Weekly Newsletter - 13th September 2017

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A new initiative for this coming fire season is the instigation of Core Competency training. This comprises of three training sessions, covering:

• Fire Ground Safety
• Appliances and Equipment
• Fire Operations

These training sessions will be run several times over the coming months, given everyone the opportunity to attend. It is requested that all active fire fighters please attend these three sessions before the start of the season.

Associated with this training is the Skills Refresher. This has been developed by the Training Officers Committee and is supported by our Chief Fire Control Officer. The purpose of the Skills Refresher is to allow our active fire fighters to demonstrate that they have the basic skills and knowledge to be safe and effective on the fire ground for this season. There is increasing pressure being placed upon brigade officers to ensure there is demonstrated and documented evidence of fire fighter's abilities, and to ensure that everyone has the training and knowledge to help us be as safe as possible on the fire ground.

Please take the time to complete these two important safety requirements. Our willingness to participate and put in the effort to achieve this reflects well on the professionalism of our brigade, and of the Bush Fire Service in general and your support is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding either the Core Competency Training or the Skills Refresher, please contact Adrian or John.

Darren Klemm has been announced as the new Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, replacing Wayne Gregson for an initial appointment of 18 months. Full Media Statement

A program is under way to increase the interaction between Mundaring Shire brigades and the Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officers. The Deputies will be provided in a support and advisory capacity, and will not be involved in brigade administration and management. Deputy 5, Chris Kendrick has been assigned to Sawyers Valley.

No updates.

• Introduction to Fire Fighting and Bush Fire Fighting are both closed;
• FCO Course will be held in October, with new trainers;

Course nominations attached.

Thank you to the fantastic efforts of Charles, Vicki, John and Les (and I'm sure others!) in getting the Austin on the road. Unfortunately events conspired against us getting the Austin down to the FES Conference last weekend, however we've received a request to exhibit it at the coming Bush Fire Games in Forrestfield.

The Brigade is running a Swap Meet on Sunday the 15th of October. Assistance is required to run this event, and volunteers should contact Michelle with their availability.

A flyer for the event is attached.

Saturday 21st October, 2017. Full details to follow.

• Wednesday 13th - Shire Captain's Information Session
• Saturday 16th - Training: Fire Ground Safety
• Saturday 16th - MFS: Initial Control at Wildfires (ICAW)
• Monday 18th - Crew Leader Pre-Season Briefing

• AVBFB - Newsletter 08/09/2017
• DFES - Prepare now for WA’s upcoming bushfire season
• BoM - Understanding Fire Weather
• BOM - Climate Outlook for September - November