Archive of News & Updates
| Date of Update | Details of Update | |
| 6 April | ||
| 24 Mar | NEWS
* First order of the day CONGRATULATIONS to Pete Thomas, he has passed the Crew Leader course and is now a fully fledged Crew Leader. Well done Pete!!! * This March, like the majority of March's, is a quiet one: * 1 Call Out so far is below average, but by only 1 - yep long term average for March is 2; * With a total of 56 Call Outs (excluding S44) this is our second busiest year behind 2012/213; * Group North Meeting is on Tuesday at Mt Hunter start at 1900hrs all are welcome to attend; * BA training is on this Wednesday, it has been poorly attended of late which is disappointing. We need to keep this up so please try and attend; * The AGM is only 5 weeks away. All positions are open for nomination. If you feel like you can contribute and possibly take the pressure off the usual people please do. Fresh ideas and input are needed to keep the brigade members actively involved, enthused and a good working team; The positions are:- President; Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary; Equip/Maintenance Officer; Community Safety Officer; Training Officer; FFH&S; Auditor; RFSA; and Exec Rep. * We have a new member proposing to transfer to us - Rod Wellington. Please introduce yourself to Rod and make him feel welcome when you next see him about; * District and State Training session is about to start, please check MyRFS for state course, we'll upload the district course schedule in our training tab. If there is anything you'd like to do please get your nominations in early; * Maintenance fortnight is Pat and Brad; Monthly Stats (March) - will be updated next week Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 56 Call outs; * Average has gone up a bit it to 5.1 call outs per month; * Colin and Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 39, next is Jeremy with 38, then on equal third with 36 are Bruce and Pat; * Friday and Sunday are the most popular days to be called out (9 each), Then on 8 are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. |
|
| 2 Mar | NEWS
* So far we have attended 55 call outs for the 2013/2014 brigade year (excluding all the S44 attendance). This is our equal 2nd busiest year, after last year 2012/2014. We are equal with 2002/2003, but we have two months to go before the end of the year; * So far every month we have equalled or exceed their respective long term averages; * If we match the long term averages for the next two months, we are predicted to hit about 60 call outs this year; * February is traditionally a quiet month for our Brigade. On average we attend just under 2 call outs for the month; * So going by our standards this February has been no great difference. However we have exceeded our long term medium average by get called to 3 incidents; * The incidents were:- MVA; Good Intent - Smoke sighting; Hazardous Condition - Diesel on the Road; * As you know 4 members went to Victoria (two members per shift), they all returned without incident; * March typically is not too dissimilar to February. Long term average to just under 2 call outs; * Rain towards the end of the month and the beginning of this month is much needed and very welcome; * Monday night we have training, it is scheduled to be Map Reading & GPS; * Wednesday is the Executive Meeting so if you have any suggestions, ideas, comments or concerns/issues please let someone in the exec know; * BA training on the 26th Feb was poorly attended for the second month in succession. Those with BA need to renew quarterly and it is key to keep familiar with the gear, challenges and getting it on in a timely manner; * This Maintenance fortnight is Colin & Matt up to the 8th March. Monthly Stats (February 14) - Call Outs attended only * 3 x Call Outs; * We surpassed our long term average for December (1.9); * John and Pete got to 2 of the 3 Call Outs; * There were no repetative days or times for Call Outs; Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 55 Call outs; * Average has gone up a bit it to 5.5 call outs per month; * Colin and Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 39, next is Jeremy with 38, then on third with 36 is Bruce and Pat sits on fourth with 35; * Friday and Sunday are the most popular days to be called out (9 each), Then on 8 are Tuesday and Thursday. |
|
| 16 Feb | NEWS * Apologies for the lack of updates this is due to a slight technical hictch. All repaired and up and running again; * 2014 started quiet, but has slowly been building in intensity for South Australia, Victoria and southern NSW. So far the Southern Highlands Team have been called 3 or 4 times for S44's across the states ranging from 12hrs to 72hrs; * Thankfully with the rain there is some much needed relief; * Currently John and Gordon are down in Delegate (NSW) and Victoria, we wish them a safe deployment; * Putting aside the above February is usually a quiet month for Brigade calls outs, we normally average 1.9 this month. * Sunday Training was this morning and saw members go out to some of the outlying roads and properties, in our area, for Triage review of properties and water assests; * Group North Meeting went well, we think - due to a fire call, Terry was the only attendee as chair, however the food was lovel afterwards which strangely the crews arved back in time for; * BA training is on 26th Feb; * OOA is this week scheduled for 16th to 22nd Feb; * Correspondence has been updated; * Calendar has been updated; * Attendance has been updated; * Brigade and District Training Calendars have been updated; * By my very rough reckoning we are still equal 3rd in the table of busiest brigades in the district - Tahmoor, then Thirlmere, then us with Bargo - it is a very rough reckoning; * This Maintenance fortnight is Terry & Frank up to the 22nd February. Monthly Stats (January 14) - Call
Outs attended only Overall Stats (for May 13 to
today) - Call Outs only |
|
| 5 Jan 14 | HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!! 2013 in (very mini) Review * Called out 62 times (1 every 6 days), excluding S44's; * Second busiest year (2012 comes 1st with 80); * BA used in anger for the 1st time, with 4 members getting down and dirty breathing the 'Good' air'; * Attended 6 x S44's (7 if include the Valley fire in Jan); * We were joined by 2 new members (Brad & Steven). NEWS * Thank you for all your help in December, the attendance at the various activities was great!!! * The new Helmets are at the station if you haven't picked one up yet, please do. One per person. We should have a couple left over for any future joining members; * Brigade Members calendars are also available at the station, again it is one per person. If you want to have an extra copy please let Jeremy know; * January is typically a quite month for both Call Outs and 'Other Brigade Activities'; * Sunday Training is on 19th Jan; * BA training is on 22nd Jan; * Group North Meeting (GNM) is being held at The Oaks on the 28th Jan - all members are welcome and encouraged to attend; * OOA is scheduled for 19th to 25th Jan; * By my very rough reckoning we are equal 3rd in the table of busiest brigades in the district - Tahmoor, then Thirlmere, then us with Bargo - it is a very rough reckoning; * This Maintenance fortnight is Deb & Jeremy up to the 11th January; Monthly Stats (December) - Call Outs attended only * 5 x Call Outs; * We surpassed our long term average for December (3.5); * Pat attend most with 3, then came Steven, Shane and Jeremy with 2; * Sunday was the most come day to have a Call Out (2 of the 5); * 1700 to 1759hrs was the most popular time with 2 of the 5 Call Outs; Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 49 Call outs; * Average has gone down a bit it on 5.5 call outs per month; * Colin & Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 36, next is Jeremy on 34 and third on 32 is Bruce & Pat (with Pat make a charge up the tally board); * Friday is the most popular day to be called out on 9, Sunday is next on 8, Tuesday & Saturday both have 7. |
|
| 1 Dec 13 | NEWS
* One call out on Wednesday night was to a 44 galleon drum alight; * Tonights call out was/is a grass light in Mount Hunter; * Generally a quiet week, with only the BA training and Group North Meeting; * Next week however, is the start of the busy season for Brigade Activities. We'll need as much help as possible, so if you can help please do; > 2nd Dec - Monday Night Training; > 4th Dec - Executive Meeting > 6th Dec - The Oaks Christmas Tree lighting - BBQ & road closure again from 1600hrs; > 8th Dec - Calendar Run - this is our big donation drive, if you can attend please do; > 15th Dec - Christmas Lunch - Oakdale Workes club 1200hrs; > 22nd Dec - Santa Run - a big day for the kids in the area so if you can help please do; * By my very rough reckoning we are still about 4th on the table of busiest brigades in the district; * This Maintenance fortnight is Gordon & Peter up to the 14th December; Monthly Stats (November) - Call Outs attended only * 4 x Call Outs & 1 x S44 to Hawkesbury; * We sit on the long average for November (4); * Bruce, Colin, Deb, Pat and Jeremy all making 3 out for the 4 Call Outs. Colin attended 4 out of the 5 incidents/S44; * No particular days were more likely than any other for a Call Out, however they were all week days which is unusual; * 1700 to 1759hrs was the most popular time with 3 of the 4 Call Outs; Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 44 Call outs; * Average has gone up a bit it currently stands at 6.3 call outs per month; * Colin & Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 35, next is Jeremy on 32 and third on 30 is Bruce; * Sunday, Tuesday & Friday are the most popular days to be called out on 9; |
|
| 24 Nov | NEWS
