The ICAC is investigating allegations concerning alleged corrupt payments related to the supply of catering and other products to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) between 2009 and 2015.
The Uniform Debacle Continues
It would seem as thought the Commissioner exercised his ability to determine what a volunteer can wear by way of ceasing the supply of the blue shirt and where is the NSW RFS Uniform Protocol Manual that was referred to back in November 2012.
Disconnect between RFS management and volunteers
The suggestion of a disconnect between NSW RFS fire ground management and volunteer members is based upon submissions made by people, including many volunteers.
Putting the Rural back into the Rural Fire Service
There is no better time that “Right Now” to implement State Government changes that can help put the “Rural” back into the “Rural Fire Service”.
Relocation of the Rural Fire Service Head Office was always inevitable and now that the public has been informed of the pending relocation, perhaps it is timely to look at decentralisation.
Moree sparks debate on emergency volunteers
Councillor John Tramby raised the issue at last week’s council meeting, saying rural firefighters were not only volunteering their time to save lives and properties – sometimes they were taking a financial hit to do so.
Congratulations to the NSW Government
The VFFA is very pleased to see that the NSW State Government has created separate Police and Emergency Services portfolios and we would like to congratulate the two Ministers as they embark upon the management of their respective roles.
Liberal MP David Elliott becomes the new Emergency Services Minister
Now the Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP is responsible for all emergency services in NSW after being announced as the new Emergency Services Minister today.
It’s a significant step up, but Mr Elliott is looking forward to steering the portfolio in the right direction.
Round them up and move them out – Lock it up and burnt it out
This article is republished as a tribute to Laurie Norton who passed away on Wednesday 18th March 2015. Laurie created the article for the April 2009 edition of the VFFA Magazine.
Laurie was a foundation member of the VFFA and our first treasurer. When Laurie spoke everybody listened. He was a man of great knowledge and conviction. He will be sadly missed.
“If only these people could work with nature – not against it… It is no longer an open pristine alpine area, but a mutilated jungle”
Health & Safety Alert – Portable Butane Cookers
NSW Fair Trading has issued on 04 March 2015 a Public warning on portable butane ‘lunchbox’ cookers that relates to safety issues with these specific cookers, including overheating.
1. All portable butane ‘lunchbox’ style cookers are to be immediately removed from service, labelled appropriately and quarantined.
2. No further purchasing of portable butane ‘lunchbox’ cookers is to occur for use within the NSW RFS until further notice.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott rewarded for a decade of RFS service
Prime Minister, Tony Abbott was awarded a medal for his volunteer work at Davidson Rural Fire Brigade, where he regularly volunteers.
The Daily Telegraph captures the moment with photos and text.