A multi-agency rescue effort has saved a puppy from a mine shaft at Maldon in recent days.

The CFA was called to a dog trapped down a mine shaft located off the South-Parkins Reef Road at Maldon on Father’s Day, Sunday September 3, just after 4.20pm.

​Firefighters found the dog ‘Marah’, a 12 month old Labrador, had fallen around 25 metres down the mine shaft.

Marah went missing during a Father’s Day bush walk and was found around 300 metres away from where the family were walking.

CFA’s specialist mine rescue team, Oscar One, was called to the scene.

​Atmospheric monitoring was undertaken while crews prepared to enter the mine.

​CFA, SES and FRV crews worked together to safely rescue Marah from the mine shaft.

The excited puppy was glad to be reunited with family and was lucky to have no injuries.

An alarming number of Victorians living in high-risk bushfire areas say they would stay at their properties until they felt threatened by a bushfire, or would wait for an official warning, a CFA survey has revealed.

CFA’s annual Bushfire Community Survey, undertaken since 2009-10, showed 30.9 per cent would wait for emergency authorities to tell them what to do, 28.6 per cent would stay until they felt threatened and 13.8 per cent would stay and defend their property. 

Victoria has experienced many damaging fire seasons in recent memory such as the February 2009 bushfires and the 2019-20 fires, and with the prediction of a warmer spring and earlier start to this year’s season, CFA is concerned that not enough people are preparing themselves for fire season and heeding CFA’s advice. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it’s concerning knowing around half of Victorians in high-risk bushfire areas are risking their lives if a bushfire was to occur. 

“Victoria has had quieter fire seasons the last few years but now is not the time for the community to become complacent,” CO Heffernan said. 

“And while our firefighters are always well prepared, your safety during fire season is a shared responsibility, so it’s vital that you understand your local risks and take actions to prepare your family and property. 

“We’ve seen in the recent release of the spring seasonal outlook that weather patterns are changing and we’re expecting warmer and drier conditions across the state leading up to summer.  

“Fires spread quickly and they threaten lives and properties. The community needs to be prepared and they need to know their triggers to act. Please don’t rely on one source of information, use the multiple channels available to you. Use common sense and protect yourself and your loved ones.” 

The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring released on 23 August outlined that fire risk in the coming months is expected to be normal across most parts of Victoria. 

The predicted development of an El Niño weather pattern will contribute to higher fire risk in some parts of Victoria this season compared to the last three years. 

“Now is the time to sit down with your family or household and make sure you have a bushfire survival plan. Practise this plan and be ready,” CO Heffernan said. 

“On hot, dry and windy days, don’t drive into or through high-risk areas. Plan an alternate route or postpone your travel if possible. Continue to monitor conditions every day.” 

The survey also showed 44.4 per cent believe CFA is responsible for protecting them during a bushfire, and 43.8 per cent say CFA is responsible for protecting their home.  

“We simply can’t get a truck to every house during a major bushfire. Fire safety is a joint effort and the community needs to also take on this responsibility when living in a bushfire prone area,” CO Heffernan said. 

“Our promise is to continue with our mission to protect lives and property and we are lucky to have some of the best firefighters in the world to do this.” 

Victorians should know where to find the best information to stay safe and never rely on just one source of information. 

Victoria’s integrated warning system includes the Vic Emergency website, app and social media channels, VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226, emergency broadcasters including ABC radio, Sky News TV, commercial radio and select community radio stations. 

Warnings are issued when an incident is occurring, and you need to act. Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings and additional messages such as ‘Evacuate Now’: 

• Advice – An incident is occurring or has occurred. Access information and monitor conditions. 
• Warning (Watch & Act) – An emergency is developing nearby. Conditions are changing and you need to act now to protect yourself and your family.
• Emergency Warning – You are in imminent danger and need to act now.
• Evacuation – An evacuation is recommended or procedures are in place to evacuate. 