* Two Call Outs this past fortnight:- 1) a smoking solar panel on a shed 2) an MVA just out of Mt Hunter; * Meeting minutes for November's General Meeting are on the website (minutes tab), this includes John's proposed Motion; * We are scheduled on Out of Area (OOA) this week 24th to 30th November; * The new BR9 helmets have been ordered, subject to the Calendar run, pick up should be the 2nd week of December; * As mentioned last update December is fast approaching with most weekends covered with activities (putting aside any call outs or S44's) such as > 6th Dec - The Oaks Christmas Tree lighting - we're up for the BBQ & road closure again from 1600hrs; > 8th Dec - Calendar Run - this is our big donation drive, if you can attend please do; > 15th Dec - Christmas Lunch - Oakdale Workes club 1200hrs > 22nd Dec - Santa Run - a big day for the kids in the area so if you can help please do; * Group North Meeting this Tuesday at Teressa Park from 1900hrs, all welcome to attend if you wish; * BA Training this Wednesday, most members need to don the gear and breath the 'good' air; * By my very rough reckoning we are still about 4th on the table of busiest brigades in the district; * This Maintenance fortnight is Colin & Matt up to the 30th November; Monthly Stats (November) - Call Outs attended only * will be update next week. Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 42 Call outs; * Average has gone up a bit it currently stands at 6 call outs per month; * Colin & Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 34, next is Jeremy on 31 and third on 29 is Bruce; * Sunday, Tuesday & Friday are the most popular days to be called out on 9; |
|
| 15 Nov | NEWS
* Sorry for the long break in updates - time seems to fly-by ; * Lots have been update on the website from correspondence, calendar, minutes, attendance & the video (courtesy of the Bargo website) etc; * General Meeting is on tomorrow night (Thursday 14th Nov), please let someone know if you can not attend. The agenda and minutes are on the website (calendar & minutes respectively); * December is fast approaching with most weekends covered with activities (putting aside any call outs or S44's) such as > 6th Dec - The Oaks Christmas Tree lighting - we're up for the BBQ & road closure again; > 8th Dec - Calendar Run - this is our big donation drive, if you can attend please do; > 15th Dec - Christmas Lunch - decision where to be agreed at GM 14/11/12 > 22nd or 23rd Dec - Santa Run - a big day for the kids in the area * The attendance has been updated, with the best attempt to pick up all the various shifts for the S44's. Please check and let Jeremy know if something has been missed; * We have had a busy few months since the last update, in the region (inc S44 calls) 20 call outs over a month and half; * Sunday Training is this Sunday, although there is an opportunity to do some introduction to Aviation at Mittagong; * By my very rough reckoning we are still about 4th on the table of busiest brigades in the district; * This Maintenance fortnight is Terry & Frank up to the 16th November; Monthly Stats (October) - Call Outs attended only * The long term average for October is 4 call outs, putting aside the S44's we had 6:- * Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday all had 2 Call Outs; * 1200hrs to 1359hrs were the busiest times, with 2 Call outs; * Deb & Shane went to more call outs and S44's than others, with Pete only an attendance behind; * S44's coming out of our ears!!! Overall Stats (for May 13 to today) - Call Outs only * 39 Call outs; * Average has dipped a bit, but we are only halfway through a month, it currently stands at 5.6 call outs per month; * Colin & Deb lead the charge (inc S44) on 32, next is Jeremy on 29 and third on 27 is Bruce; * Sunday is the most popular day to be called out on 9, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday all have 8 a piece and the rest are on 7; * 1300 to 1359 is the most common time to be call out; |
|
| 5 May | *
AGM this week. As per Jeremy's email, please let him know what
food you can bring. So far we have only the following covered:-
Quiche - Gordon/Carol Bacon & Cheese rolls - Kate & John Spicy Meatballs - Jeremy & Deb No other takers for food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; * Current nominations are:- Field Officers : Captain - John Carter; Senior Deputy - Colin Brown; Deputy - Terry Bruce; Deputy - Kate Carter; Deputy - Jeremy Wilson; Admin Officers : President - Terry Bruce; Vice President - Peter Thomas; Treasurer - Frank Scarfone; Secretary - Jeremy Wilson; Training - John Carter; Equip/Maint - Colin Brown; FFH&S - Deb Kerr; BCSO - Kate Carter; RFSA - Peter Thomas; Executive Rep - Pat Reeve; Auditor - Terry Bruce; * The agenda for the AGM is up on the website. Go to Calendar ; * The 2011 AGM minutes are also up on the website. Go to Minutes ; * Please don't forget that the Subscription fee increases this year to $10 . It was raised and agreed at the 2011 AGM; * Please check the Personal Information Spreadsheet sent to you, as this is required to be up to date for the new brigade year to be consider for Active status; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * Monday night Training is on this week - It's scheduled to be IMSAFE, SMEACS, LACES, FTASC etc; |
|
| 29 Apr | *
Another couple of Call Outs and we are double the average for
this month. Most, if not all, Call Outs have been attended by
John and Kate - which is possibly impinging on the renovations;
* Please don't forget that the Subscription fee increases this year to $10 . It was raised and agreed at the 2011 AGM; * Maintenance Fortnight is Deb and Jeremy, which includes the monthly BA check; * BA training was on Wednesday (ANZAC day) 25th April 12 and only John, Deb and Jeremy attended. Training is important keep it up!!!!; * Please let Jeremy know what finger food you will be bringing to the AGM, we need to coordinate to have a good variety; * The agenda for the AGM is up on the website. Go to Calendar ; * The 2011 AGM minutes are also up on the website. Go to Minutes ; * Please check the Personal Information Spreadsheet sent to you, as this is required to be up to date for the new brigade year to be consider for Active status; * Please would you get your nominations and Personal Information Sheets in early as it saves a lot of work for a few of us, at the death, before the Executive and AGM meetings - PLEASE; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * We'll change the photo to show something of the long MVA on Sunday night |
|
| 22 Apr | *
Spoke a little too soon last Sunday. Two MVA's that evening, one
as a result of the other, had Col, Deb, Pat and Jeremy occupied
for 7hours and John and Kate occupied for 4hrs - simultaneously;
* Another MVA on Thursday morning, brings us up to the April average already (3); * Since Jan 12 we've had 9 MVA's alone out of the 15 Call Outs; * No more stats, don't want to spoil John's report; * Forgot to mention in the letter out to brigade members (Active and Associate) that the Subscription fee increases this year to $10 . It was raised and agreed at the 2011 AGM; * Maintenance Fortnight is Deb and Jeremy, which includes the monthly BA check; * Anyone got a replacement car that we can burn, seeing as some loser nicked ours?; * BA training is on this Wednesday (ANZAC day) 25th April 12; * The agenda for the AGM is up on the website. Go to Calendar ; * The 2011 AGM minutes are also up on the website; * If you are pondering the possible idea of undertaking a role in the brigade, we would really encourage you to do so!! The more people involved, help reduced the work load on the usual members; * Please check the Personal Information Spreadsheet sent to you, as this is required to be up todate for the new brigade year to be consider for Active status; * Please would you get your nominations and Personal Information Sheets in early as it saves a lot of work for a few of us, at the death, before the Executive and AGM meetings - PLEASE; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * We'll change the photo to show something of the long MVA on Sunday night |
|
| 15th April | *
Poor attendance at the two training sessions this month, is a
little disappointing. Fire Season is over, but we still need to
keep up with training. There is no doubt, soon enough we are going
to need all that training and team work we can get; * TRAINING IS IMPORTANT, PLEASE KEEP IT UP !!! * It may have seemed a quiet year, but we have been to more call outs this brigade year than we have in 4 years; * Saying the above, it should be noted that it's been another quiet week with no Call Outs so far; * At the General Meeting it was agreed to continue the BAO Wednesday night training. This now needs to be included in the Brigade Rules. 1 training out of 3 is proposed as mandatory, with the strong preference for attendance at 2. Whether the monthly maintenance gets included is being reviewed; * OOA commences on the 15th April to 21st April; * Maintenance Fortnight is Bruce. * BAO weekly reviewed has been done for last week, where it found set 2 was out of air; * Some blaggard has stolen the Car!!!! Must have pinched it to sell as scrap. When was the last time you remember seeing it? Anyone got a replacement we can burn?; * The agenda for the AGM is up on the website. Go to Calendar ; * If you are pondering the possible idea of undertaking a role in the brigade, we would really encourage you to do so!! The more peolpe involved, help reduced the work load on the usual members; * Please check the Personal Information Shreadsheet sent to you, as this is required to up to date for the new brigade year to be consider for Active status; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * Look the photo has changed!!! Although Deb could have photo-shopped the bloke, looking at John, to be a lot thinner. Dieting is now being undertaken. |
|
| 8 Apr | *
Happy Easter!!!! Hope the chocolate bunny was generous; * Another quiet week with not Call Outs so far this long weekend; * Average number of Call outs for April is just under 3, but we'll wait and see; * General Meeting is on this Thursday (12th) at 1900hrs. The Notice of Motion in regards to the Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) will be held off, until a forum is held by Southern Highlands to Treasures, Admin Officers and Senior Officer in a few months; * One of the discussion topics for the General Meeting will be the possible continuation of the BAO training nights; * Next Sunday (15th) is Training which is scheduled to be Structural Fires (leading up to winter and traditionally the house fire season); * Maintenance Fortnight is Bruce, however volunteer(s) will be required to do the BA maintenance and possibly to give Bruce assistance; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April) - those that have BA but as yet not FAA need to do this course - it is a prerequisite for undertaking live BA work; * Active Members should have received there notifications about the AGM and voting and nominations; * Agenda for the General Meeting and last meeting minutes will be posted shortly; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * Our attendance at Brigadoon at Bundenoon has been cancelled. Thanks to everyone who offered to attend; * OOA commences on the 15th April * Seriously the photo will change soon - honest? |
