Weekly Newsletter - 20th December 2017

Online copy

Date: 16th December - 23rd December

• First Call: Crew D
• Second Call: Crew C

Date: 23rd December - 30th December

• First Call: Crew A
• Second Call: Crew D

None

Over the Christmas break people's availability often changes. Please ensure that you make Adrian or John aware of any changes to your normal availability during this period.

Also please note that being available for call outs requires a 0 BAL. So if you plan to have a few drinks, please take this into consideration, and update your availability accordingly.

The Volunteer Fuel Card scheme has been launched for 2017/2018. An application has been submitted on behalf of the brigade, and the fuel card is expected to be available in March of next year. The card is to be fairly distributed amongst brigade members and is retained by the Captain, as directed by DFES. More information will be presented as it becomes available.

The Shire of Mundaring has confirmed receipt of the grant funding, with an associated grant agreement. Whilst the agreement itself has not yet been made available to brigades, the following information has been highlights:

The Grant Funds are available for ‘Upgrade of Equipment/Equipment purchases’

‘Equipment purchases, where Operational, should include input from the DFES Area District Officer to ensure equipment is fit-for-purpose, aligns to DFES standards and has necessary training requirements in place. Where the equipment is not sanctioned, future replacement and maintenance will not be supported through DFES programs.’

The Shire goes on to add the following information:

This could also be done through the CESM/CBFCO if the DO is happy to delegate the responsibility.

In addition to this the Shire of Mundaring require all equipment prior to it being purchased be discussed with the Manager of Community Safety and Emergency Management or the Coordinator of Community Safety and Emergency Management to ensure the Shire of Mundaring will be fulfilling the grants requirements. This can be done by phone or email. This is also to avoid the brigade not being able to be reimbursed due to ineligible purchases.

In order for the Shire of Mundaring to be able to reimburse brigades for equipment a separate claims form to the ESL will need to be filled out with all tax invoices and receipts for those items attached. It is essential that all tax invoices/receipts have the following information on them as per the Shire of Mundaring purchasing policy and procedure.

1. Made out to Shire of Mundaring- Brigade name i.e. (Shire of Mundaring – Stoneville BFB)
2. Business name and logos are on the tax invoice/receipt
3. ‘Tax Invoice’ is written on the tax invoice/receipt
4. ABN number is visible on the tax invoice/receipt
5. GST amount is shown either inclusive or exclusive (If anything is GST exempt it is shown on the tax invoice/receipt. This is usually done with a * and the legend down the bottom showing * GST exempt items)

If this information is not on the tax invoice/receipt it may not be accepted or you will be required to give in writing the reasons why this information is incorrect or not present. If you are unsure about anything you are always welcome to call myself or Adrian and we can advise what is acceptable and what is not.

For those brigades that are unable to afford the initial purchase (with subsequent reimbursement by the Shire) please let us know and we can assist you in setting up the business you wish to purchase equipment from, as a creditor if they are not already. This will allow the Shire of Mundaring to raise a Purchase Order on the brigades behalf, so that the payment can be made direct from the Shire and thus not require any initial expenditure of brigade funds.

Brigades are requested to ensure that the grant monies are expended by 30th June 2018 to enable the shire to fully comply with the grant agreement conditions.

No updates.

The 2018 calendar has been published (attached). Please take some time to read through this and identify any courses or training which interests you.

The date for the Santa Lolly Run has been set as the morning of Sunday December the 24th. Packing of the lolly bags will be completed on Saturday the 23rd. Anyone interested in assisting on either of these days should contact Vicki.

Brigade members and their families are invited to the Christmas Function at the station, 6pm Friday the 29th of December. Meat, beer, wine and soft drinks are provided. Please bring a salad or dessert to share.

RSVP to Michelle by the 24th, including numbers attending, and whether you're bringing salad or dessert.

• Saturday 23rd: Training - 1.4 Drafting and BBQ at the station.
• Saturday 23rd: Santa Run preparation at the station.
• Sunday 24th: Santa Run

• AVBFB: Newsletter 15/12/2017
• DFES: Youtube - Catastrophic fire conditions and what they mean
• ABC News: California fires: Fireman dies fighting blaze as hundreds of homes burn