====== Weekly Newsletter - 16th October 2019 ======
[[newsletters:20191016|Online copy]]
===== Operations =====

==== Roster ====

=== This Week ===
Date: 12th October - 19th October

  * First Call: **Crew C**
  * Second Call: Crew B

=== Next Week ===
Date: 19th October - 26th October

  * First Call: **Crew D**
  * Second Call: Crew C

==== Incidents ====
None

==== Announcements ====
=== Skills Refreshers Due ===
There is just over two weeks left to complete the Annual Skills Refresher ahead of the cut-off on the 1st of November. A special training session is being conducted on Thursday the 17th of October from 10:00. With the Pre-Season Forum occurring this Saturday, opportunities to complete the refresher are running out.

If you need assistance to complete this requirement ahead of the cut-off date, please contact [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]] or [[Training@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Rob]] and special arrangements can be made.

Well done and thank you to all of the members who have so far completed their Skills Refresher demonstrations.

==== Circulars and SOPs ====

  * [[http://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:safety_circular_15_2019-safe-use-of-medical-oxygen-cylinders.pdf|Safety Circular 15/2019 - Safe use of Medical Oxygen Cylinders]]
  * [[http://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:general_circular_152_2019-operational-contact-data-to-be-displayed-in-the-volunteer-hub.pdf|General Circular 152/2019 - Operational Contact Data to be Displayed in the Volunteer Hub]]

==== Mundaring Fire School ====

The latest Mundaring Fire School calendar is [[http://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:mfs_course_nominations_2019_-_1003.pdf|attached]]. 

It is terrific to see a large number of Sawyers Valley members attending the Initial Control at Wildfires (ICAW) training on the 23rd of November.

Additionally, the Sawyers Valley Light Tanker is required to attend the Intro to Fire Fighting course on Sunday the 27th of October, between 11:00 and 14:30 (including lunch). Two members are required to deliver the vehicle to the fire school and assist with the demonstrations (basic hose drills, etc). If you are available to assist with this, please contact [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]].

===== Administration =====

==== Raffle Ticket Books Due ====
Raffle tickets books, including any unsold tickets, and collected money must be returned to Bendigo Bank by Tuesday the 22nd of October. Any outstanding tickets can be returned to the station on Saturday and [[Treasurer@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Jen]] will deliver them to the bank.

Many thanks to all those who have participated in this fundraiser.

==== Station Open Day - 2nd November ====
A Station Open Day is planned for the 2nd of November. This will be an opportunity for local residence to inspect the station, meet our Brigade members, and hopefully take away some valuable information regarding bushfire safety and volunteering.

A large number of activities are being organised for kids; including games, treasure hunts, branch target practise, and photographs. A number of presentations are also planned, covering bushfire safety, home preparation, winter burning, and volunteering.

This open day will be a fantastic opportunity for the Brigade to engage with the local community, and hopefully drive some recruitment. A large amount of assistance will be required to prepare for the day, so if you are interested please contact [[mailto:Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]].

Current activities include:

  * Distribute fliers to local notice boards and businesses (Vicki)
  * Wash and prepare appliances (Thursday group)
  * Clean and tidy station (Thursday group)
  * Organise and run Sausage Sizzle (John L.)
  * Photographer for children's photos with the Austin (Dave R.)
  * Assist with kids activities (Lorna)

If you are able to assist, please contact [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]] or [[Chair@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Ben R.]]

==== Mt Helena Billy Cart Festival - 27th October ====
The Mt Helena Billy Cart Festival is coming up at the end of the month. Sawyers Valley has offered to assist Mt Helena with the emergency management of the event, and we are still seeking volunteers to assist. If you are interested and available, please contact [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]]. Currently there has been no volunteers make themselves available to support this event from Sawyers.

===== Weekly Calendar =====

  * Thursday 17th: Skills Refresher, 10:00 at the Station
  * Saturday 19th: Mundaring Pre-Season Forum, 09:00 at the Mundaring Arena

===== News =====

  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/australian-bushfires-future/11572014|ABC Background Briefing: Prepare to Burn]]
  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-16/five-minute-fire-chat-prompted-by-forrestville-bushfire/11600506|ABC News: Fire Chat - Perth couple urge others to make five-minute plan after lucky escape]]

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