February 2012

Official magazine of the Fire & Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia
Issue 1, 2012
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
The recent appointment of two Chief Operations
Officers and the Assistant Chief Operations Officers
is a significant turning point for our organisation.
My focus is on supporting frontline operations and the
team that has key responsibility in driving this reform
process is now in place, and taking their position as
part of FESA’s Corporate Leadership Team.
These new operational leadership appointments will
play a key role in helping to steer our organisation
during this period of dynamic change. It is a time when
we are all thinking about how we can do things better
and reassessing how we deliver emergency services
to the WA community.
From the CEO
During my travels around the State I have been
heartened by the positive feedback and response
from volunteers and staff about what has been
accomplished over the past six months.
We are making good progress, and I am encouraged
with the way the ‘FESA Family’ has responded to these
challenges as we all work together towards reshaping
and remodelling our organisation for the future.
Whilst our priority has been on community safety
during the bushfire and cyclone seasons, it is a tribute
to all those involved that we have also achieved a
great deal on our agenda for cultural, structural and
operational reform.
In addition to the senior operational appointments, the
model for the Forrestfield Training Centre restructure is
being implemented. This will provide a solid platform to
deliver effective training products and services, aligned
with both operational and professional training needs to
cater for FESA’s diverse corporate, career and volunteer
network.
FESA’s operational reform has been running in parallel
with the implementation of the recommendations from
our Major Incident Review into the Roleystone bushfire
and the Perth Hills Bushfire Review.
With the release of the Special Report into the Margaret
River Bushfires, the State Government recently
announced a number of initiatives and changes that
will have an impact on the way FESA operates.
There are articles in this issue of 24seven that
cover the progress we are making on implementing
recommendations flowing from both the review and
inquiry.
Contents
Operational Incidents.......... 3 – 22
General News................... 23 – 38
Training and Resources..... 39 – 43
Awards and Recognition.... 43 – 46
Youth............................... 47 – 48
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Since joining FESA I have participated in around
40 different volunteer functions, meetings and events
with the diverse emergency service groups, brigades
and units it supports. As I leave these gatherings I
am always impressed with the remarkable level of
commitment and drive that all those people show
towards community safety.
My approach to emergency services response has
at its foundation a goal to build community resilience,
and I want to reassure volunteers that I am focused
on providing them with more opportunities to achieve
this result. This includes the areas of training and
development, as well as resources and equipment,
to complement their vital role in protecting local
communities.
It is pleasing to note that many volunteers have now
completed training courses including Australasian InterService Incident Management (AIIMS), Safety Advisers
and Level 2 Operations Officer, and this number will
increase very significantly in the future at all levels of
response training.
Following the Margaret River fire, in which the
volunteers and career personnel performed an
outstanding role in extremely difficult conditions, I
was pleased to provide support for the region in the
form of a new $1 million emergency services centre
to be established by FESA in partnership with the local
government.
I also want to reiterate my commitment to supporting
volunteers to resolve key issues and areas of concern,
such as the WAERN radio systems and problems with
the external speakers, intercom and the installation of
some units.
Taking the time to make suggestions about what can
be done to enhance the delivery of emergency services
by our organisation is very important. I encourage
you to use the Portal to Progress (P2P) so that these
suggestions can be progressed and implemented.
I am strongly committed to working with all personnel
from across the organisation as we reshape FESA
together. With your continued involvement and support
I know we can make great advances to better protect
the Western Australian community.
WAYNE GREGSON APM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Bushfires raze
Midwest Gascoyne
More than 1.2 million hectares of mainly pastoral and scrubland
has been burnt out in the Midwest Gascoyne region so far this
bushfire season, with almost three quarters of that figure involving
just one bushfire.
District Manager Midwest Gascoyne
South Steve McDonald said the region
had prepared for a tough season after
last year’s floods and rain ensured
above average fuel loads throughout
pastoral areas.
Support from FESA involved Bush Fire
Brigade (BFB) and State Emergency
Service (SES) volunteers, operational
managers and air fleet, with personnel
attending from regional WA and Perth.
“We had anticipated a busy season and
that is exactly what we experienced, with
the possibility of more incidents still to
come throughout autumn,” Steve said.
Steve said visiting personnel found
helping to fight the fires in the region
had been a worthwhile and interesting
experience.
“A fire started by lightning in late
December on the former Mooka
pastoral lease near Kennedy Ranges
National Park was the first of 22
bushfires to burn in the Carnarvon area
for five weeks.
“Many commented on the way we ‘role’
in the Midwest Gascoyne, having been
fully briefed on the remoteness and
isolation of where they were working,
the lack of communications, as well
as the intense heat,” he said
“FESA was part of the Department of
Environment and Conservation Incident
Management Team that worked to
contain this complex of fires that
eventually claimed 820,000 hectares of
mainly pastoral station, as well as some
national park land.
“Dry land firefighting strategies were
used at all the bushfires, with volunteers
heavily involved in burning operations,
machine supervision and firefighting
activities to ensure all the fires were
contained.
“The incident was contained within a
1,250 kilometre boundary that spanned
18 pastoral stations.”
“Even though some incidents ran for
weeks in isolated areas, these were
the best suppression options.”
The busy bushfire season also included
these FESA managed incidents:
Carnarvon Shire
Yaringa Station
28 October to 1 November 2011:
15,000 hectares
Meedo/Wahroonga Stations
10 to 13 January 2012:
6,000 hectares
Carnarvon Complex No 2 (nine fires)
20 to 29 February 2012:
60,000 hectares covering 300-400
kilometres. Valuable assistance was
provided at these fires by more than
30 BFB and SES volunteers from Perth.
Carnamah Shire:
Eneabba
6 to 7 March 2012:
7,000 hectares
Meekatharra Shire:
Belele
23 to 25 October 2011:
15,100 hectares
Murchison Shire:
Mileura in East Murchison
22 October 2011:
500 hectares
Yallalong Complex (four fires)
1 to 4 December 2011:
11,000 hectares
Yalgoo Shire:
Yalgoo Complex
29 December to 8 January 2012:
24,000 hectares
Yalgoo-Meka Complex
1 to 10 December 2011:
150,000 hectares
This complex of bushfires involved seven
individual fires over a widespread area.
The fire effort was supported by BFB and
SES volunteers from the Midwest region,
as well as strike teams from Perth, and
FESA regional and metropolitan staff.
Cover photo: Courtesy of CSIRO
Managing Editor: Michelle Neil
Editor: Kristine Smith
Contributors: Matt Ford, Johanna Garnett, Amber Gorrie,
Nic Hatherly, Elena Kane, Laura Keating, Glenn Knight,
Deana Pullella, Melissa Sleem, Natasha Thorson
Design and Production: Jemma Williams
Magazine articles are welcome – please email 24seven Editor at
FESA Media and Public Affairs: [email protected]
Stories should be up to 450 words in length and submitted with
accompanying images wherever possible. Digital photographs are
required at high resolution (300dpi) to ensure acceptable quality for
printing. Photographic prints are also welcome – please mark with
name and address if return is required.
For permission to use material in this publication, please contact the
Editor on (08) 9323 9570.
Aerial view of Mooka fire front.
Constructing containment lines at Mooka bushfire.
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3
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
Aerial appliances fight the bushfire near Wannamal.
Bushfire season rolls on
Record rainfall in autumn and winter, and subsequent high fuel
loads had experts predicting the 2011-12 bushfire season would
be a particularly challenging one.
This proved correct, with fire devastating the Margaret River area
in late November and coming dangerously close to communities
in Molloy Island and Augusta in early December.
Throughout the season firefighters were kept busy attending to
fires in the Midwest Gascoyne, Lower South West and areas on
the urban fringe in the Perth metropolitan area.
South West again bears
the brunt
Towards the end of January as a
heatwave descended on the State, the
South West was again under threat with
fires raging in the Capes near the towns
of Metricup, Wilyabrup and Yelverton in
the Shire of Busselton, as well as Nillup
and Gracetown in the Shire of AugustaMargaret River.
In Gracetown, a scrub fire that started
on 24 January at the North Point car
park on the coastal end of Cowaramup
Bay Road, quickly burned out of
control. The fire caused the road to
be closed as it burned up steep and
difficult terrain to the north of the town.
Another flare up saw the blaze cross
Bayview Drive, forcing the closure of
the Gracetown boat ramp and access
to the car park.
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Fifty Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) volunteers
from five brigades and Department of
Environment and Conservation (DEC)
firefighters worked together to contain
the 12 hectare fire, assisted by a
Helitac, two fixed wing water bombers
and an aerial intelligence helicopter.
On 29 January, two South West scrub
fires driven by wind gusts of more than
60 kilometres per hour were a cause for
concern.
That morning, as residents in Metricup,
Wilyabrup and Yelverton were waking
up, 80 volunteer BFB and DEC
firefighters from 11 brigades were
battling a fire that had started between
Puzey Road and Yelverton Road near
Metricup.
Fire Management Officer for the Shire of
Busselton and FESA, Andy Thompson
described the conditions as extreme.
“The winds were shocking,” he said.
“Crews did an excellent job containing
the fire after it moved from private
property to national park forest.
“The fire spotted up to 800 metres
away in another national park, but
firefighters managed to contain it by
cutting a break around it.”
Air support in the form of a Type 1
helicopter and two fixed wing water
bombers also helped ground crews
to contain the fire and save houses,
fences and pastures.
Forty kilometres away in Nillup, a
bushfire emergency warning was issued
for people in Mann Road, between
Brockman Highway and Warner Glen
Road, in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret
River.
The aerial support was redirected
to Nillup as the out of control and
unpredictable bushfire moved quickly
in a north westerly direction towards
Wright Road.
The fire threatened farming properties
and people in Mann Road were told to
leave for a safer place if the way was
clear.
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and
BFB firefighters protected lives and
homes with the help of the aerial fleet.
“Having two large fires in the Capes
area at one time was challenging,”
Andy said.
and DEC firefighters responded to the
incident, along with firefighters from
Bullsbrook Volunteer Fire Service (VFS).
“Nillup was a very fast moving grass fire
that covered a considerable amount of
ground in a short amount of time and
firefighters did a terrific job, especially
considering the conditions.
Bullsbrook VFS Captain Russell Bom
said the brigade of 16 firefighters had
provided assistance at the Wannamal
fire, working several shifts over four
days.
“They stopped the fire from reaching a
blue gum plantation which would have
posed several difficulties.”
“When we turned out it was very windy
and the fire was moving quickly,” he
said.
The fire was brought under control on
30 January with firefighters saving two
houses, fences, pastures and blue gum
plantations near Mann Road.
Major bushfire flares north
of Perth
While fires burned in the south, another
bushfire was flaring up near Wannamal
in the Shire of Chittering, one and a half
hours north east of Perth.
Reported at 1.18pm the fire quickly
burned out of control due to high
temperatures and strong winds.
It had started between Gallahawk Road
and Spillman Road in Bindoon, and
burned swiftly towards Wannamal.
Shortly after, Wannamal locals were
warned there was a chance they may
be impacted by the fire in just one hour.
One hundred career and volunteer Fire
and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service
Working in the bravo sector near the
point of origin on the northern side of
the fire, Russell and his crew helped to
keep the fire contained by strengthening
and protecting containment lines, and
extinguishing hop overs.
“There were a lot of hop overs which
made it a difficult fire,” he said.
“At one stage it took off but we got on
top of it, working in conjunction with
property owners to knock it on the
head.”
Russell said it was an educational
experience for several of the crew.
ground crews were able to save 30
homes, helped by the Air Crane,
Helitacs, fixed wing water bombers
and an aerial intelligence helicopter
Multiagency response near
Exmouth
A lightning strike on 22 February
sparked a bushfire that burnt land on
Cape Range National Park, Exmouth
Gulf Station and Learmonth Air
Weapons Range.
A total of 30 Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Service, Shire of Exmouth Bush Fire
Service and Department of Environment
and Conservation firefighters were
involved in suppressing the blaze.
Earthmoving equipment was used to
cut containment lines and in a first for
the region, a Type 1 helicopter was
brought in to attack the fire.
Pilbara Area Manager Wayne Cooke
said the response was complex
because the fire was located in difficult
terrain that was inaccessible.
He also described the collaborative
firefighting efforts of all agencies as
excellent.
“The Type 1 helicopter provided
valuable aerial support. When
conditions were favourable it
transported ground crews in to
undertake fire line construction using
hand tools,” Wayne said.
While livestock, fencing, one shed, two
caravans and four items of machinery
were lost and 1,650 hectares burnt,
“The fire burnt for over a week, through
12,000 hectares of mainly spinifex and
acacia scrubland.”
“It was a good learning curve for the
newer members,” he said.
24seven 5
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
Photo courtesy of The West Australian.
Disaster averted at airport fire
Eighty firefighters used all
their skills to prevent a major
bushfire near Perth Airport from
impacting homes, when the
blaze came dangerously close
to surrounding suburbs of
Cloverdale and Kewdale early
in January.
Residents were relocated and the area
was blanketed in smoke as roads were
closed and traffic ground to a halt.
Manager Recruit Training Mick Gillham,
who took on the role of Incident
Controller and Operations Officer,
described the conditions as atrocious
and said it was one of the most
aggressive fires to occur near
the airport.
“Usually we can get in and knock it on
the head pretty quickly, but this was a
really ferocious fire,” Mick said.
The blaze began between Dunreath
Drive and Tonkin Highway near Perth
Airport’s international terminal and
quickly escalated because of the
extremely difficult bushfire conditions.
6 24seven
“The first arriving officer reported
that what started as a small whiff of
smoke took off and progressed into a
dangerous fire within only three to four
minutes,” Mick said.
“The winds were horrendous. Not only
did fire crews have to contend with
being in the middle of two weather
troughs, but as we were near the end
of a runway there were also huge down
drafts from incoming jets.
“The fire was swirling and spot overs
were occurring. Temperatures and wind
conditions were very similar to those
experienced at Roleystone.”
In a reminder of the risk to houses
located on the urban fringe, embers
crossed Tonkin Highway and ignited
a bush reserve that bordered homes.
A number of major roads were closed
including Tonkin Highway, Dunreath
Drive and Leach Highway, causing
lengthy disruptions to motorists.
Mick remembers a heart stopping
moment when it seemed that homes
could be lost.
“We got a radio message from one of
the station officers saying things were
looking bad,” he said.
“He told us the flames were 12 to
15 metres high, and that the fire had
impacted the bush reserve and gone
straight up.”
The ember attack and unpredictable
fire behaviour caused FESA to advise
residents on two local streets to
relocate as a precaution.
People from approximately 40 homes
moved to Forster Park Hall, which had
been set up as a relocation centre by
the City of Belmont.
As firefighters on the ground hit the fire
in the reserve, a full blown aerial assault
of Helitacs, a Type 1 helicopter and
the Air Crane worked to assist ground
crews.
This incident was the maiden voyage
for the Erickson Air Crane in WA
and Mick said the aerial support, as
well as assistance from Perth Airport
firefighters, was integral to successfully
fighting the fire.
The immense firefighting attack meant
the fire in the reserve was stopped in
time, and by 8.30pm it was contained
and controlled.
At final count a total of 66 hectares of
bushland was burnt.
Aerial operations a vital
cog in bushfire suppression
Helitac 681 taking off from RAAF
Learmonth near Exmouth. Photo
courtesy of Jamie Campbell, DEC.
