SOUTH AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION (SAVFBA)

 
000 4.jpg
    


VIRTUES OF A
CFS VOLUNTEER

The eight-pointed star is the traditional insignia of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), formerly known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS).

RootCFS Insignia.jpg RootEFS Logo.jpg

The star is not unique to the CFS as it is recognised by fire services all over the world.

It is otherwise referred to as the Cross of Saint John which originally emerged from the Maltese Cross.

Used by the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades in Jerusalem, the points on the Maltese Cross represented eight different virtues of Knighthood:

•    Tact
•    Loyalty
•    Dexterity
•    Observation
•    Sympathy
•    Explicitness
•    Gallantry
•    Perseverance

Over time, firefighters have adopted these same virtues bringing about a commonality between fire services all over the world.

In most cases the only difference between fire service insignias is the centrepiece, which is specific to the organisation.

The CFS Star is seen on the official uniform worn by volunteers and staff.

However, the CFS also has a corporate logo, which represents the State in Australia in which it serves and is displayed on all vehicles and infrastructure.


RootCFS state.jpg

CFS RECRUITMENT

Have you thought about becoming a CFS Volunteer? Many Brigades around the State are seeking new members for a variety of roles. Click on the link to find out more at www.cfs.sa.gov.au

CFSVA Now On Twitter!
@CFSVolunteers


A Message From The President - Roger Flavell

CFSVA President Roger FlavellWe are now well into the fire danger season and it has been some ten weeks since the implementation of the SA Computer Aided Dispatch (SACAD) system. We have been fortunate that there have been few major fires, and all credit to the volunteers and aerial crews attending that all fires have been dealt with quickly and efficiently, with no loss of life, very few volunteer injuries and relatively minor property losses. Hopefully we can get through the next few months without a any further major incidents. Keep up the good work!.

There continues to be many challenges in the future of CFS and its volunteers. One of the major challenges is that of convincing the Government and government departments that they need to support the people who give freely of their time to help others in emergencies. Volunteers need processes and systems that minimize the time spent in achieving the appropriate outcomes, be that dealing with an emergency situation or the endless amounts of administration or other responsibilities that keep on appearing.

CFS is becoming entangled in an increasing number of bureaucratic decisions through attempts by Government to reduce expenditure by centralizing various parts of each agencies business. While this may seem a good idea from a governance perspective, it results in influence from people who have very little idea about the needs and responsibilities  of emergency volunteers on the frontline.

There seems to be an increasing number of instances where the CFSVA and RVMCs have to spend a lot of time and energy into getting changes made to make a situation practicable to work for volunteers on the frontline. Consultation is not just about telling our people what they will do, but it is about listening to and understanding the issues, and accepting that volunteers have   knowledge on how best to protect their local communities. It is only then that systems which are fit for purpose can be put in place.

The Association is in the process of reviewing and resigning the CFS Volunteer Charter. However we need a process in place to have it recognized by all government departments that have any degree of influence on CFS  and CFS volunteers. Most of us signed up to help our family and friends in the community in times of emergency. It was not to spend our valuable time adhering to the demands of government bureaucrats.

On another note, it was great to see our former President, Mr Ken Schutz AFSM receive an Emergency Services Medal from the Hon Jennifer Rankine, Minister for Emergency Services in December last year. Ken worked very hard for the CFSVA over ten years, and certainly deserved such recognition. Ian Teakle DGO from Wattle Range Group and Grant Fensom Captain of Port MacDonnell Brigade were also worthy recipients of the Emergency Services Medal.

In addition, we were pleased to see two volunteers receive the Australian Fire Service Medal in the Australia Day Awards. These were Ms Sue Mickan, DGO from the Coorong Group and Mr Terry Beeston, former GO of the East Torrens Group. Both are outstanding volunteers and we congratulate them on their award. Sue is only the second female CFS volunteer to receive the AFSM, the first being Ms Julie Patterson in 2000.

Congratulations to all those award recipients.
 
Roger Flavell


Please click on the following links to read the reports presented to the AGM, including the Presidents report from Ken Schutz AFSM and the Executive Director's report.

Click here to read the CFSVA Presidents Report 2011
Click here to read the Exec Directors Report to AGM 2011
Click here to read the AAVFBA Report for CFSVA AGM 2011
Click here to read the CFS Foundation report to CFSVA AGM 2011
Click here to read the CFS Heritage Report to CFSVA AGM 2011
Click here to read the CFS Promotions Unit Report 2011



E-mergency Connect

Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade NSW (formerly North Springwood and Yellow Rock Bushfire Brigade) is asking all former members to contact them at any of the following email addresses as soon as possible.  They are looking for members memories, thoughts about the brigade etc. to be included in a book being produced to celebrate its 50th birthday in September 2012.  Articles etc. are required by the end of February 2012 so please make contact ASAP through any of the following email addresses:


On the 13 October 2011 the E-mergency Connect Program launched a new communication site for information about the Program and its interrelated Projects.  Content includes, answers to frequently asked questions and a members log in section for more information such as the governance and key dates. click here to Access

News

Recruiting 1.JPG

CLICK ON THE SUB HEADINGS BELOW TO READ THE FULL NEWS STORIES

E-Mergency Connect Program
Click on the heading to read the December 2011 Newsletter.

Applications for the 2011 - 12 CFS Volunteer National Parks Pass
Applications for the 2011 - 12 CFS Volunteer National Parks Pass are now open. Click on the blue heading to find out more!

CFSVA Submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Harvesting Rights in the South East
The CFSVA appeared before Select Committee on Harvesting Rights last week. Please click on the link to see our submsiion.

ORIGIN now sponsors local brigades
Origin is now assisting CFS brigades with fundraising. Click on the blue heading to find out more!

CFVSA Meeting Outcomes and Current Issues October 2011
Attached are the meeting outcomes and current activities for October 2011 - For distribution to all CFS Volunteers.
 

Origin

Official sponsors of the CFSVA since 2008

For all your LPG needs call

133 LPG (133 574)

TRAUMA TEDDIES TO THE RESCUE

Koala & Trauma Teddy

Trauma teddies are used by fire and rescue services all over the world to assist in the management of children involved critical incidents. The teddies offer a degree of comfort to children facing traumatic situations such as road accidents and house fires.

Trauma teddies are available for purchase by CFS brigades and members. These cuddly bears are reasonably priced at $25 (GST inc) and are a great gift idea for children and babies.
 
 
Funding for this website has been obtained through the "Working Together to Manage Emergencies" program, an initiative of the Commonwealth through Emergency Management Australia.
    

Site by CanDoNetSite MapTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyAbout UsContact UsLogin