VFBV

Invitation open to all CFA volunteers to apply

Closing date for written applications is Monday 2nd September 2024.

VFBV advances the interests for all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in the management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

VFBV invites applications from any CFA volunteer who is motivated by the prospect of making a difference and believes they have the skills to contribute to the VFBV Board.

Vacancies on the VFBV Board will arise when the terms of four VFBV Board members expire on the 1st October 2024. Of the four members whose terms are expiring, two members are eligible for re-appointment.

The term of appointment will be to 1st October 2026 (two years) and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association.  This includes actively contributing to policy discussion, consulting with CFA volunteers and contributing to the identification and management of strategic issues.

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.

VFBV is seeking applications from gender and culturally diverse candidates, in additional to a diverse range of skills and experience including from applicants from diverse brigade types and classifications.

Prior to applying you should familiarise yourself with the following documents, each available for download at the bottom of this page:

1. VFBV Board Member Role Statement including key selection criteria
2. VFBV Board Code of Conduct Policy and Declaration
3. VFBV Conflict of Interest Policy and Declaration
    

How to apply

If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the following:

1. The key selection criteria in the role statement
2. An outline of your VFBV involvement and experience or in the case of there being none – outline how you have supported or advocated for VFBV positions/campaigns or support CFA volunteer improvements
3. An outline of your CFA activity
4. A resume, including the names of two referees
    

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Monday 2nd September 2024.

Applications should be marked Private and Confidential and addressed to: VFBV, 9/24 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East VIC 3151

Or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax (03) 9886 1618. 

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the VFBV office on (03) 9886 1141.

Available for download from the bottom of this page is information for teams competing in the 2024 State Championships in March 2024.

Below is highlighted information for each championship and the torchlight procession.

State Urban Junior Championship – 16 and 17 March 2024

Opening Ceremony: will commence at 0830 hours on Saturday with roll call from 0815 the order of brigades is available in the information for competing brigades.

BBQ lunch: for competitors will be provided on Saturday this year (previously had been held on Sunday), vouchers for the lunch will be available for collection on Saturday morning, please listen out for announcements.

Wristbands for competitors: Where brigades have more than one team entered, the competitors will be required to wear a wrist band indicating which team they are part of. Coaches for brigades entering more than one team should attend the VFBV office to obtain wrist bands for their competitors. If required replacement wrist bands can be issued on Sunday.

Testing of hydrants: Brigade hydrants to be used in the Hydrant Race must be weighed, checked and sealed on Friday afternoon between 1500 hours and 1700 hours, or on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 0730 hours and 0800 hours.  Please not that access to the track grounds prior to 3pm is not permitted.

Youth Forum: CFA will be running a Youth Forum on Saturday 16 March from 3pm at the Sir Ian McLennan Centre. The Youth Forum is an opportunity for Juniors and 16-17-year-old members to meet with the Chief Officer and ask questions and provide feedback on the experience of being a young person in CFA. Snacks and refreshments will be provided to those attending. For more information please visit this website. https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/brigades-operational/supporting-volunteers/young-people-in-cfa/young-people-in-cfa 

Appointment of judges and officials: a list of appointed judges and officials can be found in the information for competing brigades.

Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website. 

State Rural Championships – Junior & Senior – 23 and 24 March 2024

Saturday 23 March – Senior Championship

Roll call for brigades will be at 0745 hours on the main oval adjacent to the competition track ahead of the opening ceremony commencing at 0820 hours.

The line up order for brigades can be found in the information for competing brigades available for download at the bottom of this page.

Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.

Sunday 24 March – Junior Championship

The opening ceremony will commence at 0830 hours at the competition track.

A BBQ lunch will also be provided for all junior competitors on the Sunday and lunch vouchers will be available for competitors at the competition track.

Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.

Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website. 

State Urban Senior Championship – 23 and 24 March 2024

Opening Ceremony: Roll call for brigades will be at 0745 hours on the oval adjacent to the competition tracks ahead of the opening ceremony commencing at 0820 hours.  The information for competing brigades includes a copy of the order of brigades including brigades in the echelon movement.

Wristbands for competitors: Where brigades have more than one team entered, the competitors will be required to wear a wrist band indicating which team they are part of. Coaches for brigades entering more than one team should attend the VFBV office to obtain wrist bands for their competitors. If required replacement wrist bands can be issued on Sunday.