We’re asking people to take the following actions: 

• Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
• Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
• Clear your gutters.
• Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
• Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
• Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
• Check that your home and contents insurance is current and includes a level of cover in line with current building standards and regulations.
• If you are burning off to remove green waste, register your burn-off online at Fire Permits Victoria at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or call ESTA on 1800 688 511.
• Make sure your household has a Bushfire Survival Plan. Find out how at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan. 

Victorians could see an increased number of fires leading into this summer, the CFA is already warning.

Victorians can expect a drier and warmer spring, with a high chance of an early start to the fire season in the central, western and northern parts of the state.

Victoria’s drier than average conditions are expected to continue, following below average rainfall across much of the state during winter, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring, released today.

Despite below average rainfalls for winter, grass growth is expected to be higher than usual following three years of wet La Niña conditions.

A strong drying trend in far east and central Gippsland has resulted in higher-than-normal potential for fires, including communities close to bushland, especially where vegetation was unburnt during the 2019-20 fires.

There is also a high likelihood that bushfire season will start earlier, compared to the past two years, across much of central, western and northern Victoria. Remaining parts of the state are expected to see normal fire potential. However, hot, windy conditions can still pose a fire risk.

Emergency services remain well prepared for emerging risks associated with the potential for an earlier start to bushfire season and will continue to monitor conditions.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) along with state and territory fire and land managers.

It’s important for communities to understand their local risks. You can keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan: “Victorians can expect a warmer spring and earlier start to the fire season this year, however, CFA crews across the state are prepared to protect their communities once again.”

“Our members are continuously working very closely with their communities and our interagency partners to prepare for the high-risk weather season.”

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and Victorians, so we urge people to begin preparing their family and property for the upcoming fire season.”

Victoria’s fire services are calling on households to keep the safety of their electrical equipment front of mind after a recent clothes dryer fire destroyed a home.

Firefighters responded to the dryer fire in Berwick which started in the middle of the night earlier this month. Thankfully the three residents escaped unharmed, but firefighters worked for 30 minutes to control the blaze, which had extended through the roof space and quickly engulfed the whole house.

The CFA is warning that once a house fire starts it can spread rapidly and engulf your home in a matter of minutes. By adopting fire-safe habits and reducing potential hazards there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and the people you live with.

In an average year, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) respond to more than 3,000 residential fire incidents across the state. Too many of which are preventable.

Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman, AFSM said Victorians should be wary of overloaded power boards, phone and laptop chargers and electric blankets.

“Electrical hazards in the home are a common cause for house fires these days, but you can greatly reduce your risk by taking some simple safety measures,” Commissioner Freeman AFSM said.

“Make sure you’re not overloading power boards. Don’t leave your phone charging overnight. And never put electrical appliances like hair straighteners and laptops on soft surfaces.

“Take the time to service your ducted heating and clean your range hood and oven regularly, prevention is the best policy when it comes to fire safety.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Berwick dryer fire is a relatable reminder to residents to check their appliances are in good working order with good air flow around them.

“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances,” CO Heffernan said.

“No one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but CFA attended 137 electrical fires last year and we’ve already responded to 84 this year.”

“To prevent a fire from igniting, take the time to check your home office is set up safely, with no loose cables, overloaded power boards or double adaptors and switch off any appliances at the wall when they’re not being used.”

For as little as $20, households can help safeguard their homes and loved ones by purchasing and installing affordable smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas.

Remember, for electrical appliances:   

• Using damaged electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire. Only use appliances in good working order. 
• Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use and ensure your home office is set up safely.
• Don’t use double adaptors.
• Only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload or have loose cables, and check regularly for damage.
• Ensure monitors, laptops, televisions and other equipment have good air flow around them and are not in confined spaces or covered.  
• Only use certified electrical trades people to repair damaged/faulty electrical appliances, wiring or equipment.
• Do not charge electrical devices like phones and laptops on soft surfaces such as couches and beds.
• If you are going away on holiday, make sure to turn off power to electrical appliances and let a neighbour know you are away. 

A gaping hole was left in a property when a car crashed through through the walls in recent days.

CFA crews from Hastings Fire Brigade responded to the runaway car over the weekend (August 12-13), after it crashed through a house leaving a gaping hole in the wall. 

