Q U E E N S L A N D ’ S O F F I C I A L F I R E A N D E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S M A G A Z I N E

R E S I L I E N T A N D R E A D Y F O R T H E P E O P L E O F Q U E E N S L A N D

EDITION 33

Queensland firefighting milestone

2 RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

33

CONTENTS

EDITION

HIGHLIGHTS

9

10

4NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOOLS

Helping us reach all Queenslanders

QUEENSLAND’S FIRST LARGE AIR TANKER

New waterbombing aircraft

CREATING ART FROM TRAUMA

Auxiliary firefighter crafts sculptures

ON THE COVERInafirstforQueensland,QFEShascontractedaLargeAirTankertoboostourfirefightingcapabilityduringthebushfireseason.PhotobyJackTran.

RESPONSE isabi-monthlymagazineproducedbyQueenslandFireandEmergencyServices.Contributionsandfeedbackarewelcome.TheEditorreservestherighttoeditsubmissionsforbrevityandclarity.

Address:Responsemagazine,Media,CommunicationsandOnlineBranch,QueenslandFireandEmergencyServices,GPOBox1425,Brisbane,QLD,4001Editor: JarrydLukePhone:0736353314Email:Magazine.Editor@qfes.qld.gov.auAdvertising:MartynHewettEmail:mkhewett@bigpond.comGraphicDesign:DexartGraphicDesignEmail:dexartgraphicdesign@gmail.com

Q U E E N S L A N D ’ S O F F I C I A L F I R E A N D E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S M A G A Z I N E

R E S I L I E N T A N D R E A D Y F O R T H E P E O P L E O F Q U E E N S L A N D

EDITION 33

Queensland firefighting milestone

>> Afirstforaerialfirefighting 4>> QueenslandBushfirePlan 6>> RoyalCommissioninterimfindings 7>> Newcommunityengagementtools 9>> Creatingartfromtrauma 10>> WAFAAwardwinners 12>> Focusonhealthandsafety 13>> Newremoterescuetraining 14>> Troubledwaters 15>> Asystemthatsupportsourdecisions 17>> OperationIceRobe 18

AROUND THE STATE

>> CentralRegion 20

>> NorthCoastRegion 21

>> BrisbaneRegion 22

>> SouthEasternRegion 23

>> SouthWesternRegion 25

>> FarNorthernRegion 26

>> NorthernRegion 27

PEOPLE

>> Manywaystomakeadifference 28

COMMUNITY

>> QBankforCancerRide 31

GALLERY 32

SPOTLIGHT

>> DeputyCommissionerMarkRoche 34

RESPONSEEdition33October20203www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

GREG LEACHCommissionerQUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICESLastmonth,theBureauofMeteorologydeclaredthestartofLaNiña,sowecanexpectmorefloodingandcyclonesinQueenslandthissummer.Asalways,QFESmembersareready.

Bypartneringwithstakeholdersandthecommunity,andbytakingarisk-basedapproachtoplanning,wewillhelpmakeQueenslanderssafeandresilient.

Whilethe2020bushfireseasonhasbeenlesssignificantthaninrecentyears,severallargefireshavethreatenedcommunitiesandQFESmembershavebeenworkinghardtocontainthem.

Wesignificantlyreducedtherisktocommunitiesbycompletingarecordamountofbushfiremitigationactivitiesearlierintheyear.Queensland’snewLargeAirTanker(LAT)hasalreadyplayedavaluableroleinsupportinggroundcrewsatfires.ReadmoreabouttheLATonpage4.

Iwouldliketothankeveryonewhohascontributedtoourharmonisedoperationsduringbushfireseasonsofar,whichhaveledtosuchpositiveoutcomesforthecommunity.

TheQueenslandGovernmentisnowincaretakermodeastheelectiondrawsnearandanewgovernmentisformed.Ourdailybusinesscontinuesaswesupportthegovernmentduringthisperiod,andcontinuetoworktogethertoensurethesafetyandresilienceofourcommunities.

Likemanyothercountriesaroundtheworld,oureconomyhasbeenaffectedbyCOVID-19,andaspublicservantsweallneedtoworktogethertoensurewearefocusedondeliveringourcoreservices.

IknowhereatQFESwehaveagreatteamofpeoplewhoareextremelydedicatedtotheirwork,andIhaveeveryconfidencewewillplayourpartinsupportingthegovernmentandourcommunitiesbydeliveringoptimisedservicesforthepeopleofQueensland.

WewillsoonwelcomenewpeopletotheQFESteamaswearejoinedbyourcolleaguesfromthePublicSafetyBusinessAgency(PSBA).IamgladtosayworkisprogressingwelltomakethisaseamlesstransitionforallinvolvedandIlookforwardtowelcomingthemintothedepartmentinthenearfuture.

Theuncertaintythathasdefined2020isnotoveryet,butwewillcontinuetobeflexibleandadaptiveaswedealwiththechallengesfacedthisyear.

Inaconstantlychangingenvironment,wearestrongestwhenweworktogether,combiningandbuildingonthestrengthsofindividualteamsandservices.

AsQFEScontinuestomatureandevolve,wecan’tgowrongifwekeepsupportingandlearningfromeachother–ourcollaborativeandcollegiateworkingenvironmentwillserveuswellasastrongfoundationforourfuture.

FOREWORDS

ADAM STEVENSONActing Deputy CommissionerSTRATEGY AND CORPORATE SERVICESTheQueenslandGovernmentrecentlyannounceditsintentiontotransitionthePublicSafetyBusinessAgency’s(PSBA)existingfunctionsandpeopletobothQFESandQueenslandPoliceService(QPS).

IamleadingourworkwithPSBA,QPSandourotherpublicsafetyagencypartnerstoensureasmoothtransitionofPSBA’sfunctionstoQFESandotheragenciesby30June2021.

Wearetakingtheopportunitytoconsiderhowourcorporatefunctionscanbebetteralignedtoservicedelivery,andhowwecanintegratePSBA’sfunctionsintothatfuture.

WearealsoworkingcloselywithQueenslandTreasuryandthePublicServiceCommissiontosupporttheSavingsandDebtPlan.

Inthesetimes,weneedtomakeeverydollarcount.Wewillremainfocusedondeliveringourcoreservicestothecommunityandmakingsureourservicesoperateefficientlytokeepourcommunitiessafewhileincreasingtheirresilience.

TheimportanceofresilientcommunitieswasoneoftheissuesnotedintheinterimobservationsreleasedbytheBushfiresRoyalCommissionon31August,aheadofthefinalreportduetobehandeddownattheendofthismonth.

Theinterimobservationshavehighlightedopportunitiesforimprovementsinrecovery,responseandpreparednessarrangementsatanationallevel.Youcanreadmoreonpage7.

I’mproudtoreportthattheQFESCapitalWorksteamhasalreadydeliveredeightinfrastructurebuildsinthe2020/21program,withanothereighttobecompletedbytheendofthefinancialyear.

ThosedeliveredincludeBrackenRidge,ElArish,Esk,Kilkivan,MountIsa,Pimpama,RathdowneyandYarraman.

Theteamhasalsobeenworkshoppingwiththeregionstoprepareafive-yearinfrastructureplanalignedwiththegrowingneedsofdevelopingcommunities.

ThisworkhasbeenundertakeninconjunctionwithStrategicServicestoensureallbuildsarefullysupportedbyanalyticaldata.Takingthisevidence-basedapproachtoinfrastructureplanningmeansQFESisdirectingitsinvestmentresponsiblyandmakingsurewearebestplacedtoserviceachangingenvironment.

It’sjustonemorewayQFESisadaptingthewayweworktosecureacapable,resilientandsafefutureforQueensland.

4 RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

CAPABILITY

TheDash-8-Q400ATLargeAirTanker(LAT)isoneofthemostinnovativeemergencyresponseairtankersintheworldandQFEShasengageditforthisfireseason.

Itcandrop10000litresofwater,gelorretardant,comparedtoQFES’existingwaterbombingaircraft,whichcandropbetween2000and3200litresofwatereach.

CommissionerGregLeachsaidtheLATwouldsupportcrewsonthegroundduringbushfireseasonsbyprovidingfastandeffectivefirefightingoptions.

“TheLATfliesatupto670kilometresanhour,withamaximumrangeofabout1800kilometres,soitcantravelquicklybetweenmanydifferentregionalairportsthroughoutthestate,”MrLeachsaid.

“Withinanhourofreceivingacallout,theaircraftcantravelfromBundaberg,northtoProserpine,southtotheQueensland-NewSouthWalesborderorwesttoTambo.”

Game changer

AirOperationsExecutiveManagerMartinGibsonsaidQFEShadborrowedLATsfromotherstatesandterritoriesinthepast,butthiswasthestate’sfirstdedicatedaircraftofthiskind.

QueenslandfirstusedaLATin2018throughanarrangementwithNewSouthWalesRuralFireServiceandtheNationalAerialFirefightingCentre(NAFC)butthisbecamechallengingwhenoursouthernneighbourfacedtheirownbushfireemergency.

“LATshaveprovedtobeeffectiveinthepasttwoseasons,wheretheyplayedakeyroleinkeepingmassivebushfiresatbay,”Martinsaid.

In2019,waterbombinghelpedkeepcommunitiessafeatPeregian,Sarabah,StanthorpeandPechey.QFESused72aircraftforatotalof6557hours,morethantwiceasmuchasin2018.

MartinsaidQFESwouldusethenewLATtofightfiresinadifferentway.

“Historicallywe’veusedaircraftformoredirectattacks,buttheLATisamorestrategicasset,”hesaid.

“Wecanuseittoreinforcefirebreaksandhelpslowfiresdownbeforetheyreachthebreaks.

“TheLATdropswatermixedwithretardantorgeldependingonthesituation.Thetimingvaries:geliseffectiveforaboutthreetosixhours,whereasretardantremainsforuptoaweek.

“ThisisthefirstmajoruseofretardantinQueensland.”

A flexible approach

MartinsaidthenewLATwasasmallerandmoreversatilemodeltothoseinotherstatesandterritories.

“ItcantakeofffromshorterrunwaysandislighterthanmostLATs,soitcouldreloadatregionalairportssuchasRockhampton,Bundaberg,Mackay,Townsvilleandfartherafield,”hesaid.

A first for aerial firefightingQFES has contracted a large waterbombing aircraft to boost our aerial firefighting capability.

The aircraft can drop 10 000 litres of water, gel or retardant.

Partofhisjobasapilotistoscanaheadtomakesuretherearenohazardsintheway.

“Wecanseealotfromupthere—allthefirefightersandtheirequipment.Wehavetomakesuretheareaaroundthedropisclear.

“Wekeepaneyeonenvironmentalconditionslikewindshifts,whichcanhaveabiginfluenceonwherewedropthepayload.Evendifferencesintheterraincanaffecthowitbehavesonceitlands.”

Communicating with ground crews

TheLATissupportedbyatwo-personteaminaleadplane,alsoknownasa‘birddog’aircraft.

“ThebirddogaircraftisflownbyahighlyexperiencedpilotfromVictoria,whoworkswithaQFES-trainedAirAttackSupervisor,”Davesaid.

“TheAirAttackSupervisorcoordinatestheplacementofthedropincommunicationwiththeIncidentControllerontheground.

“TheyalsoprovidecriticalintelligencetotheIncidentControlleraboutthefire’sbehaviourandconditions.

“Thebirddogaircraftarrivesonsceneafewminutesbeforewedo,givesustheinformationweneed,andleadsusintothedropordirectsustoitfromoverhead.

“Workingwiththemallowsustocompletethedropassafelyandefficientlyaspossible.”

The right tool for the job

Davesaidhefeltagreatsenseofsatisfactionwhentheyhelpedmakeadifferenceinslowingdownafire.

“Notallmissionsanddeploymentsarewins,andthatcanbedishearteningattimes,butoverallthere’sasenseofsatisfactionforajobwelldone,”hesaid.

“Weholdformalandinformaldebriefstoseewhatwecandobetternexttime.

“QueenslandshouldbeproudoftheaircraftQFEShassecured.

“Thisisabsolutelytherighttoolforthejob.It’sanextremelyefficientairplanetomeettheneedsofQueenslandcommunities.

“Inmyview,it’sagamechangerintheairtankerworld.Thiswillbethewaveofthefuture,andQueenslandisreallyattheforefrontofthisnextgenerationofLATs.”

RESPONSEEdition33October20205www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

CAPABILITY

UnlikeotherLATs,theDash-8-Q400ATcanalsolandwithfullfuelanditsloadat78percentcapacity.

Ifadropiscancelled,theaircraftcaneitherflytoreduceitsfuel,ordropasmallamountofloadontoapre-authorisedlocationandlandwiththebulkstillonboard.

MartinsaidBundabergwasthebestplacetobasetheLAT,bothstrategicallyandlogistically.

