Gilmac Hay shed fire

Well they say it never rains but it pours and the rains have certainly kept up which presents it’s own set of problems. We had to cancel our training day - un bogging trucks is not part of our normal training and we just didn’t have enough lighter fluid (or napalm) to actually get anything to burn. Then Friday morning (3.17 am to be exact) the page came through – fire at Gilmacs hay processing Comer Lane Goornong. For the uninitiated this is one of the biggest hay processing plants in Victoria and as luck would have it the fire was in the smallest shed containing 3000 tonnes of premium hay bound for export.

As our crews arrived it was clear that the structure was fully involved and the decision to make tankers 6 and pumpers two was transmitted to Vic fire. The biggest concern for the crew and incident controller (Tim) was the processing plant. It was already showing signs of heat distress from the radiant heat. Tim and the crew did a fantastic job with only superficial damage to the wall of the processing plant. The shed containing the hay was too far gone so it became an asset protection and containment exercise. In the end there were 12 appliances including the ladder platform from Bendigo. The rain over the preceding weeks provided a further complication as the access to the water sources was virtually mud. Many thanks to the crews from our neighbouring brigades for their prompt support and assistance. The shed continued to burn for the next 4 days and the final bill being around 1.5 million dollars.

Code 1 Trivia night

Friday night (19th Nov) saw the inaugural Code 1 Trivia night take place at Goornong. The night is organised by the brigade to support the Cystic Fibrosis Support Group. This group provides support and assistance to families with children suffering from cystic fibrosis inn the Bendigo region. (More information can be obtained at http://www.cysticfibrosisaustralia.org.au/ )


Around 80 people participate in the night from a variety of locations and back grounds with a meal provide by the local hotel. Our organisers were overwhelmed by the generosity of sponsors as well as the interest shown in attending the night. To all those who missed out I have been assured the event will return bigger and better next year. The overall winners for the night were the Goanna’s team whose name will now go down for posterity on the Code 1 Trivia night trophy. Whilst the final tally for the funds raised is still being tallied it seems we will have in excess of $1000.00 for the support group and their activities. A fantastic result and a real credit to Denis and Peter from the brigade, whose brain child this was and who ran with the initiative. And many thanks to those who supported and participated in the night. Anyone who would like to assist the support group please contact the brigade and we will give you the contact details. And a big thanks goes to Teisha and Kate who ran the Kids corner for the night.

Finally thanks to our sponsors who assisted us with making the night a success.

Junior Volunteer Development Program - Hattah

One of the brigades younger members was successful in being accepted to participate in the Junior Development Program held at Hattah recently. Teisha wrote about her experiences and presented a report to our recent brigade meeting. It is obvious to me the benefits to our younger members in participating in activities such as this.

Below is Teisha's dairy:


"Day 1: On the morning of the 20th of September 2010, 16 people from around the district 2 and from the surrounding districts. 6 of the 16 people caught the plane from Bendigo, there were 2 planes, 1 plane going to Echuca to pick 5 people up and the 2nd plane went to Maryborough to pick up another 3 people. Both planes then continued onto Mildura airport, we then got on a bus as a group of 14 people. We stopped at Redcliff to pick up 2 girls then we continued to Hattah Kulkyne national park, where Sextons home stead is, that is where we are staying for the 4days. When we got to Sextons Homestead we met the 4 leaders, Carol (who was our theory Leader), Michel (our practical Leader), Pam (who we called mum), Bernie (Our practical Leader), then there was Stan who did the cooking for us. Once we unpacked and every one had runners on we had to meet in the chuck house (where we ate), Michel then told us that we were playing a game called Chaos, then Spaceship stepping stones. Then we did some theory work and we were given a block of wood that we had to carry around with us until we wrote a submission letter to our leaders. The block of wood was our ‘baggage’, we had to write our burdens on it. After the theory work we had free time until 7 that is when we had tea. I made good friends with 3 others so we decided to go for a walk in the bush to see what is around. Then there was tea then we had a camp fire then free time again.