Each time you hear the distinctive sound of low flying aircraft and look
skywards to see Helitacs, the Air Crane, fixed wing water bombers or
the air intelligence helicopter, you can rest assured that these aircraft are
making a critical contribution to firefighting efforts throughout the State.
Whatever the incident, the aerial fleet
has been instrumental in protecting life,
property, animals and the environment.
So far this bushfire season there have
been 128 activations and drops totalling
more than 2.7 million litres of water.
The primary function of the aircraft
is to support the efforts of fire crews
conducting suppression operations on
the ground.
During a bushfire that recently
threatened the townsite of Wannamal
in the Shire of Chittering, the highly
visible Air Crane and fixed wing water
bombers performed to a well managed
and strategically supervised plan.
The end result was impressive, but
business as usual for the pilots and air
attack supervisors as they helped to
save 30 homes and contain the fire.
Type 1 and Type 3 Helitacs have
also assisted at numerous bushfire
emergencies including Gingin, Nillup,
Mundijong, Wundowie, Wooroloo
and Carnarvon, to name just a few.
They protected the community and
firefighters, and made numerous saves.
The fixed wing water bombers are a
jointly funded resource deployed to
either the Department of Environment
and Conservation or FESA to help
firefighting efforts, based on a resource
to risk matrix.
Two significant incidents where this has
occurred were bushfires in Margaret
River and Gracetown.
FESA’s new high tech aerial intelligence
helicopter, the twin engine Bolkow Bo
105, has also been used with great
effect to identify fire behaviour.
One of this aircraft’s many valuable
capabilities is detecting hot spots and
hop overs that may have previously
gone undetected due to smoke
intensity and weather conditions.
Assistant Chief Operations Officer
Coordination Graham Swift said this
was of enormous benefit to incident
controllers and firefighters working at
ground level.
“It provides them with accurate
knowledge of the fire, enhances their
ability to develop effective strategies
and most importantly, improves the
safety of firefighters as they go about
their vital work,” he said.
“The aerial fleet is crucial to combating
fires in this State and as we fight more
challenging incidents in difficult terrain
the need for their services continues to
grow.”
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7
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
A major crash
involving two trucks
saw firefighters and
emergency personnel
confronted with a
tangled mass of
twisted metal, piles
of spilt grain and a
driver badly trapped
in the wreckage.
Rescue goes with the grain
The incident occurred when a road train fully laden
with grain and an empty farmer’s truck collided on the
Quairading-York Road.
Station Officer John Guhl said when he and his fellow
Ellenbrook firefighters arrived the volunteers had made great
progress.
The grain truck had overturned, coming to rest upside
down. Its cab was largely flattened by the impact, trapping
the driver by his feet.
“Because of the way he was positioned, all we could see
was part of the driver’s back amongst the wreckage,” John
said.
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service crews from Beverley,
Quairading and York were first on the scene, followed by
Ellenbrook Fire and Rescue Service.
“His arms and legs were trapped behind the crushed truck
cab, sleeper and dashboard.”
They joined WA Police and St John Ambulance personnel
who were also assisting the rescue effort.
Volunteer crews initially stabilised the rolled road train and
began the laborious process of clearing a way through to
the driver.
Quairading VFRS Captain Peter Hudson, a veteran volunteer
with 37 years of operational experience, said it was one of
the most challenging road crash rescues he had attended.
“The road train had ploughed into the bush, crashing
through several trees and causing massive amounts of
debris,” Peter said.
“We couldn’t see the driver at all, only hear his voice.
“It was a matter of persevering for close to two hours for the
volunteer crews who chain sawed and removed the trees,
and cleared away material like twisted and broken panels,
hoses and air conditioning parts.
“This allowed ambulance officers and career firefighters
with heavy duty cutters and spreaders to go in closer to the
casualty.”
8 24seven
Career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and St John Ambulance officers at the scene of the truck crash rollover.
The Ellenbrook crew worked in challenging, cramped and
oily conditions to begin the long extraction process.
“After more debris was removed, the driver’s arm was found
to be looped through part of a door frame, so the team had
to do some precision cutting,” John said.
“It was necessary to work on the wreckage slowly and
precisely to ensure the safety of the rescuers and minimise
the possibility of further injury to the driver.
“In the beginning there was only a very small opening to
work in, but bit by bit the crew were able to make progress.”
John said the firefighters made a point of explaining every
step to the driver, offering him reassurance and building a
good rapport.
“After three hours, the team’s painstaking and precise work
was rewarded with the casualty safely removed and handed
over to St John Ambulance paramedics.”
The injured driver was then transported by RAC Rescue
helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital for further medical
treatment.
RAC Rescue crew members and paramedics stretcher the patient to the helicopter for transport to Royal Perth Hospital.
Photos courtesy of The West Australian.
24seven 9
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
Firefighters overcome
challenges at scrap yard fires
Flash flooding leaves
Williams cut off
The town of Williams at
the gateway to the Great
Southern was briefly isolated
by floodwaters following
widespread thunderstorms
in mid December.
Significant flooding impacted homes
and roads, and closed Albany
Highway for several hours, cutting
off the townsite.
Great Southern District Manager
Gary Logan said the majority of
State Emergency Service (SES)
call outs involved minor damage
to roofs, fallen trees on homes, cars
and fences, and flooding.
“Volunteers were required to make
temporary repairs to homes, remove
debris, sandbag high risk areas and
pump out floodwater,” Gary said.
“In Williams, four households made
the decision to self relocate, and
an art studio was inundated due to
extensive flooding.
“There was also minor water
damage to the ceiling in a room at
Narrogin Hospital due to overflowing
gutters.”
A bridge on the Narrogin-Williams
Road was washed out, while
another two were considered
structurally unsound following flash
flooding.
A number of roads were closed
in and around Williams, Narrogin
and Wagin as the Williams River
recorded its highest levels in at
least 30 years.
The SES received seven calls for
help in the Great Southern region,
while there were a further 80 calls
across the metropolitan area. North
Shore, Bayswater and Rockingham
were the busiest SES units.
Providing the SES with assistance
were firefighters from the career and
volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
(VFRS), WA Police and Main Roads.
The Perth metropolitan area was
not spared the deluge, receiving
its heaviest summer rain in 60 years.
More than 36 millimetres fell
in half an hour between 10pm
and 10.30pm, and a total of 44
millimetres over the course of the
night.
As the rain kept falling so too did
the records, with 2011 hailed the
wettest year on record for WA
with a state wide average of 601
millimetres.
Fire and Rescue Service crews battle the Malaga scrap metal fire. Photo courtesy of The West Australian.
Crews turning out to battle two
fires at scrap metal yards in
locations north and south of the
river faced stacks of crushed
metal, incredible heat and
plumes of thick black smoke.
The accidental fire was believed to have
been started by an old car battery in a
stockpile of crushed vehicles.
The second fire occurred a week later
at the same company’s Malaga scrap
metal facility.
There was a possibility that the blaze
could have spread to neighbouring
businesses, but the actions of the large
firefighting contingent prevented this.
Temperatures were high, radiant heat
was being generated from sealed roads
within the complex, and there were
some issues with water supply due to
recent road works in the area.
Fortunately homes in the area were not
threatened, but the large amount of
smoke from the fire forced the closure
of a number of surrounding roads and
the relocation of workers from nearby
businesses.
Residents and surrounding businesses
were advised to stay inside, close
all doors and windows, and turn off
air conditioning after warnings were
issued about smoke and fumes being
generated by the fire.
The first incident at Bibra Lake was
quickly contained and brought under
control within four hours due to the
efforts of career Fire and Rescue
Service and volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
firefighters.
The initial Incident Controller, District
Manager Beeliar Peter Norman said the
strategy was to remove all unaffected
materials and isolate the fire to the
smallest possible area.
“We separated unburnt sections of the
rubbish pile using onsite machinery,” he
said.
“Firefighters were then able to
systematically remove, cool and
extinguish the remnants of what was
still on fire.”
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“The Fremantle combined ladder
platform aerial appliance was used
to protect adjoining properties, with
firefighters from Murdoch Fire Station
working to stop the flames from
spreading out of the stockpile,”
Peter said.
“A warehouse adjoining the premises
was subject to large volumes of smoke
and heat, and firefighters protected
businesses downwind of the fire.”
Although there were concerns
about the smoke, the Department of
Environment and Conservation (DEC)
Pollution Response Unit and FESA Field
Liaison Officer confirmed that levels
were within safe limits.
Career firefighters from 13 suburban
fire stations fought the blaze.
Incident Controller District Manager
Swan Allan Riley said a number of
tactics were employed to bring the
incident to a timely conclusion.
In circumstances similar to the earlier
fire, onsite machinery was used to
separate unburnt sections of scrap
metal from what was burning.
“The Perth combined ladder platform
applied water from an elevated position
to the top of the scrap metal pile to
minimise further heat generation,” Allan
said.
“As access to the seat of the fire
became available, water was injected
into the sides of the pile to directly cool
the burning material.
“This process allowed firefighters to
further separate the burning material
and continue cooling it using hand
lines.”
Allan said the plume was monitored
by the DEC Pollution Response Unit
and found to contain minimal levels of
toxins.
“As a precaution, people in the area
were advised to shelter inside or
relocate if they were being affected by
the smoke,” he said.
Firefighters worked hard to contain the
fire the same day, and residents who
had moved away because of the health
concerns were able to return to their
homes.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
“There was a possibility
that the blaze could have
spread to neighbouring
businesses, but the
actions of the large
firefighting contingent
prevented this.”
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OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
Marine rescue volunteers
make more than waves
Summer rains bring relief
from hot, dry conditions
Bolts of lightning lit up the night sky and cracks of thunder pierced
the still as the city’s January heatwave was broken by a spectacular
summer storm.
The first of these was felt not long after
the New Year but it was mid January
following a number of long, hot days
when the rains really came down.
Margaret River Sea Rescue Volunteers.
Top (l-r): Darren Johnson and Patricia McShane.
Bottom (l-r): Janelle Thompson, Jim Nillson and
John Nolan.
Sailors guided to safety
Gas Bay unique sea rescue
Augusta Volunteer Marine Rescue
Group did what they do best after being
alerted to a cruising yacht facing sail
problems on their voyage to Melbourne.
The prospect of playing a key role in
the Margaret River bushfire response
would probably not have occurred to
Margaret River Volunteer Sea Rescue
Group member Wayne Baddock as
he went about his daily life in late
November last year.
Informed of the situation by local
Shire staff, Commander Marty Graco
immediately organised a squad of four
volunteers to respond.
Launching their rescue boat at Flinders
Bay, they made radio contact with the
crew before locating the vessel which
was continuing southwards under
motor.
Meeting up well out at sea off Cape
Leeuwin, the volunteers then
successfully guided the yacht into
safe harbour.
“If the sailors had been well organised
for the trip they may not have
experienced any problems,” Marty said.
“Many people were distressed and
desperate to get to safety.
“They were a mixture of tourists and
residents who had been leisurely going
about their activities, when all of a
sudden they found themselves stranded
on a beach engulfed in smoke on a very
hot day.
After the distress call was received,
both the Margaret River and Augusta
Marine Rescue groups launched their
vessels from Gracetown and Flinders
Bay respectively, along with three jet
skis and two private vessels.
“It’s rare for VMRS volunteers to play a
role in bushfires, but on that day we did
and were really glad to help.
Wayne recalled events on the day.
“When we arrived the Augusta crew
were already doing transfers, trying to
get people off the beach and back to
shore,” he said.
“It’s vital for anyone setting out on a long
journey to keep safety at the top of their
checklist by speaking to coast guards in
the area and preparing thoroughly.”
“The jet skis were also ahead of us
and had started ferrying people back
to safety. It was a major team effort by
all involved.”
24seven
“It was extremely rough on the water,
with 35 to 40 knot wind gusts and very
poor sea conditions,” he said.
With land leading down to the sea
devastated by flames and smoke, the
volunteers were in fact given a lifesaving
mission to rescue stranded beachgoers
from Gas Bay, a popular beach south of
Gnarabup.
“Being unfamiliar with the ocean and
lacking the necessary maps and
equipment, they risked getting into
serious trouble out there.
12
Wayne said it was a very eerie, surreal
sight looking back to land from the sea.
“Those people faced the prospect
of being stranded on the beach with
no way out, so we all really made a
difference that day.”
“It’s rare for VMRS
volunteers to play a role
in bushfires, but on that
day we did and were
really glad to help.”
“We went from sun, sand and surf to
rain, thunder and lightning,” District
Manager Metropolitan State Emergency
Service Glenn Hall said.
Glenn said the summer had been
characterised by an unusually high
number of severe thunderstorms.
“SES volunteers have regularly been
called out over the past few months to
help the community recover after severe
storms,” he said.
Perth, parts of the South West and
Wheatbelt were battered with wild
weather when severe thunderstorms,
lightning strikes, heavy rain and high
winds damaged homes.
More than 70 SES volunteers from
13 units answered 20 calls for help
on 4 January.
Volunteers made temporary repairs to
homes where rain water had entered
ceilings and damaged carports,
sandbagged areas in danger of flooding
and removed trees that had been torn
from their roots.
Thousands of lightning strikes and
heavy rain in the coastal and hills areas
on 20 January saw the SES receive
around 80 requests for assistance.
“Once the sun came up and members
of the public had assessed the
damage, they began to call for help,
with unit members working quickly and
effectively to complete all tasks by mid
afternoon,” Glenn said.
Mandurah SES Manager Chris
Stickland said it was one of the most
intense storms to hit the city, with
Mandurah recording 56.6 millimetres of
rain, more than four times the monthly
average.
Suburbs in the south and some to
the east felt the brunt of the severe
electrical storms that cut a swathe
from Mandurah across Perth.
Thirteen volunteers from Mandurah SES
attended 21 jobs, including widespread
flooding from blocked drains and
overflowing swimming pools.
There was localised flash flooding
with water inundating ceilings, while
the storm also tore down trees and
damaged vegetation.
“We worked solidly, handing out tarps,
sandbags and redirecting water,” Chris
said.
At the height of the severe weather
many thousands of homes and
businesses were left without power.
In addition, traffic lights were knocked
out and there were multiple signal
issues on the Mandurah rail line. Flights
out of Perth were also delayed by the
bad weather.
Rockingham-Kwinana SES Unit’s David
Price said requests for help in his area
involved roof damage and some flash
flooding.
“Twenty six SES volunteers worked
solidly for 12 hours removing damaged
tiles and placing tarpaulins on roofs,”
David said.
Jarrahdale, Mundaring and Chidlow
registered their wettest January day in
more than 100 years.
Serpentine also experienced its highest
daily rainfall for January and as a result
of this single event, recorded its wettest
January in 86 years.
Not to be outdone, mother nature put
on a light show of her own on Australia
Day, providing an impressive backdrop
to the City of Perth Skyworks.
Thunderstorms brought lightning
and rain to most places within the
metropolitan area, though not enough
to break any more weather records with
falls generally less than five millimetres.
“Volunteers from Cockburn, Canning
and Melville also assisted the storm
recovery effort.”
24seven 13
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
State’s north west battens down for
two tropical cyclones in two weeks
Not long after the New
Year, Western Australia
experienced its first tropical
cyclone for the 2011-12
season.
Category 2 Tropical Cyclone (TC)
Heidi uprooted trees and damaged
roads after it crossed the Pilbara
coast early on 12 January.