“Wecanresourceourexistingairbasethere,andwe’vealsotakentheopportunitytoenhanceittoaccommodatetheLAT,”hesaid.

“We’veinstalledcriticalwaterandmixinginfrastructureforfillingtheLAT’stanks,andelectricalinfrastructuretoserviceademountablebaseoffice.

“It’sanaccessiblelocationanditprovidesasizableresponsefootprintwithinQueensland.

“WecanalsoflytheLATtoNewSouthWalestoassistthereifneeded,asthey’vedoneforusinpreviousbushfireseasons.”

Fighting fires from above

CanadianpilotDaveIngibergsson,CaptainoftheLAT,travelledtoAustraliawiththeaircraftandwillspendabout90daysinBundaberg,on-callthroughoutthebushfireseason.

Davehasbeenflyingforabout35years.Hestartedoutflyingforairlinesbutasenseofadventuredrewhimtoaerialfirefightingabout17yearsago.Althoughhe’sworkedallovertheworld,thisisthefirsttimehe’sfoughtfiresoverseas.

“IwantedtocomeovertoQueenslandandshowcasethisfantasticaircraft,”Davesaid.

AfterarrivinginBundaberg,Daveandhisco-pilotimmediatelyunderwentaCOVID-19test,followedbya14-dayquarantine.Theybecameoperationalon1SeptemberandwillbestayingintheneighbouringtownofBargaraduringtheirdeployment.

“TheLATisanairliner,soaspilotswedoeverythingacommercialpilotwoulddo,butontopofthatwehavetobringtheplanedownclosetothegroundtodelivertheload,”Davesaid.

“Otherthanlandingandtake-off,commercialflightsgenerallyflyatabout6000metres,butwespendouroperationalroleataround300metres,andwedroptheloadatabout35to45metres.

“Becausewe’resolowtotheground,oftensurroundedbysmoke,flyingtheplanehastobecomesecondnature.Weusetherestofourbrainpowertobefirefighters.”

The aircraft’s ground crew includes trained volunteers. Photo by Jack Tran.

The aircraft can travel at up to 670 kilometres an hour. Photo by Jack Tran.

Queensland’s approach to bushfire is underpinned by three key principles:

1. Hazard mitigation:thisshouldbeinformed,plannedandcoordinatedtoreducetheburdeninresponse.

2. Public safety:toprotectandpreservehumanlife,itiscrucialtoprovidepublicinformationthatinformsthecommunityoftheirbushfireriskandenablestheirresponse.

3. Collaboration and coordination: managingthebushfirehazardrequiresacollectiveeffortfromawiderangeofstakeholderstoproducepositiveoutcomesfortheQueenslandcommunity.

St

6 RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

OPERATIONS

The Queensland Government recently approved the Queensland Bushfire Plan, which outlines Queensland’s arrangements for managing bushfire at a time when a coordinated approach is more important than ever.

Managing bushfires

RFS volunteers fighting a recent fire at Springbrook. Photo by Cam Neville.

bushfiresaffectingthosecommunities,”hesaid.

Firemanagementgroupsandcommitteesoperateatthelocal,area,regionalandstatelevel.Intotal,therearemorethan50AFMGslargelybasedonlocalgovernmentareas,sevenRegionalInter-departmentalCommitteesforBushfire(oneperregion)andaStateInter-departmentalCommitteeforBushfire.

“TheQueenslandBushfirePlanhelpsQFES,ourpartneragencies,majorlandholdersandcommunitiesunderstandhoweveryoneworkstogethertomitigatetheriskofbushfire,”Michaelsaid.

Eventhoughthisseasonisn’tonthescaleoflastyear’s,theregionhashadseveralproblematicfires.

“They’remainlyfast-runninggrassfiresandwe’vegottenmostofthemundercontrolwithinafewhours,butwe’vealsobeenfightingalargerscrubfire,”hesaid.

“Thefireshavecausedalotofsmokeandreducedvisibility,particularlyoneontheescarpmentinmid-September.”

Michaelsaideachregionhadtailoredmethodologiesforidentifyingrisk.

“InSouthWesternRegion,wesendoutabushfireriskassessmentworksheettobrigadesandAFMGmembersbeforethebushfireseason,”hesaid.

“Thisallowsustogathertheevidenceaboutbushfirerisk.AttheAFMGmeetings

Astheleadagencyforbushfire,QFEShasanumberofresponsibilitiesundertheplan,inpartnershipwithotheragenciesandthecommunity.

TheplanisakeydocumentwithinQueensland’sdisastermanagementarrangements.Itisasub-plantotheQueenslandStateDisasterManagementPlan,whichisdevelopedbytheQueenslandDisasterManagementCommittee.

Developedfollowingextensiveresearch,benchmarkingwithotherstatesandterritoriesandfeedbackfromstakeholders,theplanisalivingdocumentandwillchangetocaterforanyrelevantrecommendationsfromtheBushfiresRoyalCommission.

TheQueenslandBushfirePlanappliestoallQueenslandersandisadifferentdocumenttotheQFESStateBushfireOperationalPlan,whichfocusesspecificallyonQFES’bushfireresponsibilitiesacrossthephasesofprevention,preparedness,responseandrecovery.

Putting the plan into practice

MichaelWelshistheBushfireSafetyOfficerforSouthWesternRegionandthesecretariatfortheDarlingDownsAreaFireManagementGroup(AFMG).

MichaelsaidtheAFMGwasessentialtoidentifyingvulnerablecommunitiesatrisk.

“TheAFMGcollaboratesandcoordinatesmitigationactivitiestolowertheriskof

weusetheevidencetoidentifythevulnerablecommunitiesweneedtoprioritise.”

Forexample,thisyeartheAFMGidentifiedahigh-priorityburninGiraweenNationalPark,southofStanthorpe,becausetherewasalonghistoryoflargefiresintheareaaffectingmultiplelandtenures.

In2019,QueenslandParksandWildlifeServiceandQFESalsoconductedaburninstateforestnearStanthorpethatsignificantlyreducedtheimpactoftheStanthorpefire.

“Thefirestartedtothewestoftheburnandhadtoskirtaroundit,movingthroughopencountrybeforeitreachedthecommunity.

“Thatkeptitsintensitydown,becauseitcouldn’treachthehighfuelloadsandgetintothetreetops.Itgaveustimetogetourpeopleandresourcesinplacetofightthefire.

“WewouldhavelostalotmorestructuresinStanthorpewithoutthatburn.”

QFESalsohostedaseriesofPREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE.communityinformationsessionsaroundthesametimeastheburn.

“Thisgavethecommunitythetoolstogettheirpropertyready,andanecdotalevidencetoldusthatbecauseofthosesessionsthecommunitywasmuchmoreprepared.”

QFES’bushfiremitigationactivitiesbeforetheStanthorpefireweresosuccessful,theywereusedasacasestudyintheBushfiresRoyalCommission.

YoucanreadtheQueenslandBushfirePlanatdisaster.qld.gov.au/cdmp/Pages/default.aspx

Key points in the interim observations

Eventhemostwell-resourcedgovernmentagenciescannotentirelyprotectthepublicfromtherisksofnaturaldisasters.Somebushfires,forexample,willbetoolargeandtoowidespread;someAustralianswilllivetooremotely;andthereareonlysomanyfirefighters,aircraftandtrucksthatcanbedeployedatthesametime.

AllAustralians,andparticularlythoseinhigh-riskareas,musttakestepstopreparethemselvesandtheirfamiliesfornaturaldisasters.Itisforthisreasonthatpreparationfor,responseto,andrecoveryfrom,naturaldisastershasbeencalleda‘sharedresponsibility’—sharedbetweenindividuals,privateenterprise,not-for-profitorganisations,andalllevelsofgovernment.

Overthecomingdecades,Australiaislikelytoexperiencemorefrequentandintensenaturaldisasters.ThiswillrequirealljurisdictionstoworktogethertocoordinatestrategicdecisionmakingandshareresourcesacrossthejurisdictionsandtheAustralianGovernment.

CooperationandcollaborationbetweenAustralian,state,territoryandlocalgovernmentsisvitalinnationalnaturaldisasters,particularlyindisastersthataffectmultiplecommunitiesandmultiplejurisdictionsconcurrently.

RESPONSEEdition33October20207www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

OPERATIONS

Royal Commission interim findings flag national improvementsWith the findings from the Bushfires Royal Commission due at the end of October, early observations flag important national improvements in Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery (PPRR).

Volunteers from Currumbin Valley Rural Fire Brigade at the Springbrook fire in August.

St

oftheissuestheCommissionisexpectedtoaddressinitsreport.

CommissionerGregLeachsaidtheinterimobservationsflaggedopportunitiesforimprovementsinnationalrecovery,responseandpreparednessarrangements.

“Overallthereisastrongemphasisonnationalcollaborationandhowweworktogether,”hesaid.

“QFESlooksforwardtothereleaseofthefinalreportandsupportingthe

TheRoyalCommissionintoNationalNaturalDisasterArrangements,alsoknownastheBushfiresRoyalCommission,wrappedupon25Septemberafterreceiving1772publicsubmissionsoverfourmonths.

TheCommissionwasestablishedinFebruarythisyearinresponsetothe2019-20bushfireseason,whichresultedindevastatinglossoflife,propertyandwildlifearoundAustralia.

Interimobservationsanddraftpropositionswerereleasedon31Augustcoveringsome

implementationofQueenslandGovernmentendorsedrecommendations.

“ThiswillpavethewaytofurthercollaboratewithourpartnersaroundthecountrytoimproveourPPRR.

“Thisissomethingwearealwaysdoing–continualimprovementandchangehasbecomeapartofoureverydaywork.”

Toviewtheinterimobservationsanddraftpropositions,visitnaturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au.

Product issued by the QSuper Board (ABN 32 125 059 006, AFSL 489650) as trustee for QSuper (ABN 60 905 115 063). Consider the PDS on our website to see whether QSuper is right for you. © QSuper Board.

Visit qsuper.com.au to find out how we are supporting our members.

Thankfor all that you do.

Your dedication in caring for our community is inspiring. You’re the reason why we do what we do.

And have been since 1912.

RESPONSEEdition33October20209www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

ENGAGEMENT

New tools to support the community

Preparedness tool for people with disability

RegionalCommunityEngagementOfficers(RCEOs)arecollaboratingwithTheUniversityofSydneyandQueenslanderswithDisabilitiesNetworktopromotethenewPerson-CentredEmergencyPreparedness(P-CEP)Workbook.

Theworkbookisaconversationguidethatpeoplewithdisabilitycanusetotailoremergencypreparednessplanningtotheirstrengthsandsupportneeds.

Theproject’sPrincipalInvestigator,AssociateProfessorMichelleVilleneuvefromTheUniversityofSydney,saidtheteamdevelopedthetoolafterconductingstakeholderconsultationsessionsinBrisbane,Ipswich,RockhamptonandTownsville.

“QFESandotherstakeholdersfromthedisability,community,healthandemergencymanagementsectorssharedtheirexperiencesandexchangedknowledgeabouthowtoreduceriskandincreasetheresilienceofpeoplewithdisabilitytodisasters,”Michellesaid.

“P-CEPwillfacilitatemuchbetterlevelsofpreparednessbyhelpingpeoplewithdisabilityconsiderhowtheywillmanagetheiruniquesupportneedsinemergencies.

“Peoplewithdisabilityhavetomanageeverydayinchallengingenvironments,sotheydeveloptheirownstrategiesforusingtheirstrengthsandmanagingtheirsupportneedsinwaysthatworkforthem.Theybringthesestrengthstoemergencypreparedness.”

NorthernRegionRCEOPaulCannonsaidtheP-CEPWorkbookwasafantastictool.

“Untilnow,QFEShasprovidedthecommunitywithafour-stepplan,whichmakesitsimpletogetprepared,”Paulsaid.

“However,peoplewithdisabilityneedtoconsidermorethanjustfoursteps.

“TheP-CEPWorkbookbridgesthisgapbycoveringeightareas:socialconnectedness,transportation,assistivetechnology,managementofhealth,personalsupport,communication,assistanceanimalsandlivingsituation.”

PaulrecentlyhadachancetoputP-CEPintoactionwhenhewascontactedbyawomanwithadisabilitywholivedinastormtidezoneinSouthTownsville.Shewantedtoknowifsheshouldbuyageneratortoprepare.

“Iquicklyrealisedshedidn’tneedageneratorforemergencies–shewouldneedtoevacuate,”Paulsaid.

“Iwantedtotalkwithherabouthowtobeprepared,butourstandardfour-stepplanwouldn’thavebeenenoughforher.

“SoIarrangedtositdownwithherandhercarerstotalkaboutP-CEP.IlefttheP-CEPWorkbookwiththemandaskedthemtodevelopaplanforthemselves.