Testing of hydrants and equipment: Brigade hydrants to be used in the Hydrant Race must be weighed, checked and sealed on Friday afternoon between 1500 hours and 1700 hours, or on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 0730 hours and 0800 hours.  Please not that access to the track grounds prior to 3pm is not permitted.

Make up roster: Brigades should familiarise themselves with the make up roster also included in the information for competing brigades and ensure that a member of their brigade is available to assist in rostered events.

Appointment of judges and officials: a list of appointed judges and officials can be found in the information for competing brigades.

Rule Book: a copy of the current rule book is available for download from the VFBV website.

Torchlight Procession – 23 March 2024

The Torchlight Procession will take place on Saturday 23rd March commencing at 2030 hours, with all Brigades to assemble no later than 2000 hours.

Brigades will be assembled in Groups and report for Roll Call in their respective groupings at the eastern end of McLennan Street Service Road near Elizabeth Street in Mooroopna at 2000 hours on Saturday. Each group of brigades will be headed by a CFA vehicle.

This year’s Torchlight Procession will be conducted with LED powered torches, replacing the traditional kerosene torches. Any brigade participating in the Torchlight Procession will be supplied with LED torches by CFA to be returned at the completion of the Torchlight.

The Procession will conclude in Doonan Street Mooroopna and all brigades are requested to assist in clearing the break off area as quickly and effectively as possible.

Brigades should refer to CFA Circular distributed prior to the Championships, for details of the Groups and line up order of Brigades.

Borrowing: where a brigade does not have sufficient members to march in the minimum required in the Torchlight Procession, up to three members may be borrowed from competing brigade/s. The approval of the brigade/s from which the members are to be borrowed must be obtained.

LED Torches and Name plates for the Torchlight Procession: Brigades are to collect their Name Plate and LED Torches for the Torchlight Procession from 2pm on Saturday afternoon at the competition track. These will be available for brigades to collect from the hose repair personnel situated in the shed at the western end of the Pumper Track at the Urban Championship, after 1400 hours on Saturday. There will be a return point at the completion of the Torchlight for the return of name plates and torches.

Further information about the Torchlight Procession and the reason for moving towards the LED torches is available from the Members Online www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/torchlightprocessions and in information distributed to competing brigades by CFA prior to the Championships.

CFA Information for Competing Brigades

Information distributed by CFA for brigades who are competing in the State Urban Senior Championship and the State Rural Championships has been distributed to brigade secretaries, this information is also available for download at the bottom of this page. 

Included in this information is the final line up of brigades for the Echelon Movement and the groups for the Torchlight Procession. 

Travel Claim Reimbursement

Travel reimbursement: for competing brigades must be submitted to CFA by midnight Sunday 28th April 2024 Travel claims can be completed online here tinyurl.com/2024-travel-claim  or by completing and returning the PDF available for download at the bottom of this page.  Any claims submitted after Sunday 28th April may not be accepted by CFA so please do not delay in returning your claim form.

Bus Travel: A reminder to brigades if they are wishing to claim for bus travel to the State Championship this must be approved by CFA prior to the Championship, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to seek approval.

Questions or queries

Please contact the VFBV office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 9886 1141.

Following a natural disaster it can be difficult to know what services are available from the various sources to assist with recovery. This Fact Sheet has been prepared by VFBV to assist members and their families to navigate the various sources of assistance that we are currently aware of in relation to the Victorian Fire and Storm events across Victoria earlier this month.

PLEASE NOTE - Information concerning relief and recovery assistance is very dynamic and frequently changing. This update provides a snapshot of current resources available to assist with member enquiries, this page will be updated when new information becomes available. 

The information below is also available for download as a PDF at the bottom of this page. 

VICTORIAN RECOVERY SUPPORT PROGRAM 

The Recovery Support Program is a Victorian Government service that links individuals to recovery support providers and offers a broad range of support, based on you or your family’s immediate needs.

Recovery support may be available for people impacted by the:

• February 2024 Victorian storms
• February 2024 Western Victoria bushfires
• December 2023 to mid-January 2024 Victorian storms and floods
• October 2022 Victorian floods. 

Depending on what you need, recovery support can help you:

• apply for payments and get financial help
• find services to support your recovery
• progress an insurance claim
• refer you to mental health or wellbeing services
• learn tips to help you or your family cope with stress
• get legal support
• get support for your business.