Crossing at almost the exact spot
that deadly TC George did five
years earlier, there was a sigh of
relief from Hedland residents when
daylight brought the realisation
that damage to the region was
minimal.
Power was cut to more than 3,500
homes as the eye of the cyclone
crossed the coast, and Port
Hedland’s airport and bulk export
port had to be shut down.
As the cyclone approached,
people in and near Port Hedland,
and east of Wallal were put on
high alert as emergency warnings
were issued for a potentially
dangerous storm tide.
Sixty seven people moved to the
relocation point set up by the
Department for Child Protection
(DCP) at the JD Hardie Centre in
South Hedland to wait out the wet
and windy night.
Pilbara Regional Director John
Newman said during the incident
FESA staff and State Emergency
Service (SES) volunteers worked
closely with the Town of Port
Hedland and several other
government agencies and
companies following 75 calls for
assistance.
“More than 20 volunteers from the
Port Hedland SES unit worked
tirelessly to help the town, remote
outlying communities, pastoralists
and mining camps,” John said.
“ Supplies were airlifted into
remote Indigenous communities
14 24seven
cut off by flood waters following
impact, including Burringurrah in
the Midwest Gascoyne, Warralong
and Yandeyarra in the Pilbara.”
With the Coongan and Shaw
Rivers impassable, SES volunteers
and DCP staff organised for
emergency food supplies to be
airlifted by helicopter to Warralong.
To the south, the community of
Yandeyarra also looked to the sky
as basic provisions were delivered.
Cyclone Iggy advances
Two weeks later and communities
in the North West were again
preparing for the heavens to open
with TC Iggy bearing down on
Mardie, Onslow, Exmouth and
Coral Bay.
“It’s cyclone season – when you
live and work in the Pilbara this
just becomes a way of life, it is
what we prepare for every year,”
John said.
Tropical Cyclone Heidi. Photo courtesy of NASA.
“It’s not uncommon to finish the
clean up process for one tropical
cyclone and then have another
tropical low forming off the coast.
There’s no time for complacency.”
Forrestfield house fire. Photo courtesy of The West Australian.
Moving very slowly, TC Iggy took
a more south westerly track,
thankfully sparing the coastal
towns and weakening to below
cyclone intensity by 30 January.
Intense fire quickly stopped in its tracks
While there were no reports
of damage in the regions, the
remnants of TC Iggy were felt in
the metropolitan area several days
later with the city experiencing an
unseasonal drenching.
In early February it was announced
that natural disaster assistance
was being made available under
the Western Australia Natural
Disaster Relief and Recovery
Arrangements (WANDRRA) to help
communities in the State’s North
West affected by TC Heidi and
associated flooding.
L-R: Port Hedland SES Local Manager Derek Jones, Port
Hedland SES volunteer Ashleigh Smith, and SES Metro
North Operations and Training Officer Will Blackshaw
on the Shaw River undertaking resupply of Warralong
Remote Community.
Firefighters fought
hard to control
a raging house
fire in Forrestfield
recently that could
easily have spread
to neighbouring
properties.
Fire investigation Officer (FIO) Andrew
Duckworth said fire crews from
Maddington, Murdoch and Welshpool
Fire Stations extinguished the blaze in
under an hour.
“The fire was largely contained to the
garage and a second storey bedroom,
with no adjacent properties affected,
thanks to the efforts of firefighters at
the scene,” he said.
“The structural integrity of the recently
renovated brick property was compromised
by the fire, and Kalamunda State
Emergency Service volunteers were
called in to shore up and secure the
house.”
Damage to the home was estimated at
$650,000.
The FIO was unable to establish the cause
and it was classified as undetermined,
pending further investigation by the
Department of Commerce’s EnergySafety.
Two occupants of the house were taken to
hospital as a result of injuries from the fire.
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15
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
A group of Station Officer trainees called on
to form a small task force and travel to the
Margaret River bushfire were put through their
paces and came up trumps.
Trainee station officers
tested on the front
Welshpool Station Officer Melissa Cooper, Senior Firefighter Chris Wallace, Lucy the pony, Taylor
Pescud, Senior Firefighters Justin Foureur and Rob Staltari, and Firefighter Andrew Watt.
Lucy the pony has nine lives
Tuesday 31 January was
just like any other day when
horse owner Sara Pescud
and her 10 year old daughter
Taylor visited their paddock
in Orange Grove to feed and
tend their horses.
What followed was three hours of
intense work by Welshpool Fire and
Rescue Service (FRS) firefighters, two
veterinarians and local community
members.
On arrival they called out to them, but
soon realised something was wrong.
Welshpool Station Officer Bernie
Kinney explained that at first a thermal
imaging camera was sent down the
well and then an air monitor.
Usually their three year old pony Lucy
would come running, knowing that
food was not far away, but on this day
she was nowhere to be seen.
They used a crane, ladder, thermal
imaging camera, air monitoring
equipment, large horse harness and
lights to get the job done.
“We determined that Lucy was
moving and in good condition,”
Bernie said.
“After walking around the paddock
for a while Taylor realised a gate
which led to a well was open and
immediately ran towards it.
“Next we lowered a vet and a
firefighter so that Lucy could be
assessed and anaesthetised before
being placed in a large sling.
“I was petrified that she was either
going to fall into the well herself, or
see Lucy in a terrible condition,” Sara
said.
“The crane then lifted her upside
down out of the well.
“You wouldn’t think a pony could
survive a five metre fall.
“We just couldn’t believe it when we
saw Lucy in the well, standing on all
her four legs and chewing on some
branches.
“How she didn’t break any bones and
is still alive, I’ll never know.
“The next thought that came in to my
mind, after I got over the shock and
amazement, was how on earth am I
going to get her out of there?”
16
24seven
“When we got Lucy safely up and
realised she was unharmed, there
was a great feeling of satisfaction
and amazement.”
Sara said she was incredibly thankful
to all involved in the rescue.
“The firefighters, vets and locals were
absolutely fantastic and I will never be
able to thank them enough,” she said.
“It’s a miracle Lucy wasn’t hurt and
from now on she’ll be in another
paddock, far away from the well that
nearly cost her life.”
Footage from the rescue can be viewed at
www.inmycommunity.com.au
A group of Station Officer
trainees called on to form a
small task force and travel to
the Margaret River bushfire
were put through their paces
and came up trumps.
District Officer Rick Curtis said the crew
of 24, known as the Forrestfield Task
Force, was deployed on short notice to
assist when the bushfire situation in the
region quickly escalated.
Tasked with structural asset protection,
the crews operated primarily at
Chuditch Way in the Prevelly area.
“Several houses in the street had
already been destroyed before we
arrived, but immediately we were able
to conduct a direct offensive attack on
a property being impacted by the fire,”
Rick said.
“Unfortunately this particular home was
fully involved in fire and unable to be
saved, but firefighters had to extinguish
the flames to protect adjoining
properties.
“We defensively protected exposures
on the neighbouring property, saving it
from major damage before continuing
on to do the same with other houses in
the street.”
Houses impacted by fire as
the Forrestfield Task Force
arrives to provide much needed
help. Photo courtesy of Sean
Blocksidge and AugustaMargaret River Times.
Narla and her neighbouring
Chuditch Way residents whose
homes were saved, were full of
praise for what the task force
firefighters had achieved.
“I can’t thank the fire crews
enough for protecting our house,”
she said.
“They fought so hard and without
their help at the time, more houses
would definitely have burnt down.”
Superintendent Professional
Pathways Brad Delavale said
the experience at Margaret River
had been of great benefit to the
training and education of the
senior firefighters, particularly in the
area of command and control at
incidents.
“The deployment was a significant
step in their development as
station officers and it undoubtedly
advanced their operational
training,” Brad said.
“They faced some very challenging
situations, but dealt with them
well, and because of what they
experienced these firefighters have
created a tighter bond.”
Chuditch Way resident Narla Ahola,
whose home was among those saved
by the task force, said the fire was
unlike any they had experienced before.
Brad said the trainee Station
Officers were given leadership
roles under the direct supervision
of District Officers Allan Riley and
Rick Curtis.
“We thought we were pretty safe,” Narla
said. “It had started so far away, but
with the winds the fire came so fast
once it got into the trees.”
“They engaged with other agencies
and established the objective,
strategies and tactics required of
the task force,” he said.
“It was beneficial for the instructors to
see how they reacted under pressure
and managed their crews.
“Although this was a one off event,
given the feedback it may be
considered in the future if a community
requires assistance and the team was
suitably advanced to accommodate
the role.”
With the FESA Training Centre
(FTC) now being administered by
the Operations portfolio, the fleet
at Forrestfield has been enhanced
to include replaced appliances that
have been maintained to operational
standards. These will be utilised for
future task force deployments as
required.
Brad said that all the crews, including
the FTC staff who volunteered to
be deployed with the Station Officer
Training School members, were
extremely professional and had worked
hard under demanding conditions.
“The efforts and attitudes displayed
by the group were commendable,
particularly when liaising with the
Department of Environment and
Conservation, volunteer brigades,
Local Government and other agencies,”
he said.
“All involved should be very proud of
their achievements and know that their
hard work was much appreciated.”
24seven
17
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
Daring cliff rescue saves youth
Rescuers of a teenager who fell almost 40 metres down a jagged
cliff face at Ellendale Pool, were amazed that he was not critically
injured or even killed.
“He was very lucky to be alive and very
lucky to land where he did,” Michael said.
“Looking at the distance the boy fell and
where he ended up, if he had gone just a
little bit further forward he could well have
landed on sharp rocks.”
RAC Rescue Pilot Mick Perron explained
that a direct rescue of the boy from the cliff
face was not possible.
“After aerial surveillance of the scene this
option was simply considered too risky,”
Mick said.
“Although the RAC Rescue helicopter has
the capability to winch a stretcher, this
is preferably done from a solid ground
environment, which was not the case with
the boy on the ledge.
Geraldton SES Vertical Rescue Team members
Michael Standley and Heiner Schmidt were
confronted by a treacherous and unstable cliff
face. Photos courtesy of Ashlee Lancaster.
Rescuers of a teenager who
fell almost 40 metres down a
jagged cliff face at Ellendale
Pool, were amazed that he
was not critically injured or
even killed.
The boy had been on an overnight
camping trip at the popular picnic and
recreational area 45 kilometres south of
Geraldton when he decided to explore
a cave on the cliff face.
At a height of approximately 60 metres
he lost his footing after being stung by
bees.
Falling down the limestone cliff wall, he
came to rest some 20 metres from the
base.
18
24seven
While some friends climbed down
to assist the injured boy, others from
the camping group raised the alarm
and called triple zero for emergency
assistance.
Police, St John Ambulance and career
firefighters from Geraldton Fire and
Rescue Service were first on the scene,
identifying the need for the Geraldton
State Emergency Service (SES)
Vertical Rescue Team (VRT) and the
RAC Rescue helicopter to attend the
incident.
Geraldton SES Deputy Unit Manager
Michael Standley said when they arrived
a St John Ambulance paramedic who
had been ferried across the water, had
managed to climb up to the boy and
commence medical assistance.
Michael and his fellow SES VRT
member Heiner Schmidt were
confronted with an unstable cliff face
that would test their vertical rescue
training.
“Shale and rubble from the cliff face
were falling down and the ground
was very treacherous with loose clay
that crumbled under your feet as you
moved,” Michael said.
The situation required Michael and
Heiner to abseil down the cliff 20
metres away from the injured teen to
prevent rocks falling, then traverse
across to where he lay on a small ledge.
The patient was placed on a stretcher
and carefully lowered to the cliff base.
He was then carried up river to an area
where the RAC Rescue helicopter could
safely conduct winch operations.
“Through interagency consultation we
determined the safest way to conduct the
task would be to utilise the skills of SES
VRT roping teams onsite and place the
patient on a stretcher while still on the cliff
face.”
Mick said that winch team member Critical
Care Paramedic Mike Leahy was lowered
from the chopper to the foot of the cliff.
“When the teenager was delivered to
Mike by the SES VRT he began treatment
and prepared him for winching up to the
helicopter,” he said.
“Although this was a delicate operation, it
was safely achieved.”
The boy was then flown to nearby
Geraldton Regional Hospital.
Despite his fall, the teenager suffered
relatively minor injuries.
Michael said the rescue went very smoothly
and exactly like it should have.
“We had to improvise a little with the difficult
surface conditions, but everyone worked
well together,” Michael said.
“It went to plan and was right in line with
our training.”
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19
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
101 days of training
Researcher has
unlucky break
Deputy Manager Carnarvon State Emergency Service (SES) Unit Michael Stroet looks back 12 months
on from the Carnarvon floods. It has now been over a year since
torrential rains inundated Carnarvon
with the worst flooding we’d seen in
50 years.
We have had time to reflect on what we
did, how we did it, how we could have
done it better, and most importantly,
what we learnt.
An injured woman who broke her leg while
conducting bird research on the rugged coastline
of Eclipse Island 30 kilometres south west of
Albany, was the focus of a concerted rescue effort.
Responding to the distress call
were volunteers from Albany
Sea Rescue Squad (SRS),
the State Emergency Service,
St John Ambulance and
personnel from the patient’s
employer, the Department of
Environment and Conservation
(DEC).
land and had stabilised the
patient, she was placed on
a stretcher,” Noel said.
Albany SRS Coordinator Noel
Francis said their mission was
to safely retrieve the patient
from the island and transfer
her to hospital on the mainland
for medical assistance.
Things did not go exactly
to plan though, as the small
inflatable tender proved
unsuitable for the task.
“This incident demonstrated
the innovative work often
done to overcome challenges
faced during rescues that is
one of the great attributes of
volunteers,” Noel said.
“Sea conditions were perfect
on the day, but coordinating
the rescue did prove a little
tricky.”
Two of the Albany Squad’s
vessels, the Rescue 1 NAIAD
and single hull Rescue 3,
geared up and quickly set off
on the half hour journey to the
island.
With no landing platform on
Eclipse and a rocky shoreline
to contend with, the rescue
team had to determine the
best and safest way for them
to set foot on the island and
get the injured researcher out.
“A small inflatable DEC craft
was used for this purpose and
once the rescuers were on dry
20 24seven
During 101 days in the summer
of 2010-11, volunteers from the
Carnarvon SES Unit were activated
to attend four significant flood events,
undertake 86 rescues and attend 304
requests from the public for assistance.
We also completed multiple resupplies
to 27 isolated stations, particularly in
Gascoyne Junction, which resembled a
ghost town.
“The plan was to carefully
carry her down the rocks to
the edge of the water and
make the transfer to Rescue
1 on the same DEC boat.”
All of a sudden the operational skills
we had learnt, but not required before,
were being put into practice.
The community was relying on the SES
for supplies and resources.
Volunteers were in high demand to
sandbag doorways, clear debris,
repair homes, help evacuate residents,
as well as assist with food, water
and medication which was airlifted
to hundreds of people stranded on
stations.
With divers in the water to
ensure the safety of both the
woman and rescue party, a
delicate operation began.
“We decided the best solution
was to fit a lifejacket to the
patient,” Noel said.
Hardworking volunteers offered their
time and came to help.
Many full time FESA personnel
also joined the army of volunteers
converging on Carnarvon from far
and wide to assist the people of the
Gascoyne.
The biggest thing we all got out of the
major flood events was that during 101
days of training you can participate in
as many courses as you like, but it will
not match the actual experience and
learning you get from attending a major
incident.
Before we were surrounded by the
never ending walls of water we were a
normal, small country unit sufficiently
prepared to cover the type of call outs
we’d been tasked to over several years.
