Weekly Newsletter - 20th April 2022

Online copy

Date: 23rd April - 29th April

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

Called to report of illegal burn on Kirkstall Way. Fire was within local government limits, no action taken.

Attended by: Adam, Adrian, Dave Wh., Denise, Shane, and Warren.

Rain over the past couple of weeks has lowered the Soil Dryness Index to a point where wider hazard reduction burning may be permitted. Permits can now be issued for piles, as well as some running fire, although a cautious approach is recommended.

With increased access to hazard reduction burning comes increased potential for call-outs associated with out of control burns, illegal burns, and false alarms. Residents are reminded of the requirements for undertaking their own hazard reduction burns;

1. No burning is permitted on days of Very High or higher fire danger;
2. A single 1sqm pile may be burnt between 18:00 and 23:00. Piles must be full extinguished before midnight;
3. All other fires require a permit;
4. Burns should be recorded with DFES ComCen on 9395 9209 and the Mundaring Parks and Wildlife office on 9290 6100;
5. Inform surrounding neighbours prior to lighting up;
6. Ensure the fire is contained with a fire break no less than 3m wide.

As part of the (slow) return to normality, and a welcoming back of members to our fire station, a breakfast will be held this coming Saturday. All members and their families are welcome, however COVID-19 social distancing precautions remain in effect; masks must be worn at all times within the station, and attendees will be encouraged to congregate outside the building.

No updates.

No updates.

Please be advised that the Brigade Annual General Meeting will be held at the Station, 12 Ashstead Street in Sawyers Valley on Monday, 30th May 2022 commencing at 1930 hours. As in previous year's there will be a very short General Meeting preceding the AGM which will commence at 1900 hours. At the conclusion of the AGM, a light supper and refreshments will be provided. Members are reminded that COVID-19 protocols relating to mask wearing and social distancing will need to be observed.

Should members be unable to attend, there will be the option to participate via Zoom, or alternatively appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

All relevant documents including proxy forms, agendas and minutes will be emailed out closer to the meeting date.

In accordance with our Rules of Association and By-laws, nominations are now called for the following positions -

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Captain / Deputy Chairperson
• First Lieutenant * Equipment Manager
• Training Manager * Committee of Management (4 positions - refer BL-34(1)) ineligible for Committee of Management positions **

Eligible members wishing to nominate for a position will need to complete the attached nomination form, and email conforming nominations to secretary@sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au by Sunday, 1st May 2022. Eligible members may nominate for more than one position, however may only hold one position apart from the Captain who is automatically appointed as Deputy Chairperson. Once nominations close, a full list of candidates and supporting documentation (if more than one position nomination) will be emailed to the membership for consideration.

If only one nomination for a position is received, the Chairperson of the AGM must declare the member elected to that position. Should there be more than one nomination for a position, a ballot will be conducted at the AGM. If there are no written nominations, the Chairperson may call for nominations from eligible members at the meeting.

This award is selected by the membership, in recognition of the nominees contribution to the Brigade. The nomination form for the Outstanding Services Award forms page 2 of the attached form. Nominations for this award close on Saturday, 28th May 2022 and can be placed in the Ballot Box at Reception.

• Saturday 23rd : Station Breakfast, 09:30 at the Station
• Saturday 23rd : Training - Crew Leader, 10:00 at the Station
• Tuesday 26th : Brigade General Meeting, 19:30 at the Station (moved from Monday due to public holiday)
• Wednesday 27th : Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew D

• Bureau of Meteorology: Climate and Water Outlook May - July 2022
• ABC News: Powerline fires wreak havoc but a renewable microgrid alternative is rolling out
• ABC News Audio: Fire prone powerlines to be replaced
• ABC News: WA rents firefighting aircraft to combat climate change-driven bushfire threat
• ABC News: Corrigin bushfire insurers look to the law after Wheatbelt farmers lose millions
• ABC News: Traditional Indigenous burning protecting last-known koalas on NSW far south coast