You are eligible for recovery support if you were directly impacted by the events above. and they affected your:

• property
• business, or 
• mental health 

Due to long wait times via the phone, the program prefers online contact via: www.vic.gov.au/recovery-support where you fill out a form and a person will then make contact with you to discuss options. Urgent recovery needs can be accessed through the hotline via 1800 560 760.

Emergency accommodation can also be accessed through the hotline.

RELIEF LOCATIONS 

PLEASE NOTE - Relief locations are organised by local councils and are available by contacting –

Cardinia Shire – www.cardinia.vic.gov.au - 1300 787 624

Yarra Ranges – www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au - 1300 368 333

South Gippsland Shire – www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au  -  (03) 5662 9200

Wellington Shire Council – www.wellington.vic.gov.au – 1300 366 244

Latrobe City Council – www.Latrobe.vic.gov.au – 1300 367 700

Baw Baw Shire – www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au – 1300 229 229

Bass Coast Shire – www.basscoast.vic.gov.au – 1300 226 278

Northern Grampians Shire Council – www.ngshire.vic.gov.au – (03) 5358 8700

Rural City of Ararat – www.ararat.vic.gov.au – (03) 5355 0200

For General Information and a list of all current relief centres - https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#february_2024_victorian_storms 

EMERGENCY RELIEF PAYMENTS - FEBURARY FIRES AND STORMS 

Emergency relief payments are available for eligible community members whose homes have been damaged by the bushfires in Victoria.

Emergency relief payments are designed to provide immediate financial help for eligible Victorians experiencing extreme financial hardship due to the bushfires. 

An emergency relief payment can help you to pay for things you need most, including:

• food
• clothing
• medication
• accommodation 

Emergency relief payments are based on a fixed amount for each member of your household.

The payment is not calculated based on how much money you earn.

Payments are $640 per adult and $320 per child, up to a maximum of $2240 per eligible family.

You are eligible for a relief payment if:

• your principal place of residence is in an evacuation warning area, or the fires or storms have damaged your home, and you have unmet immediate relief needs
• you have unmet immediate relief needs. 

Speak to your local council or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for advice and support.

POWER OUTAGES - FEBRUARY 2024 STORMS 

If you are impacted by extended power outages or damage to your residence due to the recent storm event, you may be entitled to compensation. For details of customer rights and to access compensation forms talk to your electricity supplier.

https://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief/#february_2024_victorian_storms 

If your household or small business has experienced a power outage for at least 7 days, you may be eligible for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment. Eligible customers will be notified by their power distribution business.

Power outages help: Governments both State and Federal will provide a Prolonged Power Outage Payment – households without power for 7 days following the storm are eligible for $1,920 per week for up to 3 weeks.

Victorian Guaranteed Service Level payments:  Assistance is in the form of electricity bill credits – the amount customers are entitled will depend on individual circumstances.

For more information on eligibility visit, esc.vic.gov.au/electricity-and-gas/information-consumers/guaranteed-service-level-payments-energy-outages

OTHER 

The Services Australia Emergency Information line, assistance is available if you are unable to access internet services or have trouble using your MyGov account call 180 22 66 between 8am and 5pm Mon-Fri.

In addition, the waste levy will be completely waived for storm impacted residents across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) until 30 April 2024.

You can check if your LGA is participating - Know Your Council | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au) 

Residents from these areas will be able to dispose of storm disaster waste at their local tip free of charge. In collaboration with councils and the waste industry, the Victorian Government is ensuring all impacted communities have access to a facility or site to dispose of their waste quickly and safely. 

VFBV WELFARE FUND 

Operating since 1913, the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria welfare Fund provides fast small grants to CFA volunteers, long serving former volunteers and their families, who are experiencing significant financial hardship. The Welfare Fund is run under Australian Tax Office rules, independently audited, and grant decisions are made by a committee of long serving CFA volunteers. The Fund has helped almost 1,300 volunteers, with more than $2.3 million in grants made over the years.

Grants up to $5,000 Available to all members and long serving ex-members and their families of subscribing brigades  Contact the VFBV Welfare Fund Secretary on (03) 9886 1141 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you VFBV Support Officer or State Councillor to discuss eligibility and the application process

VFBV Support Officers can be contacted via:

CFA MEMBER WELFARE AND SUPPORT 

Support services are available to all members and their immediate families. 