|
| 1 Apr | *
Attendance has been updated. Go to Attendance for March listing;
* Correspondence has been updated. Go to Correspondence; * Monday night Training this week (2nd April) is Fire Fighting at night. What with the clocks going back, we can garuantee it'll be dark. Will to be wet? * BAO training went well with Pete's car getting set alight many times for the BA crews to extinguish; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April) - those that have BA but as yet not FAA need to do this course - it is a prerequisite for undertaking live BA work; * Monthly Maintenance was done (by default) at the BAO training night; * Maintenance Fortnight is Steve and Lachlan, however this may get changed/swapped; * With the AGM coming up next month (10th May), please remember to check and return (if necessary) the Personal Information Sheet when it is sent you. It is a requirement, to be considered for Active status for the upcoming new brigade year; * If you can't make the AGM please remember to send a written apology to Jeremy (unfortunately it is a Constitutional requirement) as this also goes to being considered for Active status; * Brigadoon at Bundenoon is coming up. John sent an email to you all. If you can go and earn the brigade some much needed funds, please let John know; * Week after next we have the April General Meeting and OOA * Wonder if the photo will change soon? |
|
| 26 Mar | *
Interesting night on Sunday with two MVA's, one straight after
the other. Amazingly no one died on scene, even though a bit of
'claret' had been spilt; * There is sad news coming from Mt Hunter - Shane Reeves (Captain) is very ill in a Queensland Hospital having suffered two serious strokes. There is a facebook page 'Get Well Shane Reeves' if you wish to send his family and friends your best wishes; * 41 call outs this brigade year, makes an average of 3.7 call outs per month; * 5 call outs this year makes it the equal busiest March in 10 years; * We are up to 16 MVA's, beating Fire/Explosion on 12 call outs; * John is still our most attentive member, with Jeremy & Deb running joint second and Colin & Kate close behind in joint third; * Wednesday 28th BAO training at 1900hrs; * Tuesday 27th there is a Group North Meeting at Mount Hunter @ 1900hrs, all members are welcome to attend; * Attendance has been update. Go to Attendance for February's listing; * Maintenance Fortnight is Steve and Lachlan, however this may get changed/swapped; * We currently have a number of members out of action (and could be for a while) - Matt, Steve & Pete - so if you can respond when the pager goes off, please do. As it now stands we have ony 12 members able to respond to call outs; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April) - those that have BA but as yet not FAA need to do this course - it is a prerequisite for undertaking live BA work; |
|
| 18 Mar | *
Out of Area (OOA) starts this week 18th to 24th March; * Another call out on Saturday has pushed our total up to 39 this brigade year, which is the most we've had since the 2007/2008; * As with last year MVA's are our most common call out; * 10 call outs for 2011 already, with 5 being MVA's; * Saturday has now joined Monday as our most active days with 8 a piece; * Quite week this week for Brigade activities, with nothing scheduled; * John went to Hay on Thursday to take part in the Door knock and residents survey; * We currently have a number of members out of action (and could be for a while) - Matt, Steve & Pete - so if you can respond when the pager goes off, please do. As it now stands we have ony 12 members able to respond to call outs; * Maintenance Fortnight is Shane and Pat; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April) - those that have BA but as yet not FAA need to do this course - it is a prerequisite for undertaking live BA work; * As mentioned before, NSW RFS training season is upon us. If you want to do a course please contact John early to get you name on the list - go to Training (at the bottom) for the training schedule and 2012 form or go to MyRFS; * Promise to talk to the person who can change the picture (on the right). |
|
| 14 Mar | *
Training this Sunday 18th Mar @ 0800hrs is scheduled as MVA -
first on scene. Let's hope it's not raining; * Out of Area (OOA) starts for us next week 18th to 24th March; * 2 call outs last Thursday (both ultimately stand-downs) were well attended and maintain our monthly average (crews attended and called in to FCC); * Monday is still our most active day, but now Tuesday is our least active; * Most popular time for a call out is still between 17:00hrs and 17:59hrs; * So far we have not be called out between 3am to 3:59am, 5am to 5:59am, 9pm to 9:59pm and 11pm to midnight, every other hour we have been paged over the brigade year; * Maintenance Fortnight is Shane and Pat; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April) - those that have BA but as yet not FAA need to do this course - it is a prerequisite for undertaking live BA work; * As mentioned before, NSW RFS training season is upon us. If you want to do a course please contact John early to get you name on the list - go to Training (at the bottom) for the training schedule and 2012 form or go to MyRFS; * Research on the Donations rule changes as discussed at the last GM are underway; * Preparations are underway for the AGM in May (believe it or not) with the Exec and FCC making sure all is in order, with the statutory notices; * Will change the picture (on the right) shortly. |
|
| 4th Mar | *
Training this Monday 5th Mar @1900hrs is scheduled as Map Reading
and GPS; * Executive Meeting this Wednesday 7th March @1900hrs. If you have anything you want to raise, any concerns or ideas etc please let anyone in the Executive know; * Unfortunately we have two members now unavailable for a while. Matt has broken his wrist and once that mends will have an operation on his shoulder. Steve has had to undergone another operation. We wish them both well and a speedy recovery; * Another wet and quiet week, with little to report; * No call outs so far. The long term average (over 10yrs) is 1.5 call outs for March; * Monday is still our most active day, and Thursday our least active; * Most popular time for a call out is between 17:00hrs and 17:59hrs - so why do they all seem to be at 02:00 in the morning?; * NSW RFS training season is upon us. If you want to do a course please contact John early to get you name on the list - go to Training (at the bottom) for the training schedule and 2012 form or go to MyRFS; * Attendance will be updated on the website later in the week; * Correspondence has been updated - Go to Correspondence * Preparations begin for the AGM in May (believe it or not) with the Exec and FCC making sure all is in order, with the statutory notices; * NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April); * Fortnightly maintenance is Colin, with Matt out of action Pat will do the Monthly testing of the BA gear in the second week; |
|
| 26th Feb | *
Apologies for the recent lack of posts, this was due to a technical
problems which (for one computer at least) has now been rectified;
* Five (5) call outs this month makes 36 attended call outs so far in the brigade year and driven our average up to 3.6 per month; * John is still the most regular member to attend a call out, but Jeremy is a close second with Colin and Deb close on his heals; * We were on Out Of Area (OOA) last week, but apart from exchanging our trucks for boats to become a water brigade, there is little action for us at the moment; * The community event at Belimba Park unfortunately didn't prompt any real involvement from the locals with only a few turning up, however the brigade attendance was good and we got to use the new portable Gazebo for the first time; * Colin has ben doing some maintenance on the station metal door, which now opens smoothly - thanks Col; * John sent an email regarding the Roller Doors opening of their own volition, so the override Red button is on 'OFF' at the moment. You'll need to pull the Red button before operating the doors; * Matt has just passed his MR truck drivers test - congratulations. So we now have 9 drivers - Bruce, Colin, Matt, Terry, John, Gordon, Steve, Peter and Jeremy; *NSW RFS Training - First Aid Advanced [FAA] full course (14th/15th April); * Fortnightly maintenance is Colin and Matt, with the Monthly testing of the BA gear due in the second week; |
|
| 6th Feb | *
Training is tonight @ 1900hrs - potentially 'Fire Weather &
Fire Behaviour'. * General Meeting is on Thursday night @ 1900hrs - go to Calendar to view Agenda. * First Aid Refresher is on Sunday 12th at Picton at 0830hrs - you need to reply to Greg Freeman's email to confirm your attendance. * Attendance Schedule as at Jan 12 is available under Attendance. * Fortnightly maintenance is Terry and Frank |
|
| 10th Jan | *
Update
- CALENDAR RUN -
will happen on the 15th Jan
in place of Sunday Traning - it is very important everyone attends
if possible - please let Jeremy know your availability; * Attendance has been update to include December - Go to Attendance ; * 2012 Calendar (printable version) has been added - Go to Calendar at the bottom; * RFS training calendar will updated shortly, the 2011/2012 RFS Nomination form has been downloaded and is availble - Go to Traning ; * Brigade Training schedule will be updated shortly; * Maintenance Roster Schedule has been update to 2012/2013 - Go to Our Brigade ; * Maintenance Fortnight - Pete and Jeremy - which includes the monthly BA test; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 7th Jan | *
