Articles – Page 34 – Volunteer Fire Fighters Association

Indigenous Cool Burn a Revelation

Vegetation Management Officer Phil Hawkey describes himself as “on a journey” as he increases his knowledge of Aboriginal traditional burning.

It began three years ago when Phil attended a traditional burning workshop in Orange, New South Wales.

“That was the lightbulb moment,” says Phil, “I tell people I’ve found something new that’s 30,000 years old. It’s done with method, with science, with great care,”

His knowledge took a giant step forward when he attended a traditional burning workshop in Cape York with Group Officer Len Timmins. Then in its ninth year, each workshop moves location. It means that, for his return to Cape York this month, there will be new lessons to learn amid different topography and vegetation.

You Own the Fuel, but Who Owns the Fire?

This post contains a legal assessment of the question “You Own the Fuel, but Who Owns the Fire?” by Mr Michael Eburn (whom we have much respect).

The VFFA would like our readers to consider not only the legal ramifications but the consequence of failing to properly manage fuel loading.

VFFA AGM and Ordinary Meeting – Sat 5th August 2017

A VFFA Annual General Meeting is being held at the Parkview Hotel, 281 Summer St, Orange NSW on Saturday August 5th, 2017 from 10.00am to 11:00am.
It will be followed by an ordinary meeting from 11.00am to 5.00pm at the same venue with a lunch break in the Services Club Bistro from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
The VFFA would love to see our members, supporters and special guests attend this important event.

A chat with Shoalhaven FnB about Bullying

VFFA President, Mick Holton had a chat about bullying and harassment with the Shoalhaven FnB Team.
The most important date to remember is the closing date, get your submissions in before the 23rd July 2017.

Inquiry into Emergency Services Agencies close on 23rd July 2017

This post includes a VFFA video that was created to help promote the NSW Legislative Council, Upper House Committee inquiry into Emergency Services Agencies.

Submissions close on the 23rd July 2017.

This inquiry is not limited the the RFS. It is looking at bullying, harassment and discrimination in all emergency service agencies as well as relocation of the NSW RFS head office or Headquarters to a regional location.

Private Fire Fighting Units

We are seeing an increase in privately owned fire fighting equipment across Australia as rural people are deciding to ‘go it alone’. In NSW, farmers are working with their neighbours to provide fire protection that was once coordinated and supported by the state of NSW.

We are also seeing a trend where the NSW RFS is holding fire crews back from active firefighting activities because they are concerned about the safety of their volunteers. At the same time, the RFS is determined to stop the freelance firefighters and local land owners from battling the fires without the RFS.

The Hon. Robert Borsak MLC talks about bullying, harassment and discrimination

Radio 2UUU morning host, Barry Mac talks to the Hon. Robert Borsak MLC (Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party) about the inquiry into and report on emergency services agencies with a focus upon:

1. Bullying, harassment and discrimination
2. Support structures in place to assist victims
3. Support services available to emergency services workers and volunteers with related mental health issues
4. The appropriateness of uniforms provided to personnel in emergency services agencies
5. The relocation of the New South Wales Rural Fire Services Headquarters to Orange, Dubbo or Parkes

Submissions close on the 23rd July 2017

Please don’t remain silent, the VFFA is prepared to assist where possible and we have been assured that a range of protective measures can be applied if you are worried about retribution.

The future of volunteering in fire and emergency services (Australia wide)

A newsletter (from the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades WA Inc) clearly highlights that volunteer firefighters in Western Australia are endangered unless radical changes to the existing city-centric management occur. The VFFA continues to campaign to protect the future of volunteer firefighters in New South Wales from the same demise.

The decline of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has been documented in their own financial reports.

… our diverse volunteer family needs specialist understanding and better support… something that a city-centric, para-military bureaucracy simply can not deliver.

Put the RURAL back into the Rural Fire Service.

PPE must be provided by the RFS

Concerned volunteer shares an email with us…

Members of the Central Coast District were advised via email on Friday 26th May that the RFS has no stocks of current PPC and if new members require gear they will have to beg or borrow PPC from other members.

Our 2017 Winter edition (big glossy) magazine is almost ready

We are all very excited about the latest edition of the VFFA magazine.

Shane Bryant on KANGAROO COURT PART 3June 9, 2026
This is not an isolated incident as I was a HSR who was was stood down, an illegal action under…
Izza on Public inquiry into allegations concerning NSW RFS catering supply and other mattersMay 10, 2026
Important and transparent look at the public inquiry into NSW RFS catering and supply matters—pair that governance‑aware attitude with the…
Afyda on The Uniform Debacle ContinuesMay 10, 2026
Funny and relatable take on the “uniform debacle” for volunteer firefighters—pair that frontline‑gear talk with the tech‑in‑education journey from Telkom…
David on The Uniform Debacle ContinuesApril 24, 2026
Still a problem ,how the “powers that be “fail to acknowledge and decide on uniform representation for Volunteers . National…
FireWatchDad on KANGAROO COURT PART 3April 18, 2026
That’s a really frustrating situation. It’s unacceptable that those concerns weren’t addressed – proper oversight is so important.