Lifeline: 13 11 14 - provides crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 – to talk with a trained mental health professional

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 – information and assistance for young people and children

Prevention is better than a cure 
By Adam Barnett, VFBV Chief Executive Officer 

Many of you would have heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And while this is often used in medical circles, it was actually a quote from Benjamin Franklin circa 1735. Often described variously as a writer, scientist, inventor and statesman, he was one of the founding fathers of the United States, and helped draft the declaration of independence, of which he was also a signatory. Most will associate Franklin from their school curriculum with his scientific proposal of flying a kite in a storm to prove that lightning was electricity.

Less known, was that he created one of the first volunteer firefighting brigades (companies as they were called) in America. Colloquially called ‘Franklin’s Bucket Brigade’, it was the first formally organised all volunteer fire company in the American colonies. What made his brigade distinct was that rather than only being established to protect its members (in the same way early insurance brigades operated in Australia) his brigade protected the entire community, akin to what CFA volunteer brigades do today.

The quote ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ came from a letter Franklin wrote and published in his own newspaper ‘The Pennsylvania Gazette’ entitled ‘Protection of Towns from Fire’ that laid out his argument about how a city should prepare itself for a fire. It was motivated by his visit to Boston in 1733 where he was deeply impressed with that city’s fire prevention methods.

Looking at how prevention gets completely ignored in fire service outcomes measurements these days makes you wonder how this knowledge was so apparent to Franklin 289 years ago, yet lost on today’s legislators.

I remember a previous Chief Officer who frequently reminded members that we have saved more people through CFA’s community education and safety activities than over our entire history with big red fire trucks. Unsurprising, the very first recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (Recommendations 1 to 7) all dealt with improvements to community advice, planning and education. In its final report, the Commission stated it was axiomatic (meaning self-evident) that the most effective way of reducing fire damage and protecting human life is to prevent fires from starting in the first place. It noted, that while it is impossible to eliminate fires, it is possible to reduce the risk and incidence of fires.

And while the Commission was referencing bushfires, it is important to consider that on average more than one person dies in a house fire in Australia every week. In fact, residential fires cause more deaths each year than floods, storms and bushfires combined.

So what is each fire service actually doing to treat that risk?

CFA’s volunteer and community embedded model achieves stronger community resilience than any other comparable model in operation across Australia. In fact, CFA is Australia’s second largest urban fire service, second only to Fire Rescue NSW. Consistent with the shared responsibility approach, CFA volunteers are embedded in the very same communities they protect and support community members to recognise and understand their role in fire safety. Much more than just response, CFA brigades cover the entire gamut of prevention, suppression and recovery across the rural and urban environment. Very few other services can claim that.

Judge L Stretton of the 1939 Victorian Bush Fires Royal Commission similarly acknowledged the critical importance of prevention, protection and education. So its not a new concept.

Studies researching preventable residential fire fatalities in Australia are instructive of the key risk factors that contribute to preventable residential fire fatalities. So, what does the data tell us?

Researchers of the most recent report into preventable residential fire fatalities establish that the conceptualisation of fire fatality risk is complex, and that a single risk factor on its own is unlikely to significantly increase a person’s risk of dying in a residential fire. It is a combination of individual risk factors mostly centred around the personal circumstance of the individual that has the most bearing. Therefore, fire services that not only treat the symptom but also the cause are the most effective in preventing preventable deaths. Research the Fire District Review Panel would be well advised to consider.

Let’s look at some specifics.

Freestanding houses/residences were the housing type where the majority of fatal fires occurred. Residential fire fatalities occur mostly in the winter months, and most commonly occur between the hours of 8pm to 8am, with the most significant spikes between the hours of midnight and 4am. Almost half lived on their own.

Older people represent over a third of total fatalities; and two thirds are people who had a disability. Two thirds were male. Collectively, two thirds had medications or alcohol present in their blood. Social and financial disadvantage was also a significant factor.

Over two-thirds of fatalities were smokers. And despite smoking rates in Australia dropping significantly over the last 30 years (down to 15.5% of the population in 2015), the proportion of preventable residential fire fatalities who are smokers has not significantly changed, meaning they are significantly overrepresented in the fatalities. Further, smoking materials themselves are a major source of ignition, with over a third of fatalities relating to smoking in bed.

