This post raises several concerns, the foremost being the proposal that the cost of attending an outsourced first aid course be borne by the Brigade(s).
The following questions have been posted:
Does the NSW RFS desire to have as many members as possible qualified in first aid?
Is the proposal for Brigades of the NSW RFS to meet costs for outsourced courses approved or sanctioned by the NSW RFS?
Is there a proposal for the costs of other courses such as chainsaw being covered by Brigades and/or individual members?
Was the issue discussed with volunteer training groups and if so what was the outcome?
Merry Christmas – 2016

Christmas represents a range of opportunities for our communities. It’s a time to reflect on the year past, a chance to embrace the love of a family, a celebration of friendship and the birth of change in the form of New Years resolutions for a better way of life.
This Christmas, I leave you with the following video “Return of the Firestick” from Living Knowledge Place. It is an excellent production that I hope will inspire you to re-engage with the country that was managed so well by Indigenous Australians.
Use of U-Turn Facilities and Cross-Overs
Service members are directed that crossover points or emergency U-turn bays on motorways or highways are not to be used. This applies to incident responses and normal traffic conditions, and even where a cross-over point is marked for use by emergency services.
NSW RFS vehicles should travel to the next exit ramp or point on the motorway and re-enter the roadway.
The only exceptions to this should be where a road is closed or operating under controlled conditions, such as traffic is being directed by police.
What are your thoughts on this?
National CAVFA Survey (closed)
Volunteers and auxiliary firefighters with all major fire services across Australia were invited by the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA) to participate in a nationwide survey that takes volunteer opinions and advice direct to Government and Emergency Management sector decision makers.
VFFA AGM and Ordinary Meeting – Sat 6th August 2016
A VFFA Annual General Meeting is being held at the Parkes Services Club on Saturday August 6th, 2016 from 10.00am to 11:00am.
It will be followed by an ordinary meeting from 11.30am to 5.00pm at the same venue with a lunch break in the Services Club Bistro from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
Barry Aitchison OAM – Well Deserved

Barry Aitchison was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division as recognition for his service to the community of the Monaro.
Barry is well known and a highly respected former Fire Control Officer, Operations Officer and Firefighter who represented the Snowy River, Bombala and Cooma Monaro Fire Districts for well over 30 years.
Those who know Barry will be very pleased that this OAM has been awarded to most deserving bushman with a passion for the locals, the bush and its’ future.
Wow – Christmas Already
It’s that wonderful time of the year where we generally catch up with family and friends.
It has been a big year for the VFFA with many great projects, campaigns and opportunities for our ever growing membership base.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all RFS Volunteers (not just VFFA members) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The NSW Rural Fire Service could not exists without it’s volunteer workforce and I’m sure that I can speak for the majority of NSW residents when I say thank you to all fire fighters (volunteers, part time and full time) for their efforts throughout 2015.
In Memory of Deputy Captain Paul Sanderson
The entire service is saddened by the news that Deputy Captain Paul Sanderson has passed away.
Paul was battling a blaze when he suffered what was believed to be a heart attack.
Our thoughts are with family and friends.
Safety Advice – Possible toxic canisters washed up on our beaches

Media Release – Dated 17th September 2015 Poison canister warning The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is warning members of the public of the potential dangers posed by toxic canisters that have been reported washing up on Australian beaches. Since February
VFFA merchandise at never to be repeated prices

This is an excellent opportunity to grab a bargain. We are selling VFFA merchandise at ridiculously low prices.