“Ihelpedthemfillinthefinaldetails,andshewasreallyhappywiththeresult.Ithelpedherfeelmuchmoreprepared.

“It’sgreattoseetheP-CEPprojectcometofruitionwhenithasbeenledbypeoplewithdisabilitiesandtheirrepresentativeorganisations.

“It’snowuptoQFEStosupportthisinitiativeandhelpsharetheseresources,soweareactivelyexpandingourcommunityengagementefforts.”

YoucanfindoutmoreaboutP-CEPatcollaborating4inclusion.org/pcep

Home fire safety visual guide

QueenslandhasaculturallydiversecommunityandQFESisalwaysseekingnewwaystoengagewiththem.

RCEOsidentifiedtheneedforaneasy-to-understandhomefiresafetyguideforCulturallyandLinguisticallyDiverse(CALD)communities,toensuretheyhavethetoolstoavoidfirerisksinthehome.

TheRCEOsworkedwiththeStateCommunityEngagementUnitandlocalmulticulturalorganisationstodevelopavisualguide.

TheychosethisapproachoveratranslationbecauseresearchhasshownmanynewarrivalstoAustraliaarenotliterateintheirownlanguages,sovisualguidesaremoreaccessible.

Thevisualguidenotonlyprovidesclearinformation,butcanassistCALDcommunitymemberswithlearningtheEnglishlanguage.

ThebookletisavailableontheQFESDownloadLibraryandinhardcopy.Ifyouwouldlikeacopy,contactyourRCEOortheStateCommunityEngagementUnit.

QFES is using two new engagement tools to help reach all members of the Queensland community and make sure everyone is prepared for when disaster strikes.

People with disability can use the P-CEP Workbook to consider their strengths and support needs when preparing for emergencies.

Product issued by the QSuper Board (ABN 32 125 059 006, AFSL 489650) as trustee for QSuper (ABN 60 905 115 063). Consider the PDS on our website to see whether QSuper is right for you. © QSuper Board.

Visit qsuper.com.au to find out how we are supporting our members.

Thankfor all that you do.

Your dedication in caring for our community is inspiring. You’re the reason why we do what we do.

And have been since 1912.

10 RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

WELLBEING

Creating art from traumaWith everything that has happened this year, R U OK? Day is more important than ever, reminding everyone to reach out if you’re worried about someone. We spoke with auxiliary firefighter Matthew Mohr about his experiences with traumatic situations and how making sculptures out of recycled metal helps him process them.

“Icouldn’tsleep,soIwentdowntotheshedandstartedmakingabigstainless-steelsculptureofafish,”Matthewsaid.

“Ifeltateaseandtheeverydaystressfadedaway.”

Matthewsaideachpiecerepresentshowhewasfeelingatthetimehemadeit.Hisworkrangesfromsealifeandnativeanimalstoflowersandabstractshapes.

“Idon’tdrawplansformysculptures–Ijustcomehomefromwork,gointotheshed,putmymusiconandzoneout.”

DrBernieScully,ManagerofClinicalandOrganisationalDevelopmentServices,saidthiskindofcreativityhadgreatpsychologicalbenefits,particularlywhendealingwithexposuretotrauma.

“Ononelevel,itcantakeonthequalitiesofmindfulnessandhelpsbringpeopleintothehereandnow,sotheycanstarttoleavedifficultmemoriesinthepast,”Berniesaid.

“Onanotherlevel,expressingemotionsthroughsculpturehelpspeoplestaywithdifficultthoughtsandfeelingsand

emotionallyprocessthemsotheyaremorehealthyandfunctional,andlessreactive.”

Reflecting on loss

Matthewhasfacedothertragicsituationssincethatfirstroadcrash,andsomeofthehardestarewhenpeopleattemptsuicideintheGlassHouseMountains.

“WhenIsitandtalkwiththem,Itrytohelpthemseethey’renotalone–they’renottheonlyonedealingwiththeseissues,”Matthewsaid.

HewasrecentlyrecommendedforabraveryawardforrescuingamanonMountBeerwah.

“Hesawhisfriendfalldownthemountainandhewassodistraughthewasgoingtojumpofftheedgeaswell.

“Italkedtohimbuthetriedtojump.Thankfullyhegotcaughtinsomeshrubs,whichgavemetimetoclimbalongtheclifffaceandsavehim.

“I’vekeptintouchwithsomeofthepeopleI’verescued,andtheycomearoundtomyplacenowandthentomaketheirown

Eventhoughmanyofuscouldn’tmarkthisyear’sRUOK?Dayon10SeptemberwithamorningteaduetoCOVID-19,itwasstillatimelyreminderthatworkingintheemergencyservicescantakeatoll.

Emergencyservicesworkersreportsuicidalthoughtsmorethantwiceasoftenasothers,butthoselevelsdecreasewhentheyhavemoresocialsupportandresilience.

OnRUOK?DayCommissionerLeachrecordedaspecialvideomessageencouragingeveryonetoreachouttoafamilymember,friendorcolleaguewhodidn’tseemlikethemselvesorwasactingoutofsorts.

Ifyou’restruggling,youcancontacttheFireandEmergencyServicesSupportNetworkanytime.Theyofferarangeofservicesthatareconfidential,freeandeasytouse.

A creative outlet

AuxiliaryfirefighterMatthewMohrstartedmakingsculpturesaboutfiveyearsago,afterattendingaseriousroadaccidentwithhiscrewfromBeerwahFireandRescueStation.

Matthew created this lamp to show “there is light within the black dog”.

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WELLBEING

canfeelfragileandbroken,dependingontheperspectivewetake.”

Speaking out

In2019,Matthewwentthroughaperiodofdepressionandanxiety.

“Iattendedalotofbadjobsinquicksuccessionandtheyhitmehard.IthoughtIwasokbutIwasn’t,”hesaid.

“Itcanbehardlivinginaruralarea,becausewhenIturnouttoaccidents,sometimesIknowthepeopleinvolved.

“AllIcansayis,whenyoufeelyou’renotwell,reachoutandtalktosomeone.

“Itmakesitsomucheasierthanjustsittingtherebattlingbyyourself.

“Whenyou’reatalowpoint,youoftenthinkyou’llgetjudgedbyyourpeers,soyoudon’ttalktothemaboutit,andthat’stheworstthing–toholditallin.

“OnceIcameoutandtoldpeopleIwasstruggling,itwasamazinghowmanypeoplesaidtheywerestrugglingtoo.

“I’dliketothankmypartnerSamanthaLeeforbeingthereformethroughmydarkdays,andmybestmateGeoffCameron,whohasalwaysbeenthereforme.”

BerniesaidMatthew’sstoryshowedtherewerelotsofthingswecandotohelp

ourselves,butitcanbegoodtotalkwithsomeonewhenwefeelstuck.

“Peoplefeartheywillbejudgediftheyspeakout,butIhavespokenwithcountlesspeoplewhotellmeitwasthebestthingtheyeverdid,”Berniesaid.

Matthewhasauctionedoffseveralpiecestoraisemoneyforgoodcauses,includingBreastCancerAwarenessMonth,MixFM’sGiveMeFiveforKidsandMovember.

YoucanfindoutmoreaboutMatthew’ssculpturesontheMatthewJamesMetalArtsFacebookpage.

creationsoutofmetal,orwegoforawalkaroundthemountainandtalkaboutthings.”

OneofMatthew’sfavouritepiecesisasculpturehemadeforQFEStomarkFirefightersRemembranceDaylastyear.

“Thesculpturefeaturesavineclimbingupafireladder,andeachleafonthevineisforafirefighterwholosttheirlifeonthejob.”

Berniesaidthesculpturewasabeautifulexampleofthewaypeopleuseobjectsorplacestorememberlossesintheirlife.

“Whetheritbelossofalovedone,amissedopportunityorasignificantchangeoflifecourse,objectsandplacescanprovideatangiblepointtoreflect,”hesaid.

“Ifpeoplegotolengthstomakethemementospecial,ithelpsthemacknowledgethesignificanceofwhattheyhadinapositiveway,ratherthangettingstuckfocusingonthenegativesofwhattheyhavelost.”

Beauty from tragedy

Craftingthesculpturesisalong,slowprocess–Matthewoncespentmorethan160hoursonathree-metregreatwhiteshark.

Oneofhismoststrikingpiecesisasilversprayofmeltedaluminiummountedonburnttimber.Themetalisfromacarfireheattended,andhesoldthesculpturetoraisemoneyforNewSouthWalesbushfirerelief.

“IspenthourspolishingthemetalbecauseIwantedtobeautifywhatwedo,”Matthewsaid.

“Whenweturnuptosomethingcharredandburntandhorrible,IwanttomakeitintosomethingI’dlovetosee.

“That’swhyIlikeworkingwithrecycledmetal.Mostofmymaterialshavebeenthrownoutbecausethey’rerustyorbroken,soIcleanthemupandturnthemintowantedthingsagain.

“Thelocalfarmersknowmeasthe‘metalman’andsharetheircastoffswithme.”

Berniesaidartcanhelppeopleexperiencepost-traumaticgrowth,aprocessoflearningandfindingstrengthandpersonalgrowthfromtrauma.

“Matthew’sartisticprocessisagreatrepresentationofpost-traumaticgrowth,wherebywecanrealisethatbeautyandgoodnesscancomeoutoftimeswhenwe

Matthew made a bell from an old fire extinguisher for North Coast Region FireCom to hang in their operations room.

A sculpture made with melted aluminium from a car fire.

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

QFES free counselling at qfes.qld.gov.au/fessn/counselling

Fire and Emergency Services Support Network free 24-hour confidential counselling on 1800 805 980

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

QLife on 1800 184 527

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RESPONSEEdition33October202011

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CELEBRATE

Celebrating women in emergency services

QFES’successinthe2020WAFAAwardsshowcasesourcommitmenttodiversityandinclusion,andsupportingwomentofollowtheirchosencareerpath.

The meaning of leadership

TheYouthLeadershipAwardrecognisesayoungvolunteerwhohasdemonstratedstrongandconsistentleadershipandacommitmenttothesafetyoftheircommunity.Thisyear’swinnerisStateEmergencyService(SES)volunteerKiaraMuraca.

KiarajoinedtheSESRedlandsUnitwhenshewasjust16,andinthefiveyearssincehasprovenherleadershipskills.

ShehasbeendeployedacrossQueensland,includingfortheStradbrokeIslandfiresin2018andsouth-eastQueensland’ssevereweatherinJanuary2020.

KiarasaidherdadinspiredhertojointheSES.

“Hewasreallyexcitedaboutgoingtoaninformationnightandbroughtmealong,becausehethoughtitwouldhelpmebuildupconfidence,”shesaid.

“IthastobeoneofthebestdecisionsIhaveevermade.”

HeradvicetootheryoungpeoplejoiningtheSESisdon’tbeafraidtospeakuporputyourhandupforanything.

“Therearesomanymemberswhoaretheretohelpandsupportyou,”shesaid.

“Theywantyoutosucceedandbuildconfidencewithinyourself.”

HerfirstmajordeploymentwasinTownsvilleforthe2019floods,whereshe

backeduptheteamleaderassecondincommand.

“IlearntsomanyusefulskillsfromotherunitsthatIhavecarriedintoourlocaljobsandIcontinuetoshowothermembersthesetricks,”shesaid.

“Ourmainrolewasstormdamageandheights,althoughnoonereallyknewwhatwasgoingtohappenuntilwegotthere.

“Everyoneworkedasateamasifwehadallknowneachotherforyears,butwehadjustmetthatweek!

“Agoodleaderissomeonewhoallowseveryonetohaveasayandbeheardbutcanstilltakechargeofastressfulsituation,”Kiarasaid.“Theyempowerothersandencouragegrowthandhappiness.”

Role models

ChristineWhitbyandShakiraWestdorpbothreceivedhonourablementionsfortheOutstandingContributionbyaFemaleFirefighterAward.

ChristinejoinedtheTirroanRuralFireBrigadein2010andisachampionforwomenthroughherguestspeakerengagementswithvariouscommunitygroupsandorganisations.AsaVolunteerCommunityEducator,sheworkstirelesslytoensurethecommunityiswelleducatedinfirepreparedness.Shehasrecentlyshownleadershipbyoperatingthecommunicationsvanduringdisasteroperations.

ShakirahasconsistentlypromotedQFESandfirefightingasacareerforwomen,inspiringmanywomentojoinfireandemergencyservicesacrossAustralia.

Shehasdemonstratedleadershipthroughhercontributionstooperationalcapability,diversityandinclusivenessintheSouthEasternRegionandthewholeofQFES.