From a fire service perspective, we don’t have much influence over how many people smoke or use medication or alcohol that impairs their ability to awaken. But what we do have influence over is raising awareness of the importance of smoke alarms. Research from AFAC reports that the absence of smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

This is where the CFA model really comes to the fore, as it does not simply provide fire suppression. Brigades and volunteers are equally involved in community education and community safety programs that have a larger impact on reducing preventable fire fatalities than any other action, yet inexplicably these programs and measurements do not form part of Victoria’s formal performance monitoring framework that is only interested in looking at minutes out the door.

And for proponents of old and non-contemporary unscientific time-based performance measurement of fire services, please note the following.

In today’s homes, residents have a safe escape time of only three minutes. This ‘three minutes’ has often elapsed before emergency services have even been notified. So the most effective action we can take as a fire service is to encourage and support working smoke alarms (especially in high risk homes) and the adoption of residential sprinkler systems.

While public education is often viewed through the prism of TV commercials, boots on the ground is the gold standard. Actually getting out in the community and having these conversations one-on-one and in people’s homes is far more effective and what makes a CFA brigade different.

VFBV has long advocated for enhanced fire safety in the residential space, and CFA has partnered with multiple agencies and organisations at the National, State and local levels to explore options. In last year’s Community Safety Joint Committee 2-Minute- Briefings we covered the progress of low cost and affordable sprinkler systems that are being developed by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, which is a partnership between AFAC and FPAA, and is modelled on an American model that has demonstrated significant success in reducing preventable residential fire fatalities.

Closer to home, CFA brigades like Noble Park Fire Brigade in District 8, for example, are putting theory into practice. The brigade has been documenting the successes of their local campaign, where volunteer firefighters conduct free smoke alarm assessments and replacements across their local community and have been running a very successful multilingual program for many years.

For example, in one weekend alone, the brigade visited 152 homes across the greater Dandenong local government area that resulted in; 325 new 10 year smoke alarms being installed; 162 non-compliant smoke alarms being found and replaced; 208 residents were engaged in discussions about improved home fire safety and more than 300 referrals for future installations where local residents were unavailable on the weekend in question.

These kind of numbers are simply unachievable by other models, yet because of how Victoria’s outcome frameworks are constructed – they are not seen as core service delivery responsibilities, and nor are they funded as such. As a CFA volunteer you should be exceptionally proud you are part of a fire service that provides unrivalled public safety across the entire prevention, detection, response and recovery gamut. Be proud of your work and be proud of your service. As Victoria’s most efficient, effective and value for money fire service, we must remain vigilant to the threat of further cuts that will not only impact CFA, but the very communities that we protect.

VALE

It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that we farewell ex-Captain Garry Mallen of Portland Fire Brigade in District 4, who was lost in the line of duty at a structure fire in the early hours of Tuesday, 30th January. Despite the efforts of CFA, FRV and Ambulance Victoria responders on scene, he was unable to be revived.

Garry was a highly respected and much-loved member and has been with CFA for more than 30 years. He will be deeply missed.

On behalf of VFBV and all fellow CFA volunteers, we offer our deepest condolences to Garry’s family, friends and loved ones, including all officers and members of the Portland Fire Brigade and surrounding brigades who are grieving his loss.

I will finish this month by quoting the final paragraph of the firefighters’ prayer, that is recalled at each year’s annual memorial service; “And if it be, while on the job, I should lose my life, please bless with your sustaining hand, all those I’ve loved in life.”

Garry Mallen funeral details
The funeral of Garry Mallen, former captain of Portland Fire Brigade and the brigade's current 4th Lieutenant, will be held at 2pm tomorrow (Friday 9 February) at Portland Civic Hall, Bentinck St, Portland.

The service and guard of honour will be live streamed on CFA's YouTube channel from 2pm.

AFSMs

VFBV congratulates the four CFA members who were among the 1,033 Australians recognised in the Australia Day honours list.

Captain Paula Grosveld AFSM, Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan AFSM, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bill Johnstone AFSM and Commander John Katakouzinos were all recognised for their service, dedication and leadership within CFA and the broader Victorian Community.

VFBV congratulates Paula, Ross, Bill and John for their outstanding contribution to CFA as well as Kathryn Gosby AFSM and Stephen Grant AFSM from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change AFSMs and Costa Katsikis AFSM and Damien O’Toole AFSM from Fire Rescue Victoria who were also recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal.

You can read more about each of the CFA recipients on the VFBV website and page 3 of this months edition of ‘Fire Wise.’

Congratulations are also extended to a number of current and former CFA volunteers who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) also.