Since the floods we have purchased
new computers, electronic white boards
and smart boards, and are upgrading
our internet service.
A new kitchen is also in the program now. Christmas 2010 will always be
remembered by the people of
Carnarvon as a time of great hardship
and devastation.
Our family, our neighbours, our friends,
our colleagues – everybody was
affected during those record floods.
Homes and roads were washed away,
farmers lost vital fruit and vegetable
crops, and thousands of cattle were
killed.
But as the Gascoyne River burst its
banks, there was an overwhelming
show of support and kindness from
those wading through the waters.
People who had never met were soon
close friends and there was a sense of
unity as we all worked to rebuild our
lives and our town.
So all in all we have really grown, not
just as an SES unit but as volunteers
and as community members.
We have also been able to buy a new
dinghy with a generous donation of
$25,000 from Bank West.
There is a great deal of difference in our
unit from where we were then to where
we are now.
In addition we have painted our
unit building inside and out, and
purchased new floor coverings and air
conditioners.
The experiences we had and the
changes we’ve seen will always be
remembered as we look back at those
‘101 days of training’.
“With inflatable support to her
legs, she was floated several
metres out to our waiting boat.
“It was also important that no
further injury occurred during
this part of the rescue.
“Once at the desired place,
rescuers used a spine board
to bring the patient safely on
to the vessel.”
Rescue 1 then returned to the
Emu Point boat ramp where
the injured woman was placed
in an ambulance and taken to
Albany Regional Hospital.
The entire round trip rescue
operation took six hours to
complete and the patient is
reported to have remained in
good spirits throughout.
FESA, Albany SES, Albany SRS, DEC and St John Ambulance
personnel coordinate the rescue of the injured woman.
Carnarvon flooding.
Carnarvon SES Unit Deputy
Manager Michael Stroet with Prime
Minister Julia Gillard in Carnarvon.
24seven
21
OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS
GENERAL NEWS
The rescued boat safely anchored off Christmas Island.
Drama on the high seas off Christmas Island
Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel
(SIEV) 224 found itself in serious
peril near the unforgiving
Christmas Island coastline last
November after rough seas
and strong winds pushed it
off course.
The refugee boat with around 60 people
on board was without power, without a
rudder and most alarmingly, without a
captain who had earlier abandoned the
vessel.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Services
(VMRS) Manager Paul Kimber said the
Christmas Island coast was notorious
for its challenging maritime conditions.
“It is a very rugged island with a
coastline subject to elements from all
directions,” Paul said.
“There are only three beaches with the
rest being cliff walls ranging in height
from 50 to 100 metres.”
An Australian Federal Police boat
dispatched to assist the SIEV 224 had
already been forced to turn back, unable
to operate in the rough conditions as
day turned to night.
With the situation rapidly escalating, the
crew from Christmas Island VMRS who
were initially standing by were tasked
to investigate an area between Rocky
Point and Casino where rough and
disturbed water rebounds from jagged
cliff walls.
“Fortunately the VMRS NAIAD boat Tom
Reed and its crew of three were able to
navigate around the island, making their
way slowly through the turbulent seas,”
Paul said.
22
24seven
Christmas Island VMRS member Scott
Fisher, who was one of the three rescue
crew, said that they eventually spotted a
light in the distance approximately 0.75
nautical miles offshore.
“Working in darkness and heading in
the direction of what we hoped was
the SIEV 224, we arrived to find a large
number of people crowded on the deck
of the drifting vessel,” Scott said.
“There were around sixty people
standing on the top deck, a lot of them
hanging out of a door at the back and
shouting at us.
“They were very concerned and very
anxious.”
The crew were aware that a potential
disaster loomed within thirty minutes
unless urgent action occurred as the
stricken vessel would drift on to the
jagged rocks half a mile away.
Paul said that HMAS Maitland had
also arrived, deploying their rigid
hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and
commencing to load people from
SIEV 224.
“Unluckily this operation had to
be aborted because of worsening
conditions,” he said.
“Meanwhile the refugee boat was
drifting towards the rocks and the Navy
operation was deemed too unsafe to
continue as there were life threatening
implications.”
Efforts by naval personnel to get the
SIEV’s engine continuously running
again were impeded by ongoing
mechanical problems.
The Navy RHIB’s could not safely
tow the larger craft with a number of
refugees now onboard.
Paul explained that had HMAS Maitland
attempted to tow the SIEV during those
weather conditions the smaller vessel
would have capsized.
“The Navy then called in our rescue
boat to put a rope on the 20 tonne
refugee boat and tow it away from the
rocks.”
The VMRS crew was able to successfully secure a line to the stricken boat
and commence towing it, with two of
the Navy RHIBs acting as escort in the
churning waters.
FESA’s welfare team is
a highly valued part of
the organisation that
provides a service to
volunteers and staff
needing some expert
counsel or even a
friendly ear.
L-R: Ron Wingate, Leon Fernandes,
Anneliese Smith and Rob (Hank) Kingma.
Welfare team there to help you
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM said that during visits to
volunteer and career stations he is often
asked what FESA can do to support its
personnel who are undergoing personal
hardship and emotional pain.
“The welfare and safety of our
volunteers, staff and their families
is an issue that FESA takes very
seriously,” Mr Gregson said.
“The welfare service is something all
volunteers and staff who need support
should take advantage of.
“The Tom Reed was operating in a
two metre sea with a two metre swell,
and it would have been like being in a
washing machine,” Paul said.
“Being able to access this kind of
expertise and advice can make a big
difference to your life and peace of
mind.”
“The water is coming at you from every
direction and our little boat is towing
this 20 tonne boat along. It was a huge
effort.”
The Welfare Team is led by Chaplain
Ron Wingate, and Coordinator and
registered psychologist Anneliese
Smith.
Despite the enormously difficult
conditions the Christmas Island VMRS
crew and craft were able to pull the
vessel away from the rocks and
eventually to shelter at Flying Fish Cove,
saving the lives of all on board.
Two welfare officers, firefighters Leon
Fernandes and Rob Kingma complete
the team.
Ron said the team’s philosophy was
focused on proactive prevention,
building resilience, and caring and
“Had the Christmas Island VMRS crew
not been deployed, the SIEV would
have ended up on the rocks at Casino
and smashed up,” Paul said.
“It’s as simple as that. There was no
other vessel on the island capable of
doing what that vessel did.”
Condolences go out to family, friends
and colleagues of the following FESA
personnel who have passed away.
responding to an individual’s situation
that has affected their wellbeing.
“One of the most important things to
remember is that it is normal to feel
out of sorts following a highly stressful
incident, or if you are dealing with a
protracted personal issue,” Ron said.
“Everyone is different and people cope
with these situations in their own way,
which may include feeling emotional,
experiencing changes to sleep and
eating patterns, or headaches.
“The old adage time heals all wounds is
really a myth. The longer a person takes
to seek help means they run the risk of
inflicting emotional pain and trauma on
those close to them.
“The Welfare Team has assisted many
people over the years and they are
there to provide support and advice
about appropriate action that can be
taken.
“Recently the team was activated to
support volunteers and staff at the
Margaret River bushfire where group
workshops were conducted, as well as
one on one sessions.”
Ron is available around the clock
and there are also regional support
chaplains on standby to deliver services
for volunteers, staff and their families
which include:
Critical incident stress management
Grief support and counselling
Weddings, funerals and visitations
Welfare Coordinator Anneliese Smith
manages and promotes the team’s
extensive programs.
This includes the Employee Assistance
Program (professional counselling) and
the Peer Support Program.
In addition to providing confidential
support, the team also promotes health
and wellness.
For more information contact 1800 15 33 44
or call direct:
Chaplain Ron Wingate – 9485 7800 (pager)
Welfare Coordinator Anneliese Smith –
0437 702 806
Robert (Hank) Kingma – 0419 308 358
Leon Fernandes – 0409 758 988.
Harry Bone
Member Hithergreen Bush Fire Brigade
Bernise O’Neill
Member Hamlet Grove Bush Fire Brigade
Claude Drage
Member Mt Barker Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Gordon (Gus) Vernon
Member Dunsborough Bush Fire Brigade and
Busselton State Emergency Service
Tom Dymond
Member Grass Valley Bush Fire Brigade
Alex Jermolajew
Member Oakford Bush Fire Brigade
Cody Woolhouse
Member Mt Barker Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Service and Youth Achievement Award Winner
2011 Firefighting Awards
24seven
23
GENERAL NEWS
Volunteer reflects on
bushfire experience
All of the Augusta-Margaret River Shire
volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and the
local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
were fully committed fighting the Margaret
River bushfire late last year.
Young
firefighter
impresses
veteran
Sheer professionalism and bravery shown
by an 18 year old volunteer firefighter
during the Margaret River bushfire
compelled veteran vollie Les Harris to
write a letter to his Brigade Captain.
They faced an incredibly dangerous and
arduous task, working in heat and smoke
and being assaulted by burning embers,
but they pulled off some miraculous
property saves.
Witchcliffe Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
member Lisa Parkin was in the thick of
it. Later that night, unable to sleep, she
recorded her thoughts. This is Lisa’s story.
Lisa Parkin.
Flames were roaring around us.
Hot black smoke engulfed us.
We were out of water.
For a moment I felt scared.
We exited for safety and to refill our tank.
Moments before this we saved two houses.
More volunteer fireys were on the scene actively
fighting the fire.
We progressed to Point Marmaduke Drive and
saved two houses.
Again, more fireys were on the scene actively
defending and saving homes.
From our vantage point we could see that the
head of the fire was now at Redgate.
We requested to be relocated and assisted
in containing the fire west of Caves Road at
Redgate.
For a while it was looking intense, but we were
ready.
The wind dropped and the situation eased.
It was time to refuel.
The SES had provided us with food packs for
which we were most grateful.
We also gratefully accepted freshly brewed
coffee from a homeowner who had stayed to
defend his home.
For a short while all we could do was wait and
watch the flames high on the ridge and embers
gently tumbling from the night sky.
Trees cracked and fell nearby as an enormous
digger cut a boundary to contain the fire. We had
a moment to reflect.
At Friday’s town meeting I saw faces of people
who had been evacuated. People I know.
For the first time since receiving the call out
to attend the fire, I saw the human side of the
situation.
Knowing what they were going to be witnessing,
my heart went out to every one of them.
Behind the recreation centre where the meeting
was held, the hockey field had been transformed
into a hive of focused activity.
It was remarkable to see this community appear
overnight.
The number of people required to efficiently fight
a fire is staggering.
From the people who set up the gazebos,
provided the toilets, emptied the rubbish bins,
packaged up food parcels, kept the drinks iced,
filled out T cards that list which firefighters are
in which vehicle, scribed radio communications
and so on.
Some of these roles may not seem as glamorous
as putting wet stuff on hot stuff, but they are just
as vital.
Every person involved in the operation provides a
vital service towards protecting lives and homes.
They made it possible for me to go out there, to
Prevelly and Gnarabup and Redgate, and fight
the fire.
Thank you to the Kudardup BFB for the loan of
your vehicle. What a little beauty. She did you
proud.
Thank you also to my neighbours and friends
who looked out for and relocated my children
while I was on duty.
And thank you to the two crew members who
fought beside me on Thursday. I think we did an
awesome job!
This story is reprinted with kind permission of the Augusta Margaret River
Mail newspaper.
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6 December 2011
Sixty five year old Les from East
Gidgegannup Bush Fire Brigade
was paired up with teenager Joshua
Lourenco from Bassendean Fire and
Rescue Service in what he describes
as the worst bushfire he has ever seen.
“We headed down there thinking the
fire was contained but then the wind
changed and it went crazy.
Les was astounded by the efforts of
Josh and particularly impressed after
learning Margaret River was his first
time on a fire ground.
“When I first saw the flames coming
towards me all I could think was
‘what do I do?’ I tried not to panic
and just did my best.
“As I was older, we were paired up
so I could mentor him and make sure
he stayed safe, but it soon became
apparent that he was looking after me
instead of me looking after him,” Les
said.
“Les and I started driving up and
down the streets looking at houses
that needed our help. We’d put one
out and then move on to the next.
“When we stopped to get water Josh
would tell me to stay in the vehicle while
he ran to get resupplies. He was way
faster than me.
“It was a horrendous fire. The roadway
was engulfed in flames and the smoke
was thick, but Josh didn’t panic, he
remained focused and professional the
whole time.
“His efforts were exceptional and while
driving around he pointed out the
houses that needed our attention. I
am sure he saved three homes just by
telling me where to stop,” Les said.
“Scared is the word I would use to
describe my first thought on our
arrival.
“It made me calm to have Les there,
I knew he was experienced and that
nothing bad would happen.”
When asked how it felt to know he
was responsible for saving people’s
homes, Josh remained humble.
“People are depending on you. We
couldn’t help them all, but we did
our best and thought of it as just
doing our job,” he said.
Les believes that if Josh is an
example of the future of firefighting
in the State, then we are in good
hands.
Josh recounted his own version of the
conditions that day and said he was
glad to have Les by his side.
“I trusted him with my life. Usually
that trust has to be earned over
time, but Josh earned it straight
away,” he said.
“When we got the call that we were
going, I was so excited being my first
fire, but that excitement soon turned to
nervousness,” Josh said.
“He was just an absolute pleasure
to work with. He had manners,
valued my experience and never
questioned what I asked him to do.”
Josh Lourenco is a former
Emergency Services Cadet.
Joshua Lourenco
and Les Harris.
To the Captain of the Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Service
I am from the East Gidgegannup Bush Fire Brigade and
have just spent quite a lot of hours with your Brigade on the
Thursday of the Margaret River fire.
I was tasked on the asset protection team for what I
must admit was one of the worst fires I have attended in 10
years.
I am 65 years old so not as fit and agile as your
members, and I was very impressed with how they conducted
themselves as real professionals.
During the first part of our duty I was asked to
crew with your younger member Josh, a young 18 year old, so
between us we had both extremes of age on this team. If the
future of Australia is in the hands of young men and women
of Josh’s calibre then we are OK.
Josh worked his socks off, even though the conditions
were very hostile, but the care and concern shown towards
me, knowing that I was not as fit as the younger men, very
much impressed me.
But it does not stop there. As I was driving the
vehicle, Josh was also looking for danger and I know without
doubt that at least three house owners owe him a big thank
you. He observed several spot fires close enough to the
houses that without attention would most certainly have
gone.
His manners and behaviour not only on the fire ground,
but also at control and the service station would make your
Brigade very proud of the high standard of your members.
When he is made a Lieutenant and then Captain please let me
know because I am sure it will be his future.
It was a pleasure to have been on the fire ground with
your volunteer Brigade and I am sure we will cross paths
again in the future.
All the very best
Les Harris
East Gidgegannup Bush Fire Brigade
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25
72
GENERAL NEWS
‘Can You Do 72’
FESA and the City of Cockburn
have hit on a successful
formula to improve community
readiness for bushfires.
Combined
t
s
n
i
a
g
a
‘
t
r
effo
arson’
Community Emergency Services
Manager Cockburn Don Johnston
said the ‘Can You Do 72’ project was
based around being able to survive the
first 72 hours after a disaster such as a
bushfire.
“The need for this natural disaster
awareness and preparedness
program was highlighted after the City
experienced several bushfires that burnt
out large tracts of land and put multiple
homes at risk,” Don said.
