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Message from DCO Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke

CFA Digital Library / https://digitallibrary.cfa.vic.gov.au CFA Digital Library / https://digitallibrary.cfa.vic.gov.au

 

We have reached the end of 2024, and it has been another big year in training for CFA.

 

While it hasn’t been without its challenges, we have made huge leaps forward in developing high-quality and contemporary training offerings that support you to perform your roles safely and are suited to your needs - offered in places and modes that work for you.  

This work program has helped us tick off more of the recommendations of the AFAC Review into Training and the Training Enhancement Program items. 

These improvements are the result of a lot of work and dedication from every corner of the training team including regional and district Learning and Development teams, CFA instructors, Brigade and Group Training Coordinators, as well as the Operational Doctrine and Training team.  

Here is a snapshot of the key achievements for this year: 

  • Introduction of new Training Pathways to provide guidance for members in their training and skills development 
  • Launch of General Firefighter 2.0 after thorough review and redevelopment of existing program 
  • Return of Fireline Leadership and delivery of Strike Team Leader course  
  • Development and delivery of Fire Medical Response course 
  • New contracts established for Virtual Reality-based training and First Aid training 
  • Introduction of LLN assessments for new members to better support your learning needs   
  • Greater support for instructors with new learner tablets and helmets as well as instructor conferences held across the state  
  • Development of training policies and procedures to guide consistency in training development 
  • Official opening of new fire investigation training facility at Huntly VEMTC – the first of its kind in Australasia - and return of fire investigation training 
  • Use of our VEMTCs increased across the state 
  • Transfer of all learning materials and skills and endorsement information to the Learning Hub (LMS) to ensure there is one source of truth and major work ensure the LMS is a stable and reliable system 
  • Delivery of five new driver training trucks and three driver educator courses including a women-only course 
  • Celebration for 40 years of Wangaratta VEMTC 
  • Second successive year of deployment of CFA instructors to Northern Territory to deliver foundational firefighting training 
  • Development of newsletter to provide key stakeholders such as instructors with targeted training information and updates 

None of the successes of this year would be possible without our people.  

Our volunteers and staff have worked extremely hard in often challenging circumstances, and I know at times it may have been difficult to see the significant progress being made across the training and doctrine portfolio. We know how important training is to all our members and we share with you high aspirations for how great training at CFA can be. 

You will continue to see improvements in Training in 2025 as we build some of the foundational work completed this year, including the redevelopment of the Learning Hub.    

We will increase the amount of driver training on offer across the state and commence work on the design requirements of a driver simulator to improve Code 1 driver training. 

New change room facilities will be installed at some of our training grounds, and we will be investigating the viability of a Compartment Firefighting training facility to enhance member training in hot firefighting.  

There are also a number of key courses in the final stages of testing.   

There is a lot to look forward to. 

Thank you for your patience, resilience, constructive feedback and passion in 2024, and I trust that we will continue to deliver a better training journey for our members in 2025.  

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, a safe New Year and a 2025 that is full of joy, adventure and learning. 

The delivery of training at CFA does continue throughout the fire danger period (FDP), and while regional training campuses will close during the holiday season, they will re-open mid-January. 

Brigades and Groups are encouraged to continue to work with their District Training Coordinators (CLDs) to schedule training based on risk and operational requirements as we move into the new year. 

 

 

Submitted by DCO Operational Doctrine and Training, Rohan Luke