Monaro RFS

Our very own Chris Allen, Ops Support Officer and his dance partner Lauren Swain, are one of the “Stars” in the Dancing with the Cooma Stars fundraising event.

Chris’ goal is to raise $10,000 to support the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research.

Any assistance that anyone can provide to help Chris achieve his goal would be sincerely appreciated.

If you are keen to assist, either contact Chris directly or click on the link below.

http://dancingwiththecoomastars2012.gofundraise.com.au/page/AllenChris

This is the time of year that our Brigades conduct their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and you are encouraged to attend the AGM for your Brigade. The importance of these meetings cannot be understated and you should make every effort to attend or you should pass on your apologies if you are not able to attend.

When is the AGM for my Brigade?

There are a number of ways that you could find out when your Brigade AGM is on:

1. You might receive a letter or notice from your Brigade.
2. We are publishing the dates of the AGMs on our Brigades Calendar.
3. You could make a phone call to your Captain or Secretary.

What happens at an AGM?

There are a number of things that happen at the AGM. The exact format will be different for each brigade.

1. Catching up with each other (the AGMs can be a very social event, many brigades will have a BBQ)
2. Keeping updated on a range of issues.
3. A chance to review the various Brigade management records and correspondence.
4. Election of the various positions for the next 12 month period.
   Please don't stay away from you AGM to avoid getting a job, you are NOT obligated to take on a role or position.
   Having said that, we do very much appreciate the work that our volunteers contribute and your attendance at the AGM may include thanking those who have contributed in the past.
5. Equipment Muster - some Brigades use the AGM as a time to check their trucks and equipment as well as preparation for the winter (example: draining pumps and valves)
6. Training - some Brigades use the AGM as a time to conduct a simple training session (example: The Dry Plains Brigade AGM will include a short training session known as "Asbestos Awareness")

Web Site Tips

Click HERE to have a look at the Brigades Calendar or you could make use of our web site search function at the top right of our web page.

Our search function has been set up to conduct searches that include our Google Calendar entries. Give it a try...

You can now see Monaro RFS videos on the mickatmonarorfs You Tube channel.

There are a number of videos that we can share but we must ensure that we do not breech any copyright or licensing rules.

The soundtracks that have been used for the "Un-Professional Attitude" (a training video to promote discussion on Professional Attitude) and the "Adaminaby Brigade Remix" have been re-mixed using Royalty Free music.

The RFS has recently released a new Service Standard (1.4.5 Social Media) which makes references to other standards that we must comply with before we upload social media content.

Below are links to the You Tube channel and to our first two uploads.
 
The mickatmonarorfs You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/mickatmonarorfs?feature=mhee
 
The Adaminaby BFB shed opening video: http://youtu.be/dVJLZKYuAh0
 
The Un-Professional Attitude video: http://youtu.be/7V-Y_-j-QyM

Coming Soon

• The Dalgety shed opeing video and
• The Berridale shed opening video

Video Downloads

We are now using Google Documents to provide videos for download (links to these videos will be published in articles and our Downloads section)

Its now official as Kevin Clarke unveils the plaque on the wall that reads:

Berridale Fire Shed
Constructed in 2011
with the assistance of members of the
Berridale Bush Fire Brigade
Officially opened on 14 April 2012
By Long Term Members
Mr Kevin Clarke and Mr John King

72 Years of Service

This day was an excellent opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who have assisted the Berridale Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) over the last 72 years. This event was well attended by both foundation and new members of the Berridale BFB for the official opening of the new shed and the presentation of Dedicated Service Awards.

Robin Daley has produced a book titled "Berridale Bush Fire Brigade - 1940 to 2012" that includes short stories, a Brigade history and some fantastic photographs of fires, old trucks, sheds, people and the old Berridale store.

You can buy a copy of the "Berridale Bush Fire Brigade - 1940 to 2012" for $10 at the Berridale Fire Control Centre (FCC) or at a number of businesses around town. We have limited stock so you had better get in early or you might miss out.

Working Together

Representatives from the Berridale BFB, Rural Fire Service (RFS) staff and the Snowy River Shire Council (SRSC) all played a role in the Berridale Shed Project.

The shed is a fantastic resource but it pales into insignificance when compared to the resource supplied by the hard work that our volunteers have contributed over the past 72 years. The Dedicated Service Awards that were presented at this opening were testament to this fact.

The Dedicated Service Awards

The volunteers (above) all received a life membership for their hard work and support over the years. Left to right: John King (previous recipient of life membership), Keith Clarke, Cecil Aitchison, Peter Bottom, Ellis Aitchison, Kevin Clarke and Keven Burke. Owen Scarlett was not able to attend the opening event so his grandson Malcolm received the award on Owen's behalf.

The volunteers (above) all received a certificate of appreciation for their hard work and support over the years. Back row (left to right): Peter Ivers, Gary Suthern, Raymond Wroe, Adolf Franco, Gary Rae, David Scarlett, John King and Phil Daley. Front row (left to right): Lex Suthern, Bill Clarke, Steve Knowles, Stuart Reid, Vince Stocks and Geoffrey Woodhouse. Marty Timmins also received a certificate of appreciation, was at the opening but missed the photo opportunity. Kevin Biilmann, Tony Hasaart and Rob Staples were not able to attend the opening event.

The Official Opening

John King and Kevin Clarke burnt through the barrier tape as part of the official shed opening using a drip torch.

Prior to the official opening we all enjoyed a presentation by John King that clearly defined the "Bush Firefighter" in a rural context.

Barry Aitchison was also recognised for his support to our volunteers in his role as their Operations Officer, he used this opportunity to reinforce the importance of supporting our volunteers so that they can continue to serve the Berridale community for another 72 years.

Without the volunteers this shed is just another shed, with the volunteers it becomes part of the Berridale Brigade.

The Berridale Shed Opening DVD

Adrian Butters produced a fantastic DVD that was played at the opening event, the DVD included a comprehensive collection of photos and a sound track.

I'm not sure how many copies of the DVD remain, they were on sale at the event for $10 each. Please contact the Berridale FCC if you are interested in obtaining a copy (all proceeds to the Berridale BFB)

A Big Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a huge sucess, the shed looked great, the catering was spot on,  Phil Daley did a great job as MC, the awards were all well deserved, John Kings presentation was excellent, Robin Daley's book is a fitting keep sake, Adrian's DVD was entertaining and it was great to catch up with everyone.

More Photos...

We have published a range of photos on Mick Holton's Flickr account.

Click HERE for the photos that were taken at this event.

Click HERE to have a look at the Berridale Shed Project photos.