Working together with Bittern Fire Brigade, Langwarrin Fire Brigade, Hastings SES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, crews were able to isolate the power to the house before approaching the vehicle once it was deemed safe to do so as the ignition to the car was still turned on.  

Captain of Hastings Fire Brigade, Craig Densley said, “When we arrived, Police were already on scene and the driver was attempting to get out of the vehicle, with an off-duty nurse assisting police and trying to assess the driver for injuries.” 

 “It was fortunate that the house was fitted with an electrical safety switch that tripped the power as multiple walls of the house were impacted, and the result could have been worse.” 

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, however the driver is believed to have suffered a medical episode leading up to the collision. 

A fire that engulfed a shed in Kyneton’s Warren Street earlier this month was successfully contained by the quick actions of more than 30 firefighters.

The quick response ensured the fire, that broke out on Monday August 14, didn’t spread to neighboring buildings, and support from brigades including Woodend, Carlsruhe, Tylden and Macedon was crucial to control the situation.

The incident was reported to Triple Zero shortly before 4pm and crews arrived swiftly. They were faced with a shed and fencing well alight, and explosions were occurring.

A vehicle, multiple boats, and trailers were consumed by the intense blaze. Fortunately, there was only one minor injury to a resident.

The power company, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria attended the incident.

“Our firefighters did a great job to contain the fire within about 20 minutes and prevent further spreading to nearby buildings,” Incident Controller Josh Gamble said.

The CFA fire investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a faulty lithium battery power hub, and it was confirmed that the fire was not suspicious.

This incident serves as a significant reminder to the community regarding safety precautions. Incident Controller Gamble stressed that while the occupant had followed all lithium battery handling protocols, it is important to purchase only compatible, Australian-certified batteries or chargers from reputable Australian retailers.

Also, do not leave batteries or devices unattended while charging and ensure they are charged on a sturdy, non-combustible surface with proper ventilation.

With the warmer weather approaching, CFA encourages the public to check sheds and garages to make sure that flammable liquids are stored in appropriate containers. Proper storage should be in a well-ventilated area, clear of electrical equipment and other potential heat and ignition sources.

Retirement for Warragul local, Vaughan Fox, was going to be all about pottering around in his shed, building a wooden boat and learning to weld.

That was four years ago. Vaughan, 73, is now the secretary of CFA’s Warragul Fire Brigade and he has written a book about the brigade’s history to coincide with the 140^th anniversary this month.

When the brigade was discussing the 140^th anniversary a year ago a conversation came up between Captain Tyler Hogan and Vaughn.

“I had written my family history and I showed the Captain and he said you are the man to write the brigade’s history,” Vaughan said.

“You have to know your history. They have to know what it was like, how things evolved – to me it’s important.”

To celebrate the milestone, a dinner and awards ceremony was held on Saturday 12 August at the Warragul Downtowner where several long service awards were handed out. These included two CFA life membership awards to Brian Brewer (45 years service) and Graeme Minns (30 years service) and three National Emergency Medals to Bradley Hogan, Timothy Pritchard and Graeme Minns.

The history of the Warragul Fire Brigade began in 1883 in Queens Street, Warragul. In 1902 the brigade moved to the lower part of Smith Street and then to the top end of Smith Street in 1930.

In 2000 the brigade moved to Gladstone Street, Warragul, which is where they remain today.

Today the brigade boasts 65 members with 43 operational firefighters, four trucks including a Hazmat vehicle. The brigade responds to about 280 calls per year.

Warragul Captain, Tyler Hogan, said the 140^th anniversary was a significant milestone and it was important to collate the brigade’s history.

“The history was all starting to get a bit lost, but this book collates it all and we can keep the information centralised,” Tyler said.

The book outlines, in chronological order, from 1883 to the current day. Vaughan went through the old newspapers to piece together the history.

As for artefacts there is an old bell that the brigade believes dates back to 1893. The bell is now symbolic and hangs in the station. There is also a letter that the Warragul founding Captain wrote to the council in 1883. The Warragul and District Historical Society had a copy and this will now be framed and hung in the station.

