Weekly Newsletter - 20th December 2023
Operations
Roster
Starting Saturday
Date: 22nd Dec - 24th Dec
- First Call: Crew C
- Second Call: Crew B
Christmas - New Year Roster (Draft)
The first draft of the Christmas to New Year Roster is attached. As we are only days away from its start on the 24th of December, please submit any changes via the online form or email Adrian with the email subject “CHRISTMAS ROSTER”.
If the past week is any gauge, the next few weeks have the potential to be busy.
Operational Driving Safety
Whilst en route to the Julimar incident, Northam 3.4 was involved in a rollover. This resulted in two fire fighters being taken to hospital, with remaining three fire fighters also receiving minor injuries.
Fire trucks of all sizes are not easy to drive. They are large, heavy, and unwieldy, with poor handling and stopping distances compared to the average sedan. They are also drive under stressful circumstances and dangerous conditions. Not only are these vehicles potentially dangerous to their crew, but also to other road users. These factors dictate that extra care and caution must be used when driving these vehicles. No fire is worth the life or livelihood of our members, or any member of the general public.
Drivers must always consider the responsibility which they are undertaking when operating our appliances, and the significant duty of care bestowed upon them. Crew Leaders must also be prepared to speak up if they, or any crew member, has concerns about how an appliance is being driven.
Incidents
Pole Fire, Sawyers Rd, 19th Dec
Called to assist Mt Helena VBFB with a verge fire caused by electrical arcing of overhead power lines. The fire was quickly contained and surrounded with a mineral earth break.
Attended by: Adrian, Denise, John R., Matt, Shane, and Tracey.
Verge Fire, Elliot Rd Mt Helena, 20th Dec
Turned out to assist Mt Helena VBFB with a fire in a culvert outside Eastern Hills Senior High School. Despite strong winds the fire was prevented from spreading.
Attended by: Dave Wh., Denise, John R., Matt, and Shane.
Updates
Circulars and SOPs
Mundaring Fire School
No updates.
Administration
Draft Motion: Roller Door Servicing Expenditure
The roller doors at the station require maintenance including the replacement of 4 batteries. The Shire of Mundaring have approved the servicing, which won’t be undertaken until the New Year and as NWSM Garage Doors are not creditors for the Shire, the Shire have requested the Brigade pay and then recoup the costs through the ESL.
Therefore the following draft motion is circulated in accordance with By-Law 62 – Control of Funds
(2) Approval of expenditure for any amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000) must only be granted by a committee or general meeting and only provided –
(a) that a draft motion authorising the expenditure has been distributed to all members for consideration at least 14 days prior to the meeting; and
(b) where a meeting requires alteration to the original draft motion a further 14-day notice and consideration period is required.
(c) Any amended motion will be deferred to a committee or general meeting.
(d) The requirement of 14 days’ notice to all members applies equally for the commitment of expenditure where the approval is for several payments that would commit the Association to expending an amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
MOTION : The Treasurer is authorised to spend up to $1,700 to pay for a contractor, acceptable to the Shire of Mundaring, to service the 4 station roller doors, and then to recoup the costs through the Shire.
PROPOSED: SECONDED:
Providing there are no objections received by the Secretary by Tuesday 2nd January 2024, the draft motion will be approved at a Committee of Management Meeting which will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 3rd January, 2024 commencing at 1930 hours.
Santa Lolly Run – 17th & 18th December
Santa and the Naughty Elf once again were able to bring lots of Christmas joy to families in Sawyers Valley and parts of Mundaring. At Sawyers Oval, Santa’s arrival caused the junior cricket match to be temporarily postponed and at the Sculpture Park, Santa was asked by a little boy for a new green bike and a slide 😊. This year Santa and the Naughty Elf weren’t just handing out lollies, both were armed with super soakers, and apparently having too much fun squirting kids and parents.
Our community has always been very supportive and generous with donations and this year was no different, with donations of beer and wine, a $100 donation from a lady at one of the service stations and $1,000 donation from the Woodward family.
The run would not be possible without our members, and thanks go to drivers Colin, Dave R, Denise, John R, Keith, Matt, and Shane; Jen and Shorrelle from Sticky Fingers for organising and supplying the lolly bags; Denise, Jen, John L, John R, Matt, and Shane for decorating the appliances and Michelle for media and the Facebook real-time updates each day. Finally, to Santa (aka Dave We) and the Naughty Elf (aka Rob) special thanks to you both for once again taking on your respective roles with gusto.
Weekly Calendar
- Saturday : Vehicle Checks ,09:30 at the Station
News