The fight against arson in WA
continues with a multiagency
awareness campaign to
encourage the community to
be aware and speak up if they
see something suspicious.
“This joint campaign educates the
community about arsonists, what to
look out for, and how to report any
observations or concerns.
FESA has been working closely with
WA Police, Crime Stoppers and the
Department of Environment and
Conservation (DEC) to develop a new
advertising based awareness campaign
‘Against Arson’.
“Vigilance by people in reporting
suspicious behaviour and observations
may ultimately lead to the prevention
or deterrence of deliberate bushfire
lighting.”
Launched recently at Police Headquarters in Perth, the campaign
consists of print advertising, posters
and information pamphlets which can
be distributed by police officers and
firefighters in areas prone to arson
attacks.
Fire Investigation Officer (FIO) Gillian
Humphreys said it was important to
work together as a multiagency team
to address all issues.
“Arson is a $1.6 billion problem that
cannot be solved by one department
or agencies working in isolation, and
outcomes are much more effective
when we work together,” Gillian said.
“There were more than 6,500 bushfires
in WA last financial year, of which 36
percent were deemed deliberate or
suspicious.
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“Part of the project involved building a
fire training and education trailer to use
for demonstrations to local residents
during bushfire preparedness sessions.
“It’s an extremely important service that
makes people aware of the need to
clean up and prepare their properties,
and householders are now really
starting to listen to us and take action.
“It also plays an important role in the
overall process, because empowering
the community is what it is really about.
Gillian said that fire investigators can
track a fire back to its point of origin.
“Evidence and indicators determined
by the FIO can be used in conjunction
with the information provided by the
community to determine the direction
the investigation will take and influence
the final outcome,” she said.
Police Arson Squad Inspector Valdo
Sorgiovanni said the campaign was
directed at everyone and particularly
those who are vulnerable during the
bushfire season.
“During their patrols throughout the
community, police officers will be
handing out pamphlets reinforcing the
need to be vigilant against arsonists,
and reminding those who see suspicious
behaviour to contact police or Crime
Stoppers,” Inspector Sorgiovanni said.
“We are still having great success
apprehending arsonists, with 172 arson
related charges laid by WA Police from
January to October 2011.
“We know we are on the right track
with this project because a number
of residents are inviting presenters
back for further advice on setting up
water pumps and other firefighting
equipment.”
City of Cockburn Emergency
Management Coordinator Shirley
Elliott said the program has been
running since 2011.
“South Coogee and Jandakot Bush
Fire Brigade volunteers have so
far conducted about 25 in home
demonstrations to 200 residents,”
Shirley said.
“The trailer has also been displayed
at local bush fire brigade stations and
Bunnings Spearwood, and taken to
school and City events.
“Volunteers from both brigades have
shown a huge commitment to the
project in what is their busiest time
of year.”
A second component of the project
involving workshops on creating family
disaster plans and preparedness kits is
set to be rolled out across the City of
Cockburn.
Learning
from leaving
The loss of talented, skilled
emergency services personnel
is a significant cost to FESA,
local governments, brigades,
groups, units and the Western
Australian community.
Human Resources Director Karen
Roberts said that gaining insights
into why people leave organisations
is valuable information.
“Exit surveys are a useful tool for
understanding the factors which
influence an employee or volunteer
to leave an organisation,” Karen said.
“For the first time, FESA has
introduced an online exit survey for all
previous employees and volunteers.
“A postcard with details about how
to access the survey is now being
sent to people who leave.
Funding for the project came from the
Natural Disaster Resilience Program
and City of Cockburn.
“All responses are anonymous and
respondents can also elect to be
contacted for further discussion.”
Below: Community Emergency Services Manager
Don Johnston with Bush Fire Brigade volunteers
Les Woodcock from Coogee and Jarad Finneran
from Jandakot. Photo courtesy of Community
Newspaper Group.
The electronic survey can be
completed on any computer with
internet access.
It takes about 20 minutes and asks
the motivation for joining, why the
person is leaving, and invites them to
rate their experience being part of the
organisation.
“The penalties remain high, with the
maximum now being life imprisonment
for those who wilfully destroy or damage
property by fire.”
Karen said that each year approximately 2,000 volunteers leave their
respective emergency service.
In a national step to combat arson
the Australian Government recently
launched a bushfire arson prevention
website: bushfirearson.gov.au
“Including volunteers in the survey
gives us the opportunity to continually
improve our services,” she said.
It outlines bushfire prevention activities
in each state and territory, along with
extensive resources and information.
“The information obtained can identify
what works and what does not,
inform planning, and shape attraction
and retention initiatives.”
This new site will provide additional tools
to help engage the community in the
fight against arson.
Firefighters who would like posters or
brochures can contact FESA’s Fire
Investigation Unit.
For further information about the Learning
from Leaving Project please contact
Gabrielle Bird on 9323 9312 or
[email protected]
24seven
27
GENERAL NEWS
Community Liaison
Unit now part of
incident operations
A Community Liaison Unit
(CLU) has been created within
FESA to support incident
operations following revisions
to the Australasian Interservice Incident Management
System (AIIMS).
“It is important that people are kept
informed about how the incident and
response will affect them.
Lower South West Regional Director
John Tillman said a CLU was
deployed on two occasions to assist
incident management teams at the
Margaret River bushfire and also the
Milyeannup blaze which threatened
East Augusta and Molloy Island.
“During the recent Milyeannup bushfire
the CLU engaged local businesses to
share incident information with people
in the community and this approach
worked well.”
“Staff in the CLU performed an
invaluable role by ensuring current
incident information was available
for impacted communities and those
under threat,” John said.
“They set up information points at
Margaret River Community Centre and
the Augusta Town Hall, staffing them
over many days.
“Feedback from community members
in regard to the level of information
and support was extremely positive.”
Community Engagement Director
Suellen Shea said the role of the CLU
was to provide face to face liaison
between the Incident Control Centre
and the community.
“The CLU plays a key role at major
incidents by providing services and a
range of support for the community,”
Suellen said.
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“The CLU may also be required to
provide information to individuals,
special interest groups, communities,
local agencies and dignitaries, as well
as arrange community meetings.
Information provided by the CLU can
include:
• Latest fire information update
• Current bushfire warnings
• Road closures
• Weather
• Latest fire map
• Incident photos
• Resources being used
• Next fire information update and
meeting times
DisasterWatch
phone app
launched
The Federal Attorney-General’s
Department has launched
DisasterWatch, a new mobile
phone app that offers access
to national alerts and warnings,
including those issued by FESA.
The popularity of smartphones and
other mobile devices has changed the
way we communicate and an increasing
number of people are accessing internet
based content via mobile devices.
This new app aims to improve access to
emergency information as well as help
reduce call volumes to triple zero during
disasters.
Information in the app is updated
approximately every 20 minutes when
the device is online, but as there may be
delays in alerts and warnings, it should
not be relied on by people as their only
source of emergency information.
Although DisasterWatch provides the
community with another alternative
means of accessing official information,
FESA recommends that people also
seek information from a variety of
sources during emergencies.
The CLU can be located in evacuation
centres as well as prominent places
around town such as entrances to
supermarkets.
These may include their immediate
surroundings, the FESA website, FESA
information line (1300 657 209) or the
media.
Distinct from the Public Information
function, the Incident Controller
has responsibility for liaison with
the delegating authority and other
agencies involved in the incident
response, local and jurisdictional
governments.
In addition to FESA alerts and warnings,
the app also takes feeds from the
Bureau of Meteorology, Western
Australia Police and the Department
of Environment and Conservation.
The app is free and available for both
Android and iPhone platforms.
Photo courtesy of Matt Titmanis.
Thunderbolts and
lightning define
Skyworks 2012
Regional Director Central Metropolitan
Bruce Jones was responsible for
coordinating FESA’s fire and emergency
preparations for what is one of the
State’s largest annual community
events.
“Although initially concerned when the
electrical storm cell hit, after consulting
with the fireworks operator we made an
assessment that it did not pose a threat
to the event,” he said.
District Officer Rick Curtis, who was
also involved in pre-planning for
Skyworks, said this year there was only
one significant incident.
“Firefighters responded to a blaze on
a spectator’s yacht that started in the
engine at around 5pm,” Rick said.
“In conjunction with the Police we were
able to despatch a small water based
fire crew who quickly brought it under
control.
Around 250,000 revellers who flocked
to the Skyworks this year got more than
the usual pyrotechnics when the heavens
exploded with a spectacular lightning
display just as the event was starting.
“We have had the capability for this
type of incident for a while, but this was
the first time FESA had actually been
mobilised to a fire on the river during
Skyworks.
“Without that water based capacity, the
boat would have burnt to the waterline.”
Bruce said that four Fire and Rescue
Service divisions from across the
metropolitan area covered Kings Park,
the foreshore and Swan River.
“While the whole area around the
Skyworks is always an important
consideration for FESA, Kings Park
presents its own challenges,” he said.
“As in previous years we were assisted
by the Kings Park Board and integrated
their small firefighting crew into our
planning.”
that the event may be cancelled due to
weather conditions or a total fire ban
(TFB).
“A TFB was in effect for Kings Park and
Botanic Gardens as well as the river
foreshore,” Bruce said.
“This meant that sparklers, barbecues
and open flames were not permitted for
safety reasons.
“The fireworks operator had previously
applied for a TFB exemption, but part
of the conditions included that it would
be revoked by FESA if wind speeds
exceeded 50 kilometres per hour.
“We closely monitored the situation, but
there was no problem and everything
went ahead on schedule.”
Prior to this year’s Skyworks, media
attention had focused on the possibility
24seven 29
GENERAL NEWS
Portal2Progress –
the big picture
Taking it to
the streets
Portal2Progress (P2P) is FESA’s
platform for collecting and
acting on productive ideas from
all members of the FESA family.
Bushfire Street Meets is a new initiative
that has taken off around the State.
It has been developed by Bushfire Ready groups
and volunteers to help educate the community about
bushfire safety in their local area.
Volunteers, career firefighters and
corporate staff alike can contribute,
view and comment on ideas via the site.
Community Engagement Manager Vivienne Gardiner
said Local Government, Bush Fire Brigade volunteers
and operational firefighters had worked together
to provide the community with relevant bushfire
information for the 2011-12 season.
P2P forms part of the ‘big picture’
when it comes to the work being done
within FESA to improve the way the
organisation delivers services to the
community.
“Street meets are essentially informal neighbourhood
meetings that allow firefighters to talk to residents in a
direct and personal manner about fire safety,” Vivienne
said.
FESA projects can arise through a
number of channels:
• Government initiatives, changes to
legislation or reviews
• Our Capital Works program which
covers the facilities, equipment and
installations needed for the agency
to function
• Business improvement projects
• Ideas from our people
“Interacting on a face to face basis like this is the most
effective way of getting our prevention messages
across.
“It is also an ideal atmosphere for people to ask
questions relevant to their own area and raise
concerns or ideas.
“The activities are usually held in a local park or on
the side of the road to encourage greater community
participation, and we have conducted them in both
metropolitan and regional areas.”
Executive Director Community
Development and P2P Project
Sponsor David Caporn said the portal
provides the mechanism for ideas
to be considered by the Corporate
Leadership Team (CLT).
Feedback from residents who have attended sessions
in Canning Vale and Wireless Hill this year stated it was
an excellent project and very informative.
“Once an idea is submitted the P2P
team undertakes a review to see how it
fits in with FESA’s overarching strategic
plans,” David said.
A new Wandi resident said it had sparked their interest
in learning more about bushfire safety.
Mundaring Community Fire Manager Mark Casotti
has firsthand knowledge of the initiative and said the
street meets were ideal for communicating local issues
and engaging people on their individual household
preparations.
“The street meets are a useful avenue for networking
which is the essence and key to the Bushfire Ready
program,” Mark said.
“This type of local activity is proving very successful in
helping to bring neighbours together.
“It allows the involvement and input of a wide range of
people, and in some cases residents are meeting for
the first time.
“Many quickly establish a rapport that can lead
to positive fire prevention activities and enhanced
community safety in their area.”
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A series of Bushfire Street
Meets attracted good crowds.
“They also look at whether the idea
complements or can contribute to
any existing projects either planned or
already underway.
“The idea is then referred to the relevant
business areas for review.
“This allows the people best placed to
understand the idea and the impact
or benefits it may have, to review it in
order to make a full assessment.
“A recommendation is then made to
CLT on the next steps for the idea, with
that team reviewing and having the
ultimate call.
“P2P has already highlighted a number
of areas that our people are focusing on
and initiatives are underway to address
those areas.”
Crisis information
management project
Interagency Bushfire Management
project team leader A/Superintendent
Allan Riley said one area of P2P that
had attracted many suggestions was
technology to manage information at
an incident.
“The Crisis Information Management
(CIM) project has been established to
capture the information requirements
of Operations in order to effectively
manage a crisis and enhance
information management,” Allan said.
“This can include a wide range of
intelligence, from vehicle and personnel
locations to key infrastructure, weather
details and the development of a fire or
cyclone.”
The project’s first objective is to gather
operational information requirements
from all levels for the management of
bushfire incidents and tropical cyclone
operations via:
• Workshops
• One on one interviews
• Findings of the Mobile Incident
Intelligence trial for first arriving
managers
• Initial requirements gathering for a
web based application, WebEOC
• Analysis of existing processes,
procedures and products
Allan said the outcomes will be used
to build an operational requirements
database.
“This resource will be utilised by
Operations to provide a consistent
picture of our needs now and in the
future,” he said.
“It will also be used by the Strategic
Program Office to ensure that existing
and future projects align and conform
with operational needs.”
Allan said that Operations staff are
encouraged to participate in workshops
and interviews when the opportunity
arises.
“Your expertise and experience in
cyclones and bushfires will drive the
direction of future projects,” he said.
“Whilst the initial project focuses on
bushfire and cyclone operational
information requirements, FESA
staff and volunteers can continue to
contribute ideas for other types of
operations to the P2P site.
“That information will then be
transferred to the new CIM database
for analysis and the possible creation
of new projects.”
For more information on P2P, email the team
at: [email protected]
Since going live on 1 December 2011, more
than 210 ideas have been received and 560
people have registered.
Tips for posting an idea on P2P
• The P2P team is currently managing 210 ideas. To help get the best from
your idea, include as much information as you can when you post it.
The clearer your idea is, the better it can be managed during the review
process.
• If you have documents, graphs, spreadsheets or other information that
supports your idea, upload it as an attachment. The P2P team can use this
during the review process.
• Make the most of commenting! Get online and add your bit about the ideas
that are posted, and let your colleagues know and invite them to comment.
Comments by other users help by adding information to an idea and
showing support for it. Everyone has knowledge and experience that adds
value to the process.
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31
GENERAL NEWS
FESA welcomes major
AFAC conference to Perth
The Fire Dogs lay claim to a big win.
Excitement is growing in the
lead up to Perth hosting the
2012 Australasian Fire and
Emergency Service Authorities
Council (AFAC) and Bushfire
Cooperative Research Centre
(CRC) National Emergency
Management Conference.
The conference will be held at the Perth
Convention and Exhibition Centre from
28 to 31 August.