Update
- CALENDAR RUN -
we are hoping to do this on the 15th
Jan ,
please let Jeremy know your availability; *Happy New Year to all our members. Hope you had a great Christmas and a fun New Year; * Santa Run went well, although a little short handed to begin with - we got carried away with the tinsle as you can see from the photo - trucks revised call sign was The Oaks Sleigh; * Christmas Lunch went well and was well attended, thanks to everyone for a lovely time; * 1 call out so far,with what could have been our first use of the BA gear in anger, but to no avail. Poor exchange student got a trip to the hospital with burns; * The website is getting progressively updated - the following have been updated; * 2012 Calendar - Go to Calendar ; * Traning has been updated with the dates - Activities will follow shortly - Go to Training ; * RFA training has not yet been updated; * Correspondence - Go to Correspondence * Maintenance Fortnight - Pete and ????? - which includes the monthly BA test; * Thanks to everyone for providing 8th Jan their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 11th Dec | *
A Call Outs this week, makes a total of 10 MVA's so far since
May, equalling the amount of Fires calls. So far we are on 29
Call Outs at an average of 3.63 per month (however our month isn't
over yet); * Timing of call Out are 1700hrs to 1759hrs is the most common time, with 1200 to 1259, 1500 to 1559, 1600 to 1659 and 1800 to 1859 all equal second; * John is still our most Active attendee, with Matt and Jeremy still running joint second; * General Meeting is on this Thursday at 1900hrs (new time as voted at the last GM in November). Minutes and Agenda will be posted on the website this week; * Christmas Lunch/Training is on this coming Sunday (18th) at 1200hrs at Oakdale Workers Club - it's very pleasing to say we will have around 22-25 members and their families attending - thanks everyone I'm sure we will ahve a great time; * Calendar Run won't be happening this side of Christmas, however we'll aim to do it early in the New Year; * Attendance Schedule has been updated to include November - Go to Attendance ; * Correspondence has been updated - Go to Correspondence ; * OOA - We are scheduled to be on from 25th December to the 31st December * Maintenance Fortnight - Bruce and David - which includes the monthly BA test; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 4th Dec | *
Thanks to everyone who attended and helped at The Oaks Christmas
Tree lighting BBQ. The results will possibly yield lower than
previous years earnings but it will be boostered by the road closure
donation. We think this lower taking is mainly in part, due to
the Rotary club selling sausage sandwiches as well as us. Our
location isn't very good and perhaps next year we could talk them
into letting us on the main drag. * 2 Call Outs this week, one in November and one in December - Bruce's effort with the stove on Wednesday again increased our average it's now 3.86 per month. An MVA on Saturday night got The Oaks pumper used in anger for the first time. It was outside Ken Brown's place and he revisited his fire training and put the car out before anyone got there. The incident sent Belimba Pk and the Fire Station into darkness which caused some angst when trying to open and close the roller doors; * John is still our most Active attendee, with Matt and Jeremy running joint second; * Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Friday is the order of days most likely to be Called Out - yes Monday is the most likely day since May, with 7 which equates to 1 in ever 5 Mondays; * Training is on this Monday evening. Don't forget all training starts at 1900hrs now; * Executive meeting is on Wednesday. If you have any issues, ideas etc please let anyone in the exec know; * Maintenance Fortnight - Bruce and David - which needs to include the monthly BA test; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 27th Nov | *
So as we know December is going to be busy, with something on
pretty much each week: This Friday 2nd Dec starting at 1600hrs -The Oaks Village Christmas Tree Lighting BBQ - all hands will be needed to help cook and sell 400 sausages; and Road Closure - we've been asked to do the road closure ($200) as the SES are unable; * Our Out of Area starts next Sunday - 27th Nov to 3rd Dec; * Call Out attended by Shane has kept our average at 3.75 per month; * Thanks to everyone who attended both Training sessions last week (Sunday & Wednesday), they went well and highlighted areas needed to be worked on (the very reason to train); * Maintenance Fortnight - Steve and Lachlan; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 20th Nov | *
BAO training this
Wednesday 23rd Nov at 1900hrs ; * Another quiet week on the Call Out front - good for the community, a little dull for us; * December is going to be busy, with something on pretty much each week: Friday 2nd Dec starting at 1600hrs -The Oaks Village Christmas Tree Lighting; * Don't forget that from now onwards all the standard scheduled evening events (Meetings, Training etc) start at 1900hrs ; * Unfortunately we were not able to get hold of the shipping containers as discussed at the GM, we were guzumped by an internal department of the facility; * Group North Meeting at Theresa Park on 22nd Nov at 1900hrs * Our Out of Area starts next Sunday - 27th Nov to 3rd Dec; * Maintenance Fortnight - Steve and Lachlan * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly! |
|
| 13th Nov | *
Thanks to everyone
for their input at the General Meeting; * As raised in John's email there is a HR at Oakdale (Stevie Forest Rd) this coming Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. This is a great oppurtunity to keep fresh on Fire Fighting techniques, seeing as we haven't seen much action recently; * Training next Sunday (20th Nov) is Pumps (Portable/Tanker) & Hose Work * Another quiet week on the Call Out front; * As mentioned at the GM, December is going to be busy, with something on pretty much each week - so keep an eye on the website for details; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; |
|
| 6th Nov | *
Cat 11 Pumper - So
it's finally here along with BA equipment. Please spend some time
getting familiar with it. Training for a while may very well be
based on getting used to the new world order; * Monday Trainning - 7th November - Responding to incidents & Fire Over run; * Tuesday Executive Meeting - Executive meeting was postponed due to a few apologies so has been deferred - if you have an issues or items for the executive please let them know; * Thursday General Meeting - 10th November - Agenda and September Minutes are on the website; * Attendance has been update - Go to Attendance ; * Correspondence for October has been updated - Go to Correspondence ; * Thanks to Col, Kate, Gordon, Steve, Matt and Pat for taking the Cat 11 down to Mount Hunter for their training night. They've asked we do some joint training, which John and Mick Weber will no doubt sort out; * Quiet couple of weeks on the Call out Front; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; |
|
| 23rd Oct | *
Cat 11 Pumper - Well
the news is good (we believe). The brigade has been asked to attend
Wollondilly FCC at 1930hrs to take ownership of the truck and
to be given a run down on how it works. As mentioned in the email,
as soon as we take ownership, we go live. So that means lots of
familiarization and training on running pumps and laying lines
etc. Please meet at The Oaks station at 1900hrs. We will be handing
the Cat 7 back at the same time; * BA Gear - Not sure about this. Hopefully we return the training helmets and get our own replacements; * BA Trainning is postponed; * OOA Roster starts on the 30th Oct with the change to include all brigades in the Southern Highlands Team; * HR at BUXTON - There is planned a HR at Buxton, if you are interested please let John know. It is good training for this years Fire season; * DamFest went well and NSW RFS won the Tug-o-war; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; |
|
| 9th Oct | *
Quiet week with no call outs; * Attendance has been updated - Go to Attendance ; * OOA Roster has changed. A trial version including all brigade in the Southern Highlands has been created. The dates for our OOA have changed, so please see Calendar and Our Brigade ; * Correspondence has been updated - Go to Correspondence ; * DamFest and Sunday Training are happening on Sunday the 16th Oct. The numbers for DamFest are full, so if you're not on the list please attend Training as per usual; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - apparently it is due very shortly (middle of October) so we are led to believe. There will need to be lots of extra training and familiarization, as hoses set out is different, pumping is different, the truck is different - so lots to learn in a very short period if our run of call outs is the standard for this year; |
|
| 2nd Oct | *
A fire call out on Friday has September up to 6, bringing our
average up to 4.4 calls a month - busiest since 2007; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; * Monday Night Training 3rd October (long weekend) - cancelled ; * Happy Birthday Colin, Steve and Terry - also forgot Shane earlier in the month and Matt at the end of August - all varying dates and ages - Happy Birthday all; * The Cat 7 has been used well since it's been back, but it wont last the Cat 11 is coming...; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - apparently are due by the middle of October so we are led to believe. There will need to be lots of extra training and familiarization, as hoses set out is different, pumping is different, the truck is different - so lots to learn in a very short period if our run of call outs is the standard for this year; * DamFest is being held on the Sunday 16th October - we need a few volunteers - please let John know if you are available. The numbers are limited, but this year the brigade is guaranteed a set income; |
|
| 25th Sept | *
So with a couple of fire calls over the week we are now up to