To order a copy of the Warragul Fire Brigade book contact the brigade.

The Geelong West Fire Brigade has been a long-standing piece of CFA history, marking its 140th year of protecting lives and property earlier this month.

Formed in 1883, the brigade has evolved into an active, strong, volunteer-based fire brigade and community asset. 

A couple of weekends ago, the brigade’s annual dinner and award presentation was attended by CFA Board Member Beth Davidson, CFA A/Deputy Chief Officer South West Adrian Gutsche, Captain Paul Cockerill and members from neighbouring brigades. 

Paul said it was great to gather with so many community-focused people to reflect on the rich history of the brigade. 

“It was wonderful to hear the colourful stories about the brigade shared around the room,” he said. 

“I’ve been a member of the brigade since 1998 and to me, the brigade has always been about giving back to the community and protecting our local area. 

“It’s really rewarding to be part of a welcoming, tight-knit group that has community safety front-of-mind. 

“Our brigade is strong and active and many of our members have made life-long friendships during and after their time with the brigade, which is a testament to sort of people who’ve been part of our history.”  

The brigade currently has 56 members and attend approximately 240 incidents annually. 

It operates one pumper, one tanker and one forward command vehicle. 

Group Delegate Brendan Robertson reflected on how far the brigade has come over time. 

“Our brigade history is so vast and its remarkable how far firefighting safety equipment and technology has come,” he said. 

“When looking back at photos of myself at fires decades ago, I noticed I was wearing jeans and sometimes sneakers, and it’s amazing to reflect on how much has changes and how great our gear is now. 

“You wouldn’t dream of being at a fire now without the proper safety gear, which is so important.” 

Brendan also said the brigade is in great hands and has a bright future ahead of it. 

“I’m very impressed with the leadership of the brigade,” he said. 

“They have a group that is active and passionate about doing the right thing for their community.” 

This year also marks another significant moment in the brigade’s history, being 25 years on since the tragic loss of five Geelong West firefighters in the Linton fire in 1998. 

The brigade will mark the anniversary later this year with a memorial service which will be open to the public. 

The brigade will honour the lives of Christopher Evans, Jason Thomas, Matthew Armstrong, Stuart Davidson and Garry Vredeveldt at the event. 

More than 500 collective years of service was celebrated at the South Gippsland Group of Fire Brigades’ annual dinner last month.

Volunteers and locals across the region gathered at the Toora Fire Brigade that this year celebrate their station’s 90-year anniversary.

The township’s character stems back to when the community first purchased the station site at Gray Street for 500 pounds, with the backing of the butcher, baker, and barber.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of eight National Emergency Medals awarded by the Governor General recognising diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances.

CFA General Group Manager Support Services Kylee Bates, supported by Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Emma Conway presented National Medals to Foster brigade members, David Chapman, Robert Powell, James McIntyre 1st clasp, Ronald Fisher 3rd clasp and Toora’s Ken Roche, Graham Pattie, Michael Benton, and Ray Argento 1st clasp.

A CFA Life Membership was presented to Bryan Duffus of Fish Creek & District Fire Brigade. Bryan first joined CFA as a junior over 60 years ago and has diligently served in the brigade, undertaking a range of duties including 1st Lieutenant and general firefighting.

“Bryan is highly regarded by members within the brigade and the Group and by members of neighbouring brigades,” A/ACFO Conway said.

“He has regularly acted as a conduit between the brigade to other parts of the community and assists with driving duties at Foster Fire Brigade where he is equally as highly regarded.

“New members and those less experienced have often asked his counsel on operational and procedural matters.”

Closing out the evening, saw outgoing Toora brigade manager Bob Morris presented with a certificate signed by his friends and colleagues at Toora Fire Brigade thanking him for his dedication in the role. Lieutenants Alex Berry and Nigel Plowright cut the celebratory cake that was generously donated to the brigade by a grateful community member.

Special certificates and Brigade Life Memberships were presented by Foster Captain David Jones for Brian Mellor, James McIntyre and Paula Crossley, while service medals recognising dedicated years of service to CFA and communities was presented by Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Emma Conway.