The high profile event will feature guest
speakers including:
Hon. Barry Jones – writer,
broadcaster and former Labor
Minister
Bernard Salt – Demographer and
Partner KPMG
Carmen Lawrence – Research
Psychologist, University of Western
Australia
Fiona Wood – Director of the WA
Burns Service of Western Australia
Paul Gardner-Stephen – founder of
the Serval Project
James Schwartz – Chief Arlington
County Fire Department
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Peter Kenyon – social capitalist and
community enthusiast
Nick Easy – Chief Executive
Officer of the Metropolitan Fire and
Emergency Services Board
Executive Director Community
Development and Chair of the
Conference Program Committee David
Caporn said this year’s program aimed
to address key issues facing the fire and
emergency services sector.
“The responsibility to host the premier
emergency management AFAC and
Bushfire CRC conference doesn’t
come around very often, and FESA
is delighted to be the host agency for
2012,” David said.
“With the event being held in Perth this
year it provides an excellent opportunity
for our local fire, land management and
emergency service communities to join
together and participate.”
There are field trips planned before
the conference, a full day showcase
of the latest research, two days of
keynote speakers and interactive
panel sessions, and a day where eight
individual streams of professional
development opportunities will be
available.
David said it was a dynamic program
with a host of topics up for discussion
including leadership in incident
management, high profile security
events, implications and anomalies
of legal inquiries, good practice in
urban firefighting, and emergency
management in the future.
‘Dogs’ claim victory in annual footy clash
“Latest bookings also indicate that this
will be one of the biggest emergency
service and land management trade
exhibitions ever held in the southern
hemisphere,” David said.
The newly named Fire Dogs
went on the attack in their
clash with the Police Hogs at
the fifth annual Altitude Cup
football match at Medibank
Stadium recently.
“The Hogs were good competition and
put up a really great fight even though
the final score might not have reflected
that,” he said.
More than 1300 delegates are expected
to attend the four day event including
senior fire and emergency services
personnel, volunteers and practitioners
from across Australia and the region.
The direction of the match looked set
from the beginning when the coin toss
fell in favour of Fire Dogs Captain Leon
Berthelsen. He selected the Vincent
Street goal end, and it was game on.
“Our best players on the night were
Leon Berthelsen, Michael Bryan, Simon
Pearce, Toby McGrath and Daniel
Richmond.”
FESA is currently making plans to send
a number of volunteers and staff as
part of the ongoing commitment to
supporting professional development
across the services.
By the end of the second quarter the
Dogs had virtually extinguished any
hope their opponents had of victory,
and when the final siren rang the score
was 16 goals 15 points to 4 goals 8
points.
For further information please visit
www.afac2012.org
The winners were supported by current
West Australian Football League greats
Toby McGarth, Clayton Lasscock,
Daniel Shadbolt and Daniel Richmond.
Dogs Vice Captain Troy Stubberfield
said the game was a huge success
for the WA Fire and Rescue Service
Football Club.
“There were a few moments, especially
after the first quarter, when I thought we
might lose it, but we strategised and
pulled things together.
The umpires voted Steve Longo best
player on ground and he received the
Daniel Mussen medal, with the ‘One
Percent’ award going to Michael Taylor.
Scoring on the football field was only
one goal of the night, with fundraising
being the ultimate aim and the Ryan
Marron Foundation the winner.
The Foundation was established
to support Police Constable Ryan
Marron who contracted Murray
Valley Encephalitis while working in
the Kimberley last April and was left
needing assistance with day to day
tasks such as walking, talking and
caring for himself.
Ryan’s best hope of returning to
independent living and to the job
that he loves is to spend the necessary
time at the world class Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM said the game raised
$7,500 for the Ryan Marron Foundation
and thanked 6PR radio host Howard
Sattler, opera singer Jay Weston and
all the volunteers involved, for lending
their services to make the night really
special.
“Stories like Ryan’s tug at your heart
strings and have a very positive effect
on people,” Mr Gregson said.
“Everyone has rallied around and
worked together to support this great
cause.
“The emergency services are a
brotherhood and sisterhood, and when
one of us needs help, we all pitch in
and lend a hand.”
Further details about the foundation can be
found at: www.ryanmarronfoundation.org
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33
GENERAL NEWS
Minister’s
tour
creates
a buzz
Emergency Services Minister
Troy Buswell travelled more
than 6,000 kilometres around
Western Australia in February
visiting FESA personnel and
volunteers in the Kimberley,
Midwest Gascoyne and Great
Southern regions.
It was his first visit as Emergency
Services Minister and Mr Buswell was
keen to meet the people who keep
emergency operations running and
protect the community in some of the
State’s most rugged and remote areas.
First stop was Midwest Gascoyne to
present a $60,000 Lotterywest grant
to the Canover Bush Fire Brigade for a
new operational fire shed.
Mr Buswell said he was extremely
pleased to make the presentation to
such a dedicated group of volunteers.
“The shed will be a welcome asset
to the local community,” he said.
“It will also house a brand new 2,000
litre four wheel drive firefighting
appliance funded by the Emergency
Service Levy.”
Mr Buswell was particularly impressed
that the local community had
contributed $20,000 in donations to aid
construction of the shed.
“This support shows that the community
clearly understands managing bushfires
is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Geraldton stop over
The Minister then travelled to Geraldton
to meet with local FESA personnel and
volunteers from all services.
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Emergency Services Minister Troy Buswell (third from left) and Acting Regional Director Grant Pipe
(second from right) with Derby SES service medal recipients (l-r) Robyn Latimer, Liz Cochrane, Julie Joy,
Vivienne Welch and Lola Norman.
Mr Buswell noted the vastness and
diversity of the region, as well as the
unique operational challenges faced
there.
for being willing to devote so much of
their time to helping the community
when it was most needed.
“Since the start of the year the region
has dealt with virtually every natural
disaster including bushfire, flood,
cyclone and storm,” he said.
“Brave emergency services volunteers
do an amazing job, not only at large
significant incidents, but also at
the multitude of hazards that occur
throughout the year,” the Minister said.
The Minister also commented on the
fires in the Murchison and Gascoyne
that were started by lightning late last
year and burnt for more than a month.
“Volunteers often have to respond in the
middle of the night, leaving family and
partners to ensure the safety of others
and this is commendable.”
“These incidents and unfavourable
weather have placed significant
pressure on operational resources, but
the effect on the community has been
minimal and this is a great credit to all
those involved,” he said.
Kimberley final leg
“It can be largely attributed to the
combined efforts of FESA personnel,
volunteers and external agencies such
as local government, the Department
of Environment and Conservation, WA
Police, Main Roads WA, Department
for Child Protection and St John
Ambulance.
“Interagency collaboration not only
assisted management of the fires,
but also helped to reduce the effects
of Tropical Cyclone Heidi on the
community.”
Albany welcomes new minister
Mr Buswell went on to Albany to meet
Great Southern fire and emergency
services personnel.
He recognised the region’s rich
volunteering culture and thanked them
Rounding up his regional visits the
Minister visited the Kimberley and met
with members of volunteer brigades and
units, captains, unit leaders and award
recipients, as well as FESA personnel.
Mr Buswell spoke about the region’s
ability to provide emergency
management planning and incident
support to four local government areas,
120 pastoral leases and 150 remote
Indigenous communities.
“Last year volunteers from local
emergency services in the Kimberley
responded to more than 225 incidents,”
he said.
Occupational
hygiene procedures
one step closer
Firefighters leave an industrial fire scenario following a search
and rescue trial.
Career firefighters have recently taken part in important trials aimed
at determining the extent of airborne contaminants deposited on
skin and personal protective clothing during firefighting operations.
FESA has entered into joint research
with the Queensland Fire and Rescue
Service (QFRS) Scientific Branch to
meet FESA’s commitment to improving
firefighter occupational hygiene.
Trials are being conducted as part of
the research to help establish the levels
of hazardous contaminants firefighters
are potentially exposed to, across a
range of fire types.
“This demonstrates the great dedication
and capability of regional volunteers,
and their determination to protect the
community.”
In October 2011 six career firefighters
and Station Officers formed a
Project Advisory Team to assist in
the development of the processes,
education and promotion of
occupational hygiene.
Mr Buswell also toured the Derby
Collocation facility while in the area,
paying tribute to five State Emergency
Service volunteers and presenting them
with service medals.
The firefighters travelled to Brisbane
recently to participate in four days of
intensive firefighting trials that were
testing for contaminant exposure.
Working in teams of three they
performed the roles of search and
rescue, extinguishment and overhaul
typically encountered in a worst case
scenario of fully developed fire and
smoke logged buildings.
Fire and Rescue Service Station Officer
Gavin Maund said the study was one of
the first of its kind.
“The research focuses on what is
actually deposited on the skin and
PPC,” Gavin said.
“The results will influence how we
need to operate post fire to ensure we
reduce our exposures to the known
contaminants in smoke and soot.
“Over coming months another round
of structure fire trials and several
West Australian bushfire trials will
be conducted to complete the data
collection.
“The findings will be available
once all trials have been conducted
and analysis performed.”
Gavin noted that whilst Occupational
Hygiene Standard Operating Procedures
in the fire industry do not appear to be
commonplace, there is evidence that
practices are changing.
“This project will ensure we are a part
of that change and that we implement
procedures based on robust scientific
data,” he said.
“The trials proved a reminder to all
participants of the level of contamination
we are potentially exposed to and
that we need to take some basic
precautions such as cleaning our face
and hands, and removing soiled PPC as
soon as possible”.
Gavin believes the professionalism and
camaraderie that developed during
the initial trials between the WA and
Queensland firefighters, in conjunction
with the QFRS Scientific Branch, was
outstanding and will help ensure the
study’s success.
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35
GENERAL NEWS
Perth Hills Bushfire Review
recommendations get ticked off
FESA and its partners are working together to finalise and
implement the final group of Perth Hills Bushfire Review
recommendations.
Release of special report
into Margaret River Bushfire
A number of initiatives and
changes that will have an
impact on the way FESA
operates have flowed from the
recently released ‘Appreciating
the Risk: Report of the Special
Inquiry into the November 2011
Margaret River Bushfire’.
Presenting the report to the WA
Parliament, Premier Colin Barnett MLA
said it highlighted the bushfire risk in
the coastal strip north and south of
Margaret River.
“The bushfire that devastated swathes
of Margaret River’s iconic coastline
over several days late last November
stunned and dismayed Western
Australians,” the Premier said.
“Although many properties were
destroyed, more were saved.
“We owe a debt to our firefighters,
particularly those who do this as
volunteers, and we owe it to them in
particular to learn all the lessons we can
from this event in order to reduce the
potential that it be repeated.
“A wide range of actions extending
beyond Mr Keelty’s specific
recommendations will be taken
by the Government.”
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Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM said the changes
arising from the report include the way
major bushfires and prescribed burns
are managed in WA, as well as the
expansion of FESA’s direct support to
volunteer brigades and groups in the
Busselton and Margaret River areas.
“FESA will be involved in three key
areas focusing on the organisation’s
predetermined role during a Level 3
incident, including the expansion of
gazetted fire districts in the Busselton
and Margaret River area, and the
declaration of a south west bushfire
risk zone,” Mr Gregson said.
“A new regulatory unit, the Office of
Bushfire Risk Management, will also
be established within FESA.
“It will be responsible for approving and
conducting high risk burns as well as
ensuring contingency plans and risk
control arrangements are in place.
Margaret River’s bushfire
affected coast line.
“Working collaboratively we will
prepare a detailed service model and
response, and then report back to State
Government,” he said.
“This work is being done to draw
together everyone committed to
firefighting and provide additional
support, equipment and facilities to
complement existing resources.”
Mr Gregson emphasised that FESA
would consult and work closely with
volunteers and local government
to ensure all proposals were well
considered.
“FESA’s focus is on supporting and
enhancing frontline operations,
and these initiatives from the State
Government provide yet another
platform for us to achieve this,”
he said.
“The unit will primarily operate in the
region from Lancelin to Denmark, but
will also have oversight for any other
high risk prescribed burns around the
State.”
“Some work has already begun in
the Lower South West region, with
the State Government, FESA and the
Augusta-Margaret River Shire recently
announcing the establishment of a new
$1 million emergency services centre.
Mr Gregson said FESA would
partner with local governments,
volunteer brigades and groups, and
the Department of Environment and
Conservation to consider the gazetted
fire districts expansion.
“By continuing to support volunteer and
career firefighters, and other emergency
services personnel and stakeholders
involved in firefighting, FESA is working
to ensure local communities are
protected.”
Executive Director Emergency
Management WA John Butcher who
leads the project, said those requiring
delivery before the season had been
completed.
“Good progress is being made and one
of the recommendations that relates
to planning bushfire exercises in close
consultation with other government
agencies, is already complete.”
“These recommendations covered
a wide range of issues and included
items like boosting community
information, working in partnership with
the Department of Environment and
Conservation (DEC), enhancing our
operational management of incidents,
and improving internal processes,”
John said.
John added that simply implementing
the recommendation was not always
the end of the story.
“The focus for FESA now is the
remaining eight recommendations
due post season.
“These will be finalised by November
and include issues like calculating the
cost of a fire and traffic management in
a fire, particularly with regard to access
by residents in affected areas.
“Examples of this are bushfire
exercises scheduled for both this
and subsequent years, reviewing and
monitoring our partnership with DEC,
and continually revisiting incident
management mechanisms,” he said.
FESA has also liaised and partnered
with several agencies to produce a
State Bushfire Exercise Plan.
These include DEC, WA Police,
Local Emergency Management
Committees, the West Australian Local
Government Association, various Local
Governments and the Department for
Child Protection.
Dye bomb exercise at West Beach, Esperance.
Dye bombs
reveal rips
An explosion of colour spread
across dangerous points in
Esperance waters on Australia
Day.
Dye bombs were dropped into the water
at West Beach and Chapman’s Point to
make people aware of the location of
rips and the dangers they pose along
local Esperance beaches.
The exercise was a joint effort between
the Esperance-Goldfields Surf Lifesaving
Club (EGSLSC) and Esperance Sea
Search and Rescue.
Local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Secretary David Green also lent a
hand to photograph and record the
event from the air courtesy of a local
helicopter tour company.
EGSLSC President Chris Brien said the
exercise went over well.
“It showed quite graphically on a small
swell day how rips move, even when the
water looks calm,” he said.
Chris said it was a great way to bring
awareness of beach and water safety to
the attention of the public.
“It was a good idea to do it on a public
holiday to demonstrate the dangers of
rips,” he said.
“The message is that if you get caught
in a rip, you should not panic. The
best thing to do is swim parallel to the
beach.”
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37
GENERAL NEWS
RESOURCES AND TRAINING
Weather
forecasting
on tap
A mandatory item critical to
decision making by incident
managers is the weather
forecast identifying both current
and predicted conditions.
A recently signed agreement between
the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
and FESA provides enhanced fire and
significant weather briefing services
for the FESA State Operations Centre
(SOC).
Bush
firefighting
resources
grow
Firefighting resources for the southern and northern bushfire seasons are being enhanced with the
mobilisation of new and upgraded water tanker appliances.
Top: CEO Mr Wayne Gregson APM and BOM A/Regional Director
Grahame Reader sign the joint agreement. Bottom: SOCMET
Brad Santos working with FESA SHOO Craig Goodhill in the SOC.
“A network link has been established
direct to BOM’s office in West Perth to
facilitate the innovative arrangement.
“Another key benefit of the agreement
is the opportunity for FESA to use
and reproduce any training material
developed or provided by BOM.
“This will enable incident managers
to gain a better understanding of the
weather and how it will impact their
operations.”
Chief Operations Officer – Operations
Lloyd Bailey said qualified meteorologist
Brad Santos, was now based in the
SOC at FESA House, the nerve centre
for the agency’s hazard management
activities.