5 this month, bringing our average up to 4.2 calls a month. MVA's
are still our leading incident; * John is still our most responsive member, but Matt, Deb and Jeremy are only an incident behind, with Bruce and Col only a hair's breadth behind them; * Wednesday 28th Sept - First BAO training is on this Wednesday @ 1930hrs - Don't forget your structural PPC; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; * Monday Night Training 3rd October (long weekend) - cancelled ; * Notifications of HR's are coming on thick and fast.An email has been sent advising of some HR's over the Long Weekend - let John know if you are available - and look it's raining; * The Cat 7 is back with us, for a very short time (so we are led to believe); * Happy Birthday Pete for the week before last; * OOA - we are rostered on for OOA this week 25th Sept to 1st Oct - and look it's raining; * Open Day Sunday 25th Sept - Rained out; * Group North Meeting is on this Tuesday 27th at Orangeville/Werombi - all welcome to go; * Roller Door #1 is now working (manually) again, thanks Steve; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - apparently the PTO and other stuff are requiring work which is being looked at and repaired, it means there is no date for its delivery - still; |
|
| 18th Sept | *
General Meeting went well, thank you to everyone for a lively
and engaging evening; * BAO training has now been agreed to be the 4th Wednesday evening per Month. Training will commence at 1930hrs and there will be 3 training sessions in the quarter. 2 out of 3 BAO training sessions will be required per quarter. It will be reviewed after 6 months; * First BAO training will be 28th September; * Calendar has been updated to include BAO training & OOA Schedule; * Correspondence has been update; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly. We need to have the information into Southern Highlands Team (SHT) by Wednesday evening so please give your availability as early as possible; * HR's are coming on thick and fast, if you can take some time to attend some it would be good pre season training and a bit of excitement; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - apparently the PTO is stuffed on the Cat 11 which is being looked at and repaired, it means there is no date for its delivery - still; * Deb is working on getting the photos from the Group North Field Exercise out into the big wide world, however they are both volumous in quantity and large in download size. If you get an email from her for a Dropbox invite please accept you'll then be able to look at the very good snaps; *We'll be updating the home page with these photos; |
|
| 11th Sept | *
So after another car accident on Wednesday night, our MVA tally
is ever increasing - so far we're up to 8 already since the beginning
of May; * Mondays are currently the busiest days/nights, with Wednesday coming second; * John is currently our most responsive member; * The General Meeting is this Thursday at 1930hrs - agenda and previous minutes are in their respective folders (Calendar and Minutes respectively); * With the arrival of the Training BA gear, there is now the requirement to do weekly checks (within the Equipment & maintenance rostered fortnightly schedule). A BA maintenance book has been made and is in the station. Every week the gear needs to be reviewed and signed off. If you are the solo BA member in the pairing, unfortunately you will need to do the review both weeks of your roster; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly; * Due to the Executive meeting being postponed because of the MVA on Wednesday, it is now being held on Monday - if you have anything you would like them to review, do, investigate etc please let someone in the exec know; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - apparently the PTO is stuffed on the Cat 11 which is being looked at and repaired, it means there is no date for its delivery - still; * Deb is working on getting the photos from the Group North Field Exercise out into the big wide world, however they are both volumous in quantity and large in download size. If you get an email from her for a Dropbox invite please accept you'll then be able to look at the very good snaps; *We'll be updating the home page with these photos; |
|
| 4th Sept |
Thanks to everyone for the positive feed back on the design and
our joining the Facebook world; * After Monday's horrific fatal MVA the rest of the week has been quiet - well done John, Bruce, Shane, Steve, Pete for your day long attendance on Monday; * The Oaks is now averaging 4 call outs a month so far this brigade year; * Everyone qualified for BA has now done their re-certification within the 3 month requirement; * With the arrival of the Training BA gear, there is now the requirement to do weekly checks (within the Equipment & maintenance rostered fortnightly schedule). A BA maintenance book is being made and will be put in the station. Every week the gear needs to be reviewed and signed off. If you are the solo BA member in the pairing, unfortunately you will need to do the review both weeks of your roster; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly; * The Out of Area Roster is in Our Brigade and in the Calendar pages ; * John, Colin and Jeremy have all done their re-cert for Chainsaw - thank you Terry for letting them use your place to chop wood; * Attendance schedule has been updated - got to Attendance * Training Monday - Pre Fire Season check - bring you PPE (Bag and gear); * Executive meeting is on Wednesday, if you have anything you would like them to review, do, investigate etc please let someone in the exec know; * Happy Birthday to Matt, John and Jeremy - all had Birthdays last week, celebrating varying ages; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - still no real news except it is being muted that we may have the truck to us by the end of September - we've tried to get a concrete date by suggesting it be with us by the RFS Open day (24th Sept) but to no avail. |
|
| 28 Aug | *
So we have a new design for the front page. Good isn't it!!!!
- thanks Deb; * The Group North Field Exercise was held on Saturday - it was a roaring success. John, Colin, Kate, Deb, Gordon, Pat and Jeremy attended. Jeremy, Gordon, Deb and Pat ran as a crew and did really well; * It was a great day, both weather-wise and fun/training-wise. Well done John for setting this up, you did really good; * 2 sets of training BA gear is at the station along with 4 bottles (well done to John for purloining these from Picton). * Our individual BA certification runs out over the coming days so if you can get down to the shed and put the gear on for 20mins please do so. Please let Jeremy know if you are going down and he'll come down and help and register your recert; * So far John, Matt, Deb, Gordon, Pat, Pete and Jeremy did their 'Good Air' recert over the weekend; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly; * Our OOA Roster starts this Sunday 28th August until 3rd September. Please see link (in red ) for the coming Fire Season roster schedule OOA Roster ; * Cat 11 Pumper and BAO gear - no real news except we're led to believe the Cat 11 has been painted and was baked last week. This coming week is the detailing and sign writing. When we know more, you'll be the first to know; |
|
| 21 Aug | * The PPS & AAW training at
Picton was well attended (14) - thanks to all; * No news yet on either the Cat 11 Pumper or the BAO gear. This is all a little disappointing, but John is chasing hard on our behalf; * Group North Field Exercise is this coming Saturday (27th). Please attend if you can, members are needed to both crew and help out. Starting time is 0830hrs - lunch will be provided; * Quiet week - no call outs even though we were available; * Thanks to everyone for providing their weekly availability in time, please keep it up - weekly; * OOA Roster starts on Sunday 28th August until 3rd September; * HR's will be targetted for this coming Spring (weather permitting), the current thought is there will only be a short window of oppurtunity before a "big" fire season descends - we've heard that before; |
|
| 31 July | * So another 2 call outs
(both MVA's) this week, have risen this months total to 7
for July. This has been the 2nd busiest July since 2001-2002 records
started. Only beaten by 2006-2007 with 10. * Thank you to everyone for your efforts, be it in the middle of the day or the middle of the night; * Ironically it was hinted at in the North Group Meeting that there is concern coming from above, on The Oaks VRFB ability to respond during the day. This concern is not solely levelled at The Oaks. However be it 1 or 11 we have responded when possible as we are volunteers and have many other things going on. Regardless, please keep up the good work and respond when possible; * Wollondilly North 17 PC (People Carrier) is now housed in our Fire Station - it is not for personal use outside of RFS activities. If you have a need to use it (for an RFS duty) please pre-book it through John; * 13th August the Cat 1 will be off site with Steve doing the RFD course; * We believe the BAO gear is not too far away (we're talking weeks not months) - still not sure when, but we'll keep you posted; * Exective meeting is on 3rd August (this coming Wednesday) if you have anything you wish the executive to investigate, purchase, change, issues or concerns etc please let one of them know (perhaps let the Secretary know, as well, so it can be put on the agenda); * If anyone wants on the FAA course this coming weekend please let John know; * Revised Active Status (July) spreadsheet will be updated it'll get posted in the next day or so; * Out of Area (OOA) - we are rostered on from midnight 31st July 11 to midnight 6th August 11 - along with Cawdor, Douglas Park, Theresa Park & Thirlmere; Activities this coming week - 1st to 7th August * Monday 1st Aug - Training - Electricity - presenter Bruce Blacker; * Wednesday 3rd Aug - Executive meeting; * Sat/Sun 6th/7th Aug - First Aider Advanced - Picton; * Out of Area (OOA) - Rostered from 31st July to 6th August; |
|
| 24 July | * Last week was quiet with
only the funeral of Dennis Cocks (ex Captain of Cawdor RFB) occuring.