The night of 18 September 2022 could very well have been remembered in a very different light if not for the actions of Barnawartha Fire Brigade volunteers Jaymee Faz and Grant Pimm.

A cold and miserable night changed dramatically when a structure fire started on main street, Barnawartha. The actions of Jaymee and Grant went a long way to saving the lives of their neighbours that night.

To recognise their extraornary effort, Barnawartha brigade nominated both for a Citizen’s Commendation and the awrd was presented at Barnawartha brigade’s annual dinner on 12 August at the Star hotel in Barnawartha – an establishment which has its own history having been significantly damaged by fire in 2006.

Attended by 60 members and their families, the significance of the Citizen’s Commendation was not lost on the audience. 

Nor was the presentation of service medals to brigade members which amounted to a total of 965 years of service to the community. 

Combined with the presentation of National Emergency Medals to five members and 2nd clasps for the National Medal to three other members meant that CFA Board Member Ross Coyle had a busy night.

With Commander Trevor Logan being assisted by Brigade Administrative Support Officer Tony Cattermole, the presentations to the 32 recipients went seamlessly. 

Special mention and thanks goes to the photographer on the night. Hudson Weber, who cannot wait to join the brigade and stand alongside his three brothers and parents who are already serving their community. Being a fairly typical nine-year-old, Hudson had no trouble at all getting smiles for the camera.

Brigade Captain Xavier Stanford welcomed all and spoke about the contributions made by members over the past 12 months. He talked about not only the number of brigade turnouts, but also the many other areas the brigade members were involved in. Barnawartha brigade members represent VFBV at state level, are involved in the Rutherglen Group and are members of the District 23 and 24 peer team.

To prepare for the upcoming fire season, Malmsbury and Taradale Fire Brigade members recently met with Coliban Water to better understand the water supply in their region.

Brigade members were made aware of different water sources to help fight fires.

Coliban Water’s Network Services Manager Nathalie Lopez and Water and Sewer Planning Coordinator Paul Vickery presented to the eager volunteers in recent weeks.

Throughout the recent informative training session, Malmsbury brigade volunteer Philip Flanagan said they learned about the Coliban Water supply systems and how they function across Taradale, Elphinstone, Malmsbury, and Kyneton.

“We were shown maps of the various water sources, including dams such as the Upper Coliban and Malmsbury, and the pipeline and aqueduct networks for all those areas,” Philip said.

“We went through where the systems were boosted and the location of additional water holdings in tanks and towers.

“We identified areas that had particularly higher and lower pressures, and what we could expect in certain circumstances when required out on the fireground.”

Drawing on their experiences from previous fire incidents, members took the opportunity to ask key questions about the systems.

“It was fantastic to understand how the Upper Coliban dam syphons to much of Kyneton, but also has a branch line down to Malmsbury,” he said.

“With the majority of the area siphoning off dams, we were also made aware of additional pumping facilities.

“Having this knowledge greatly increases our ability to source water supply to efficiently fight fires.”

Nathalie and Paul highlighted some of the improvements that are planned for the systems over the next few years, particularly around Elphinstone, to improve water pressure.

Following the success of the session, members suggested the training be repeated every two years to refresh members’ knowledge, inform new members and ensure all are aware of system developments.

Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive thanked Coliban Water for the enlightening presentation and for the recent $5000 grant provided to the brigade as part of its Community Rebate scheme.

The money will be used to buy lightweight, battery-operated chainsaws, a high intensity light and batteries, and eight e-flares for roadside incident visibility and safety.

If fire brigades were assigned a number, Kangaroo Flat Fire Brigade would be number 16, reason being, it was the sixteenth brigade to join the Country Fire Brigades Board 150 years ago.

According to newspaper reports at the time, the formation of the brigade in 1873 coincided with a boost in police resources across the township, following residents’ concerns about a rise in crime at the time. 

Forever tied together in history, the local partnership between the fire brigade and police unit continued for over 80 years, with the first engine house located within the police reserve on Short Street, Kangaroo Flat. 