AssistantCommissionerAndrewShortreceivedanhonourablementionfortheMaleChampionAwardforhislonghistoryofmentoringstaffandvolunteersandencouragingwomenintheprogressionoftheircareers.MrShortgiveshistimegenerouslyasanenthusiasticandsupportivementorandastrongadvocateforprofessionaldevelopment.

Dedicated to diversity

QFESasawholewasawardedtheMemberOrganisation‘Diversity,FairnessandInclusion’Award.

ThisawardrecognisesQFES’dedicationtodiversityandinclusion,particularlythepartnershipbetweenQFESandnot-for-profitorganisationCareerTrackers.QFESparticipatesintheIndigenousInternshipSummerProgrameachyear,enhancingtheeconomicparticipationofIndigenouspeoplesandTorresStraitIslanderpeoplesinQueensland.

AssistantCommissionerStephenSmithAFSMsaid,“OurpartnershipwithCareerTrackershasgivenQFEStheopportunitytobeinvolvedinthedevelopmentandgrowthofourinterns,introducingthemtotheemergencymanagementsector,wheretheyareabletoseethetangibleresultsoftheirwork.

“WeareveryproudoftherelationshipwehavebuiltwithCareerTrackersincreatingopportunitiesforAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderuniversitystudents.”

QFES and our members were recognised in every category of this year’s Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Awards.

Kiara Muraca on deployment in Townsville during the 2019 floods.

2020 WAFA Awards

Winners

Kiara Muraca – Youth Leadership Award

QFES – Member Organisation ‘Diversity, Fairness and Inclusion’ Award

Honourable mentions

Christine Whitby and Shakira Westdorp – Outstanding Contribution by a Female Firefighter Award

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Short – Male Champion Award

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STRATEGY

Focus on health and safetyAs part of Safe Work Month, QFES is implementing a new set of policies, procedures and tools to support the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers.

“Aseriousinjuryorillnesscanhaveasignificantandlong-lastingeffectonsomeoneandtheirfamily.

“Wearealwayslookingforwaystoimproveourworkhealthandsafetymanagementsystemsincludingourpolicies,procedures,training,equipment,clothing,plantandequipment.”

Toproducethenewpoliciesandprocedures,thePeopleOperationsSupportteaminvestedthetimeingettingtoknowourbusinessandhowimprovedriskmanagement,incidentmanagement,investigationandgenuineconsultationcanbettersupportQFESmembers.

TheteamconsultedwithQFESmembersthroughsurveys,sitevisitsanddiscussionsathealthandsafetycommitteestogetideasandfeedbackoncorepoliciesandprocedures.

“AsaleaderIampassionateaboutsafety,notbecauseit’smyjob,butbecause

likeallleadersandmanagersinQFESI

genuinelycareaboutmakingsureallour

membershaveasafeandhealthywork

environment,”Lynsaid.

“Safetyleadershipiswherewedemonstrate

ourcommitmenttoasafeworkplace

throughouractionsandourwords.

“QFESurgesyoutoplacehealthand

safetyattheforefrontofyourdecision

making,”Lynsaid.“Makesafetyacommon

discussiontopicinQFES.

“Makesureyoureportallhazards,

incidents,nearmissesandinjuriesassoon

aspossiblesowecancontinuetomake

thingssaferforeveryone.”

Thenewlearningprogramsarerelevant

toallQFESmembersandincludeacourse

designedformanagersandanotherfor

staffandvolunteers.

Thecourseswillprovideahigh-level

overviewofthenewrequirements,aswell

askeyinformationaboutthesupportand

servicesavailableforyourhealth,safety

andwellbeing.

Youcanfindthenewpoliciesand

procedures,aswellassupporting

informationandguidancearoundhealth,

safetyandwellbeingontheGateway.

Thereisnothingmoreimportantthanyourhealthandsafety,whichiswhyQFEShasdevelopedthesenewresources,alongwithanonlinelearningprogram,tohelpyouplayyourpartincreatingasafeworkplaceforeveryone.

PeopleOperationsSupport(formerlyHumanCapitalOperationsSupport)DirectorLynRichardssaidthenewpoliciesandprocedurescoverarangeoftopicsincludingriskmanagement,consultationandcommunication,incidentmanagementandinvestigation.

“Thesedocumentsprovidepracticaltoolsandinformationonhowtoriskmanagehealthandsafety,withsimplifiedrequirements,easy-to-useformsandaconsistentstandardacrosstheorganisation,”Lynsaid.

“Eachandeveryday,ourpeopletakemeasuredriskstoprotectthecommunity,butwithriskcomesthepotentialforharm.

New policies and procedures will help create a safer workplace for all QFES members.

QFES members can complete an online learning program to better understand the new policies and procedures.

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TRAINING

Battling the elementsHikers and climbers flock to the Glass House Mountains for outdoor adventure, but if they’re not careful, they can get lost, stranded or injured. QFES has developed a new remote rescue course to make sure we’re ready to respond.

QFES’newremoterescueteamhasrescued190peoplefrommountainsintheNorthCoastRegionfromthestartof2017tomid-2020.

TheteamwasformedfromanexistinggroupoftrainedverticalrescuepersonnelandtheTechnicalRescueUnit.

FireandRescueService(FRS)andStateEmergencyService(SES)personnelcompletedtheirfirsttrainingwithanexternalproviderin2016,andQFEShassincedevelopedourremoterescuecapabilitytothepointwherewecanprovideourowntrainingcourse.

FifteenFRSstafffromtheNorthCoastRegionandBrisbaneRegionunderwentthefirsttwoiterationsoftheQFEScourseinAugusttoprovethecoursecontent.

DirectoroftheSpecialistandTechnicalResponseBranch,ChiefSuperintendentBradCommens,saidthecoursetrainedQFESmemberstoscrambleacrossrockfaces,establishanchorpointsinthenaturalenvironmentanddrillremovableanchorstorescuepeopleindanger.

“The10-daytrainingcourseisbothmentallychallengingandphysicallyarduousbecauseoperatorshavetocarryeverythingtheyneedupthemountain,”Bradsaid.

“Eachremoterescueoperatorcarriesmorethan20kilogramsofequipment,food,waterandspareclothingsotheyandthepeoplethey’rerescuingaretotallyself-sufficient.”

Rescuesoftenextendintothenight,partlybecausemanyhikersandrecreationalclimbersstartintheafternoon,withoutrealisingtheyhaven’tleftenoughtimetogetdown.

“Manypeopledon’trealiseclimbingdownisfarmoretreacherousthanclimbingup,”Bradsaid.

“Asnightfalls,there’salsoalotofdewbuild-upontherocks,whichmakesthemslippery.Combiningthatwithfadinglight,coolingtemperaturesandinevitablefear,thisisoftenthetimewhentheteamiscalledonforrescues.

“Werecentlyrescuedthreepeoplewhoreachedthetopofamountainasitwasgettingdark.Theyhadnowarmclothing,twoofthemhadbarefeet,andtheyonlyhadonephonewithatorchonit.Theyweredefinitelypleasedtoseetherescueteam.”

Whenitbecomestoodangerousfortherescuepartytodescendinthedark,theycanstayovernightonthemountainwith

spaceblanketstheytakewiththem,orinemergencyshelters.

“Theshelterisanylonbagmadeoftentmaterial.Fourpeopleclimbintoitandsitinthecorners,leaningagainstthewallstoholditup,”Bradsaid.

“It’sonlyabout1.4metreslong,60centimetreswideand75centimetreshigh.Youcan’tgetmuchsleep,butitmaintainsbodyheatandkeepstheweatheroff,ifthereisasuitableplacetosetuponthemountain.”

Thewalktothepointofrescuecanoftentakeseveralhours,andthecasualtymayneedtobeloweredorcarrieddownthemountainoverseveralmorehours.

TheteamrecentlytookmorethanninehourstorescuefourclimbersfromMountBeerwah.

“Therescuersassembledatthebaseofthemountainat4pmandarrivedbackwiththerescuedpartyatalmost1am.

“Itcannotbeunderstatedhowimportanttheremoterescueoperators’fitnessandskilllevelistoensuringtheystaysafe.”

AnothereightQFESmembers,includingSESvolunteers,willcompletethecoursethismonthtobuildcapabilityintheregion.

QFES members have rescued 190 people from mountains in the North Coast Region since the start of 2017.

A stretcher being lowered down Mount Beerwah about 120 metres from the ground.

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TRAINING

Troubled watersFirefighters tested their skills in a joint maritime exercise, Operation Troubled Waters, at the Port of Gladstone in September.

Theplanningofficerfortheevent,StationOfficerShaneAustin,saidtheexerciseaimedtotestanddevelopthenewGladstoneMaritimeHazardEmergencyResponsePlanaswellasstrengtheninteragencyrelationshipsandmaintainoperationalskills.

“Gladstonehasoneofthelargestmulti-commodityportsinAustralia,handlingover30differentproducts,”Shanesaid.

“Severalmaritimeincidentshavetakenplacethere,suchasbushfiresandstructurefiresontheislands,boatfiresandchemicalspills,aswellasincidentswithhigh-riskinfrastructuresuchasgasplantsandcoalterminals.

“WedecidedtosimulateahazmatresponseononeofthebargesthatcarrybulkdangerousgoodstothenaturalgasplantsonCurtisIsland.”

Inthescenario,thegasdetectionsystemonthebargewasactivatedandapropanetruckdriverwasfoundunconsciouswithaheadinjuryandsuspectedspinalinjuries.

Morethan30peopleparticipatedintheexercise,includingQFESauxiliaryfirefightersandnewrecruitsandofficers.

“Weputintopracticeawholesuiteofskills,rangingfrombasicfirefightingthroughtoincidentcommand,”Shanesaid.

“Oneofthemainskillswasintercommunicationbetweendifferentagencies.

“Sixagencieswereinvolved–QFES,QueenslandAmbulanceService,QueenslandPoliceService,MaritimeSafetyQueensland(MSQ),SeaLinkQueenslandandGladstonePortsCorporation–andtheyallworkedtogetherseamlessly.

“QFESalsorecentlybecameamemberofthemonthlyMarineSafetyForumrunbyMSQ,whichhasimprovedinteragencyrelationswhenitcomestoportoperations.”

Theexercisehelpedtheagenciesdiscoverhowtoimproveprocessessuchascommunication,tomakesureeveryonereceivedtheinformationtheyneededattherighttime.

“Maritimeresponseisacomplexenvironmentintermsofcommandandcontrol,”Shanesaid.

“Theship’smasterisincommandoftheshipandtheharbourmasterisincommandoftheharbour.MSQisthecommandagencyuntiltheshipreachestheberth,andthenQFESassumescontrol.

“Theexercisehelpedusdevelopasmoothtransitionbetweentheleadagencies,andrevealedsomeproceduresthatcouldsupportthisinfuture.”

Forexample,oneofQFES’biggestchallengesisgainingaccesstoboatsorislandswhenfirebreaksoutonthem.

“Weneedaccesstovesselstoattendtheseincidents,andthankstoourstrongrelationshipswiththeotheragencies,wenowhavecontactswhowillhaveaboatreadyandwaitingforuswhenwearriveatthemarina,”Shanesaid.

Firefightersalsotooktheopportunitytoputthearea’sbrand-newCombinedAerialPumpingAppliance(CAPA)intouseforthefirsttime.

“Thiswillbethefirstofmanymaritimeexercisestoimproveourservicedeliveryintheeventofalarge-scaleincidentinthePortofGladstone,whichcouldcausesignificanteconomicimpact,”Shanesaid.

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RESPOND WITH THE BEST QUALITY LIFE SAFETY PRODUCTS

I N T E R F I R E A G E N C I E S . C O M . A U

qfes mag 24072020.indd 1 24/07/2020 11:52:15 AM

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TECHNOLOGY

A system that supports our decision makingQFES has helped develop innovative new features for a system used by first responders around the world to protect themselves and the community.

“Youfirsthavetocoolitdownfromasafedistance,thenobserveitforanhourwhilesprayingitwithwaterandcheckingwithathermalimagingcameraevery15minutesforsignsofsteamorheating.

“Youjustclickonthetoolandittakesyouthroughtheactionsandprecautionstoconsider.Itstartsaclocktoshowhowlongyouhavetowaitandwhatyouneedtodonext.”

QFESdevelopedanewradiationshieldingcalculatorforthesystem.Thiscanbeusedforincidents,suchasroadcrashes,whereapackagecontainingasourceofradiationisdamaged.

“OurnewshieldingtoolallowsustocalculatewhatmaterialsQFESmemberscanusetoprotectthemselvesandothersfromtheradiation.

“Forexample,ifatruckcrashescarryingaloadofradioactivecaesiumandfirefightersfindthedamagedpackageisemittingradiation,wecanenterthedetailsintoERDSSanditwilltellthemwhatmaterialscanblocktheradiationandhowmuchtheyneedtouse.