Nominations for the AFSM award are accepted at any time through CFA’s Honours and Awards Committee, for more information on how to nominate a deserving CFA member please visit the VFBV website.

Driver SOP feedback

We are seeking feedback on revisions to six Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering Driving.

These SOPs include: 12.01 Driving or Travelling in CFA and ESO Vehicles; 12.04 Collisions involving CFA Vehicles; 12.05 Safely Recover Disabled CFA Vehicles; 12.06 Non CFA Members in CFA Vehicles; 12.07 CFA Members Driving Private Vehicles; 12.08 Driver Endorsement. Copies of the revised SOP's are available from the VFBV website. 

To assist members in providing feedback, short feedback survey’s have been developed for the two SOP’s with the most significant changes:

SOP 12.01 – Driving or Travelling in CFA and ECO vehicles

SOP 12.08 – Driver Endorsement

Given the importance of SOPs in CFA’s operational doctrine, VFBV encourages all senior volunteers to make themselves familiar with the proposed changes and provide feedback ASAP.

Feedback can be provided by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via your local VFBV District Council or Support Officer.

Unreasonable Complaints Policy

We are seeking feedback on a draft policy proposed by CFA to deal with unreasonable complaints.

CFA advises that unreasonable complaints, while a very small proportion of the total number of complaints, might be directed towards any CFA member (either staff member or volunteer) and arise from several sources (staff member, volunteer, a former member, or members of the public) depending on the nature of the issue and area of CFA’s operations.

CFA is seeking ensure that there is a clear framework in place for defining and managing those circumstances in which a complaint might be considered ‘unreasonable’ that can be clearly communicated to members and the public and ensure it is applied consistently across CFA.

VFBV is seeking broad feedback and comment from volunteers in order to inform and assist with VFBV formal responses to this draft policy. VFBV District Councils have also been invited to lead local discussion at the District level.

Fire Medical Response

We are seeking feedback on a new SOP covering Fire Medical Response (FMR) that will commence later this year.

The draft SOP only cover brigades and members who are authorised to provide FMR, and covers procedures relating to PPC, equipment, responding, Firecom notifications, reporting and decontamination considerations.

Due to the relatively smaller number of brigades affected, the consultation window for this SOP will be shortened, and members are requested to provide feedback as soon as possible.

We are most keen to hear from brigades and members anticipating on being involved in the FMR program, and also welcome feedback from brigades and members currently involved in EMR (Emergency Medical Response).

Please visit the VFBV website for a copy of the draft SOP and information on how to provide feedback.

State Champs entries closing soon

A reminder that entries for the 2024 State Championships as well as Judge and Official nominations close on Sunday 18 February 2024.

For information on how to enter a team or nominate as a judge or official for any of the 2024 State Championships, please visit the VFBV website.  

A reminder also that brigades who are not competing in the State Championships are also welcome to take part in the Torchlight Procession which will be held in the evening of Saturday 23 March in Mooroopna. If your Brigade would like to be part of the Torchlight Procession please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

The VFBV website has information for competing brigades, including updated rule books for both the rural and urban competitions as well as information on local competitions being held in the lead up to the State Championships.

If you require any assistance during the registration process or for more information on the Championships please contact the VFBV office via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 9886 1141.

Survey last chance

This year’s volunteer survey will close within days.

The survey measures volunteer opinions on what is important to them and how well CFA is performing according to what they are experiencing, the gap between the measurement of importance and performance is referred to as the Volunteer Welfare and Efficiency Level (VolWEL) outcome.

Scan the QR code below, or visit the VFBV website to do the survey.

Paper copies of the survey are also available by calling (03) 9886 1141.

Fire Wise – February 2024 online only edition

The February 2024 edition of Fire Wise has been published online only, this edition and past editions are available from the Fire Wise website.

You can support Fire Wise and the role it plays as an independent voice in keeping volunteers informed by becoming a subscriber. To become a subscriber visit the Fire Wise website or contact the Managing Editor of Fire Wise, Gordon Rippon-King either by phone 0402 051 412 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Recent articles on the VFBV website
Now Open – 2023 VFBV Volunteer Survey

Open for Consultation Dashboard

Feedback requested – Unreasonable complaints policy

Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (Driving)

Feedback requested – Standard Operating Procedures (FMR)

2024 State Championships – Entries Now Open

Australia Day Honours List 2024

Presumptive Legislation Update

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The latest edition along with previous editions can be downloaded from the VFBV website here.