hello
To all the CFSVA strategy is about reminding and making the public (and small "v" volunteers) aware that the Emergancy services sector is underfunded[/b] regardless which agency we are all short of people to support for volunteers. Stations are in varying condition but no budget line for maintance not enough planned funds to replace old sheds.Access to training in more technical course's is very difficult. And their is no IT strategy for volunteers our intent is to remind govt. of these shortages continously over the next few months when ever a opportunity rise as there will numerous opportunities for govt. to take action it is not about trying to embarrass the govt. it is about asking them publicy do they want to have a sustainable effective volunteer emergency services or are they prepared to pay for a very expensive career service which may be under utilize in a difficult economic climate.
We know that won't please all with our strategy others will say we are ineffective but we have to act responsibley and comply with the commitments we sought in our volunteer charter that we signed with Goverment last year I hope that makes it clear what we are up to
kind regards Wayne Thorley
CFSVA vp
I'm reposting my comment after the original was unintentionally deleted by one of our Mods....quite by accident too i'm assured..lol
Some of the wording may have changed, short term memory is affected by lack of sleep and E2OH
And that boys and girls.....is the crux of the problem
Can you imagine the UFU or any Union for that matter signing away its right to comment, criticise, or take action publically just to sign a feel good document that gets the Minister some nice press....not a chance in Hell.
Wayne, whilst the intent is commendable, it shows a serious lack of political awareness in a representative association....Being Mr Nice Guys and MR best mates gets you nowhere with politicians as soon as the media is focussed elsewhere
Lets hope the future direction of the VFBA (yes I know its the old term.....but it says what the organisation should be...not the current pC version) is more focussed on putting the Minister the Cabinet and Safecom leadership into the spotlight, or to the sword (as the case may be), rather than beating up on the CFS and our Chief, who can only play in the sandbox he is given
I have added the rest after my third esspresso for the morning
think what the media response would be if the headline read "CFS Association Walk Out on Government Peace Deal"
Start critically banging the media drum about value for money....equivalent skill and training (and then lets make it more widespread for all)...equal response times (plenty of MFS stations are going mobile in 4+ minutes at night...safe time as CFS crews offsite). Plenty of CFS incidents get 2 appliances and 12 firefighters, where an equivalent response in suburbia gets one truck and 4....better service?
Start talking about the need to recognise a "professional" difference in the work, the risk, and the knowledge....the fact that one is unpaid, doesnt lessen that. Build the image of the unpaid profession....not the volunteer doing his best
I'm sick of being always put up in the media as a volunteer.....they are people who work in school canteens. Me...I'm a firefighter, I just chose not to get paid to do it. Dont paint me as a victim or worthy of the publics sympathy....I dont want it. Just educate them enough so that they outfit me with the equipment and support I need to do the work to match the risk.
Do all of that Wayne....and you'll have fixed the issues that have been in the media for the last month or so.... but you wont do it with one and a half arms tied behind your back
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