SOCMET Brad Santos said his role
involved optimising the effectiveness
of weather information within FESA
and adding value to the partnership
between the two agencies.
“Known as the State Operations
Centre Meteorologist or SOCMET,
this officer is available during standard
business hours to provide adequate
forecast coverage in support of FESA
operations,” Lloyd said.
“During the high risk period the primary
function of the SOCMET will be a
briefing service,” Brad said.
“However, the availability of the
SOCMET may also be varied when
the need arises to meet operational
demands.
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A/District Manager Cockburn Sound Terry Coles and Hope Valley FRS Senior
Firefighter Jamie Hubble, Firefighters Scott Bailey, Michael Sheen and Wade Tully,
and Senior Firefighter Derick Stevenson, with an upgraded 2.4 appliance.
“The focus is on enhancing situational
awareness and I will supply comment
on any forecast uncertainty.
“In addition the SOCMET can provide
alternative scenarios to aid strategic
and tactical planning by FESA staff.
“The role also involves development of
training material for FESA staff in basic
and severe weather meteorology, and
accessing and interpreting weather
using the Bureau’s systems, processes,
products and services.”
The value of the new arrangement was
clearly in evidence when the remnants
of Tropical Cyclone Iggy approached
the west coast, just to the north of
Perth.
Expert advice was provided by the
SOCMET to help incident managers
prepare for impacts from the weather
system.
Advice was provided through
the issue of Emergency Services
Weather Briefings and teleconference
participation.
The joint agreement is valid up to 30
June 2014, but will be reviewed by
June 30 each year.
Funding for four new additional tanker
type appliances will ensure that
fire crews have the best and most
appropriate equipment to protect lives,
property and the environment.
Regional Director South Metropolitan
Murray Bawden said that during the
next southern bushfire season the
new appliances will be located at three
metropolitan career Fire and Rescue
Service stations and manned on a 24/7
basis.
“The new vehicles expected to be
available in September, will be a mix of
the current urban tanker, 2.4 and 3.4
appliances incorporating a combination
of their best features,” Murray said.
“Once they have completed operational
duties in the Perth metropolitan area
they will be relocated to the Kimberley
and Pilbara regions as part of FESA’s
rotating supplementary summer bushfire
appliance fleet.”
A project advisory team (PAT) was
established to manage the development
of the new appliances, with career
firefighters representing the metropolitan
area and a FESA representative on
behalf of volunteers from the Kimberley
and Pilbara.
“Terms of reference were developed
by the project team specifying that
the appliances be four wheel drive,
have sufficient water and pumping
capacity as well as the capability to
carry breathing apparatus and deliver
‘A’ Class foam for bushfire operations,”
Murray said.
Acting District Manager Cockburn
Sound Terry Coles said they formed
part of FESA’s commitment to improved
coordinated response to bushfires.
“Using the latest HINO truck cab
chassis, the new appliances will hold
3300 litres of water and provide support
at incidents where there is no reticulated
water supply or where water quality is
poor.”
“Originally based in country regions,
the urban tankers underwent several
upgrades at the FESA workshops
before going operational at two
suburban fire stations in Hope Valley
and Maddington,” Terry said.
The PAT also engaged the services of
an ergonomist to work with the design,
and engineer out any risk factors to
operational firefighters.
“The refurbished appliances which are
crewed by two firefighters, were fitted
with low water tank alarms, breathing
apparatus and the installation of
WAERN radio communications.
“Firefighters from the project team,
technicians from the O’Connor
workshops and the ergonomist worked
through how the appliances would
operate and identified any design issues
that needed resolving,” Murray said.
The level of expertise and enthusiasm of
the PAT members involved in the project
has impressed Murray.
“The firefighters have obviously spent a
fair amount of time talking to their peers
and identified issues to be resolved,
as well as a range of solutions to work
towards,” he said.
Introduction of upgraded
appliances
In support of the new appliance
initiative, two urban tanker 2.4
appliances have undergone upgrades.
“Other improvements were the fitting
of an ‘A’ Class foam inductor and
compressed air storage tank that
enables deflated tyres to be returned
to the recommended pressures before
crews leave the fire ground.”
The upgraded appliances have a rear
mounted HATZ diesel driven pump with
an extended capacity of 1500 litres per
minute.
Each tanker is also equipped with
suction hoses to allow the tanker to
draw water from static supplies.
Terry was involved in training firefighters
who crewed the urban tankers and said
the revamped appliances had proven
themselves in the field and been well
received.
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39
RESOURCES AND TRAINING
Country fire
station heritage
recognised
Million dollar
facility for
Augusta-Margaret
River
Volunteers in the Lower South West region of
Augusta-Margaret River will be operating from a
new $1million emergency services centre which
comes on stream in September.
Emergency Services Minister Troy
Buswell visited Margaret River in
January to congratulate the Shire of
Augusta-Margaret River and FESA for
their successful collaboration on this
important project.
“FESA and the Shire should be
commended for identifying the need
for a new emergency services centre in
this region and working cooperatively to
make it happen for local volunteers and
the community,” Mr Buswell said.
The new centre will include a facility
for the Augusta-Margaret River State
CEO Mr Wayne Gregson APM and Emergency Services Minister Troy Buswell
sign an agreement formalising the new facility.
Emergency Service and the Margaret
River Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Service, as well as a regional incident
control centre.
“This facility will not only bring together
two vital volunteer services under
one roof, but also enhance the ability
of emergency services to plan and
manage multiagency incidents,” Mr
Buswell said.
“Western Australia’s South West is
experiencing significant population
increases resulting in ever greater
demands on our emergency services.
“It is crucial that we provide our
volunteers and staff with a modern,
purpose built centre and support them
to do what they do best, serve the
community.”
Part of the funding for the new facility
will be provided through the Emergency
Services Levy (ESL) with the remainder
financed by FESA from capital funding.
“This area has already seen devastating
bushfires and fire management
agencies remain ready to respond with
the help of our dedicated and highly
valued volunteers,” Mr Buswell added.
New senior appointments lead way forward
Four senior operational
appointments recently
announced reflect the agency’s
new direction and focus on
enhancing frontline operations
and community safety.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM said all the officers
brought to their positions many years
of operational experience, knowledge
and strong leadership.
Chief Operations Officer (COO) –
Operations is Lloyd Bailey who has
been acting in the role for several
months, while Stephen Fewster has
been appointed to the newly created
role of COO – Operations Support
and Capability.
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24seven
“The Perth Hills Bushfire Review and
its recommendations made it clear
that FESA needed to be structurally
and strategically aligned to better meet
the changing needs of the Western
Australian community,” Mr Gregson
said.
“These two officers bring a wealth of
experience to the command team as
we continue to reshape and remodel
our agency for the future.
“The new position of COO – Operations
Support and Capability will enhance our
support for career personnel and the
32,000 emergency services volunteers
located around the State.
“The responsibilities will complement
the COO – Operations role to ensure
FESA is well positioned to provide
response to the full range of emergency
situations and natural disasters which
impact on local WA communities.
“The appointments of Mr Bailey and
Mr Fewster will ensure our agency is
well prepared and ready to respond to
the challenges ahead.”
Following a competitive recruitment and
selection process, the new Assistant
COO – Coordination is Graham Swift,
while Assistant COO – Professional
Development is Darren Klemm.
Mr Gregson said both officers have
long and distinguished careers in the
emergency services industry, and bring
a great deal of ability and expertise to
their new roles.
The historical significance of two former
fire stations at Merredin was formally
acknowledged recently when they were
placed on the Western Australian State
Heritage Register.
Merredin Volunteer Fire
and Rescue Service (VFRS)
Lieutenant Phil Van Der
Merwe said the fire station
complex on Bates Street
comprised two structures,
one built in 1920 and
a subsequent station
constructed in 1935.
“The Merredin VFRS, which
is approaching its centenary,
was formed in 1913 and
initially operated from a
modest shed,” Phil said.
“At least two generations of
firefighters have worked from
the historic stations, including
my great uncle, who was the
secretary in 1923.”
Phil said the history of the
brigade was very important to
the volunteers.
“It is good to know that these
distinctive old fire stations will
be conserved and protected
into the future,” he said.
“They have played a
significant part in the
evolution of the Merredin
VFRS for more than 90 years
and remain a feature of the
main street.”
Heritage Council Executive
Director Graeme Gammie
said the Merredin complex
was a rare example of fire
stations from two different
periods of time.
Merredin Fire Station. Photos courtesy of
FESA Heritage Collection.
“The buildings help tell the
story of the VFRS from its
earliest days when the hose
reel was transported by
horse and cart, right through
to motorised fire engines,”
Graeme said.
“The 1935 single storey
brick, render and tile building
incorporated timber and
iron materials from the older
station.
Above: Merredin Fire Brigade 1923.
“It was designed by Kenneth
Charles Duncan, who was
responsible for the design of
the majority of fire stations
built in Western Australia
between 1930 and 1960.
“Construction coincided
with recovery from the Great
Depression and it was among
the first of 18 fire stations
built during this period.
“At the time it was hailed as
one of Western Australia’s
finest and included
accommodation for a
caretaker and two firefighters,
plus a lookout and bell tower.
“Today it is the only fire
station of that era still in
original condition. The older
structure, built at a cost
of 365 pounds, is the only
remaining timber and iron fire
station from the 1920s.
“Together they represent a
valuable addition to the State
Register.”
Merredin Fire Brigade circa 1964.
Entry in the State Register recognises a place’s value and
importance to Western Australia, and helps ensure that it
is conserved into the future.
The cultural heritage significance of a place to Western
Australia or its heritage value or importance, is assessed
by considering various values. Each place is unique and
has its own combination of values, which together show
its cultural heritage significance.
Three other factors are also taken into account in
determining cultural heritage significance of places physical condition, integrity (whether the place’s original
function/use is clear) and authenticity (the level of original
fabric retained).
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41
RESOURCES AND TRAINING
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
New shed unites
Morbinning Bush Fire Brigade’s brand new shed is
already helping to shape the future of firefighting in
the region.
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes President Mr Brian Moore
and CEO Mr Wayne Gregson APM inspect plans for the new
Bridgetown Fire and Emergency Coordination Centre.
Bridging the gap
People, property, industry and
the environment in the Shire of
Bridgetown-Greenbushes will
be better protected with a new
fire and emergency coordination
centre planned for completion
in time for the 2012-13 bushfire
season.
The region has experienced its fair
share of significant bushfires, notably
in December 2003 when three homes
in the Bridgetown townsite were lost,
and also in January 2009 when fire
destroyed seven homes.
The need for a purpose built local
incident control centre was recognised
by the Shire as these past bushfires
were managed from facilities that did
not fulfil all regional requirements.
At a recent event in Bridgetown, Chief
Executive Officer Mr Wayne Gregson
APM announced that FESA would
contribute $250,000 towards the
$300,000 centre.
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“The new complex, which is a
partnership between the Shire of
Bridgetown-Greenbushes and FESA, will
be known as the Bridgetown Fire and
Emergency Coordination Centre,” Mr
Gregson said.
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
Chief Executive Officer Tim Clynch said
representatives from the Bridgetown
Bush Fire Brigade and FESA had
worked closely together to develop
plans for the centre.
“It will also become home to the
Bridgetown Bush Fire Brigade Support
Team and give emergency services
volunteers access to extensive facilities
for training, meetings and storage.”
“The Shire is managing construction
of the new facility which will not only
become the central point for emergency
coordination in the region, but also
allow us to respond faster and in a more
coordinated way,” Mr Clynch said.
Mr Gregson said Bridgetown was in a
high risk location for major bushfires and
the new facility would be a huge asset
during future emergency situations.
“Another benefit is that it will provide
a great training facility for volunteers,
something which will be really
appreciated.
“The recent South West bushfires have
reinforced the importance of having local
centres such as this available in times of
crisis,” he said.
“Giving the Bridgetown Bush Fire
Brigade Support Team’s 40 volunteers
a home base recognises their important
contribution in supporting firefighters.”
“FESA places great importance on
providing its people with the best tools
and resources to fight fires and respond
to many different emergencies.
While in Bridgetown Mr Gregson took
the opportunity to inspect garages which
represent the first stage of the project,
built from a Royalties for Regions
$50,000 grant.
“The plans for the proposed facility
will meet both current and future
requirements.”
The new coordination centre will be
located in Les Woodhead Avenue,
Bridgetown.
Local Fire Control Officer
Deane Aynsley and fellow
firefighters recently welcomed
Chief Executive Officer Mr
Wayne Gregson APM to
officially open their new
‘home’.
The new shed has allowed
firefighting activities to be
consolidated.
“We have experienced a very
trying bush fire season in
the east Beverley area, and
our new shed and 2.4 Rural
Tanker have enhanced our
firefighting capability and
helped improve coordination,”
Deane said.
“This was evident with the
very high turnout to a training
day and the unofficial shed
opening last October.
“During a particularly bad
thunderstorm in early
December when lightning was
igniting fires throughout the
district, the shed was where
we later regrouped, debriefed
and planned our next move.”
Deane said the Brigade had
never had a base before.
“The functioning of small
Wheatbelt bush fire brigades is
quite different to those in more
populous areas,” Deane said.
“All the landholders have their
own firefighting units and after
the fires have been put out,
mopped up and monitored,
everyone goes home until the
next incident.
“Consequently there has been
no physical home for the
brigade and very little formal
history or regular meetings.”
“Already there is a heightened
sense of community,” Deane
said.
“We were really impressed by
the attendance of FESA’s new
CEO Mr Wayne Gregson APM
at the official opening.
“His address about the
importance to the immediate
and wider community of a
humble shed struck a chord
with the assembled firefighters
from Morbinning and
surrounding brigades.”
Mr Gregson said it was
important to support
firefighters with the resources
needed to work effectively.
“The new shed and tanker will
ensure Morbinning Bush Fire
Brigade has access to facilities
that will help them continue to
provide an invaluable service
to the community,” he said.
The shed was constructed for
$54,500 with funding from the
FESA capital grants program
and has been operational
since October 2011.
CEO Mr Wayne Gregson
APM presents Morbinning
Bush Fire Brigade Fire
Control Officer Deane
Aynsley with a plaque to
acknowledge the official
opening and FESA’s
financial contribution.
CEO Mr Wayne Gregson APM presents a FESA
certificate of appreciation to Dr Ralph Sicouri.
Highly regarded doctor
says goodbye
After serving the organisation as a consultant
medical officer for the past 26 years, Dr Ralph
Sicouri has now bid FESA a fond farewell.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne Gregson APM said
Dr Sicouri was known for the high quality of his advice
and the depth of his compassion.
“Dr Sicouri has shown an impressive commitment to
providing the very best quality care and consideration to
FESA personnel, and in particular firefighters,” Mr Gregson
said.
“Over a long period of time he has consistently
demonstrated a strong personal interest in the welfare
of his clients.
“Dr Sicouri is highly regarded throughout the organisation
and he leaves with our grateful thanks and very best
wishes.”
Rehabilitation Coordinator Linda French commented
on the valuable service provided by Dr Sicouri.
“We have relied on Dr Sicouri for advice on injury
management and medical retirements often associated
with workers compensation cases,” Linda said.
“He took the time to personally confer with our
Rehabilitation Coordinators about individual cases to
gain an insight into what we were trying to achieve, and
promptly provided written feedback.