John, Kate, Colin and Shane attended to represent The Oaks; * This coming week is fairly quiet for activities both for the brigade and district, with only the Group North Meeting on Tuesday 26th at Silverdale - all welcome to attend; * Still no news on the CABA gear - again, we'll keep you posted when we know anything; * Qualification badges have been ordered for the Structural PPC as per the responses recieved to the email on the subject; * Out of Area (OOA) - we are rostered on from midnight 31st July 11 to midnight 6th August 11 - along with Cawdor, Douglas Park, Theresa Park & Thirlmere; * Calendar tab has updated to include OOA's for the year * We wish Frank a swift recovery from his damaged and operated on finger; * Same goes to Pete who has hopefully finished his many operations to get his hand repaired; * August is a busy month with some additional activities. To pre-empt this I'ved added "Activities for the week after next" - so there aren't any surprises; * Correspondence has been updated; Activities this coming week - 25th to 31st July * Tuesday 26th July - Group North Meeting at Silverdale @ 1900hrs; * Out of Area (OOA) - Rostered from 31st July to 6th August; Activities for the week after next - 1st to 7th August * Monday 1st Aug - Monday Night - Electricity - presenter Bruce Blacker; * Wednesday 3rd Aug - Executive meeting; * Sat/Sun 6th/7th Aug - First Aider Advanced - Picton; * Out of Area (OOA) - Rostered from 31st July to 6th August; |
|
| 17 July | * Not so quiet week. 5 call
outs in the week, all of them attended by The Oaks, be it by 1
or by 10 members. Last time we had this many call outs in July
was 2007-2008 which resulted in The Oaks attending 45 call outs
in the year - thank you to everyone for their effort, especially
those during the day when others aren't available; * Sunday training was held at Pete's place - Solar panel etiquette is better understood now - thanks Pete; * Thanks also to Norm (Picton Captain - Fire & Rescue NSW) for his valuable time and insight. As pointed out by both John and Norm we both have jobs to do and need to do it in a professional and cooperative manner; * The General Meeting went well. The option regarding an extra Sunday training was not agreed to and needs to revisited by the executive; * Still no news on the CABA gear - we'll keep you posted when we know anything; * UHF radio installation in the Cat 7 is complete - thanks Bruce; * Final completion of the Soft Charger installation for the Cat 7 is nearly done; * The 1st roller door can now be manually raised with the chain (all be it inch by inch), Steve is now working on getting the motor going - thanks Steve; * Week after next (26th July) is the Group North meeting at Silverdale @1900hrs - all welcome Activities this coming week * Monday 18th July - Cat 1 goes in for service and pre Fire Season check; |
|
| 10 July | * Another quiet week for
us at least, although others around Wollondilly and Wingecarribee
are busy with all this wind and subsequent damage; * General Meeting is on this week - One item up for discussion will be the impacts of CABA and the necessary training and maintanence * As mention before the Executive have been looking at the following for CABA/BACO 1) Creating an extra training on the first Sunday of each month for CABA/BACO - so there could 3 specialised training sessions per quarter; 2) To remain qualified in CABA/BACO it will be suggested that a member will need to attend 2 out of these 3 new training sessions in the quarter. 3) It is proposed that CABA training will not impact, change or influence the normal standard 'Active' training requirements or status; 4) Maintenance roster is being revised to pick up the weekly and monthly testing of the CABA; * Depending on how this discussion goes a Notice of Motion may be tabled for a revision/inclusion to the Brigage Rules - for Septembers meeting; * CABA re-cert at Wingecarribee is a 1900hrs at Apline RFD * CABA equipment has been ordered by Wollondilly FCC, we now wait delivery - yep this comes under "anyones guess" as to when it arrives - but we are very grateful this has been done; * CABA cabinet for the Cat 1 is at Wingecarribee FCC and may be fitted to the CAT 1 very shortly - JC is working on getting our FCC's to do it at the same time as the Cat 1 service - Good luck John; * Thanks Terry for Monday Night training, by all accounts it went very well; * Sunday training will be at Pete's - he's had Solar installed and has kindly offered to show us all how to turn it off in case of a house fire. Thanks Pete; * Forgot to welcome Col & Kel back from thier around Aussie trip - Welcome Home!! Activities this coming week * Monday 11th July - Cat 7 goes in for service and pre Fire Season check; * Wednesday 13th July - CABA Re-cert at Alpine RFD at 1900hrs; * Thursday 14th July - General Meeting 1930hrs at the Station (Agenda available); * Sunday 17th July - Sunday Training - Structural - Pete's place; * Monday 18th July - Cat 1 goes in for service and pre Fire Season check; |
|
| 5 Jul | * Correction - the Re-cert for CABA is on Wednesday the 13th July not in August as previously mentioned. Please let JC know if you are able to attend. | |
| 4 Jul | * Revised Active Status
has been updated - Go to Attendance; * The Oaks has been kindly offered to attend a Wingecarribee Re-Cert training for BAO in August. There maybe limited numbers available. Can't remember the date but think it is on either the 10th August, or 13th August or 17th August - yet to be confirmed. If you are available please let the John know; * Training Tonight - Radios - presenter Terry Bruce |
|
| 3 Jul | * RFS
Open Day has been confirmed as 24th September - if you have any
ideas on how we can enthuse the public, please let Kate or anyone
on the Executive know; * Training this Monday night 4th July - Radios - presenter Terry Bruce; * Exective meeting is on 6th July (this coming Wednesday) if you have anything you wish the executive to investigate, purchase, change, issues or concerns etc please let one of them know (perhaps let the Secretary know, as well, so it can be put on the agenda); * Mail Correspondence has been updated; * Revised Active Status (June) spreadsheet is updated it'll get posted in the next day or so; * Well done Pete on running the recent MVA; * Still no news yet on the BAO truck and equipment installation - as we said last time, as soon as anything is heard you will be first to know; * General Meeting on the 14th July the Agenda will posted this week - Go to Calendar. |
|
| 19 Jun | * Quiet month so far (in
fact a quiet brigade year [May/Jun]), so not much to report; * John is currently doing SAF (Monitor Brigade Safety) - I sure he's enjoy it even though it's a little chilly in the Mountains; * Pete and Jeremy have completed the academic side of Crew Leader and now need to get some 'events/incidents' under their belts (as does Frank). They've also completed the theoretical side of CBD (Conduct Brief and Debrief); * Thanks to Terry for running the Sunday training; * We wish Kate a quick recovery from a very nasty bad back; * Bruce has installed the Soft Charger for the Cat 7, and he's writting up a procedure to plug and unplug. Thank you Bruce. He'll be working on the 12v converter in the Cat 7 for the UHF radio next; * Steve has kindly offered to investigate getting the 1st Roller door working; * No news yet on the BAO truck and equipment installation - as soon as anything is heard you will be first to know; * All Members Information Sheets are in - well done; * Group North Exercise on 27th August (Saturday) at The Oaks. Details of kick off time, events, crews etc will be forethcoming shortly we hope; * Thanks to everyone for the continued efforts in this cold and slow period; |
|
| 18 Jun | * Training is this Sunday - MVA - Terry & Kate will be running this as John is on a course this weekend; | |
| 15 Jun | * Monday training for July
& August have been swapped over - go to Training; * Sunday Training in August is PPS and AAW at Picton. It is strongly recommended you attend. It is as mandatory as we can make voluntary training (and yes I know it's only June, but with plenty of notice it'll give you time to plan to attend) - go to Training; CABA/BACO The Executive are looking at the following for CABA/BACO * Creating an extra training on the first Sunday of each month for CABA/BACO - so there will now be 3 specialised training sessions per quarter; * To remain qualified in CABA/BACO it will be suggested that a member will need to attend 2 out of these 3 new training sessions in the quarter. * This will not impact, change or influence the normal standard 'Active' training requirements or status; * Maintenance roster is being revised to pick up the weekly and monthly testing of the CABA; * Obviously commencement of the suggestions depends on several things 1) approval of these suggestions at an upcoming General Meeting; 2) when we end up getting supplied with the PPE and have the truck fitted out; |
|
| 13 Jun |  |
Photos - CABA / BACO Training. Go to the Photo Gallary on Our Brigade webpage. |