“Containersofwatermightbeenoughtostopmostoftheradiation,ortheycoulduseothermaterialssuchasplastic,concreteorlead.”

SeniorFirefighterJohnMyles,whorecentlycompletedadegreeinphysics,ranthroughallthecalculationstoproducetheshieldingtool.

Itwasalongprocess,fromdevelopingthelogicandcollectingtheinformationtotranslatingtheresearch,testingthecode,conductingusertrialsandsharingitwithvolunteers.

Thesystem’sillicitdruglabdetectorhasalsobeenupdated.

“IfaQFESmemberorotheremergencyresponderfindschemicalsinahousethatlookssuspicious,theycanenterthemintoERDSStoseewhatkindsofdrugsorexplosivescouldbemadewiththem.

“Theycanthenprotectthemselvesfromthosechemicalsandmakethescenesafe.”

MichaelsaidoneofthemostexcitingtoolsaddedinthenewversionofERDSSistheAustralianInitialEmergencyGuidebook.

“Thenexttimeyouattendaroadcrashinvolvinghazardouschemicals,youcanuseittoguideyouractionsinthosefirstfewminutesuntilyoucanaccessmoreQFESexpertise,”hesaid.

ManymoreupdatesareplannedinthenextversionofERDSS,andQFESwillcontinuetoplayakeyroleintheirdesignanddevelopment.

TheEmergencyResponseDecisionSupportSystem(ERDSS)supportsfirefighters’andotheremergencyresponders’decisionmakingatawiderangeofincidents,suchasHAZMAT,chemicalspills,explosions,biologicalthreats,nuclearaccidentsandillicitdruglabs.

Overthepastdecade,QFESResearchandScientificBranch(RSB)hasplayedakeyroleinthesystem’sdevelopmentincollaborationwiththeAustralianGovernment,UnitedStatesGovernmentandpartners.

TheRSB’sexpertiseunderpinnedthedevelopmentofthelatestversionofERDSS,whichhasjustbeenreleasedinternationally.

Thenewversionincludesinformationonnewhazardousmaterials,aswellasnewandupdatedtools,suchasaradiationshieldingtool.

RSBDirectorDrMichaelLogansaidthesystemwasusedeverydayacrossQFESandAustralia.

“Itcaterstoarangeofusers,fromanintroductorylevel,rightthroughtomoresophisticateduserswhorelyonitforallkindsofdecisionmaking,”Michaelsaid.

“Thesystemprotectsrespondersandthecommunitybymakingincidentmanagementmoreeffectiveandconsistent.

“It’saninternationalsystemusedbyabout5000agenciesglobally,soaQFESmemberhasaccesstothesameinformationassomeoneworkingintheUS.”

ERDSSisavailablefreeontheAppStoreforfirstresponders.ItworksonWindows,iPadandAndroidtabletsanddoesn’tneedtobeconnectedtotheinternet.

AcommonsituationwhereQFESmembersuseERDSSisforacetylenegascylindersinvolvedinafire.

“Thetoolwalksyouthroughthestepstomanagetheincidentandmakethecylindersafe,”Michaelsaid. Firefighters can use ERDSS at a wide range of incidents, from chemical spills to explosions and nuclear accidents.

RESPOND WITH THE BEST QUALITY LIFE SAFETY PRODUCTS

I N T E R F I R E A G E N C I E S . C O M . A U

qfes mag 24072020.indd 1 24/07/2020 11:52:15 AM

TheFireInvestigationUnit(FIU)investigatesthecauseandoriginofstructuralfires,bushfires,explosions,transportationfiresandhazardousmaterialincidentsacrossQueensland.

Threefull-timeinvestigatorsandamanagerservicetheBrisbaneRegionandassisttheotherregionswhenneeded.

Theyinterpretpatternsanddamagetoestablishthefireignitionsequenceandhowthefirespread.It’sanextremelycomplexprocess,andanalysingthesceneisjustthebeginning.

St

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OPERATIONS

Operation Ice RobeA challenging operation that played out over several years shows how complex the science of fire investigation can be, and what it takes to pursue a case to completion.

The loungeroom of the house investigated during Operation Ice Robe.

The scene

FireInvestigatorLindsaySpencerhasinvestigatedmorethan250firesover12years.

OperationIceRobe,afatalhousefireinKallangurinApril2010,wasoneofhismostmemorableinvestigations.

Thehomeowner,whosewifediedfromsmokeinhalation,wasnotatthesceneduringthefireandwassuspectedoffoulplay.

“Itendedupbeingoneofourmostcomplexinvestigationsintermsofthe

amountofdamage,unusualpatternsatthescene,involvementwithotheragencies,researchandtesting,andongoingcommunicationwiththeQueenslandPoliceService(QPS),”Lindsaysaid.

“Thereweresomanytwistsandturns.Thecaseeventuallyledtoamurdercharge,andourevidencewascrucialtothat.”

Sifting through the evidence

Whenfireinvestigatorsfirstarriveonascene,theytrytolimittheinformationtheyreceivefromtheattendingcrew.

“Wetrytoavoidcontextualbias–wedon’twantexternalinformationtoaffectourjudgement,sowetrytoseethedamageforourselvesfirst,”Lindsaysaid.

“ButwithOperationIceRobe,weknewsomethingwaswrongstraightawayfromthesheeramountofsmoke,itsdepthandcolour,howlowitwas.Wecouldtellitwasanacceleratedfire.”

First,fireinvestigatorswalkaroundtheperimetertoconsideralltheexternaldamageandseewhereit’smostconcentrated.

Theythenenterthescene,movingfromtheleastdamagedareastothemostdamageduntiltheyfindtheroomoforigin,wheretheysearchforthesourceofthefire.

“Inthiscaseitwasthefrontloungeroom,inparticularthecouch,whichwastotallyconsumedbyflames.I’veneverseenthatlevelofconsumptivedamagetoanitemoffurniturewhichwasoutofplaceagainsttheremainingitems,”Lindsaysaid.

“Bytheendoftheday,theforensicinvestigatorsworkingalongsidemehaddecidedtherewasnomoreevidencetofind,butIcamebackthenextday.

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OPERATIONS

“Ididalayersearch,carefullypickinguplayersandsiftingdebris,andIfoundafuelcaninthehallway,whichturnedouttobeasecondsourceoffire,suggestingitwaslitintentionally.”

Lindsayendedupspendingfourdaysexaminingthehouse,andfoundtwosmokealarmsthatwerevirtuallyundamagedbecausethey’dbeenremovedfromtheceiling,despitebeinghardwired.

“Iknewthebatterieshadbeentakenoutbeforethefire,becausethefloorunderthemwasclean.”

Testing the findings

Afterlocatingthesourcesofthefire,theteamrunsteststosimulatethedamageatthescene.

InthecaseofOperationIceRobe,theirgoalwastosimulatethedestructionofthecouch,possiblywithatimingdevicethatdelayedignition.

TheyconductedaseriesoftestburnsattheQFESLiveFireCampusatWhyteIsland,usingvarioustypesofimproviseddelayedignitiondevicesandfuelonacouchtodiscoveriftheownercouldhavelitthefireandgivenhimselfenoughtimetogetawaybeforethecouchstartedtoburn.

Theyfoundthefirecouldhavebeenstartedbyoneoftheseignitiondevicesontopofthecouch,whichthenignitedragssoakedinfuelatitsbase.

Forcomplexcases,fireinvestigatorsdrawonotherexperts,suchaselectricalsafetyofficerswhoanalysewhetherthefirewascausedbyelectricalactivity,gasexaminerswhocheckforsignsofdamagefromgas,andforensiclocksmithswhocanprovewhetherdoorswerelockedduringthefire.

Presenting the case

OncethetestshadconfirmedthesourceofthefireinOperationIceRobe,Lindsayappearedincourtseveraltimesforinquests.

“TherewasalotofpressurebecauseapartfromthedetectiveinvestigatingthecaseIwastheonlypersongivingevidence,”hesaid.

Theownerofthehousewaseventuallychargedwitharson,murderandfraud.Thedaybeforethefire,hisinsurancecompanyhadtoldhimhe’donlyreceivecashforhishousecontentsiftherewasamajoreventsuchasafire.Helodgedaclaimfortheinsurancewithin24hoursoftheblaze.

Fireinvestigatorshadprovedthefirewasdeliberatelylit,butquestionsremainedaroundthecomplexityofthescene,theambiguityofthetimingandwhohaddisabledthesmokealarms.QPSdeveloped

sixdifferentscenariosforhowthescenecouldhaveplayedout.

Thesuspectwasnotchargeduntil2018.Whenhedidn’tappearathiscommittalhearing,themagistrateorderedpolicetocontacthim,buthewasfounddead.

“Itwasalongandhardcase,”Lindsaysaid,“butatleasttheevidencewepresentedincourtwasundisputedandwentsomewaytoclarifyingwhathappened.”

The nature of investigation

DarenMallouk,ManageroftheFIU,saidfireinvestigationhadbeenunderestimatedinthepast,becauseitwasconsideredtobebasedonflawedscience.

“However,fireinvestigationevolvedovertime,embracingscientificprinciplesthatformthefoundationsoftoday’sinvestigativeprocess,”Darensaid.

“Wenowhaveamuchgreateremphasisonfirescienceandfiredynamics,combinedwithsoundfireengineeringprinciplesandaprocessthatadherestothescientificmethod.”

Thiscommitmenthasseen13candidatesstartatwo-yeartrainingcoursebytheCanberraInstituteofTechnologytoreceiveanAdvancedDiplomaofPublicSafety(FireInvestigation).

“ThiscourseishighlyregardedintheindustryandisafirstforQFES,whichwillseeuswellplacedintothefuture,”Darensaid.

AccordingtoDaren,fireinvestigatorsareadedicated,passionategroup.

“Ittakesaspecialkindofpersontospenddaysconductinganinvestigation,thenmanymorehourstodocumentthereportandfaceanaggressivedefencelawyerincourt,whosesolepurposeistodiscredittheirfindingsandattacktheircredibility,”hesaid.

TheresultsfromfireinvestigationinformmanydifferentareasofQFES,suchasproductrecalls,legislationchanges,communityeducationandawareness,andoperationalresponseprotocols.

All worth it

Lindsaysaidthemostrewardingpartofthejobwasprovidingclosureforpeople.

“Ifyoufindthereasonforthefire,evenifafamilyhaslostsomeone,atleastthey’renotwonderingwhyorblamingthemselves.

“I’llneverforgetthisfireIinvestigatedonChristmasEve.Noonewashurtbutthehousewasgutted.

“Whenwefinishedinvestigating,thispoormanwholivedtherewasleftalone,hispossessionsallgone.Hewantedtogoinside.Itoldhimitwasdangerous,butheinsisted,soIofferedtostaywithhimandshowhimwherehecouldstepsohewouldn’tgethurt.

“Hewantedtoknowwhatstartedthefire.Hethoughtitwasthewashingmachine,becausehe’dputaloadonbeforehewentout.

“Hewasblaminghimselfforthehouseburningdown,butItoldhimitwasjusttheChristmastree–itwasn’thisfault.

“Icouldseethereliefonhisface.HeaskedifIthoughthiswashingwouldbesafe,soIprisedthemachineopenwithacrowbar.

“Hisclotheswereallwetbecausethemachinehadbeenhalfwaythroughthecyclewhenthefirestarted.

“Itbroughtateartomyeyetoseehimholdingthoseclothes,whichweretheonlythinghehadleft.

“Beingabletospendacoupleofhourswithhim,makingsurehewasokayandreassuringhimthefirewasn’thisfault,itbroughtalotofjoy.”

QFES fire investigators work closely with QPS. Fire investigators interpret patterns to determine a fire’s cause and origin.

Central Region gets behind R U OK? DayCentralRegionstaffandvolunteersparticipatedinRUOK?Dayactivitiesincludingmorningteas,barbeques,paperplaneflyingand‘chuck-a-duck’competitions.

CentralRegionalsoconductedacompetitionforthebestphotodepictingthethemeofRUOK?Day.CongratulationstoMouraEmergencyServicespersonnelandLeeButlerwhotookoutthegrandprize.

TheMackayQFESteamheldabarbequeandchuck-a-duckchallenge(picturedabove).Colourfulducksflewandbouncedeverywhichway.Unfortunately,oneofthecrewswerecalledawayafterthefirstgame,buttheirduckswereadoptedbyotherplayers.

Goodfunwashadbyalland$85wasraisedfortheMackayGrapevineGroup.

Multi-agency exercise at EmeraldDuringOperationCoolBurn,IonaRuralFireBrigadecollaboratedwiththelocalSESUnit,auxiliarycrewsandtheEmeraldShireCouncilLocalDisasterManagementGrouptoorganiseahazardreductionburnalongtheNogoaRiver.