Day 2: We got woken up at 7.15, breakfast was at 7.30 then we were playing Chaos at 8.00 and spaceships at 8.30. Chaos and spaceships are our morning and afternoon game that we do every day. We then got right into rock climbing, then more theory until lunch time. After lunch we as a team decided to write the submission letter about our ‘Baggage’. It took us all afternoon to write it because we still had to do the other activities that they had planned for us. We then went outside and split into 2 groups, my group went over the where the giant swing and the other group went over to the rock climbing wall. Neither group had a any idea what we were doing, then Bernie brought over 15 milk creates while we were putting on our gear. My first shot I only got 2 because I couldn’t get my leg up high enough cause it was tapped, the second go I got to 10 creates then I calmed my creates and jumped. We then did more theory and then had free time till tea, so we finished off our submission then we handed it in. The submission past so we didn’t have to carry around our ‘baggage’ around with us anymore. Later that night after tea we had a ceremony for our ‘baggage’ then we had to go into the HAMS Integrity to get split into groups to do different activities, these included, 6 figure map points, map reading, compass work and radios.

We then had an early night because we knew that we were going to be doing the night mission thing. We got woken up at about 11.20 and we had to be in the integrity by 11.30pm to discuss what was going to happen. Right on midnight we set out to go for our roughly 6km round walk. The mission included, getting us to the T-intersection on the Murray River. From there we had to locate 2 packages, we found them, 1 bag was 10 life jackets and the other was 8 paddles for a canoe. We then split into 2 groups a walking group and a canoeing group. We had to get half way and locate a flashing device and that is where we had to swap but before that we had to make fire and take a picture of us. Then my group got into the canoe and paddled the rest of the way to camp. We then went into the Integrity to solve a puzzle with was in a shape of a T but it was in like 5 pieces and it isn't very easy at 4.40am Wednesday morning to do. But we managed to do it then we got to go to bed.

Day 3: We got to sleep in till 10am but I was already awake at 7. After bacon and egg for breakfast we played Chaos and spaceships, then we went in for a debrief about the night mission. Then we went and did the Flying Possum. That is where there is 4 off the line at once, 1 person is going up the wall and the other 3 are watching the other 12 of us are connected to a rope and we have to pull the person that is attached up the wall in how ever many bounces they want. My first go was 5 the second go it was 2 jumps. Then we did some more theory work. After the theory work of setting our goals we were allowed to go out and go on the giant swing, it was so fun. One person was out on a pontoon and they had to catch balls as we were throwing them from up in the air after we had pulled the pin. Then we had tea and did more theory work then we had "warm and fuzzy night" and watched a movie, then we all went to bed.

Day 4: We had to get up early so it was a 7.20 start, breaky was at 7.30 and our chaos game was at 8 and spaceships was at 8.30. We finally complete spaceships, took us all 4 days but we got there in the end. After we finished that we had another mission that we had to complete. The mission was, there are acid balls that have risen from out of the group and to prevent them from getting into the water way and contaminating Mildura's and Adelaide's water. We split ourselves up into 3 groups, group 1, group 2 and group 3. 1 person out of group one would be attached to 2 pulley systems, one rope that pulls you straight up and the other one that pulls you to the side. The goal was to get the acid balls out without touch the group otherwise you had 30secs to get the acid ball into the safe tube then you would be dead, no one died. After we completed that mission we had a debrief then we had lunch then it was time to go. We packed up the bus then boarded after saying good bye to the leaders.
On the way to Hattah the bus ride was soooo quite but on the way back we were really noisy, singing songs, talking loudly, mucking around. Thanks to all the participants and leaders.


