Weekly Newsletter - 30th October 2019
Gerard van Didden: 17/04/1942 - 28/10/2019
As most of you will now be aware, our beloved Gerard passed away on Monday morning. Much has been written about Gerard's life and his contributions to our Brigade, as well as to bushfire fighting in general. A brief memoir from Gerard has been circulated, and you will find Gerard's name throughout such history books as Tempered by Fire and All Fired Up.
Gerard loved our Brigade, and was an active member even as his health deteriorated in recent years. His passion for fire fighting never waned, and the latest developments in the service always interested him.
The Brigade will post a tribute in the paper, and a donation made to the Melanoma Foundation. Gerard's funeral will be held at Bowra and O’Dea in Midland at 2pm on Thursday the 7th of November.
Operations
Roster
This Week
Date: 26th October - 2nd November
- First Call: Crew A
- Second Call: Crew D
Next Week
Date: 2nd November
- First Call: Crew B
- Second Call: Crew A
Incidents
False Alarm 29th Oct
Turned out to report of smoke on Coolgardie St, Mundaring. Smoke was from a legal burn being carried out by a local resident. No further action was taken.
Attended by Adrian, Danika, Dave R., Keith, and Warren.
Announcements
New Branches
Due to on-going issues with the Protek branches, new black-out branches will be fitted to the hose reels on both appliances. These branches are simpler to operate and more robust, but do lack the fine control of the Protek branches. The Proteks will be serviced and stored in the panniers of each appliance.
If you have any questions, please contact Adrian or Keith.
New Brigade Liaison Deputy
Ian Zlatnik has replaced Dan Heptinstall as our designated liaison deputy. If you have any queries regarding the Shire, or other matters, please contact Ian.
Circulars and SOPs
No updates.
Mundaring Fire School
The latest Mundaring Fire School calendar is attached.
Administration
Clothing Orders
Attached is an order form for Brigade clothing i.e. T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, beanies and jackets. Can you please forward completed clothing orders to either Jen or Vicki by Saturday 30/11/2019.
The Shire have again provided a quantity of blue short-sleeved DFES turn out T-shirts as part of your PPC. Shirts are available at the station, please see either Keith or Vicki.
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 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)
The Station Open Day will be followed by an Afternoon Tea, launching the Brigade's new Honour Boards. Special guests include Ken Wyatt, Federal Member for Hasluck, Roger Underwoord, historian and author.
Weekly Calendar
- Saturday 2nd Nov - Station Open Day and Honour Board Launch
News