Atotalof32crewmembersattendedtheexercise,whichwasheldinacontrolledenvironment,andwasagreattrainingopportunityforthesevennewRuralFireServicemembers.

Thismulti-agencyexercisedisplayedgreatcommunitycapabilities,interoperabilityandsustainabilityduringtheburn.

CENTRAL REGION

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AROUND THE STATE

Windorah airport exerciseQFESrecentlyfacilitatedaBarcooShireLocalDisasterManagementGroup(LDMG)ExerciseatWindorah.

TheexercisetestedtheWindorahAerodromeEmergencyPlanwithascenariothatinvolvedcascadingevents:anaircraftincidentthataffectedairportoperations,aswellasabushfireandCOVID-19considerations.

ThecouncilthankedtheLDMGmembers,whoaremostlyvolunteersfromthelocalcommunity,fortheirsupportanddedicationtoemergencyservicesgroupsandpublicsafety.

Photos by Carla Adams.

Peregian fires anniversary eventOn12September2020,theNoosaShireCouncilhostedacommunityrecoveryeventtorememberthefiresthataffectedPeregianBeach12monthsago.

Morethan100communitymemberscamealongontheday,alongwithSunshineCoastCouncilandNoosaShireCouncilrepresentatives.

Speakersrecountedtheirexperiencesduringthefires,includingRegionalCommunityEngagementOfficerJulieBruynius,whospokeabouttheneedtobeprepared.Shechallengedparticipantstofinalisetheiremergencyplansandtakestepstobereadyforunpredictableextremeweatherevents.

InspectorRobertSmith,whoalsospokeattheevent,saidtherewasafeelingofgratitudeinthecommunity.

“PeoplewereverythankfulforQFES’responsetothefire,”hesaid.

“Therewasarealsenseofsupportamongthecommunity,bothfortheirpeersandforthecouncilandemergencyservices.

“Theanniversarybroughtbackmemoriesanddisbeliefatwhathadhappened.Ithelpedpeoplerelivetheexperienceinahealthyway.”

Duringthefires,RobertattendedthesceneasDeputyIncidentController.

“Thefireshadsuchpureintensityinsuchasmallperiodoftime,”hesaid.

“IwasimpressedbyhowheavilyQFESresourcedourresponseinsuchaquicktime.It’satestamenttoQFES’abilitytoprovidethoseresourcestokeepQueenslanderssafe.

“Becauseoftheheavyresourcing,myrolewastoaccountforeveryoneonsite,soIspentthewholenightrecordingwhowasonscene.”

RobertsaidtheanniversaryeventhighlightedthepositiveoutlookforPeregianmovingforward.

“Thespeakerstalkedaboutthenewgrowththey’veseen,alongwithwildlifereturningtotheaffectedareas,”hesaid.

“Localwildlifegroupsalsodiscoveredthatsomepatchesofgrasslandforestactuallyheldupsubstantiallybetterthanexpected.

“Ithinkthiseventgavethecommunitysomeclosure.Ithelpedeveryonerealisethat,yes,wehavemovedonfromit.

“EventhoughPeregianformsalargeareaofthecoast,it’sactuallyquiteasmallcommunity,sotheoptimismatthiseventreallyhelpedthosewhowereheavilyimpactedbythefires.”

TwostoryboardsfilledwiththankyoucardstoQFESwereondisplayattheevent,andthecommunitywereoverwhelmedbythechildren’smessagesanddrawings,whichshowedthefirethroughtheireyes.

CommunitymemberscouldaccessresourcesandtalktoQFESmembersaboutgettingreadyandfiresafetyconsiderations.

NORTH COAST REGIONAROUND THE STATE

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AROUND THE STATE

Holistic approach to road safetyIn2019,BrisbaneRegionfirefightersrespondedtomorethan5000roadcrashes.

Tohelpchangethenarrativearoundroadfatalities,BrisbaneRegionistakingaholisticapproachtoroadsafety.Wearecombiningproactivecommunityengagementwithhands-ontrainingforfirefighterstosupportthecommunityandensuretheyunderstandtheriskontheroad.

RAAP Program

Youngpeopleagedbetween17and24areover-representedinroadcrashfatalitiesandinjuries.BrisbaneRoadAttitudesActionPlanning(RAAP)istheonlyeducationalprogramthataimstochangetheattitudesofyoungdrivers.

BrisbaneRAAPCoordinator,StationOfficerAlexPearl,explainedthat,“AstheymovefromLplatestoPplates,theybecomethemostdangerousdriversontheroad.

“We’rereducingtheamountofroadtraumaemergencyserviceshavetocontendwithandreducingtheongoingtraumatofamiliesandfriendswhohavetolivewithlosingalovedone.”

HighlytrainedoperationalfirefightersinBrisbaneRegionwithapassionforroadsafetyhavedelivered102presentationstoalmost15000studentsacrossBrisbane.

Drawingonhisexperiencesasaparamedic,RAAPpresenterSeniorFirefighterScottHarrisonsaid,“Thebiggestbenefitisstudentsarehearingthemessagefromfrontlinefirefighterswhoaretheonesdealingwiththeconsequencesofroadtraumadaytoday.”

Road crash rescue training

BrisbaneRegionboastsanextensivecapabilityforrespondingtoroadcrashes,withatotalof456operationalfirefighters

undertakingcompetencymaintenanceandanadditional71trainedinroadcrashrescueduring2019.

StationOfficerStuartNivisonexplainedthat,“Firefightersaretakenthroughthetrainingtoprovidethefundamentalsrequiredforrespondingtoacaraccidentandsafelyremovinganentrappedperson.”

Thecoursefocusesonensuringthesafetyofrespondingfirefightersaswellastheentrappedpeople.

InpartnershipwithQUTSchoolofClinicalSciences,studentparamedicsworkedalongsiderecruitfirefighterstosuccessfullyperformarescueofanentrappedperson.Theactivityusedstudentsasactorstocreatealearningenvironmentasrealisticaspossible.

National Road Safety Week

PlanningisunderwayacrosstheregionforNationalRoadSafetyWeekfrom15to22November,encouragingthecommunitytomakea“pledgetodrivesootherssurvive”.

Linkinginwithotheragenciesandlocalcouncil,afocusisoncreatingCOVID-19safeengagementaroundroadsafety.

WithRAAPpresentationsplannedintheweeksleadinguptoNationalRoadSafetyWeek,BrisbaneRegionisensuringtheconversationaroundroadsafetycontinues.

BRISBANE REGION

22RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

AROUND THE STATE

USAR training day BrisbaneRegiontechnicalrescuestaffconductedUrbanSearchandRescue(USAR)trainingattheQueenslandCombinedEmergencyServicesAcademy(QCESA)inSeptember.

Eventhoughthisyear’smajorDisasterAssistanceResponseTeam(DART)annualexercisewascancelled,thetechnicalrescuestaff,whoareallmembersofDART,tooktheopportunitytousethetrainingpropsdesignedfortheexercise.Theseincludedanew

mobiletrainingprop,whichprovidedchallengingscenariosforthecrews.

Theytestedtheirknowledgeandskillswithascenarioinvolvingthecollapseofasmallcommercialbuildingcontainingabasementcarpark,withmultiplepeopletrapped.

Crewswereconfrontedwithcomplexrescueswheretheyhadtoremoveheavilytrappedcasualtiesfromvehiclescrushedbythecollapse.

Theyestablishedscenesafetyandconductedsearchandrescueoperationstoaccountforallcasualties,usingequipmentfromfirstrespondingappliancesandBrisbaneRegionUSARsupport.

Operationsincludedstructuralmonitoringandshoring,technicalsearch,heavyliftingandmoving,concretecuttingandbreachingaswellasroadcrashrescue.

ThetrainingalsoexposedthetechnicianstothenewestgenerationinUSARequipmentavailabletoBrisbaneRegion.Thisincludedanewtechnicalsearchcamera,electricalconcretecuttingequipment,wirelesslaserstructuralmonitoringunit,andbattery-operatedrescuetools.

Thetrainingprovidedvaluableskillsmaintenanceanddevelopment,enhancingBrisbaneRegion’sabilitytorespondtostructuralcollapseincidents.

SOUTH EASTERN REGION

St Carthage’s Cathedral fireGoldCoastcrewswerecalledtoassistFireandRescueNSWwithafireatStCarthage’sCathedralinLismoreon18September.

Tobringthefireundercontrolandminimisedamagetothecathedral,QFEScrewsworkedalongsideFireandRescueNSWcrewsfromLismore,Alstonville,Ballina,Casino,CorakiandGoonellabah,aswellasNSWAmbulanceServiceandNSWPoliceService.

TheQFEScrewsmonitoredtemperaturerangesacrosstheroofareaandsuppliedaerialphotostotheIncidentController(IC).

TheyworkedwellwithintheIC’splanandmaintainednecessaryCOVID-19precautions.Theyremainedasasingleunitatalltimes,operatingwithina‘bubble’tosupportfiregroundoperations.Aregisterwasestablishedtorecordanyunavoidablecontactwithnon-QFESpersonnel.

TheincidenthighlightedthevalueofhavingAutomaticFireAlarmsystemsinstalled.TherapidresponseofFireandRescueNSW,combinedwithanaggressiveinternalattackbyfirst-arrivingcrews,permittedanearlyhandovertoNSWPoliceServicebymidday.

NSWandQueenslandofficerstestedsolutionsforcross-bordercommunications,includingtestingnewsystemsonthefireground.

Futureworkisplannedinthisareatosupportthecontinualimprovementincross-borderrelationshipsbetweenQFESandFireandRescueNSW.

Somerset SES assist QPSSomersetStateEmergencyService(SES)wasrecentlyactivatedtosupportQueenslandPoliceService(QPS)forasomewhatunusualtasking.

QPShadbeencalledtoatrespassingincidentataruralpropertynearEskwhentheoffenderrantoanearbydamandswamtothedistantbanktoeludepolice.

Aspoliceapproachedfromaroundthebank,heswambacktotheotherside,repeatingthistacticseveraltimes.

Growingtiredofthisgame,QPScalledforanSESfloodboattoassistincapturingthetrespasser.

Whenhesawthefloodboatarrive,hesurrenderedtoQPSwithouttheboatevengettingwet.

Esk Fire and Rescue Station openingThenewEskFireandRescueStationwasofficiallyopenedinSeptember,withActingCaptainDenisBuckleyreceivingthekeys.

The$1.75millionfacilityreplacestheoriginalstation,whichwas42yearsold,andwillprovideanimprovedservicetothelocalandsurroundingcommunities.

Thestationboastsstate-of-the-artfeaturesincludingadutyoffice,trainingroom,twoenginebays,BAfacilitiesandturnoutclothingcupboards.

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AROUND THE STATE

SES Volunteer Community Educator trainingAsmallgroupofIpswichStateEmergencyService(SES)volunteerscametogetherinAugustforthefirstSouthEasternRegionSESVolunteerCommunityEducator(VCE)course,conductedbyActingLocalControllerAmyHartness.

VCEsprovideavitaloperationalsupportrole,dedicatedtoeducatingandsupportingcommunities,deliveringQFESkeymessagesandfosteringcommunityparticipation.

Thecoursewaswellreceivedandbuiltontheskillsalreadyheldbythememberswhoattended.SouthEasternRegionSESarelookingforwardtobringinginVCEtrainersforasmallworkshopandrollingoutmorecoursesforSESacrosstheregion.

85 years of exceptional

cover

* IPSOS HCIA 2019 Findings Emergency Services Health Brought to you by Police Health Limited ABN 86 135 221 519 ©️ Copyright Police Health Limited

Times and fashions may change but with a rich history of health cover for those who put others first, we’re proud to be first in our members eyes. First for satisfaction, value and helpful advice compared to other insurance funds, it’s time to choose the fund that’s already chosen you.

Call us today 1300 703 703

PH0095_Fire_print_A4_v1.indd 1 4/9/20 1:48 pm

SOUTH WESTERN REGION

Road Safety WeekQFESjoinedforceswiththeQueenslandPoliceService,QueenslandAmbulanceService,DepartmentofTransportandMainRoadsandToowoombaRegionalCouncilattheofficiallaunchofRoadSafetyWeekatHighfieldsShoppingCentreinAugust.

QFESmembersengagedwiththecommunitytohelpthemunderstandtheFatalFiveandthinkabouttheiractionswhiledriving.

TheAssistantCommissionersfortheRuralFireService,StateEmergencyServiceandFireandRescueServicespokeaboutreducingspeed,wearingaseatbelt,driverfatigue,alcoholanddistractioncausedbymobilephones.

RoadSafetyWeekeventsaroundtheregionincludeddisplaysatGrandCentralShoppingCentre,FatalFiveAwarenessandRoadAttitudeandActionPlanningPresentationsatschools,andengagementwithlocaldrivers.