Andy - Knowsley       Blair - Marong        Teisha - Goornong       Katelyn - Tongala     Dominic - Echuca    Matt - Echuca


Elliot - Stanhope        Amber - Stanhope   Cassy - Eaglehawk       Brett - Castlemaine    Brendan - Kyneton 

Seany - Woodend      Jayden - Maryborough   Krystin - Mt Cameron      Isabel - Red Cliffs     Avalon - Red Cliffs"

The Big Wet

And it started raining – and kept raining and now instead of drought we have floods. Here are a couple of pictures of the Russel’s Bridge river crossing. From my memory it has been about 10 to 12 years since we have seen water over this low level bridge on the Campaspe River. Looking around our patch at the water in Crab Hole creek and other areas I reckon its been a similar time since I have seen that. Its great to see and the flushing of the rivers and creeks will be a good thing. Many of the CFA volunteers have been assisting the SES and their communities in flood relief works.


As far as the brigade goes there have been only a couple of small incidents. We are now into September and we will be starting to get busy again with training and Fire Danger Period preparedness. The Whipstick group will be holding a group exercise in early October.

The brigade will also commence some fuel reduction burns around the town during October and November. Residents are advised that there will be smoke around the town as we commence these burns. Our immediate priorities will be to clear the large mounds of trees and debris in the recreation reserve. These will burn for days but present a serious hazard to the community in a fire situation. We need to complete these burns to ensure the safety of the town during the fire season.

We have also been advised the Goornong Fire Brigade and community are to receive a new Fire station. It is expected the new station will be completed around April/May 2011. Given the amount of development around the Goornong Assignment area this is welcome news and will be an asset for the community and an investment in the future.

Lastly congratulation to Teisha F on being accepted for the develpment and leadership development course.

The Quiet Months!!!!!!

June through to November is supposed to be the quiet months for us but this year has been pretty busy (by our standards). The turn up for events has been great with many of our new members getting their yellow suits good and dirty. Probably the biggest event was the fire at Okie Dokie farm with a fire in the historic homestead. The property has had a variety of owners and names including John Farnham. Crews from Goornong, Elmore, Huntly, Bendigo and Toolleen fought the blaze. It had well and truly taken hold by the time 000 were notified. The crews did a fantastic job in containing the fire and mopping. Thanks also to the Red Cross for breakfast and coffee. It is probably the most significant incident for the brigade so far this year. The other significant incident was a fire in the ventilation shaft at the Fosterville Mine which Goornong, Huntly, Bendigo and Axedale attended. Pictured is the Okie Dokie fire.

Crews mopping up after the fire

Lastly the Junior Brigade launch has been postponed for a few months to allow us to better prepare for the commencement of activities. We felt we weren’t quite in a position to make the best effort possible to make it a success. We will keep you posted on the progress and hopefully we will be announcing a start date in the near future.

Thanks to all our volunteers and those that have supported us from other brigades over the past few months.

Junior Brigade is on the move

Well we have got past most of the hurdles to commence our Junior Brigade. We will be holding an information session at the Goornong Rec Reserve on Tuesday 27th July at 7.00pm. Anyone aged 11 to 15 years old and interested should talk to their parents and come along to the meeting on the 27th (with parent/guardian). At this point if we get enough interested the Juniors will meet once a month and will have a number of activities planned including game nights, excursions, first aid, plus much much more.
Any one interested please email us for more details.

Chrysler Car Club Motorkana

Saturday 12th June Goornong and Raywood CFA head off bright and early on a crisp morning (bloody cold actually) at the invitation of the Chrysler Car Club to help them with their Motorkana. We were asked to do the parking duties, be on hand in case someone got over enthusiastic and set fire to their prize possessions etc. All the proceeds from the parking were donated to the brigades and we raised a total of $680 for the day. Not a bad effort and our thanks go to the car club for considering us and the generosity of the patrons. Also our thanks to Raywood for their help. Here are a couple of photos from the day.