| 6 Jun | * Training tonight - First
Aid - presenter is Deb Kerr; * Out of Area (OOA) - we are rostered on from midnight 4th June 11 to midnight 11th June 11 - along with Cawdor, Douglas Park, Theresa Park & Thirlmere; * David and Gordon have completed their Village Firefighter - well done and thanks for doing this course, we have no doubt you have both passed with flying colours; * Gordon has also completed the Advanced Firefighter course - again well done - you'll become a master at sewing on badges; * Wollondilly have confirmed that helmets and BA gear will be provided to The Oaks in the new financial year (July); * There is a new acronym for Crew Leaders on reporting/radio contact with FCC for when the crew arrives on the scene and starts working the incident - FTASC. F = Fire (What is it doing, look like, what will it do) T = Threats (what is the fire threatening, are there casualties) A = Action (what is being done to extinguish the incident) S = Support (are other trucks required, ambulance, police welfare) C = Comman/control (who is in charge, who will be in charge) This will be posted on the website this week; * Revised Active Status (May) spreadsheet - Go to Attendance |
|
| 5 Jun | Applications for NPWS Parks Pass available now. Go to Our Brigade to download the form. | |
| 29 May | * Congratulations
to everyone who took part in the CABA/BACO course at Alpine RFB
- it went well and we are pretty certain everyone passed - isn't
Alpine's Cat 11 pumper something to desired; * We'll start chasing up our permanent helmets and pressing for a date, type and scope for the BA equipment installation for the Cat 1; * Correspondence has been updated; * Members Personal Information Sheets needs to handed in by 11th June or you will not be available for Active status this year !!!!!; * Exective meeting is on 1st June (this coming Wednesday) if you have anything you wish the executive to investigate, purchase, change, issues or concerns etc please let one of them know (perhaps let the Secretary know, as well, so it can be put on the agenda); * Next Training is on Monday 6th June - First Aid - presenter Deb Kerr; * Rain water tank was delivered and has been rolled into place. When it get's plumbed in is anyones guess; * Thank you for all your effort - even though it's been a quiet one on the call out front |
|
| 26 May | CABA * Friday 27th May = Please be at the station for 1745hrs for departure at 1800hrs. * Saturday 28th May & Sunday 29th May = Please be at station for 0645hrs for departure at 0700hrs (this may get revised depending on the travel time on Friday night) * We are taking both the Cat 1 & 7, so it will be a little tight - shower, shave and wear deodorant - as a friendly suggestion. * Please remember to bring your PPE for the full course (inc Friday night), plus your 'limes'. * Bring a pen, pencil and paper just in case as well. * Catering is provided (although doubt it for Friday evening). * This course will be held come hell or high water so perhaps a change of clothing may also be appropriate. * GOOD LUCK to everyone on the course, enjoy and hope we all pass * On behalf of the Executive, thank you again for your enthusiasm in taking on this challenge - I'm sure you will make the community and district proud. |
|
| 22 May | * Group North Meeting is
on at Oakdale on Tuesday (24th May) @ 19:00hrs, all wlecome to
attend; * 27th, 28th & 29th May is the CABA weekend. According to the paperwork issued, PPE is required for the full course - inc Friday (from what we can tell); * Transport will be finalised in the next couple of days. It's imagined that we'll need to leave from the Station by no later than 18:00hrs. Once sorted you will be advised via email and SMS (and the website hopefully); * Please remember that the Structural PPE is not yours until you have completed and passed the course, therefore please do not mark it. New helmets will be issued on completing and passing the course - the current ones you have are training helmets only; * The Cat 1 will not be fitted for CABA until the new Finanical Year (from 1st July onwards) when that will actually take place has yet to be advised; * Has anyone seen Terry in the paper yet? If not go to http://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/dedication-to-job-honoured * Incoming mail wil be updated shortly; * If you have suggestions, issues or concerns about anything please let anyone in the executive know and they will do their best to address at an upcoming Executive meeting. |
|
| 15 May | * Revised
Active Status (April) spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. * 'Limes'
have been ordered (no idea when we'll get them) * Terry
is now famous and we believe an article on him will be appearing
in a local paper very soon, as they interviewed him last week.
Keep and eye out and let others know if and where it appears. |
|
| 8 May | * Congratulations to our very own Terry Bruce who received 20 years long service medal from Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons yesterday. Photo here. | |
| 18 Apr | * The updated approved Brigade Rules (14/4/11) now available - Go to Our Brigade | |
| 18 Apr | * 2010 AGM Minutes and 2011 AGM Agenda now available - you know where to go :) | |
| 14 Apr | * Agenda for tonight's GM now available - Go to Calendar. | |
| 11 Apr | * Minutes of Extra-ordinary General
Meeting (re. CABA) now available - Go to Minutes. * CABA SOP and Medical Information Booklet now available - Go to Our Brigade > RFS Documents. |
|
| 10 Apr | * Revised
Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. * Correspondence Updated * General Meeting this Thursday 14th April 11 - There is a Motion on Notice regarding minor revisions to the Brigade Rules. * Southern Highlands Team have been advised of our approval at the Extra Ordinary Meeting to become a BA brigade. Check emails for details on the GP in The Oaks. Please return tear slips to Secretary as soon as you have them, also let the secretary know if you have approval for CABA. * AGM is coming up in May. If you can do some of the other duties please put you name. Don't forget to complete you membership information form. |
|
| 8 Mar | * Minutes from February General Meeting now available - Go to Minutes. | |
| 7 Mar | * Training tonight. Fire
Behaviour and Weather - Go to Training * Calendar updated with 2011 meetings & training dates - Go to Calendar |
|
| 1 Mar | * Revised
Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. * Correspondence Updated |
|
| 22 Feb | * Correspondence Updated | |
| 9 Feb | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. | |
| 5 Feb | * General Meeting on the
10th Feb * Correspondence Updated* Members Calendars will be handed out at meeting and training * Wollondilly RFS training starts in ernest - speak to the Training Officer if you want on a course. For courses - Go to Training (below The Oaks training schedule) |
|
| 25 Jan | * New section on the Links
page - "Training / Learning". Check it out - there's a tutorial on Compass Reading and a very informative website on Surveying and Mapping - really, go to the Training tab on the ICSM website! |
|
| 16 Jan | * Revised
Active Status spreadsheet (inc Dec) - Go to Attendance. * Correspondence Updated * Members Calendar should be availavble beginning of Feb |
|
| 13 Jan | * Maintenance Roster and Documents
- Go to Our Brigade. * Wollondilly Training Course Nomination form - Go to Training > RFS Courses. * Minutes of December General Meeting - Go to Minutes. * Agenda for February General Meeting - Go to Calendar. |
|
| 10 Jan | * Training this weekend 16th Jan - Grass Fire and Pumps & Pumping | |
| 10 Jan | HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!! * The Oaks Training Calendar for 2011 is available - Go to Training* Wollondilly FCC Training Calendar for 2011 is available below The Oaks Training schedule - Go to Training |
|
| 2 Dec | * The Oaks Calendar Run this Sunday 5th Devember 10. Be at the station for 08:00hrs. * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. |
|
| 28 Nov |  |
The Oaks Village Christmas Tree Lighting
and BBQ. Friday 3rd December 10 Volunteers needed to run the BBQ - outside the Hotel from 4pm. |
| 19 Nov | "Medals for Selfless Volunteer Firefighters"
- As
reported in the Media (click here).. View the photos here - go to the Photo Gallery on the "Our Brigade" page New! |
|
| 19 Nov | Mitre 10 Fun Day BBQ TOMORROW
(Saturday). Meet at Mitre10, by 7am for the morning shift, or 10am for the midday shift. |
|
| 10 Nov | * General Meeting this Thursday 11th November 10. Agenda is Calendar and last meeting minutes are in Minutes | |
| 7 Nov | Upcoming Events !!!!!!! * 20th Nov - Mitre 10 Fun Day BBQ * 3rd Dec - Christmas Tree Ligthing BBQ * 5th Dec - The Oaks/Belimba Park Calendar Run Please try and make yourself available for these events to help raise funds for the brigade. We'll need as many members (inc Associate/Honorary/Life) as possible for each function. |
|
| 18 Oct | Minutes of September General Meeting now available. Go to Minutes. | |
| 13 Oct |
|
DAMFEST is this Sunday -17th.
