====== Weekly Newsletter - 2nd December 2020 ======
[[newsletters:20201202|Online copy]]
===== Operations =====

==== Roster ====

=== Starting Saturday ===
Date: 5th December - 11th December

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

==== Incidents ====
=== Friday 27th Nov, Scrub Fire, Flynn Rd ===
Called to assist Chidlow with a scrub fire near Flynn Rd. 8ha fire in Parks and Wildlife Server land, deliberately lit. Mild conditions, and the assistance of a PaWS Loader and Water Bombers prevented the fire from spreading further.

Attended by Adrian, Chad, Keith, and Sarah.

==== Announcements ====
=== Initial Control Sheet (Draft) ===
[[http://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:bushfire_initial_control_sheet_-_mce6.pdf|Attached]] is a draft Initial Control at Bushfires sheet, aimed at assisting Incident Controllers during the initial stages of a bushfire. Each sheet is pre-filled with a communications plan, although alternatives may be entered where required. Please provide any feedback or suggestions for this sheet. Training on the use of the sheet will be present on Saturday the 12th of December.

=== BART Availability ===
As we approach the fire season it is once again important to keep your availability up to date in BART. Whilst there are a number of different (and confusing) options in BART, only three are of interest.

  * Available (Green) - able to turn out at a moment's notice;
  * Delayed (Yellow) - available for second / relief crew duties;
  * Unavailable (Red) - not available for any duties.

Maintaining an accurate record of your availability is an important part of the Brigade's operational readiness, and helps simplify the organisation of crews.

=== Christmas Period Availability ===
Whilst we head into the fire season, it is also the time of year when people like to take holidays. It is kindly requested that if you are intending to be away for a period of time over the next few months that you inform either your Team Leader or [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]].

==== Circulars and SOPs ====

No updates.

==== Mundaring Fire School ====

No updates.

===== Administration =====

==== Santa Run - Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th December ====
The Brigade Santa Run is on again. This year it will be split across two evenings, with all three vehicles forming the procession. Keep a keen eye out for Santa and his Naughty Elf!

Those involved in the run are asked to assemble at the station at 16:00, for a 16:25 departure.

Many thanks to Vicky for organising it again this year, and to Dave S, John L., Keith, Sarah, Shaun, and Warren for assisting.

==== Post-Christmas Party – Monday, 28th December ====

Attached is an invitation to members and their families to attend this year’s post-Christmas party.  [[Secretary@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Vicki]]  has asked if all members could kindly RSVP their attendance (or not) by the required date, this would be greatly appreciated.

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

  * Saturday 5th: Training - Vehicle Reversing and Manoeuvres, 09:30 at the Station.
  * Tuesday 8th: Santa Run, Part 1, 16:00 at the Station.
  * Tuesday 8th: Vehicle Checks, Crew C, 19:30 at the Station.
  * Wednesday 9th: Santa  Run, Part 2, 16:00 at the Station.

===== News =====
  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-01/orroral-valley-namadgi-defence-helicopter-bushfire/12937268|ABC News: Man who lost home in bushfire sparked by Defence helicopter south of Canberra angry over delay revelations]]
  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-30/defence-caused-orroral-valley-fire-didnt-tell-authorities-where/12933306|ABC News: A Defence chopper sparked Canberra's Namadgi bushfire, but its crew didn't tell authorities the location for 45 minutes]]
  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-29/bushfires-burn-across-nsw-cold-change-hits-sydney/12931478|ABC News: Dozens of fires burning across NSW as cool change hits Sydney]]

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