AlthoughCOVID-19limitedthenumberofface-to-faceeventsthisyear,onlineactivitiesincludedaninteractiveStreetSmartsprogramthroughToowoombaMainRoads.

Feedbackfromthecommunitywaspositive,withmanydriversadmittingtheyhadn’talwaysfollowedtheFatalFiveandappreciatedtheremindertostaysafeontheroads.

New appliances for South Western RegionTheregionhasreceivedabout$4millioninnewappliancestoboostfirefightingcapabilities.

Killarney,WarwickandHighfieldsFireandRescueStationsreceivedthreenewType2UrbanPumpers.

Theappliancesareequippedwiththelatestroadcrashrescueandrecoveryequipment,aswellasCompressedAirFoamSystemsandPostPumpFoamInjectionSystemstoenhancefirefightingoperationsandreducewaterusage.

AnzacAvenueFireandRescueStationinToowoombaalsoreceivedatype3UrbanPumperworth$1.8million.

ThisaerialunitisoneofthemostsophisticatedappliancesintheAsiaPacificRegionandiscapableofrapiddeploymenttoafullheightof32metresin90seconds.

Theunitcanaiderescuesupto10storeyshigh,orreachdownintoswollenriversandcreeks.ItwillserviceToowoombaandsurroundingareas.

RESPONSEEdition33October202025www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

AROUND THE STATE

85 years of exceptional

cover

* IPSOS HCIA 2019 Findings Emergency Services Health Brought to you by Police Health Limited ABN 86 135 221 519 ©️ Copyright Police Health Limited

Times and fashions may change but with a rich history of health cover for those who put others first, we’re proud to be first in our members eyes. First for satisfaction, value and helpful advice compared to other insurance funds, it’s time to choose the fund that’s already chosen you.

Call us today 1300 703 703

PH0095_Fire_print_A4_v1.indd 1 4/9/20 1:48 pm

Vale Paul Russell, 11 December 1950 – 4 September 2020PaulRusselljoinedtheAthertonSESGroupon19September1977andgavemanyyearsofdedicatedservice.

HewasappointedLocalControlleron29June1992andremainedinthispositionuntilretiringfromtheroleon29June2017.

BeforejoiningtheSES,Paulwasamemberofthefireserviceandparticipatedinmanyexercisesincludingbushfires,roadcrashrescue,roadclosures,airportandmaritimescenarios.

Paulalwaysdisplayedapositiveandencouragingdemeanouraround‘thetroops’andwasverysupportivewhenmemberswereexposedtopotentiallytraumaticoperations.

HewasastrongbelieverinworkingtogetherwithotherSESUnitsandemergencyservices,bothoperationallyinthefieldandthroughcombinedtrainingactivities.

PaulplayedaleadingroleformanyweeksinthecoordinationofresponsestoTropicalCycloneLarryandTropicalCycloneYasiwhentheeffectsofbothwerefeltacrosstheAthertonTablelands.

Hecoordinatednumerousactivationsovertheyears,includingmissingpersonsearches,trafficmanagementatroadcrashes,landandforensicsearchesandagencysupportrequests.

PaulalsoheldvariouspositionswithinScoutsQueenslandfrom1967to2015,risingtothepositionofDistrictCommissionerfortheTablelandsDistrict.

Garry Pickering named Regional Volunteer of the Year FirstOfficerGarryPickering(picturedsecondfromright)wasrecentlypresentedwithhis2020FarNorthernRegionalVolunteeroftheYearCertificatebyAssistantCommissionerJohnBolger.

GarrydemonstratedexemplaryservicewhenrespondingtostructuralfireswithintheremoteruraltownshipofCroydon.

Eventhoughmostofhisexperiencewaswithwildfires,GarryrespondedquicklyandefficientlytoahousefireinMay2018.Heensuredalloccupantswereaccountedforandisolatedpowertotheproperty.

Garrythenretrievedanextinguisherfromhisvehicleandfoughtthefireuntilothermembersofthebrigadearrivedtoassist.Hisquickactionsminimiseddamagetothepropertyandpreventedfurtherharmtotheresidents.

InDecember2018,GarryrespondedtoanotherstructurefireatQueensland’soldestoperatinggeneralstore,establishedin1894.Thenearestsupportingbrigadewasseveralhoursaway.

Garrydirectedhiscrewtofightthefirewhileheensuredtheadjoiningaccommodationbuildingshadbeenevacuatedandalloccupantsaccountedfor.

Asidefromcontainingandextinguishingthefire,firefightersimmediatelycommencedexposureprotectionforpetrochemicalproductsstoredonaneighbouringproperty.

Inhisroleasleaderandmentor,GarryhasdemonstratedhiscommitmenttotheRuralFireServicewhileoperatingunderpressuretopreservelifeandproperty.

Trinity Bay High School cultural collaborationActingCommunityEngagementOfficerPetaStapleshasbeenvisitingtheEnglishasanAdditionalLanguage(EAL)classatTrinityBayHighSchoolaspartofaprogramtoraiseawarenessaroundpreventionandpreparationforemergencies.

Peta,whooriginatesfromNewZealand,engagedwiththestudentsbyopeningthepresentationwithaPepeha,aMaorigreeting,inhernativelanguage,introducingherselfandherculturalbackground.

ShetranslatedthisintoEnglishanditwasthentranslatedtoSwahiliandNepaliforthestudents,whooriginatefromAfricaandNepalandnowresideinCairns.

Petahelpedthestudentsunderstandthedifferencesbetweentheemergencyservicessotheyknewwhotocallincertainemergencysituations.

FAR NORTHERN REGION

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AROUND THE STATE

Round Mountain Rural Fire Station openingInJune2016,RoundMountainmadethestepupfromaPrimaryProducerBrigadetoaRuralFireBrigade.

Atthattime,thebrigadehadninemembers,trainedatmembers’propertiesandheldmeetingsaroundafireinthemiddleofRoundMountainRoad.

Asanon-levybrigade,ahecticthreeyearsoffundraisingandgrantwritingculminatedinSeptemberof2019,whenthebrigademovedintoitsnewlyconstructedstation,completewithanewapplianceandnowboasting70activemembers.

TheofficialopeningofthestationwasoriginallysetforNovember2019.Unfortunately,thenationalfireemergencysawmembersdeployedtosouth-eastQueensland,VictoriaandtheACT,andtheopeninghadtobepostponed.

TherescheduledopeningwasthensetforMarch2020,butwasagainpostponedduetoCOVID-19.

Thirdtimelucky—theopeningwasscheduledfor22August2020andsuccessfullywentahead.

OfficialguestsincludedCommissionerGregLeach,AssistantCommissionerNorthernRegionSteveBarber,andrepresentativesfromthebusinessesandcommunitygroupsthatassistedwithconstructingthestation.

FirstOfficerIanHemeriksaid,“It’sbeenalongjourney.WehavefinallyhadtheofficialopeningandRoundMountainRuralFireBrigadeiswellplacedtocontinuetosupportourlocalcommunity.”

A surprise in the mailMtIsaFireandRescueStationrecentlyreceivedanunusualpackage,weighingabout10kilograms.

AreaCommander,ActingInspectorCorrieBensonopenedittodiscoveranoldfireservicebell,madeofcastiron.Anaccompanyingletterdescribedwhereithadcomefrom:

“Dear Chief Fire Officer,

This letter is to explain a parcel (bag) I have sent to your station […]

In the early 70’s my brother and myself were 15 years old and 17 years old doing apprenticeships + cadetships at Mount Isa and stayed in the old BSD Barracks! Drinking was about the only activity available apart from sport.

One night near the barracks there was a big party at one of the houses. Next morning, we “had acquired” a “Trophy”. A long story short my brother was killed in a mine at Blackwater Qld. I was in the coal mines in NSW. We shifted his widow to Mackay Qld. Recently my other brother died and his widow rang me and said what was I going to do with “THIS BELL”? I don’t know how she came to have this bell 50 or so years later.

Anyway, I think this bell was a fire bell stored while renovations were being done at your station.

Apologies unlimited for our misdemeanour […]”

Thereturnofthebellisverytimely,withthenewMtIsaFireStationexpectedtobeopenedinearlyOctober,wherethebellwillbedisplayedinthestationfoyer.

COVID copingWhenCOVID-19hit,manyofusfoundourselvesinunsettlingtimes.Itsoonbecameapparentthingsweregoingtogetworsebeforetheygotbetter.

NorthernRegionchoseasplitworkforcestrategytomitigatetherisktostaffintheregionaloffice,creatingredandblueteams.

StaffcreatedMicrosoftTeamssitestocommunicateandcollaboratewhileworkingfromhome.Thesitesquicklybecameapositivewaytointeractandengagewithcolleagues.

Theblueteamraisedtheantewhentheydecidedtohaveaweeklydress-upmeeting,withsomestaffgoingaboveandbeyondthecall.

NORTHERN REGION

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AROUND THE STATE

“”

You get to build a relationship and

trust with your community

young and old.Kylie Bennett

28RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

PEOPLE

Many ways to make a differenceMany people at QFES wear more than one hat, serving the people of Queensland through multiple roles across the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue Service (FRS). We spoke to three multi-talented people about the different ways they contribute to their communities through their QFES roles.

What led you to work with QFES?

Iwantedtoworkinanorganisationthathadstrongvalues,helpedthecommunityandhadmanycareeroptions.IhadafriendwhoworkedasafirefighterandwhenIwaslookingforanewcareeroutsideveterinarynursing,theysuggestedQFES.ThemoreIlearnt,themoreIwantedtobeinvolved.

How did you transition from one role to another?

Istartedoutwantingtobeafirefighter.Icompletedfouryearsofapplicationstobecomesuccessful.DuringthatfouryearsIwantedtogetinvolvedasmuchaspossible.IjoinedmylocalruralfirebrigadeandaftercompletingmyFireMinimumSkillsIconductedhazardreductionburnsfortheGoldCoastCityCouncil.

DuringRFStrainingonenight,wevisitedFireCom,andfromthatIthoughtitwouldbesomethingIcoulddo.Iappliedandaftersixmonthsstartedmyrecruitcourse.Iwassuccessfulattheendof2019forbothanurbanfirefighterandauxiliaryfirefighterposition.

What do you like most about your roles?

Thevariety,thepeople,thecommunity,thelearning.Thereisneveradaythatisthesame.Therearesomanywaystohelpandtolearn.

Beingaruralfirefightergetsyououtamongyourcommunityandhelpsbuildtheirresilience.

AtFireComyouarethefirstpointofcontactonsomeone’sworstday–theytrustyoutogetthemthehelp

theyneedasap.Asanurbanandauxiliaryfirefighteryoubecomethishelp,youbecometheirsupportandtheirteacher.

Notwojobsarethesame–youhaveatoolboxofskillsandthenyouapplythesetoeachsituation.Thepeopleyouworkwithbecomeyourextendedfamily.Yougetto

buildarelationshipandtrustwithyourcommunityyoungandold.

What attributes make a good QFES member?

Youneedself-awarenessbothphysicallyandmentally,butmostimportantisabigheart.Ifyouhaveabigheartyoucanachieveanything.

KYLIEBENNETTSouth Eastern Region

RFS volunteer, auxiliary firefighter, FRS firefighter and FireCom Officer

MATTHEWCUTBUSHSouth Eastern Region

RFS volunteer, auxiliary firefighter and FRS firefighter

What led you to work with QFES?

DuringhighschoolIalwaysknewIwantedtohelppeopleinmylocalandgreatercommunity.Isawanadvertisementforvolunteerruralfirefightersandappliedwithinaweekofturning16.

AftergainingapositionIwashookedandmadeaplantoattainmycurrentpositionasafull-timecareerfirefighter.

How did you transition from one role to another?

AsanRFSvolunteer,Igotatasteoftheorganisationandthekindofworkwedo.Whilecontinuallyprogressingthroughvolunteerfirefighterdevelopmentcoursesandranksfor

threeyears,Ibecameanauxiliaryfirefighter.

Usingmyvolunteerbackground,Igainedanewsetofskillsasanauxiliaryandservedasbothforafurtherthreeyears,beforecombiningmyexperienceinbothrolestoproducethebuildingblockstobecomeacareerfirefighter.

What do you like most about your role?

Makingadifference.AsafirefighterIhavebeentrainedtohelppeople

duringthemoststressfulandsometimesworsttimesoftheirlives.

Could you describe any

moments that made you proud to work for QFES?

Therearetoomanymomentstocount.However,theproudest

momentofmyQFEScareerwasayoungboy

thankingmeforsavinghismotheraftermycrewandIrespondedtohercarcrash.

What attributes make a good firefighter?

Empathetic,compassionate,dedicatedanddriven.

