Weekly Newsletter - 27th April 2022

Online copy

Date: 30th April - 6th May

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

Called to assist Wooroloo BFB at an escaped burn. Fire was contained by the land-owner, and both vehicles were stood down prior to arriving.

Attended by: Adam, Adrian, Elton, John R., and Shane.

Called to assist Mundaring VFRS with report of tree fire near Number 2 Pumping Station at Mundaring Weir. Stood down prior to arriving.

Attended by: Dave R., Denise, John R., Michelle, Shane, and Warren.

Turned out to escaped burn, Jamroz Crt in Sawyers Valley. Owner had failed to sufficiently clear around a large tree, which became involved and spread to the neighbouring property.

Attended by: Adrian, Colin, Dave R., Dave S., Denise, and Shane.

With the State Government easing precautions around COVID-19, the Shire of Mundaring has also lifted the precautions affecting Bush Fire Brigades. Brigades are permitted to return to all normal activities, however any remaining State Government precautions must still be observed.

There is currently no change to the requirements associated with Interim Operational Procedures. Until we receive confirmation, the existing precautions associated with turning out to incidents (masks at all times, wiping down vehicles afterwards, etc) will remain in place.

More information on the changes by the State Government are available at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/public-health-and-social-measures-ease-was-soft-landing-secured

The Shire of Mundaring has commissioned an online permit request system, allowing residents to apply for permits to burn without attending in person. Small piles will be granted an automatic permit, whilst larger burns require approval by a Fire Control Officer.

Online requests can be made at https://onlineapplications.mundaring.wa.gov.au/PileApplication/Create

There is no change to the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination for Brigade members.

Lowered rates of influenza circulation in recent years due to COVID-19 restrictions has reduced natural immunity and only 35% of Australians got the flu shot last year.

With the lowered rates of flu and the low number of vaccines administered, it is expected that this flu season will strike more aggressively. The best way to protect yourself this flu season is to get vaccinated.

Volunteers registered with DFES (and their immediate family members who live in the same household) are able to seek reimbursement from DFES towards the cost of vaccination. Details are available in General Circular 41/2022 - Influenza Vaccination Program.

No updates.

The latest calendar from the Mundaring Fire School is attached.

The Federal Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st May will be an excellent opportunity to raise the Brigade profile and promote volunteering. If you can spare an hour to assist with setting/packing up or attending the polling station can you please contact Vicki on 0407 831 315 or email secretary@sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au.

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 30th: Training - Crew Leader; Practical, 09:30 at the Station
• Tuesday 3rd: Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew A

• ABC News Video: Dieback threatening fragile bushland across NSW after fires