Our Newest Recruit has arrived

Our latest recruit has just arrived, although it may be sometime before Mum and Dad let her loose on a hose. Congratulations to Donna and Ken on the birth of Kate Maree born Wednesday evening. Mum and Bub are doing well - we haven't heard about Dad. Congratulations guys from all the brigade members.
Captn Dave

65 Roses Day - Cystic Fibrosis

As members of our brigade would know we try to support Cystic Fibrosis, Australia in any small way we can. Next week there is an awareness day, to be precise it will be Friday 28th May. Called 65 Roses Day it is designed to raise awareness of and raise funds for research into Cystic Fibrosis. I would urge any volunteers or follows of our blog out there who have a couple dollars to spare to buy a wrist band, pen or badge to assist this great cause. The merchandise is on sale at most larger stores that I know of and probably lots of other places. More information about 65 Roses day is available at the Cystic Fibrosis web site http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/65rosesday/
More information about Cystic Fibrosis can be found at the Cystic Fibrosis - Australia web site http://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au

Interesting Links

The brigade has had a mention in a couple of stories and I also came across an article I thought may interest a few people.
The first link is to the story on our training day at the NDTG.
http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1966&I
The second link is to a story on the Murtoa Brigade who are doing some great things and seem to have a philosophy similar to ours.
http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1615&Itemid=42

Patto

Group Training Day NDTG

Sunday 1st May and its off to the NDTG for the Elmore Group training day. We have invited Raywood to join us for the day given in the new group structure we may be in the same Group. Elmore, Kamarooka, Raywood and Goornong made up the contingent of 5 trucks and about 25 personal plus the 6 volunteer instructors for a pretty full day. There was also a group from Murrabit doing off road training on the new course. Nice new truck guys. The activities for the day were Gas fire (domestic) a pole fire and remote structure fire. Most of the crews were a mix of new members or crew leaders and some more experienced volunteers. CFA media also came a long and I believe a story and photos of the day will be on CFA connect pretty soon. (Thanks Leith)

It was great to see many of the volunteers step up and take on roles and mentored in areas outside their comfort zones. Many had a dip at IC and Crew leader roles. The way they absorbed the information, listened and reacted to the mentors and instructors can only be a plus for brigades as fossils like my self hand over the reigns.

The day culminated in an exercise which the crews had not been told about and was presented as a "Gas bullet" fire. In fact when the crews responded they had a gas bullet fire with casualties.As the crews bought the gas fire under control another fire erupted in the adjacent service station, also with casualties.

The responsee by crew, crew leaders and IC was excellent under pressure. The comments after the exercise indicated the worth of providing this type of training. Thanks to all who participated and making the day worth while. Thanks to Jason (Elmore Group) for his organisation of the day and also to the Pad Instructors.

Bendigo Torchlight and other stuff

Well another Bendigo Easter Fair has come and gone and a small contingent of us from the Elmore Group walk, shuffled, dawdled and/or tried to march.  Unfortunately we have no photos as the photographer and his camera were not getting along on the night which is unfortunate because it will probably be the last time the Elmore Group in its current form will be together. With the impending changes next year will look a little different I guess.
Another milestone we reach was the of the 72nd skills maintenance drill - all achieved in 6 months. Credit must go to Tim and Donna who have driven the exercise and thanks to all the members who have taken up the challenge. We are now getting lots of useful information about our assignment area and the troops are gaining valuable knowledge. All useful stuff when it all goes pear shaped.
I would like welcome aboard all the new firefiighters from the class of 2010. well that's it for this post a bit boring but we will keep trying.

Class of 2010 minimum skills

The class of 2010 minimum skills has now been completed and was a resounding success. All participants have successfully completed both the theory and practical sessions. Congratulations to all participants who showed a willingness and enthusiasm which made the instructors and assessors jobs just that little bit easier. Here are a few happy snaps of the day. A big thanks to all who participated, the instructors Brett and Peter. Also a thanks to Denis and Tim for their tireless efforts to get the crews up to fantastic standard.

