorian IGA State Board is proud of the IGA Community Chest program and its success, lending his admiration to shoppers for supporting such an important initiative for the community.
“I think it is really important for local businesses to get behind causes like CFA, especially when looking at the turbulent year we have experienced with bushfires. The community has really embraced IGA’s Community Chest initiative and we have been overwhelmed at the support and fantastic result,” Mr Daly said.
To help support your local brigade, purchase IGA Community Chest branded products at your local IGA store.
Brigades have already received funds, with many putting them towards items such as quickfill pumps and brigade owned vehicles.
Images by Keith Pakenham CFA Public Affairs
More than 250 brigades benefited from the funds raised by their local IGA store.
A hand-over of funds was held at CFA’s State Logistics Centre, which distributes much of the new equipment bought with IGA’s donations.
During the presentation CFA CEO Mick Bourke said the donation makes a real difference to so many brigades.
“Funds are raised locally and stay in the community to support the local brigade. This means brigades can purchase additional equipment such as specialised torches or hose nozzles, GPS units, thermal imaging cameras and even additional vehicles.
“The support shown by IGA’s Community Chest Program means many CFA brigades can upgrade their equipment and put it to use in their local community.
“IGA also offers support through community education sessions run at stores, localised fire safety promotions, and even providing urgent supplies at times, such as in the aftermath of 7 February 2009.
Mick Daly, Chairman of the Victorian IGA State Board is proud of the IGA Community Chest program and its success, lending his admiration to shoppers for supporting such an important initiative for the community.
“I think it is really important for local businesses to get behind causes like CFA, especially when looking at the turbulent year we have experienced with bushfires. The community has really embraced IGA’s Community Chest initiative and we have been overwhelmed at the support and fantastic result,” Mr Daly said.
To help support your local brigade, purchase IGA Community Chest branded products at your local IGA store.
Brigades have already received funds, with many putting them towards items such as quickfill pumps and brigade owned vehicles.
Images by Keith Pakenham CFA Public Affairs
Toolamba Primary School fire
The small hamlet of Toolamba in North East Victoria has been rocked after its local primary school was devastated by fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Incident name: Bridge Road
Date: 03/02/2010
Region: 22
Brigades: Cooma, Merrigum, Moorilim, Mooroopna, Murchison, North West Mooroopna, Rushworth, Shepparton, Tatura, Toolamba.
At 4am on the morning of Wednesday 3 February, residents were woken by sounds of explosions, and fire crews were on scene within minutes of the first call to 000.
"It took a good hour to get the blaze under control - we used breathing apparatus and the usual equipment," Toby Corbett, CFA volunteer and Incident Controller said yesterday.
Ninety per cent of the building has been lost. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined but it is being treated as not suspicious. Total damage estimates to the building are $2.4 million.
Detective Senior Constable Paul Shortis from the Shepparton Police Crime Investigation Unit was on scene yesterday morning with fellow police and said it may be some days before the cause of the fire is identified.
In the words of one Toolamba resident, the building is easy to replace. It's the memorabilia that the students and teachers have collected over the years and the history of the building that have been lost forever.
Related story and pics: Primary school destroyed by fire
Incident name: Bridge Road
Date: 03/02/2010
Region: 22
Brigades: Cooma, Merrigum, Moorilim, Mooroopna, Murchison, North West Mooroopna, Rushworth, Shepparton, Tatura, Toolamba.
At 4am on the morning of Wednesday 3 February, residents were woken by sounds of explosions, and fire crews were on scene within minutes of the first call to 000.
"It took a good hour to get the blaze under control - we used breathing apparatus and the usual equipment," Toby Corbett, CFA volunteer and Incident Controller said yesterday.
Ninety per cent of the building has been lost. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined but it is being treated as not suspicious. Total damage estimates to the building are $2.4 million.
Detective Senior Constable Paul Shortis from the Shepparton Police Crime Investigation Unit was on scene yesterday morning with fellow police and said it may be some days before the cause of the fire is identified.
In the words of one Toolamba resident, the building is easy to replace. It's the memorabilia that the students and teachers have collected over the years and the history of the building that have been lost forever.
Related story and pics: Primary school destroyed by fire
Royal Commision summary for 1-4 Feb
Royal Commission Update for week commencing 1 February 2010.
The Royal Commission resumed hearings from Monday to Wednesday this week and dealt with oral submissions relating to the fires. No witnesses were called to appear before the Commission this week.
Monday: Kilmore East, Beechworth, Coleraine, Pomborneit and Horsham fires.
Tuesday: Murrindindi, Redesdale, Bendigo and Churchill fires.
Wednesday: Delburn, Bunyip, Narre Warren and Upper Ferntree Gully fires.
For detailed information including transcripts and copies of the submissions presented by Counsel Assisting, the State Government and other Parties go to www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au and click on Hearing Schedule and Transcripts in the left hand column.
Week beginning 8 February 2010
Commissioner Teague announced that topics to be addressed from this week will include planning (land use), followed by fuel management, each will include an expert panel.
The next topics will be roadside clearing, insurance and a re-visit of the Stay or Go policy to review what has been put into place since the Commission’s Interim Report of August 2009.
The final issues to be heard will include recovery issues and organisational structure.
The Commission then intends to finish hearing evidence by mid-May with the final recommendations and report to be tabled by 31 July 2010.
Daily summaries of hearings
Don’t forget that daily summaries of hearings from each day can be found on CFA Connect. Go to www.cfaconnect.net.au to access this information.
The Schedule of Hearings for next week as of Thursday 5 February and will cover land use planning.