(Training cancelled) It is the 50th Anniversary of the dam and I am told considerable advertisement has been done presuming many people will come. The result of that is many gold coins will be procured. |
| Those that participate on the day will it is hoped
will receive a percentage of that money accumulated on account
of the emergency services who have participated. You are therefore invited to attend on the day to make it another special day. A tug-o-war will no doubt attract the amazons in the group. Details as follows:- Be at Station for 08:00. Arrive at Warragamba for 08:30. Departure is proposed to be 14:00 at the latest. |
||
| 11 Oct | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet. Go to
Attendance. |
|
| 24 Sept |  |
This SATURDAY! This year we're 'campaining' outside the village shops (9am-12noon)- please come along and share your advice and expertise with the Community (who's support we value greatly!). |
| 18 Sept | * Sunday Training (tomorrow 19th Sept) is Off Site. It will still include the Pre Season checks of PPE, Equipment on the Trucks and the Trucks | |
| 18 Sept | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet. Go to Attendance. | |
| 14 Sept | Out of Area Roster for 2010 - 2011 Fire Season is now available. Go to Our Brigade. | |
| 14 Sept | Correspondence Updated | |
| 9 Sept | President's Progress report is now available. Go to Capt's Chronical / Presdt's Progress link on the menu bar. | |
| 8 Sept | General Meeting tomorrow (9th Sept) at 19:30. Minutes from last meeting and agenda are in minutes and calendar respectively. | |
| 13 Aug | * Minutes of July's General Meeting now available.
Go to Minutes. * Agenda for September's General Meeting now available. Go to Calendar. |
|
| 2 Aug | * Revised Active Status
spreadsheet. Go to Attendance. * Revised Call Out Statistics. Go to Call Outs |
|
| 1 Aug | Mesothelioma.Org - This organisation contacted me
recently, offering their support and information on mesothelioma
- particularly for firefighters. Go to the Links page for access to their website and a note from their Cancer Information Coordinator, Roberta Williams. |
|
| 30 July | Code of Conduct for Out of Area - download
here, or from the "RFS Documents" section on the
Our Brigade page. Please download and sign the Code of Conduct, which is a requirement if you attend an out of area deployment. Send your signed form to the Brigade Secretary. Only ACTIVE members are eligable for Out of Area |
|
| 20 July | * Correspondence added | |
| 14 July | * Reminder - General meeting tomorrow! * Article - "Legal Protection for Volunteer Fire Fighters" - download here - or from the "Other Documents" section on Our Brigade page. * New Link added to the Links page - see if you can spot which one it is. |
|
| 13 July | * New! Photo Gallery. The Photo Gallery is available from the Our Brigade link in the menu bar - and has received a face lift! Send me your photos. | |
| 10 July |  |
Captain's Chronicle - new edition
available now - Go to Capt's Chronical / Presdt's Progress. Each new edition will be announced here - with the "Capt's Chronical Avatar"! |
| 10 July | LOOK! Correspondence
is on the Home Page! The Correspondence column lists a summary
of correspondence received by the Brigade Secretary - further
details are provided on the Correspondence webpage. This will
be updated as and when the mail arrives. Check the Correspondence
regularly to stay up to date. * The link to the Photo Gallery has been moved to the 'Our Brigade' page. |
|
| 9 July | Be Advised - on Sunday 11.07.2010 If you wish to make yourself available, I will be available to conduct training specifically for the field-ex, the following week. The agenda will be around the requirements for events as per the field-ex notice sent out by the Secretary. It is hoped that all events will be done. This field-ex will replace Sunday as a training day. Thanks John Carter |
|
| 7 July | * Agenda for general meeting on 15 July is now available - Go to Calendar. | |
| 4 July | July is a slightly weird month * This monday (5th) is training. It is programmed to be First Aid, however it may be changed to something more in line with the Field Ex on the 17th July.* The General Meeting is not until 15th July which is the third Thursday of the month, due to other activities (training & exec meeting) going on in the second week. * Saturday 17th July is the Northern Field Ex and will be classified as the monthly practical training, this replaces Sunday 18th training. * Revised Active Status spreadsheet (for June 2010). Go to Attendance. * Correspondence has been updated. Go to Correspondence |
|
| 6 June | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet (for May 2010). Go to Attendance. | |
| 6 June | * Reminder MOWBRAY PARK visit
today (6th June). Everyone is encouraged to attend. Meet at the
station at 13:45hrs. ****** Full PPE required ******* |
|
22 May |
Interactive Compass / Map Reading demo - for your edification! | |
| 22 May 10 | * An Encore Performance, of the 2010 Captain's Report
(Call Out Statistics), now available for download. Go to Attendance. * Website update - "Calendar" and "Courses" pages have been changed. Now titled "Training", this contains both Brigade and RFS Training / Courses. |
|
| 18 May 10 | * Reminder there is a special training site visit to Mowbray Park on the 6th June (Sunday) at 14:00hrs. All are encouraged to attend. Meet at the station at 13:45hrs. Full PPE required | |
| 14 May 10 | * Updates on the website include Calendar items and Brigade Members. See if you can spot the changes. | |
| 7 May 10 | * Minutes of April General Meeting now available. Go to Minutes. | |
3 May 10 |
* Revised Active Status spreadsheet (to correct a couple of omissions) - Go to Attendance. From 1st May 10 the count starts anew. | |
| 30 Apr 10 | * Brigade Positions - Nominations. Click
here to access the nomination form. * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. * Reminder - Training this Monday (3rd) * AIDER Programme - Do you kow someone who may benefit fromthe AIDER Programme? Click here for more info. |
|
| 26 Apr 10 | * AGM is coming up soon - 13th May 10. Nominations for Admin position close C.O.B 4th May 10 (to secretary). |
|
| 9 Apr 10 | * Minutes of February's General Meeting now available
- Go to Minutes. * Agenda for April 15 General Meeting - Go to Calendar. |
|
| 1 Apr 10 | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. * Reminder - Training this Monday (5th) - Fire Over Run |
|
| 21 Mar 10 | * Correspondence has been updated - Go to Correspondence. | |
| 20 Mar 10 | * TRAINING Tomorrow (21st) - Property Protection | |
| 16 Mar 10 | * Reminder - Training this Sunday (21st) - Property Protection * Training Schedule for the year has been developed - Go to Calendar |
|
| 16 Mar 10 | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. | |
| 1 Mar 10 | *Reminder - Training tonight. Though you didn't need to be reminded..... right ??? | |
| 2 Feb 10 | * Revised Active Status spreadsheet - Go to Attendance. | |
| 1 Feb 10 | * Reminder - Training tonight - 19:30hrs. * Agenda for General Meeting on 11 Feb now available. Go to Calendar to download. |
|
| 13 Jan 10 | * Volunteers Needed - Calendar
Run this SUNDAY 17th Jan. Meet at the Station at 8:30hrs. "Many Hands Make Light Work" |
|
| 13 Jan 10 | Happy New Year! With the New Year comes lots of updates to the Website. Please visit regularly for all your news and information. |
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