New Training Drills Roster

Goornong has developed a drills roster with works along side the Sunday Tanker Run Roster. All active members are rostered to take the tankers out each 4 weeks or so. This shares the load amongst the team but also allows members the opportunity to maintain their skills.

Our brigade assignment area is divided into approx 50 different sectors or drills. Each Sunday, both our tankers and crews complete one of those drills. Crews are assigned tasks based on their skills and requested to follow the map instructions.

The drills sheets - one is posted - has a poorly detailed map, which allows crew to use the Spatial Vision maps to determine exactly where the route should be. Our focus with this is to provide situational awareness at all times. Specific points will be listed and crews are expected to provide GPS locations from our onboard Garmin GPS units. A benefit of these maps is to also encourage crews to travel roads/tracks usually not frequented and gain a better understanding of our total brigade assignment area.

Crews are also requested to provide information on the condition of roads/tracks, hazards and obstructions, water points, poor signage and wrong map road names, access concerns and hydrant testing. Using the log below the map, crews are requested to log details which also provides a written assessment of the task/concerns but also allows crews to maintain their log keeping skills - so when operating in anger (a job) crews will naturally keep a log - something all believe is vitally important.
Information is collated and passed onto the Brigade management team where it is dispersed to relevant government/private agencies for issues and concerns to be addressed. A log is kept to provide BMT access to what has and has not been completed.
We've been able to identify strengths and weaknesses within our crews and tailor training to suit those needs. Once drills are completed, details are entered into the CFA training departments online skills maintenance website, giving skills maintenance recognition to all involved. With this system, we will have approx 104 skills maintenance sessions a year.
Special thanks also needs to go to Donna P for Her tireless work in setting up and maintaining the drills system.

Wildfire minimum skills class of 2010

We finally got our wildfire minimum skill course at Goornong and it proved to be a resounding success. In total 15 new recruits have started the course. The recruits come from Elmore, Kamarooka, Huntly and Goornong and will greatly improve the volunteer base for these brigades. All recruits have completed and passed the theory component with only the practical day to go. Photos are of one of a number of practical training sessions being run to prepare the students for their last session. Photos show Goornong tanker 2 with crew playing "Grass Fire Soccer"

The concept is, using a ball as the fire edge, the crews have to control the travel of the ball using hoses in the standard config for running grass fire. In addition we added a couple of tankers and when the leading tanker loses control of the ball or it comes level with cab of the tanker, the tanker pulls off and the second tanker in line takes over.
All those involved had a bit of fun but more importantly they gained practical skills and some valuable lessons in team work.

Good save by Goornong and Elmore

A small grass and scrub fire in the rear of a property at the Cnr Mayreef Rd and Collins Rd provided a distraction for Goornong and Elmore brigades on Tuesday 3rd Feb. The fire had some potential to be a problem with the warm conditions and prevailing winds. The fire was started by a fallen power line in the rear of the property and quickly spread along the grass towards the main house and derelict structure at rear getting into dead trees around the house. The gusty wind picking up embers with a potential to spot in the stubble paddock adjacent. The Goornong and Elmore crew quickly extinguished and blacked out ensuring the scene was safe. Good work Denis, Sharon and Dave Christie.  Photos show offending pole and burnt grass area.

Combined Goornong, Elmore and Huntly Training Day NDTG

In late October (yep I know a bit late with pics) Goornong, Elmore and Huntly brigades shared a joint training exercise at the Northern District Training Ground. We ran through remote structure fires, pole fires and running petrol fires. The crews joined in the spirit and worked well together, quickly developing a rapport and camaraderie each other.

On left Goornong crew arriving and commencing the 38mm hose lay.
Center the pole fire which rapidly turned into a grass and scrub (unplanned)
and right is the combined teams attacking the running petrol fire.

A good day was had by all and provide an opportunity for skills development and interaction with our neighboring brigades.