The brigade called Short Street home until the construction of a new fire station on Station Street in 1956. After the brigade outgrew this site, they relocated to a modern, purpose-built station on Helm Street in 2015 and the brigade continues to respond from this site to this day. 

With assistance from fellow fire brigade enthusiasts, brigade member and 3rd Lieutenant Ben Miller has documented the brigade’s history in a book titled The Remarkable History of the Kangaroo Flat Fire Brigade, which was launched at a brigade dinner earlier this month. 

At the anniversary dinner, Chief Officer Jason Heffernan received a copy of this book.  

In response, Chief Officer Heffernan presented the brigade with a 150-year anniversary plaque, a significant piece of memorabilia which will be proudly displayed at the station.

While their mission is to protect lives and property, Kangaroo Flat Fire Brigade has a long and proud history of competing in State Championships, with the earliest known brigade running team dating back to 1890. 

Captain James O’Brien said competing in Champs is still an important part of brigade life for current members of the running team. 

“Competing in these events is a testament to the strong sense of camaraderie and pride among our brigade members. It’s not just about winning; it’s about showcasing our skills, discipline, and teamwork,” said James. 

With the community at the centre of everything they do, celebrations stretched across the whole weekend, culminating with a brigade open day on Sunday. James said the pinnacle of the weekends celebrations was opening the doors of the station to the community.

“It was fantastic to see the community enjoy all the activities on Sunday, especially after nine months of hard work and planning,” he said. 

“We had the obligatory sausage sizzle, as well as a jumping castle and face painting for the kids. There were also station tours and displays from our multi agency partners. 

“However, the highlight of the day was the brigade procession from Dower Park to the station on Helm Street, where neighbouring brigades joined Kangaroo Flat members in celebrating this momentous occasion.” 

Research shows that people with a disability are two to four times more likely to die in a disaster than the general population.  

In addition, national house fire fatality research from 2003 to 2017 found that 62 per cent of fatalities were people with a disability. These statistics have provided a clear direction for this project. Addressing the gaps that people with a disability experience to improve their fire and emergency preparedness are truly worth investing in, because nobody should be left behind.

CFA is leading the EMV grant funded project alongside Australian Red Cross, DARU (Disability Advocacy and Resource Unit), VCOSS (Victorian Council of Social Services), local councils and the University of Sydney.  

The ‘Clearing the path to disability inclusive fire and emergency planning’ project aims to address two distinct but interrelated gaps:

• People with a disability have traditionally not been well included in community-level fire and disaster preparedness. 
• People with a disability have had limited access to emergency planning programs and resources that help tailor their plan to their support needs and situation.

The project has two key elements. The first brings together local communities to build awareness and drive actions. This includes engaging those at higher risk in the communities so they can be better supported in emergency planning. The second element delivers targeted programs that enable people at higher risk to develop workable emergency plans tailored to their specific needs and situations.  

We know that improving fire and emergency planning with people at higher risk takes a coordinated approach.  As a result, the delivery is centred within local government areas (LGAs) alongside CFA, Red Cross and other local partners. 

As part of the grant funding this includes City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Mitchell Shire, Casey Council, Wellington Shire and Surf Coast and Colac Otway (as a shared location). Frankston Council and Yarra Ranges Council were part of the initial pilot prior to this project and will continue to be supported.

Now we are starting to see the results of the project. Six Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning (DIEP) workshops at the local government level were delivered between May and July 2023. These workshops brought together more than 150 people from emergency services, disability advocacy and support organisations, local council, individuals with lived experience, and carers to work on how to improve local planning.  

“Now I have heard this today, I can’t unthink it,” said one of the participants. Another commented, “It makes you stop and think, that this is really an area we need to focus on”.  Local champions emerge, connections are formed, and change begins.

The aim is now to pair the DIEP with delivery of an emergency planning service at the household level.  Local councils refer people that may need extra support to develop a fire and emergency plan. The Emergency Planning Advice Service (EPAS) is then co-delivered by CFA and Red Cross and in some locations alongside other partners such as SES. 