You get to build a relationship and

trust with your community

young and old.Kylie Bennett

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PEOPLE

CHRIS WEGGERFar Northern Region

SES volunteer, RFS volunteer and public servant

What led you to work with QFES?

Backin2011theDisasterManagementspacewaslookingforpeoplewithengagement,teachingandnaturalhazardmanagementskills.Ifiguredmyskillsandpreviousroleswouldbeadvantageous.

How did you transition from one role to another?

Usingmypreviousknowledgeandskills,IsuccessfullymanagedtoworkinmanyrolesacrossQFES.MysubstantiveroleisaRegionalCommunityEngagementOfficer,butI’vealsoperformedrolessuchasBushfireSafetyOfficer,AreaTrainingSupportOfficerandIamcurrentlyactingasanEmergencyManagementCoordinator.I’malsoanRFSvolunteerfirefighterwithmylocalbrigade.

What does your role involve?

AsanActingEmergencyManagementCoordinator,Iprovideadvicetolocalgovernments,communitiesandstakeholdersinrelationtoworkingwithintheQueenslandDisasterManagementArrangementsinitsmanyareasofPrevention,Preparedness,ResponseandRecovery(PPRR).

What do you like most about the role?

Beingabletohelppeople,whetherit’snavigatinglegislationorgovernmentprocess,assistingcommunitiestounderstandhazardsandhowtomitigatetheriskorjusthavingachatabouttheweather!IdolikeachallengeandloveworkinginIncidentManagementTeams(IMT)orrespondingtobushfires.

Could you describe any moments that made you proud to work for QFES?

Workinginlocalcommunities,creatingorimplementingprocessoradvisingonatopicandseeingtheendresults–howitactuallyassistspeopleorempowersthecommunity.

What attributes make a good QFES member?

Beyourself,understandwhatitistobecitizencentric.Beempatheticandcourageous–speakoutaboutwhat’sright,notwho’sright.

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The implications of salary packaging a motor vehicle through a novated leasing arrangement, including tax savings will depend on your individual circumstances. The information in this publication has been prepared by FleetPlus Pty Ltd for general information purposes only, without taking into consideration any individual circumstances. Before acting on any information or entering into a novated leasing arrangement, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and, take the appropriate legal, financial or other professional advice based upon your own particular circumstances. The Queensland Government strongly recommends that you obtain independent financial advice prior to entering into, or changing the terms of, a salary packaging arrangement.

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RESPONSEEdition33October202031www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

COMMUNITY

Epic ride for a good causeMaroochydore firefighter Sam Cooke rode his bike on a solo journey from Brisbane to Cairns over 12 days to raise funds for cancer research.

“Butthethingis,peoplewithcancerdon’tgettojustturnacornerandfeelbetter.”

Hehadgreatweathermostoftheway,buthisfifthdaywasstalledinthemorningduetofoginRockhampton.

Ondaysix,herode165kilometresfromSaintLawrencetoMackaythroughheavywindandrain,withsprayfromtrucksandcaravanswhizzingpast.

Herodethefinal60kilometresfromBabindatoCairnson15August.

“Icouldn’thavepickedabetterdaytofinishtheride.Itwassunny,blueskiesandtailwindsalltheway,”Samsaid.

“Oneofmyfavouritepartsoftheridewasthesupportiveattitudeofpeoplealongtheway,evenstrangerswhowantedtohelpwherevertheycould.

“Iwanttosayahugethankyoutoeveryonewhohasdonated.Everylittlebithelpsthesearchforacureforcancerandthemosteffectivewaystotreatthismiserabledisease.”

Morethan$15000hasbeendonatedsofarbutSamhopestokeepraisingmore

fundsfortheresearchofcauses,treatment,andpreventionofcancerthroughtheworkofMaterResearch.

YoucanreadmoreaboutSam’sadventures,andfindouthowtodonate,ontheQBankforCancerRideFacebookpage.

Samhasparticipatedingroupcharityridessince2003,andhasfocusedhiseffortsonfundraisingforcancerresearchsince2016,afterhismumdiedfromcancer.

Manyofthegroupridescouldn’tgoaheadthisyearduetoCOVID-19,butSamwasdeterminedtofindawaytocontinuehisfundraising,sohedecidedtodoasoloride.

QBankquicklycameonboardasthemajorsponsor,donating$5000tothecause,andtheQBankforCancerRidewasborn.

Samhaslongbeenanavidcyclist,havingoncecycledacrossCubaandparticipatedinseveralBike4Burnsrides.

“Ridingbyyourselfisharderinsomeways,butitgivesyouindependence,”hesaid.

“Ifyou’rehavingahardday,youcanjuststopandhaveacoffee.TheonlythingIhadtoworryaboutwasgettingtomyaccommodationintimeeachnight.

“Thefirstfewdayswerethehardest,andthenmylegsgotusedtoit.”

Sammanagedtoavoidgettingasingleblisterorscrapeonhisjourney,andonlyhadoneflattyre.Heonlytookwhatheneededsotheweightwouldn’tslowhimdown.

“AllIhadwasthepocketsinmyjersey,whereIfitasparepairofclothesinaziplockbag,sunscreen,chargingcables,toothbrush,phone,lipprotectorandwindvest.”

Samcoveredalmost2000kilometres,andhisbiggestdaywasdaythree,whenherode240kilometresfromHerveyBaytoMiriamvale,with1500metresofelevation.

“Iwasgoingokforthefirst180kilometres,andthenIstartedtofade,particularlywiththewindblowinginmyface,”Samsaid.

“By215kilometresIwasshatteredandwonderinghowIwasgoingtomakeit.IthoughtofmanythingsasIrolledalongtotryandtakethepaininmylegsaway.

“LuckilyItookahardleftwith25kilometrestogoandIfeltsomuchbetterwiththewindbehindme.

The end of the ride at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.

Sam at the Golden Gumboot in Tully.

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Important Information: Information is current as at 8 July 2020 and is subject to change. All applications are subject to credit approval criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.

The implications of salary packaging a motor vehicle through a novated leasing arrangement, including tax savings will depend on your individual circumstances. The information in this publication has been prepared by FleetPlus Pty Ltd for general information purposes only, without taking into consideration any individual circumstances. Before acting on any information or entering into a novated leasing arrangement, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and, take the appropriate legal, financial or other professional advice based upon your own particular circumstances. The Queensland Government strongly recommends that you obtain independent financial advice prior to entering into, or changing the terms of, a salary packaging arrangement.

FleetPlus Pty Ltd ABN 59 099 217 320

32RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

GALLERY

QFES members marked the start of the Darkness to Daylight challenge on 1 October with a walk along Kedron Brook. This year, participants will join a 110-kilometre virtual run, with each kilometre symbolising a life lost to domestic and family violence in Australia each year.

The Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell SES Groups were awarded an Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate at a presentation at Tully Police Station, acknowledging their efforts in response to a triple fatality parachuting incident at Mission Beach in October 2017. SES teams provided emergency lighting, gazebos and other support for the initial response and forensics team.

North Coast Regional Manager Peter Hollier was announced as the inaugural ABC Wide Bay Media Award winner at the 2020 Brian Prince Awards. He was recognised for his leadership in establishing strong relationships between the Rural Fire Service and local media, and coordinating special community service radio announcements.

Innisfail Fire and Rescue Service B Shift crew got more than they bargained for when they were called to assist Queensland Ambulance Service in Belvedere and ended up helping deliver a healthy baby boy.

In September we welcomed Suncorp as our Principal Community Partner ahead of a potentially busy storm and cyclone season. SES volunteers abseiled down Suncorp Stadium in celebration.

Volunteer handlers and their operational dogs undertook Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training at Whyte Island.

RESPONSEEdition33October202033www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

GALLERY

Widgee Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Chris Lhotka received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community.

Assistant Commissioner John Bolger wore his purple tie in support of the tenth Wear it Purple day on Friday 28 August. QFES and Wear it Purple strive to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ young people.

Christopher Clemence (left) won the Fire Communications Recruit Course Commissioner’s Dux Award at the Fire Communications Officers graduation in August.

Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner John Bolger presented Islay Robertson, departing Chief Operating Officer HQPlantations, with a Commendation recognising his commitment to improving cooperation and interoperability at fires and strengthening our partnership.

Far Northern Region celebrating Yellow Ribbon Day.

The new Fire and Rescue Service insignia was unveiled at a ceremony in September, the culmination of years of work by the Uniforms and Logistics team.

On Firefighters’ Remembrance Day on 10 October, Queenslanders paid tribute to the 53 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1877.

34RESPONSE Edition33October2020 www.qfes.qld.gov.au | 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating 40 years of serviceDeputy Commissioner Mark Roche AFSM has celebrated his 40-year anniversary with QFES. He reflects on a long and varied career where the one constant has been his dedication to protecting Queensland communities.

Alothaschangedin40years,fromgeographicalboundaries,totheservicesQFESprovides,andtheintensityofthefireseason.

ForMarkRoche,ithasseenhimprogressfromanauxiliaryfirefighterinIpswichin1979toQFES’DeputyCommissionerofReadinessandResponseServicesandtheChiefOfficeroftheFireandRescueService,responsibleforleadingandmanagingoperationsforQFESacrossQueensland.

MrRoche’scareerhasevolvedthroughseveralleadershiproles,includingAssistantCommissioner,FarNorthernRegion,andAssistantCommissioner,CommunitySafetyandTraining.

Buthesaidhestillrememberedeveryjobheattendedasafirefighter.

“Ihavevividmemoriesofallthepeoplewhowerethere,alltheactivities.

“I’llbedrivingdowntheroadandlookovertothesideandthinkabouthowIrespondedtoaburninghouseorroadcrash.

“Thesethingsstaywithyou.”

OneofhispersonalhighlightswhileinNewYorklastyearwasbeingpartoftheQFEScontingentwhomarchedtotheTwinTowersforthe9/11commemorativeservices.TravellingaroundQueenslandandinterstateforoperationaldeploymentshasalsohelpedhimseethebiggerpicture.

MrRochesaidwhenhestartedatQFEStherewasastrongfocusongeographicalareas.

“Itwasalmostatapointwherethewhitelineinthemiddleoftheroadbetweenonetownandanotherwasthedelineationandyou’dnevercrossit,”hesaid.

“Nowtherearenoboundariesatall.Wedeployanywherewithinthestate,aswellasnationallyandinternationally.Onceuponatimethatwasnevereventhoughtof.

“We’vegotsomereallygoodrelationshipswithQueenslandPoliceService,QueenslandReconstructionAuthority,localgovernmentsandotherstatedepartments.

“Theassistanceweprovide,forexampleduringCOVID-19,issomethingthat20yearsagowewouldneverhavedone.Nowit’salmostseamless,”MrRochesaid.

Reflectingon40years’worthofachievements,therearemanyproudmomentsforMrRoche.

“Wehaveanimportantroleininfluencinglegislationandmakingsurepeoplearesafeintheircommunities.Alotofworkhasbeendonetostrengthenourbuildingcomplianceandapprovalprocessoverthepast20years.

“I’mreallypleasedwithimprovementsinroadcrashrescue.Weattendabout14000incidentseachyear,andtheamountofpeoplewholosetheirlivesisprobably,inthelastfewyears,thelowestit’severbeen.

“Ourpeoplehavesavedmanylivesthroughtheirtrainingandexpertiseingettingtoincidentsandextractingpeoplefromtheirvehicles.”

MrRochesaidhe’dlearntfromeverybodyintheorganisationateverylevel.

“Ialwaysseethegoodinpeople,andIalwaysbelievepeoplehavethebestinterestofQFESatheart.

“Iknowsomepeopleeverynowandthenfallofftherails,butyoupickthemupanddustthemoff.”

MrRochesaidQFESwilllookverydifferentinanother40years.

“Climatechangeiscausinglongerfireseasons.Onceuponatimewe’dgotoafireforacoupleofhoursorhalfaday.Nowwe’vehadourStateOperationsCentreopenformorethan400days.

“We’relivingclimatechangenow,”hesaid.

“Idon’tnecessarilyknowwhatthefutureholds,butIthinkweneedtobeagileandopentochangeandalsochallengethingsifwe’regoingdownthewrongpath.

“Forexample,weneedtoconsiderhowweliveandtheeconomiesofalternativeformsofenergy.Ihavenodoubtwe’llhaveelectricfireappliancesinthefuture,andweneedtobepartoftheinnovationthatbringsthatforward.”

MrRochesaidhewasproudofhowthewholedepartmentwasopentochange.

“Wearenowthreeoperationalservices–FireandRescueService,StateEmergencyServiceandRuralFireService.

“Wehavethestrengthoftheindividualservices,andtheirskillsandtheirculture,butwecanalsocombinethem.

“Ithinkthefuture’sbright.Ifwefollowourvaluesofrespect,integrity,courage,loyaltyandtrust,ourorganisationcangoanywhere.”

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