“In addition to medical support, Dr Sicouri also regularly
offered personal guidance and mentoring to those
confronted with a difficult health prognosis.
“His expertise and caring nature will be greatly missed.”
Dr Sicouri’s parting comments echoed his philosophy
over more than a quarter century.
“A sympathetic ear and support is essential to achieving
a good health outcome,” he said.
FESA’s two new consulting Specialist Occupational
Physicians are Dr Roger Lai at Occumed, Subiaco and
Dr Michael Lucas at Next Health Group, Osborne Park.
They will provide services in relation to medical retirements
and return to work plans.
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43
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Dalwallinu
Juniors score
prestigious
award
The newly formed Dalwallinu
Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Service Junior Brigade has
proven to be a huge success
in its first year.
Albany SRS volunteers (l-r): Chris Johns and Jason Howard, Police Superintendent Catherine Bullen,
Squad Secretary Noel Francis and volunteers Graham Dekker and Geoff Johnson.
Praise for Albany
marine rescuers
Wind and waves from the
Southern Ocean have sculpted
the rugged and perilous beauty
of popular Great Southern
tourist location The Gap.
When a heavy swell impacts the sheer
granite cliff face it generates a powerful
spray that cascades over the weathered
rock, making it a hazardous place for
those who visit the natural wonder.
For their part in operating under such
extreme conditions during a difficult
rescue situation, the Albany Sea Rescue
Squad (SRS) was recently presented
with a Certificate of Appreciation by WA
Police.
boat be placed on standby at the
cliff base, ready to help if the situation
escalated.
“The incident tested our volunteer
crews and boats to the extreme due
to the large swells and strong winds,
coupled with the remoteness of the
location,” Noel said.
In the fading light as day turned to
night, volunteers battled rough seas
to arrive on the scene as quickly as
conditions allowed.
“It was a precarious situation at the
base of the cliff and fortunately the
Police were able to talk the individual
down and resolve the matter safely.
It formally acknowledged the assistance
provided by Squad volunteers to local
Police and the State Emergency Service
during an incident where a person was
threatening self harm.
“Recognition of the efforts of Albany
SRS by the Police encourages
our volunteers, radio operators,
coordinators and all those who support
the Squad.
Albany SRS Secretary Noel Francis said
the location was fairly remote and on
the day Police requested that a rescue
“It highlights a sense of achievement
and reminds us that our services are
important to the community,” Noel said.
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Community minded Juniors have
impressed the Shire of Dalwallinu,
with the Brigade receiving the
Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizen
Award for Community Groups.
Cadet Leader Anna Rausch said it was
rewarding to see the Junior Brigade
being recognised for its participation
in the community so soon after
formation.
“Junior members have been proactive
in getting involved with their local
community,” Anna said.
“Activities have included displays
at the local Dalwallinu Show
demonstrating how firefighting
equipment is used, assisting in the
set up and running of the annual street
Christmas party, and hosting the
November War Memorial Service.”
With a strong membership of 22
young people between the ages of 11
and 15, the Dalwallinu Junior Brigade
has a bright future.
Junior Tristan Rausch said the
experience of being part of the Brigade
was what encouraged him to join.
“I wanted to see what it is like to be a
firefighter,” he said. “Being able to talk
to and watch how the adult volunteers
work is excellent.”
Fellow members Luke Sutherland and
Jayden Timmins agreed, stating they
would ‘love to be vollie firefighters’
when they are old enough.
Junior Member Kayla Dickins summed
up her time in the Brigade as a
learning experience.
“I really enjoy all the different activities
and training,” Kayla said.
High accolade for
FESA personnel
FESA’s career and volunteer personnel were well
represented in this year’s Australia Day Honours
List, with four being awarded the Australian Fire
Service Medal (AFSM) and two the Emergency
Services Medal (ESM).
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne Gregson APM said the
dedication shown by the recipients was an inspiration to
everyone in FESA.
“All medal recipients have made a unique and outstanding
contribution to FESA and their community,” Mr Gregson said.
“It is a tremendous honour to receive one of the country’s
highest medals in the field of fire and emergency services.”
Russell Hayes AFSM
Roderick MacDougall AFSM
Les Hayter ESM
With an emergency services career
spanning more than 30 years,
Russell is currently Regional Director
Midwest Gascoyne. He has shown
outstanding leadership across a
number of emergency management
programs and a strong commitment to
community engagement. Russell was
also acknowledged for encouraging the
skill development of others through his
contribution to training and education.
Roderick has made a valuable
contribution to the Bush Fire Service
over more than 40 years, helping
to establish the Denmark Bush Fire
Brigade with his wife Marion. Roderick
has drawn on his experience as a
forester and used his extensive local
knowledge to ensure young members
and those new to the area were
thoroughly educated and prepared.
Roderick has served as a volunteer
firefighter and trainer, and continues to
have an active role in the Brigade into
his mid 80’s.
Les has made an innovative
contribution to emergency services
training over two decades. He has
consistently produced outstanding
training packages and resources, many
of which have been utilised by other
services across Australia. He showed
particular dedication in aligning State
Emergency Service training to National
Standards, ensuring FESA received
Registered Training Organisation status.
He is the FESA Manager of Training
and Development and also assumes
a Public Information Officer role as
required.
Marion MacDougall AFSM
Marion was awarded an AFSM in
recognition of 40 years involvement
with the Bush Fire Service. Along
with her husband Roderick, she
was instrumental in establishing
the Denmark Bush Fire Brigade in
the mid 1970s. Marion has been
an active volunteer firefighter whilst
constantly championing a well trained
and prepared brigade. She has been
particularly influential in attracting
women to the service in her role as a
trainer and mentor.
Jeffrey Smith AFSM
Jeffrey has served as a volunteer
firefighter for almost 40 years, in recent
times as a member of the Mandurah
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service.
He was recognised for his dedication
and commitment to community safety
across a number of areas. Jeffrey
has been involved in fire preparation
and strategic management of nature
reserves. He has also made a
significant contribution to community
engagement and public relations
initiatives.
William Norris ESM
William has been a passionate and
dedicated member of the State
Emergency Service (SES) for more
than 25 years. He has made an
extraordinary contribution to the training
and development of SES volunteers
in the Mandurah area and throughout
the State. William has provided
leadership and innovation across a
number of SES roles, demonstrating his
personal commitment to best practice
in preparing for and responding to
emergency incidents.
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45
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
YOUTH
WA volunteers hailed for half century of service
Volunteers with more than
five decades of service to the
Western Australian community
are now members of an
exclusive group who recently
received the inaugural WA 50
year Volunteer Service Badge.
The honour was introduced by the
State Government to recognise, thank
and celebrate those volunteers who
have contributed a half century to a
specific group, club or organisation,
Local or State Government.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM commended more
than 30 volunteer recipients who have
devoted a large part of their lives to
helping the community through both
the Bush Fire Service and Volunteer
Fire and Rescue Service.
“These volunteer members have made
a magnificent contribution, serving our
State for more than five decades,” Mr
Gregson said.
“It is a tremendous achievement and
they are role models to be admired,
freely giving up time to help others
when they could be enjoying time with
family and friends.
“The community and FESA thank them
for the energy and constancy they have
shown throughout their long volunteer
service.”
The following serving volunteers
recently received their 50 year medals:
Norm Matthews
Kukerin Bush Fire Brigade
Hastings Adams AFSM
Narrogin Central Bush Fire Brigade
William (Lloyd) Archer
Mt Short Bush Fire Brigade
John Barker AFSM
Guildford Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Terrence Boyle
Beverley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Thomas Burges
Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade
Ross Campbell
Yornup Bush Fire Brigade
Rodney Daw AFSM
Bandalup Bush Fire Brigade
David Forsyth
Chidlow Bush Fire Brigade
Jeffrey Gibbs
Boddington Bush Fire Brigade
Brian Hamence
Bridgetown Bush Fire Brigade
Geoffrey Holmes
Arthur River Bush Fire Brigade
John James
Capel Bush Fire Brigade
Geoffrey Landwehr
Armadale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Leonard Letchford
Acton Park North Bush Fire Brigade
John Lewis
Kojonup Bush Fire Brigade
Giacomo Magini
Gelorup Bush Fire Brigade
Arthur Sydney (Sid) Marshall
Shadforth/Scotsdale Bush Fire Brigade
Maurice McCormick
Torbay Bush Fire Brigade
Doug Morgan
Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade
Albert Ronald (Ron) Morton
Merredin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Ron Newby
Harvey Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Ean Osborn
Busselton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Eric Patten
Toodyay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
William Power
Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Thomas Richards
Quairading Bush Fire Brigade
“I was very keen to be involved in the
volunteer championships from my early
days and was fortunate to have enjoyed
some success,” Ean said.
Frederick Talbot
Olive Hill/Roelands Bush Fire Brigade
Ken (Pud) Turnor
Wagin Town Bush Fire Service
Basil Walters
Acton Park North Bush Fire Brigade
Noel Wark
Jurien Bay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Roy Weatherburn
Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
The Western Australian 50 Year Volunteer Service
Badge program is coordinated by the Department
for Communities.
“Being passionate about the
competitions, I was on the South West
Zone Committee for two years and am
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Cruise of courage for burns children
Sailing off Fremantle on a clear sunny day with blue skies and calm
waters turned out to be a real treat for 30 young people recovering
from severe burns.
Held on board the sail training ship
Leeuwin, the unique experience was
organised by the Career Firefighters
Fund for Children in conjunction with
Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH)
medical and nursing staff.
Station Officer Claire Finucane said the
excited group gathered at Victoria Quay
for the cruise which was waved off in
spectacular fashion.
still a Competition Judge at the Annual
Easter Volunteer Championships, a role
I have enjoyed for 20 years.”
“Firefighters from Fremantle Fire Station
C Platoon set up the combined ladder
platform appliance on the dockside
and demonstrated its capabilities by
spraying water across the harbour as
the sailing ship departed on Cruise
Courage,” Claire said.
Ean’s interest in this unique firefighter
sport remains high and he is currently
Senior Coach of the Busselton Brigade
running team.
In addition Ean gets involved in
community activities including school
visits to promote fire safety.
A life member of the Busselton VFRS,
Ean is now looking forward to being
presented with the 50 year FESA
medal at this year’s State Easter
Championships.
The WA Career Firefighters Fund for
Children was set up in 1968.
Robert Stoner
Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Ean Osborn was one of the many volunteer firefighters who received
the inaugural Western Australian 50 year Volunteer Service Badge at
Perth’s Government House gardens.
Ean has held several honorary roles over
the years, including Secretary and Track
Master for the South West for 10 year
stints, and Property Officer for five years.
Below: CEO Mr Wayne
Gregson APM joins in
a team building game
during Cruise Courage.
George Miocevich
Bassendean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Veteran firefighter stands test of time
He joined the Busselton Volunteer Fire
Brigade, now the Busselton Volunteer
Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS), in 1961
at the tender age of 16.
Leewin photo courtesy of Richard Polden.
“The large group was then broken up
into teams lead by a crew member who
took them through various activities.
Busselton VFRS member Ean Osborn with His
Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC,
Governor of Western Australia, at the inaugural
50 year service badge presentation ceremony.
“These included hauling sails up and
lowering them down, which is no easy
feat given that the Leeuwin has seven
sails and about a thousand ropes.
“In addition the teams got busy tying
knots and managing ropes on the
deck, climbing up and around the ship,
learning sailing terms, and playing fun
games to break the ice.
“Guided by the Captain, most of the
young participants also got to steer the
ship through Gage Roads, as well as
in and around tankers and the World
Sailing Championship races.”
Claire said the day was a huge success,
with participants having the opportunity
to learn sailing skills and meet new
friends.
“Most of the young adults have missed
out on attending many school camps
and other activities due to their injuries
and the recovery process, so the day
out on one of Western Australia’s iconic
ships was a fantastic experience,” she
said.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Wayne
Gregson APM said the activity had been
wonderful for all on board.
Career Firefighters and Station
Officers make a weekly donation from
their salary to the fund which assists
children who have been negatively
impacted by the destructive effects
of fire.
Funds are used to make ‘Burn Out
Grants’ offered to families with
children who have suffered loss
through house fires.
Grants are offered by the Fund
Committee through the Chaplain
to replace clothes, toys and school
books.
The money raised also goes towards
scholarships to help the education
and future aspirations of children of
deceased firefighters.
Each year the Fund also runs Camp
Courage and Cruise Courage for
children who have sustained burns
injuries.
“Seeing the excitement and fun of
discovery on the faces of these brave
young people was heartwarming,” Mr
Gregson said.
“There was a relaxed vibe and the
day was all about enjoyment, getting
to know new people and stretching
boundaries by trying out something
different.
“Judging by the laughter and happy
faces, I would say the event ticked all
the boxes.”
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47
YOUTH
Cadet
experience
sets life path
It is always rewarding to see the steady progress of
an Emergency Services Cadet who rises through the
ranks to become an adult volunteer, but relatively
rare when that person joins FESA and takes up a
managerial role.
Damien Pumphrey.
This is exactly what happened to
Damien Pumphrey, Acting Community
Emergency Services Manager for the
City of Swan.
Damien first became involved in
the Swan Christian College FESA
Emergency Services Cadet Corps
(ESCC) at age 13.
“I never imagined I would one day
be responsible for managing the
administration and operations of more
than 200 volunteer fire and emergency
services personnel,” Damien said.
“The ESCC program added another
layer to my education, providing
leadership, discipline and functional
skills that have been fundamental
throughout my career.
“It also helped to develop my passion
for working in and serving the
community.”
At 16 Damien moved on from the
cadets to join East Swan Bush Fire
Brigade.
“Fellow Brigade volunteers oversaw
my transition from teenager to
firefighter, mentoring me into
leadership roles over a number of
years,” he said.
“At 19 I was a Brigade Lieutenant and
age 21 saw me appointed Fire Control
Officer with the City of Swan.”
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Manager Volunteer and Youth Services
Wayne Fanderlinden said this kind of
transition from cadet status was ideal.
“The ESCC program nurtures young
students, helping them to develop
life and leadership skills as they learn
about the emergency services,” he
said.
“This experience is a great platform
from which to go on and contribute in
a practical way to community safety
as an adult volunteer.
“Damien is a wonderful example of
someone who has harnessed his
enthusiasm, knowledge and ability in
emergency services and applied it to
his career.
“Our hope is that many other cadets
will follow in his footsteps.”
Damien said he has been constantly
impressed by the passion of those
around him.
“Eleven years after first becoming a
cadet, I am now a FESA employee
and lessons learnt as both a cadet
and volunteer firefighter are skills that I
can still call on today.”
Damien said his substantive role as a
Bushland Mitigation Officer involved
undertaking bushfire risk management
planning and implementation.
“I am currently acting in the role of
Community Emergency Services
Manager (CESM) for the City of Swan,
a role that involves managing the
City’s Bush Fire Brigades and State
Emergency Service Unit, from both
an administrative and operational
perspective,” he said.
“It focuses on liaison and emergency
management, while strengthening
the relationship between FESA, Local
Government and volunteer groups.
“I admire the tremendous service
willingly given to the community by
volunteers, despite their personal
commitments and life challenges,”
he said.
“The ESCC program develops
strength of character and the
volunteer community is driven by
the fundamental concept of serving
others.
“It has inspired me to pursue a career
that focuses on delivering emergency
management and risk management
initiatives that enhance the resilience
of Western Australian communities.
“I aim to continue to lead, encourage
and assist others within the
emergency sector throughout my
career.”