Monday 8 February
• Jeffrey Gilmore, DPCD
• Roger Cook, Kinglake West (Lay Witness)
• Lisa Sturzenegger, CFA
Tuesday 9 February
• James Fox, CFA
• Kimberly Dripps, DSE
• Toni-Anne Collins, St Andrews (Lay Witness)
• John McAneney, Bushfire CRC
Wednesday 10 February
• Margaret Abbey, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Conal Creedon, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Paul Wainscott, Glenburn (Lay Witness)
• Matt Parson, Murrindindi Shire Council
Thursday 11 February 2010
• Kathryn Morland, La Trobe City Council
• Brian Murray, Nillumbik Ratepayers Association
• Greg Johnson, Friends of Nillumbik
• Jeremy Francis, Olinda (Lay Witness) TBC
• Rob Rogers, NSW Fire Service
The Royal Commission resumed hearings from Monday to Wednesday this week and dealt with oral submissions relating to the fires. No witnesses were called to appear before the Commission this week.
Monday: Kilmore East, Beechworth, Coleraine, Pomborneit and Horsham fires.
Tuesday: Murrindindi, Redesdale, Bendigo and Churchill fires.
Wednesday: Delburn, Bunyip, Narre Warren and Upper Ferntree Gully fires.
For detailed information including transcripts and copies of the submissions presented by Counsel Assisting, the State Government and other Parties go to www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au and click on Hearing Schedule and Transcripts in the left hand column.
Week beginning 8 February 2010
Commissioner Teague announced that topics to be addressed from this week will include planning (land use), followed by fuel management, each will include an expert panel.
The next topics will be roadside clearing, insurance and a re-visit of the Stay or Go policy to review what has been put into place since the Commission’s Interim Report of August 2009.
The final issues to be heard will include recovery issues and organisational structure.
The Commission then intends to finish hearing evidence by mid-May with the final recommendations and report to be tabled by 31 July 2010.
Daily summaries of hearings
Don’t forget that daily summaries of hearings from each day can be found on CFA Connect. Go to www.cfaconnect.net.au to access this information.
The Schedule of Hearings for next week as of Thursday 5 February and will cover land use planning.
Monday 8 February
• Jeffrey Gilmore, DPCD
• Roger Cook, Kinglake West (Lay Witness)
• Lisa Sturzenegger, CFA
Tuesday 9 February
• James Fox, CFA
• Kimberly Dripps, DSE
• Toni-Anne Collins, St Andrews (Lay Witness)
• John McAneney, Bushfire CRC
Wednesday 10 February
• Margaret Abbey, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Conal Creedon, Nillumbik Shire Council
• Paul Wainscott, Glenburn (Lay Witness)
• Matt Parson, Murrindindi Shire Council
Thursday 11 February 2010
• Kathryn Morland, La Trobe City Council
• Brian Murray, Nillumbik Ratepayers Association
• Greg Johnson, Friends of Nillumbik
• Jeremy Francis, Olinda (Lay Witness) TBC
• Rob Rogers, NSW Fire Service
Primary school destroyed by fire
Devastation as the Community of Toolamba lose their Primary School.
The small rural Township of Toolamba in North East Victoria's Region 22 was woken to find their Primary school had been destroyed by fire. Fire crews were alerted about 4:00 am of the blaze and as the first appliance had arrived on scene at the Whren Street property, the school was well ablaze.
The first person to alert 000 says: “We were woken by the sound of explosions and as we walked outside to investigate, the school was well alight.”
The blaze took about 60 firefighters with 17 appliances around 90 minutes to bring under control. Fire appliances and crews were called from Toolamba, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Tatura, Murchison, Cooma, North West Mooroopna and Rushworth. Police say it might take days to establish what exactly had caused the fire.
The community of Toolamba lost about 130 years of the school’s history in the fire. The town’s kindergarten was also destroyed in the blaze and the teachers are aiming to have the schools 122 students back in class as soon as possible.
The small rural Township of Toolamba in North East Victoria's Region 22 was woken to find their Primary school had been destroyed by fire. Fire crews were alerted about 4:00 am of the blaze and as the first appliance had arrived on scene at the Whren Street property, the school was well ablaze.
The first person to alert 000 says: “We were woken by the sound of explosions and as we walked outside to investigate, the school was well alight.”
The blaze took about 60 firefighters with 17 appliances around 90 minutes to bring under control. Fire appliances and crews were called from Toolamba, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Tatura, Murchison, Cooma, North West Mooroopna and Rushworth. Police say it might take days to establish what exactly had caused the fire.
The community of Toolamba lost about 130 years of the school’s history in the fire. The town’s kindergarten was also destroyed in the blaze and the teachers are aiming to have the schools 122 students back in class as soon as possible.
CEO update: anniversary and change
CEO Mick Bourke's blog has been updated with an entry that discusses the upcoming anniversary of 7 February 2009 and what CFA has achieved in the 12 months of unprecedented change since that day.
From the blog:
"As the first anniversary of 7 February approaches, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the events of not only that day, but the weeks leading up to it, particularly the fires in Gippsland, and the tremendous work CFA members have done in Black Saturday's aftermath.
While I wasn't with CFA last fire season, like so many other Australians I watched the events unfold with anguish and sorrow, but also with an overwhelming sense of pride in the response."
Read the entire entry here.
From the blog:
"As the first anniversary of 7 February approaches, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the events of not only that day, but the weeks leading up to it, particularly the fires in Gippsland, and the tremendous work CFA members have done in Black Saturday's aftermath.
While I wasn't with CFA last fire season, like so many other Australians I watched the events unfold with anguish and sorrow, but also with an overwhelming sense of pride in the response."
Read the entire entry here.
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