Message from the CEO and Chief Officer

Photo by Russell Day, Kernot-Grantville Fire Brigade

 

The current flood emergency is continuing to require significant effort from our volunteers and staff as we work side by side with VICSES, the Australian Defence Force and our emergency services partners to keep communities safe.

 

CFA members are continuing to operate in flood-impacted areas of Victoria, providing much-needed assistance in a range of prevention, relief and recovery activities. In true community spirit, our people have worked through the day and night to rescue and help residents pump water away from homes and businesses, fill and transport sandbags, build and monitor levy banks and clean out inundated properties and critical infrastructure - all while continuing to ensure capability to respond to incidents in their own patch. 

On average, about 100 CFA members and more than 30 appliances are still on the ground each day supporting the response effort. Other staff and volunteers are providing their skills and expertise in our Incident, Regional and State Control centres. We expect that our members will continue to assist in the flood effort for at least eight more weeks as we move from the immediate response period into the recovery and clean-up phase.  

While we continue to support the flood emergency, we have experienced a period of warmer weather this week, which led to a High Fire Danger rating in the Mallee and Wimmera on Wednesday, the first since the introduction of the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. The warmer weather is a timely reminder that the summer fire season is fast approaching, and the state’s first Fire Danger Period will commence in the Mildura Rural City Council area on 21 November.   

Despite this, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a return of heavy rainfall from this Saturday and leading into next week. While some locations are beginning the process of recovery and clean up, several Victorian communities are still experiencing major flooding and we are yet to see the flow-on impact of major flooding in NSW into our own river systems. Key areas of concern include Swan Hill, Mildura, Echuca, Torrumbarry Weir, Barham, Kenley and Koondrook, and the many other communities along the impacted river systems.

We know that many of you have been impacted by the floods through loss and damage to your homes, businesses and farms. There are support options available to help with housing, household bills, legal support and access to local services, as well as assistance to return to your home if it has been damaged or destroyed. More information on the payments available and the application processes, is available on the EMV website. A support package has also been made available for farmers and primary producers through Rural Finance.   

Volunteers who have responded to the flood emergency, and who have been activated for more than 24 hours, are also eligible to claim reimbursement for expenses of up to $300 without receipts. More information on this payment will be made available in the coming days. You can view our FAQs on Members Online.  

There is some work ahead of us, and fatigue management now becomes a big focus. It’s important if you are being deployed that you prepare beforehand, are aware of your limitations and ensure you can have adequate rest after you return home. We encourage you to speak to your captain or immediate supervisor if you are fatigued so appropriate steps can be taken to support you.

In addition, the impact of what members have seen and experienced may not hit until after they have returned home from deployment. Please take advantage of the range of support we have available at CFA including our Member Wellbeing services if you feel like you are not okay or just need to talk about what you have experienced. Access our wellbeing services by calling 1800 959 232 or by visiting the Wellbeing Hub.

We once again thank our members for their commitment, dedication and determination in supporting communities in their time of need. This is the spirit of CFA and the reason why our people are held in the highest regard by the people of Victoria.

 

 

Submitted by	CEO Natalie MacDonald and Chief Officer Jason Heffernan