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.

Is this our new mascot??

art work by Tracey P Dec 09 (copyright)

Official Handover of GoornongTanker 2

In October we final had the official handover of Goornong Tanker 2. Brigades from the neighbouring area helped us celebrate this day and included Junourtoun, Elmore, Axedale and Huntly. Region 2 was represented by Dale Stemmer. The hand over was conducted by Jacinata Allan MP, Member for Bendigo East. Also in attendance were members of Northgate Minerals, and the Elmore Field days committee who provided valuable support in acquiring the tanker. City of Greater Bendigo was represented by Mayor Kevin Gibbins. BBQ lunch followed with Jacinta Allan presenting the annual firefighter of the year award. This year we had joint winners - congratulations to Keith and Sharon both well deserving of the award.