Training weekend for operational leaders

 

Emerald Fire Brigade member Nick Waldron gives his account of a successful training exercise for operational leaders.

 

On 24 and 25 October, CFA members travelled in convoy to Woods Point for a training weekend for strike team leaders (STL), assistant STL and crew leaders. The training was an opportunity for CFA members to practise scenarios and build teamwork.

We met at Silvan Fire Station with six field command vehicles (FCVs), an equipment and swag trailer, and a commander’s car driven by Commander Blake Ross, who joined us for the day. Our group included 22 brigade members, organiser Stuart Parker ex Silvan Captain, ex Group Officer Dandenong Ranges and highly experienced STL, assistants Aaron Carlton and Shane Murphy, and me with my camera.

Everyone arrived by 8.30am, eager to learn, exchange ideas and gain experience despite Saturday’s poor weather and an even worse forecast for Sunday.

Stuart outlined the activities and objectives. Members would take turns wearing the STL tabard and rotate between vehicles. After each task or scenario, crews would gather for an after-action review before moving on. The convoy would follow the buddy system, with each driver waiting for the vehicle behind to catch up. Spatial Map and map reference points would support navigation, while the lead vehicle selected the best route.

Several vehicles had Starlink, enabling the group to use new technology: the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). This multipurpose system’s GPS and mapping features were tested during the weekend, providing turn-by-turn directions, route tracking and the locations of critical assets such as fire hydrants and job sites.

Setting off

We left Silvan Fire Station for our first stop, Healesville Football Ground - a familiar staging area for many of us. Undercover at the pavilion, we discussed the scenario and agreed on a suitable outcome. After changing STL, we continued to Narbethong Fire Station for another scenario, then headed to Marysville for lunch.

Lunch at Marysville

We collected lunch and gathered at the covered BBQ area at Gallipoli Football Ground. Glen Fiske, Captain of Marysville Fire Brigade during the 2009 Black Saturday fires, joined us to share his experiences and answer questions. We appreciated his time and insights.

Nearly at Woods Point

With another change of STL and vehicle crews, we set off for Woods Point. Along the way, we inspected an old fire shelter for forestry workers - what we now call a bushfire bunker. We arrived late Saturday afternoon and were welcomed by Woods Point Fire Brigade Captain Andrew Merlo. It was a pleasure to see Andrew again after many years. He had been a fellow member of my brigade, Emerald, before retiring to Woods Point.

After settling in, we crossed the road to the RSL for a wonderful dinner prepared by Andrew’s partner, Toots, and her helpers. We were hungry after a full day of activities. CFA Research then gave a talk about their work. We finished the day with an after-action review, sharing positive and negative feedback before heading to bed.

Sunday morning

Sunday morning brought low cloud and another poor forecast, but the rain did not dampen members’ enthusiasm. We returned to the RSL for bacon and eggs. Once the trailer was packed, we headed to an area within Andrew’s brigade coverage that he had access to. A dashboard warning light came on in our vehicle along the way. At our destination, Aaron Carlton, a mechanic who works on heavy 4WDs every day, checked it and fixed the problem.

Our destination was McAdams Gap at the top of a high hill. On a clear day, its far-reaching views make it a useful vantage point for watching fires. Unfortunately, low cloud obscured the view.

Back to Silvan

We said goodbye to Andrew and began the return journey. Rain made driving more challenging, but we stopped at a picnic ground for coffee and leftover cakes before continuing to Silvan Fire Station.

Feedback during and after the event suggested everyone gained something from the weekend. Members stepped into the STL role, some for the first time. They worked together to solve problems and confidently shared ideas and viewpoints.

Thank you to District 13 for its ongoing support, Stuart Parker and his organising team, Captain Andrew Merlo, Woods Point Brigade and their helpers, especially Toots; the Woods Point community for its warm welcome; and everyone who took part.

 

Submitted by	Nick Waldron, Emerald Fire Brigade