Those who are delivering the household service are trained in a person-centred approach called Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness, co-developed by the University of Sydney with people who have a disability. Over 50 CFA, Red Cross and SES members have been trained to use this approach and deliver EPAS in the past few months.  

EPAS facilitator and CFA members Greg Callaghan explained how EPAS benefits community members.

“It might be said that EPAS improves the potential outcomes for just one person at higher risk at a time. This is somewhat true – but not entirely, when outcomes for carers, support workers and families are also considered,” Greg said

“The EPAS approach might be compared with community engagement activities that engage lots of people at the same time, and which may be seen as more impactful. However, this thinking needs to be reconsidered, as it’s actually people at higher risk who are more likely to be injured or killed in a fire or other emergency. 

“So supporting these individuals at higher risk to be safer can have a dramatic impact on reducing the toll from fire and other emergencies.”    

People with a disability manage every day to overcome inaccessible environments and overcome barriers. These are strengths that people with a disability bring to emergency preparedness. Harnessing these strengths and building on them to create workable emergency plans is how the new EPAS plans to operate. 

Evaluating EPAS and the impact it has on individual community members will be critical in determining the program’s future.

As identical twin brothers, there was always competition growing up, but as soon the Drennan duo hit CFA, their purpose became solely focused on serving their communities.

It all started at CFA’s Mooroolbark Fire Station back in 2007, where Mark Drennan walked through the doors for the first time as a firefighter, followed closely by brother Brad in 2008.

It was seeing their dad’s yellow overalls at the end of the bed every day in their early years that motivated Mark and Brad to first get involved in CFA.

“As a young kid, it was inspiring being around our father’s involvement in Yarra Junction CFA,” Mark said.

“The family aspect of CFA is great. I encourage all families if you can get into CFA, or if your loved ones are already in, to be part of it with them, join the journey with them.”

The brothers continued to match each other’s strides, both being elected as Captain at their respective brigades this year, with Mark at Mooroolbark and Brad in Bright.

“We are identical twins, although we don’t look like it now, but growing up we were very similar,” Mark said.

“People see Drennan on the back of the helmet and are always getting us confused. We find it funny when people yell out and we both answer. 

“Even though Brad’s moved to Bright, still to this day people will call me his name on the fireground.

“We’ve had a bit of fun over the years, seeing who can get the hose off the truck first, who can put the breathing apparatus gear on the quickest – I win most times.”

Friendly banter aside, both brothers particularly enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves while also adding value to their everyday work – Mark being an Engineering Surveyor and Brad working for Alpine Shire in Emergency Management and Occupational Health and Safety.

“We can be quite competitive from a personal point of view, but when the pager goes off, we are very professional and straight down the line, we know our tasks and we feed off each other well in the field.” Brad said.

“Coming from the Alpine Shire up in north east Victoria, we’re a very tight community and we’re very bushfire prone, so that planning and preparedness and community resilience for me is why I like to serve my community.

“I think for us both, it’s all about having a strong family connection. We bounce off each other a lot, help each other through training courses and are supportive after incidents as well.”

The twins look forward to taking on their next exciting challenge as Captains of their brigades and will utilise their long CFA history and knowledge to further protect and serve their local community.

It’s time to recognise a CFA member you believe deserves to be honoured by nominating them for an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

CFA volunteer and Board member Dawn Hartog AFSM (pictured above) recently reflected on receiving an AFSM in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours:

“I had to re-read the email three times to make sure it was correct,” she said.

“I then thought of all of the people before me who have been awarded an AFSM – the award that is the highest accolade we can receive in the sector – and I was humbled that I was considered for such an award.

“I still feel like I have so much to give and being recognised for what I have already contributed is a true honour.”

The AFSM recognises people in the fire services whose roles are inherently more hazardous than others, acknowledging the contribution they have made to their community in the protection of lives and property through their time at CFA.

It can also be awarded for the development of programs or initiatives and the delivery of training and education in support of fellow members on the frontline. Anyone can nominate a CFA member they know deserves to be honoured.